Patents Examined by Khan V. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5417577
    Abstract: An improved electrical connection between each of a set of metallized areas (16) on a first substrate (11 ) and those on a second substrate (12), via a layer of anisotropically conductive material (22) sandwiched therebetween, is obtained by arraying the metallized areas in concentric rings about each of a plurality of fasteners (28) extending through both substrates and the material. By arraying the metallized areas in concentric rings about each fastener, the anisotropically conductive material in contact with the metallized areas arrayed in each ring will advantageously be subjected to a uniform pressure by the fastener, improving the conductivity of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Albert Holliday, Maureen B. Schmidt, Fred W. Verdi
  • Patent number: 5404632
    Abstract: A fitting is secured to a flexible metal hose comprised of a corrugated tube, braid, and sleeve in a manner that provides a single weld operation. An end of the tube is axially compressed to define a generally planar surface with the braid and sleeve ends. Thereafter, a consumable flanged fitting is welded in a single weld to integrally secure all four components, namely, the tube, braid, sleeve, and fitting together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Swagelok Quick-Connect Co.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Zaborszki
  • Patent number: 5400501
    Abstract: A non-piercing fastening device employing generally "V"-shaped clips is disclosed. The device contains a magazine channel into which one leg of each clip may be fitted and thereby snapped into place. The channel and its associated vertical walls additionally cause the vertices of the clips to act as a stop for papers or other objects to be fastened, enhancing the uniformity of the edges of the fastened papers. A rotating cam whose surface contacts substantially the entire length of the free leg of each clip is included to provide more constant pressure along and even crimping of the clip legs. The notched cam surface reduces the possibility of concurrently crimping multiple clips, and the cam can be adjusted automatically relative to the magazine's forwardmost clip to accommodate materials of varying thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Forrest A. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5399810
    Abstract: A sealing compound consisting of one-part liquid type moisture curing resin is covered airtightly with a permeable wall member forming a container, so as to harden together with the connecting portions of electric wires or the like by exposing the sealing compound to environmental moisture when inserting the connecting portions into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Three Bond Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Hayami
  • Patent number: 5399006
    Abstract: A plurality of U-sectioned shelf units 14 are disconnectably mounted one upon another between a base unit 12 and a top unit 13, each drawer 15 for accommodating cassettes or cassette blocks 16 is inserted into each shelf unit 14, freely slidable and a projection 45 is formed on the upper edge of the rear wall 41 of the drawer 15 which disengageably engage with the indented stoppers 31 provided in the underside of the top unit 13 and each shelf unit 14 so that the drawer 15 can be pulled out stepwise because of the projection 45 being engaged with the indented stopper 31. It is convenient since the number of shelf units 14 disconnectably connected is adjustable as necessary. Also, the drawer 15 can be pulled out stepwise being stopped at any of the stoppers provided in the shelf unit, hence the drawer 15 pulled out halfway is ensured against further sliding out of the shelf unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Murazumi Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Takuya Murazumi
  • Patent number: 5392505
    Abstract: A method of fitting an elastic ring on an outer circumferential portion of a workpiece includes the steps of inserting a hollow diameter-enlarging member into the elastic ring to hold the elastic ring on an outer circumferential portion of the diameter-enlarging member, in an enlarged diameter state; holding, at a holding position, the diameter-enlarging member having the elastic ring held thereon; and inserting the workpiece, which has a flange portion, into the diameter-enlarging member such that the flange portion of the workpiece contacts an end surface of the diameter-enlarging member and displaces the diameter-enlarging member from the holding position while keeping the elastic ring at the holding position to transfer the elastic ring to the workpiece by a contraction of the elastic ring from the enlarged diameter state to a reduced diameter state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Harada
  • Patent number: 5388319
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for making an organism deposit-inhibition pipe, which excels in corrosion resistance, dispenses with maintenance work, and offers no toxicity problems. A thin sheet comprising a copper alloy is wound spirally around a round bar and inserted into a resin pipe made up of an electrical insulating material. And the round bar is taken out. The obtained pipe has an inner wall which is covered with the copper thin sheet. The copper alloy has a Be content of 0.2 to 2.8% by weight, and is selected from, e.g., Be--Cu, Be--Co--Cu, Be--Co--Si--Cu and Be--Ni--Cu alloys. The beryllium-copper alloy has a remarkable antifouling effect and provides a continued liberation of copper ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunji Inoue
  • Patent number: 5384954
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a guide plate for use in a chip carrier socket or other electrical connector provides the precision required for close-center line spacing while minimizing the cost associated with production. A block of ceramic or the like is ground to the precise outside dimensions required. Grooves are then cut in the block of ceramic, and the ceramic is then sliced into respective guide plates. The guide plates are inserted into openings provided in the electrical connector an retained therein. The grooves are dimensioned to cooperate with contact pins of the electrical connector to precisely maintain the pins in position, whereby when a chip is positioned in the electrical connector, the pins will be in position to make an electrical connection with the pads of the chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Dimitry G. Grabbe
  • Patent number: 5379504
    Abstract: A tool is provided for installing a positioning disk on a skid and the tool includes outer, intermediate and inner telescopingly engaged members with outer member including first and second ends in which tubular first and second abutment plugs, respectively, are removeably secured. One end of the intermediate member is disposed between the plugs and has a weight and impact sleeve secured thereabout for impacting with the plugs and the intermediate member projects outwardly out of the plug secured in the first end of the outer member and has diametrically opposite longitudinal slots formed therein through which the opposite ends of a diametric support shank carried by the inner member extend. The support shank ends are slidably received in the slots and have axial hand grips carried by the terminal ends thereof outwardly of opposite sides of the intermediate member, the latter also being rotably received within the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventors: John P. Sovitch, Linda A. Sovitch
  • Patent number: 5377403
    Abstract: A carrier frame has cells with inwardly extending thin flexible tabs. Pressure sensor housings are molded into the frame cells such that only the tips of the tabs penetrate the housing wall and after processing the housings are readily pushed out of the frame. A lead frame is insert molded at the same time. During molding the cells of the frame are open ended and after molding a reinforcing tie bar is attached across the open side of the frame to close the cells. A flange is bent up on the opposite side to lend rigidity to the frame. Preformed code flags are provided in the frame and selectively bent out for coding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: John M. Hart, Jr., John M. Matly
  • Patent number: 5377398
    Abstract: An improved salt and method of using such salt for conditioning scale on strip or sheet metal surfaces is provided. In more particular aspects, the invention provides an improved salt of alkali metal hydroxides and alkali metal nitrates which are used in their fused anhydrous form to condition scale on metal strip or sheet. The salt preferably contains from about 40% to about 70% potassium hydroxide, from about 20% to about 55% sodium hydroxide, and from about 2% to about 30% of an alkali metal nitrate. The salt is especially adapted to be sprayed onto a moving strip or sheet of metal as it passes a spray station, although it can also be used in conventional salt bath applications in which the salt is maintained in a fused condition in a tank, and the sheet, strip, bar, tubing or other form to be treated is immersed in the fused salt bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Kolene Corporation
    Inventor: Charles M. Bessey
  • Patent number: 5373620
    Abstract: A method for sealing a porous membrane constructed, at least in part, of a PTFE based material to a support gasket constructed, at least in part, of a PTFE based material. The method includes providing such a PTFE porous membrane of a preselected shape and size and providing such a PTFE support gasket of a preselected shape and size. The method further includes positioning the membrane and the support gasket in a predetermined appositional relationship within a press. The press includes a press tool of a predetermined configuration and size. The method then includes sealing the membrane and support gasket together at a common seal-zone by pressing the press tool against the membrane and the support gasket with the pressing means at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined dwell to form the membrane/gasket assembly. The method lastly includes removing the membrane/gasket from the pressing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Anthony R. Zine
  • Patent number: 5371936
    Abstract: A tool for attaching springs to a trampoline mat, and a method for using the tool to assemble a trampoline. The tool has a straight rigid shaft and a curved rigid handle connected and separated by a rigid plate. The handle is curved to fit the closed hand of a user, and the plate prevents accidental contact of the spring with the user's hand regardless of the orientation of the tool. One end of each spring is connected to the frame of the trampoline. The other end of the spring is slipped over the straight shaft of the tool, then attached to one of the "D" rings on the mat. By pushing the tool away from him or her, the user causes the spring to slide down the shaft and hook onto the "D" ring. The process is then repeated for the other springs and "D" rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: J. Wayne Blanchard
  • Patent number: 5372416
    Abstract: A vandal-proof door and a vending machine equipped with the unique door. The door strengthens and reinforces coin operated vending machines, while providing the customer with a clear, unobstructed view of the product selection inside the machine. The door comprises a rigid, generally rectangular frame having a pair of spaced-apart sides that border a product viewing aperture. An outer, arcuate impact panel having a convex vertical cross section overlies the viewing area. The impact panel is flexibly mounted to the door by elongated, resilient extrusions secured to the frame edges. Similar resilient extrusions receive the top and the bottom of the impact panel. A separate, spaced apart translucent window is internally mounted on the door frame adjacent the viewing area. Gasket sealing material is secured about the panel and window edges to complete a seal. An isolated air pocket is thus defined between the outer impact panel and the inner window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Polyvend, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Shapley, Max M. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5365660
    Abstract: A protector module (50) includes a housing (52) having cavities (58) into which are inserted surge protector elements (150). Each protector element upon full insertion engages a deflectable contact portion (82) of a first contact member (80) with an active electrode (156) thereof with the first contact member terminated at a second contact section (88) to a line between a central office and the customer, for providing surge protection to that circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Harry M. Capper, James W. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5365654
    Abstract: Two or more bodies of sheet-like material are secured together with a single rivet-like fastening device which has an expanded head, a shank extending from the expanded head and a chamfer at the junction of the expanded head and the shank having a radius which is larger adjacent the head and which has bosses extending radially therefrom. An aperture is formed in the first body of material which substantially conforms to the radial dimensions of the shank and the shank is inserted into the aperture. A shaped aperture having radial dimensions which cooperate with the shank to define voids adjacent the shank is formed in the second body of material and the shank inserted into the shaped aperture. The shank is then axially compressed to force the first body over the chamfer and deform part of the first body into the voids in the second body, thus locking the first and second bodies together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Thermalloy, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith R. Moulton
  • Patent number: 5366284
    Abstract: A refrigerator storage drawer system includes a drawer having side walls with upper ledges terminating in downwardly projecting lips. Spaced apart support structures support the lips for sliding movement of the drawer. Each support includes a pair of slide type support bearings spaced apart along the support. The bearings on one side of the drawer closely interfit with the drawer to provide smooth, non-binding operation of the drawer. The bearings on the other side of the drawer provide wide slide bearing surfaces which accommodate tolerance build-up in the system. An additional bearing is positioned on the support structure above the drawer ledge, forward of the rear one of the support bearings and engages the drawer ledge if the drawer tends to tilt downwardly as it is pulled out of the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Phillip D. Baker, John T. Ulmer, Claude L. Blake
  • Patent number: 5361482
    Abstract: A flower pot cover consisting of a base and a skirt. The base has an upper end and a lower end with a pot opening being formed through the upper end of the base providing access to a pot receiving space. The skirt is connected to the upper end of the base and the skirt extends a distance outwardly from the base terminating with an outer periphery. A bonding material is disposed on the skirt or the base or both. A flower pot is disposed in the pot receiving space and the portion of the skirt and/or the base having the bonding material thereon is crimped to provide a crimped portion for cooperating to maintain the flower pot cover connected to the flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Highland Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5361469
    Abstract: In an apparatus for cutting a tubular film into an elongated strip wherein the tubular film is fed at a given velocity in flattened form from a supply reel to an expansion zone where the film is expanded into a tube, advanced after such expansion along a mandrel, cut into a flat strip while advancing along the mandrel, and the flat strip is removed from the mandrel at an angle to the mandrel axis, the mandrel is hollow and air is introduced into the hollow mandrel under sufficient pressure that the flattened film is expanded into a relatively stiff cylindrical tube that makes a sliding fit with the mandrel and resists deformation while being supported thereon, Improved positive control over the film during its expansion and advance to the mandrel is achieved by means of moving surfaces, e.g. endless belts or roller arrays, that define a diverging expansion zone and are driven at a velocity equal to the velocity at which the film is fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Ole-Bendt Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 5360943
    Abstract: An electrical connection structure includes electrodes formed on a device side, electrodes formed on a flexible film carrier having an electrode pattern connected to a drive circuit, and an anisotropic conductive film having metal particles or metal plated particles dispersed therein, interposed between the electrodes on the device side and the electrodes on the flexible film carrier, for electrically connecting the electrodes facing each other through thermocompression bonding. The electrodes on the flexible film carrier are exposed by removing the flexible film at an electrical connection area and the length of each exposed electrode is from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Mori, Hiroshi Takabayashi, Masanori Takahashi