Patents Examined by Jacqueline A. Ruller
  • Patent number: 5961684
    Abstract: A glass yarn sizing composition consisting of a solution having a viscosity of at most 400 cP and including less than 5 wt. % of solvent and at least one basic heat-polymerisable system which includes at least 60 wt. % of components having a molecular weight of less than 750, and at least 60 wt. % of a mixture of one or more components having at least one epoxy reactive function, and one or more components having at least one (preferably primary or secondary) amine reactive function, wherein the amount of components having at least one amine reactive function represents at least 6 wt. % of the composition. A method using said composition, and the resulting yarns coated with said composition, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Vetrotex France
    Inventors: Patrick Moireau, Christelle Pousse
  • Patent number: 5958103
    Abstract: A process for producing a preform for a chalcogenide glass fiber which comprises inserting a cladding tube having contained therein a chalcogenide glass rod for core into a quartz tube having at its bottom a nozzle having an aperture smaller than the outer diameter of the cladding tube, locally heating the bottom of the quartz tube and pulling the cladding tube having contained the glass rod for core and a process for producing a chalcogenide glass fiber by heating and drawing the preform thus obtained, by which processes the devitrification of glass and the generation of bubbles in the core glass or at the core glass-cladding glass interface can be prevented and the adhesion between the core glass and the cladding glass can be improved. In particular, when the glass material for core does not contain Ge, a chalcogenide glass fiber having such a core-cladding structure that the transmission loss of the glass fiber when infrared light pass through the fiber is small and the mechanical strength is high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignees: Hoya Corporation, Nippon Sheet Glass Company Limited
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Yoneda, Shozo Morimoto, Toshiharu Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5954060
    Abstract: A cigarette having a filter rod which extends longitudinlly and coaxially through the cigarette cord of tobacco. A plurality of filter tags and rings are disposed through the tobacco cord, the quantity of each varied to strengthen or weaken the level of filtration. The filter rod having a concentric air passage channel longitudinally deposed along its length to increase the supply of fresh air available to the smoker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Venanzio Cardarelli
  • Patent number: 5954851
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently preheating glass batch utilizing waste gas from a glass melting furnace is provided. In a method and apparatus for preheating glass batch utilizing hot waste gas discharged from a glass melting furnace before glass batch is inputted thereto, a heat exchanger 30A for heating heat medium gas located in a waste gas flue 12A and a glass batch preheater 20A located on the upstream side of a batch input port 11A are communicated by means of an inline duct 31A and an outline duct 32A to form a heat medium gas circulating circuit. Clean gas having heat radiation intensity in the infrared ray wavelength range such as carbon dioxide or water vapor is enclosed in the circuit as the heat medium and is forced to endlessly circulate and go round in the circuit by a blower 33A located in the outline duct thereby to preheat glass batch and, at the same time, to cool hot waste gas to appropriate temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Seiji Sakae
  • Patent number: 5947126
    Abstract: A bundle of cellulose acetate fibers is bonded together with a water-soluble fiber-to-fiber bonding agent. The water-soluble fiber-to-fiber bonding agent may include 60-99 wt. % of a water-soluble binder and 40-1 wt. % of a plasticizer. As to the specific components, the water-soluble fiber-to-fiber bonding agent may be a mixture of a water-soluble polymer and glycerol triacetate. The bonded fibers are wrapped in a paper having opposing ends secured together with a water-soluble plug wrap adhesive. A plurality of cuts are made to extend more than one half way through the bundle wrapped fibers. The plurality of cuts may extend more than one half way through the bundle without extending completely through the bundle and may extend from a plurality of different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Co.
    Inventors: Steven A. Wilson, James E. Harris
  • Patent number: 5944865
    Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating an optical fiber coated with metal, constructed with a crucible for melting the optical fiber preform to draw an uncoated optical fiber, a diameter measuring device for measuring the diameter of the uncoated optical fiber to regulate it, a metal coater for coating the uncoated optical fiber with metal to prevent penetration of moisture, a temperature controller for controlling the inside temperature of the metal coater, a post-cooler for cooling the metaled optical fiber from a high temperature, a capstan for drawing the optical fiber from the optical fiber preform by applying a rotational force against a portion of the metaled optical fiber, and a spool for winding the metaled optical fiber. The metaled optical fiber includes a core for transmitting light, a cladding on the core having lower refractive index than the core, and a metal coating formed on the cladding for preventing penetration of moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mun-Hyun Do, Tea-San Jeong, E. M. Dianov, V. A. Bogatyrjov
  • Patent number: 5930956
    Abstract: An easily and quickly deployable device for protecting against soiling of non-workpiece items during painting of a workpiece is provided by a device having at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section. The rigid section also acts as a central area for the flexible section. The device is folded open to protect non-workpiece items during the painting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Stephen Trosper
    Inventors: Stephen Trosper, Frederick Taylor
  • Patent number: 5925162
    Abstract: A mold support assembly (28) includes a support (164) located within a heated chamber (22) and having a construction that reduces thermal expansion. A vertical guide (170) located externally of the heated chamber has a vertically movable connection (172) to the support (164) to permit vertical movement thereof at a horizontally fixed location. A mold support (174) for supporting a mold that provides forming of heated glass sheets is supported on the support (164) by support mounts (176) and is positioned by positioners (178,180) that provide a thermally stable center. The support (164) is constructed as a tubular support having fluid inlet (166) and a fluid outlet (168) through which a liquid coolant flows to reduce thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Glasstech, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean M. Nitschke, David B. Nitschke, Eustace Harold Mumford
  • Patent number: 5925160
    Abstract: A ceramic enamel composition contains 40-80% by weight of at least one lead-free metal oxide frit containing precursors of Zn.sub.2 SiO.sub.4, such as ZnO and SiO.sub.2, wherein the amount of Zn.sub.2 SiO.sub.4 precursors is less than about 35% by weight of the at least one lead-free metal oxide frit, 0.05-15% by weight of a zinc silicate seed material, and 19-37% by weight of a pigment. The zinc silicate seed material preferably contains crystalline Zn.sub.2 SiO.sub.4. The enamel preferably also contains a bismuth silicate seed material. The ceramic enamel can be employed as a coating around the periphery of automotive glass and is effective in improving appearance and reducing degradation of underlying adhesives by ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Cerdec Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Sakoske
  • Patent number: 5921249
    Abstract: A method for controlling the permeability of a wrapping paper for smoking articles is disclosed. Specifically, the permeability of the paper is varied by incorporating into the paper a filler material having a particular particle size. In one embodiment, for instance, a filler having a size larger than conventional sized fillers is incorporated into a wrapping paper for significantly increasing the permeability of the wrapping paper. For instance, wrapping papers can be constructed in accordance with the present invention having a permeability of greater than 80 CORESTA units without having to perforate the papers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir Hampl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5922097
    Abstract: A method of glass formation which provides for reduced levels of toxic emissions is disclosed wherein conventional batch fining agents such as Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4, As.sub.2 O.sub.5 or Sb.sub.2 O.sub.5 are used in lesser amounts in combination with dissolved water in the glass making process. Sources of water in the process include alkali-metal hydroxides, steam bubbled into the molten glass, submerged combustion of the glassmelt with H.sub.2 and O.sub.2, the use of hydrocarbon based combustion. Glass quality is not compromised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Hisashi Kobayashi, Rudolf Gerardus Catherina Beerkens
  • Patent number: 5917107
    Abstract: A glass sheet quench station loader (42) and method for installing a quench module set (44) of lower and upper quench modules (46,48) includes a quench carriage (440) of a horizontally opening U shape that receives the quench modules for the loading. Mounts (446,454) mount the quench modules for movement to the quench station (40) and for subsequent movement from the quench station to permit installation of another quench module set for another production run. The quench loader (42) includes an overhead crane (447) and an overhead railway (448) along which the crane moves to move the quench carriage (440) and the quench modules mounted thereby to and from the quench station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Glasstech, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Ducat, David B. Nitschke, Dean M. Nitschke, Eustace Harold Mumford
  • Patent number: 5912040
    Abstract: Dairy permeate, the liquid component of milk or whey which remains after filtration recovery of proteins, is rich in vitamins and minerals. The permeate is collected, immediately processed to arrest the activity of cheese-making bacteria. One or more flavoring agents are added to whey permeate form an electrolyte beverage useful as a sports drink or as a therapeutic to replace electrolyte loss. The beverage is extremely low in milk protein, and may be used by individuals having mild to moderate milk protein allergy. Such individuals comprise the vast majority of the milk-allergic population. Hypoallergenic protein and optional fat is added to milk or whey permeate to form a substantially hypoallergenic milk product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Immunopath Profile, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard S. Girsh
  • Patent number: 5906668
    Abstract: A mold assembly (34) for cyclically forming heated glass sheets includes a lower mold (36) having an upwardly oriented mold face (356) and an upper mold face having a downwardly oriented mold face (56) that opposes the upwardly oriented mold face of the lower mold to form a heated glass sheet during movement of the molds toward each other. Alignment guides (122,124) align the molds (36,38) with each other as necessary during movement of the molds toward each other. Detachable connectors (362) detachably connect the molds to each other for installation and are disconnectable to permit the molds to be used for glass sheet forming. In one embodiment, the detachable connectors (362) are latches that include a latch member (364) and a keeper (366), and in another embodiment the detachable connectors are retainers (370) engageable and disengageable from the molds to provide their detachable securement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Glasstech, Inc.
    Inventors: Eustace Harold Mumford, Dean M. Nitschke, Mace L. Odneal, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5902369
    Abstract: In advance of carbon coating, by injecting ion into the shaped surface of metallic mold made of super-hard materials, it becomes possible to increase the adhesiveness of the carbon coat onto the mold material, and to increase the life of the mold. In a metallic pressing mold with the required flatness secured by carbon coating on the surfaces, it is characterized in that the surface layer of the shaped surfaces is modified by ion injection in advance of carbon coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Yasuaki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5900034
    Abstract: A support and actuating mechanism (30) includes an actuator (244) mounted adjacent a vertical post (242) of a framework (236) and also includes a plurality of connectors (246) extending from the actuator to a mold support assembly (28) located within a heated chamber (22) of a housing (20) to perform forming of heated glass sheets. Each connector (246) includes a vertical connector rod (248) that extends upwardly from the actuator, an upper pivot link (254) connected to the vertical connector rod (248) and to a horizontal connector rod (258), a sector wheel (264) connected to the horizontal connector rod (258), and a flexible member (268) that extends from the sector wheel (264) to a mold support rod (270) that supports the mold support assembly (28) to provide vertical movement thereof under the operation of the actuator. The sector wheels (264) are preferably constructed as sprockets and the flexible members (268) are chains received by the sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Glasstech, Inc.
    Inventors: Eustace Harold Mumford, David B. Nitschke, Dean M. Nitschke
  • Patent number: 5900037
    Abstract: The present invention furnishes a method for producing mineral wool wherein a molten mineral material is fed into a spinner (1) the peripheral wall (2) of which comprises a multiplicity of orifices with small diameters wherethrough the mineral molten material is centrifuged to form filaments which are subjected to a supplementary attenuating effect of a gas flow flowing along and heating the peripheral wall (2) of the spinner (1) and generated by a concentric annular burner (8) arranged concentrically to the spinner (1), and wherein the exit area of the burner (8) is subdivided into an annular radially inner hot zone and an annular radially outer cooling zone of substantially lower temperature; the invention moreover concerns an apparatus for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Isover Saint-Gobain
    Inventors: Alain Yang, Jean-Marie Thouvenin, Jean-Yves Aube
  • Patent number: 5897678
    Abstract: The invention provides a method by which a crystal glass composition which employs TiO.sub.2 as a raw material substituted for PbO can be produced while effectively preventing development of a yellowish color of the glass composition which is caused by TiO.sub.2. In the production method, to a batch composition which is composed of 50 to 60 percent by weight of SiO.sub.2, 4 to 14 percent by weight of K.sub.2 O, 10 to 20 percent by weight of BaO and 3 to 10 percent by weight of TiO.sub.2, NaNO.sub.3 (sodium nitrate) is added by 1.0 to 5.0 percent by weight or BaO.sub.2 (barium peroxide) is added by 0.3 to 2.0 percent by weight for elimination of development of a color which arises from the 3 to 10 percent by weight of TiO.sub.2, and also one of Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 (antimony oxide) and As.sub.2 O.sub.3 (arsenious acid) is added by 0.2 to 1.0 percent by weight for defoaming. Instead, NaSb(OH).sub.6 (sodium antimonate) having color development elimination and defoaming actions may be added by 0.5 to 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Toyo Glass Company Limited
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Komiya, Shizue Inaba
  • Patent number: 5897677
    Abstract: A glassware manufacturing system in which hot glass containers from an individual section machine are directed by an endless conveyor through a container inspection station. A container to be removed from the conveyor is identified by the inspection equipment for calibration purposes. An air jet is controlled by the inspection equipment for selectively removing the container from the conveyor into a trap, within which a progressively increasing force is applied to the container for arresting motion of the container without physical damage. The container may then be removed from the trap by an operator for manual inspection to calibrate the inspection equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Contianer Inc.
    Inventor: Robin L. Flynn
  • Patent number: 5896860
    Abstract: A filter for passing tobacco smoke or other gaseous material comprising two layers of material having a plurality of circuitous or serpentine passageways forming pathways through which tobacco smoke travels a distance greater than the length of the filter itself. The filter is constructed by coating the layers with an adhesive except in the areas forming the passageways so that when the two layers are fastened together, there are unobstructed paths through the layers of material. The combined layers are rolled into a cylindrical construct. In an alternative embodiment, one or more cavities are formed along the passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Wilson Ira Lockett