Patents Examined by Matthew A. Kaness
  • Patent number: 5924945
    Abstract: A nose sprocket for a chain saw guide bar, where the bottom part of the teeth or the outermost part of the central region or both have indentations with softly inclined trailing edges, acting as hydrodynamical bearings to keep the sprocket centered between the side plates of the guide bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventor: Harvey Stan Ball
  • Patent number: 5924619
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for passing a printed web through the separated printing or blanket cylinders of a motionless downstream printing unit of a lithographic rotary printing press. First and second blast air devices are arranged on the first and second sides of the web, directing blast air into respective spaces formed between the running web and the cylinders, at a position located upstream of the cylinders. The blast air applies forces to both sides of the running web to thereby center the web on a path which is similar to the path taken by the web through the blanket cylinders during normal printing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignees: Heidelberg Harris Inc., Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Ronald Arthur Bartell
  • Patent number: 5924947
    Abstract: An accessory belt tensioner for an automotive engine includes a hub adapted to be fixed to an engine, an arm journaled upon the hub, a tensioner pulley mounted upon the arm, a torsion spring interposed between the arm and hub, with the spring serving to resiliently bias the arm and tensioner pulley into contact with an accessory drivebelt, and a rotational fluid damper, incorporated within the hub, for damping the rotational motion of the arm with respect to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce P. Williams
  • Patent number: 5921880
    Abstract: A low noise chain has a bushing provided with a substantially cylindrical large diameter portion in an outer periphery of a central portion thereof. Inner plates are mounted respectively on opposite ends of the bushing. A hollow thin cylindrical roller, having inner peripheral surfaces opposed across a clearance, is capable of forming an oil film layer relative to an outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion. The hollow thin cylindrical roller is rotatably externally fitted on the external outer peripheral surface of the bushing between the inner plates on opposite sides. A pair of O-rings is provided for sealing a clearance between both outer portions of the large diameter portion of the outer peripheral surface of the bushing and the inner peripheral surface of the hollow thin cylindrical roller. Outer plates are arranged on both outer sides of the inner plates on opposite sides. A chain pin rotatably extends through the bushing and has both ends mounted on the outer plates on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Eiji Ishimoto, Masatoshi Sonoda
  • Patent number: 5921881
    Abstract: A derailleur bicycle chain includes a plurality of intermediate links, a plurality of pairs of outer links, and a plurality of fasteners. Each fastener connects an end of one of the plurality of intermediate links between a corresponding pair of outer links so that the plurality of intermediate links alternate with the plurality of pairs of outer links. Each intermediate link defines a recess between each end thereof for receiving a sprocket tooth therein, and each end of each intermediate link forms drive faces facing toward and away from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Yasushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5919106
    Abstract: A quick-release bicycle derailleur includes a base member, a movable member supporting a chain guide, and a linkage mechanism coupling the base member to the movable member so that the movable member moves relative to the base member. A draw bar extends from the base member and has a cam follower at the base member. A rotary cam is supported by the base member and contacts the cam follower so that rotation of the rotary cam pulls the drawbar into the base member. A nut may be fitted to the other end of the draw bar so that the base member and the nut securely fix the derailleur to a pair of fork ends on the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadashi Ichida
  • Patent number: 5915613
    Abstract: A web transfer device for use in a machine for the production or processing of fibrous webs. The transfer device may include a transfer belt guided around a plurality of web guide rolls and positioned against a portion of a pick-up cylinder. The transfer device may also include a suction box for creating at least a partial vacuum between the web guide rolls to transfer the fibrous web from the pick-up cylinder to the transfer belt. The transfer device may also include a suction space having a peripheral surface including a portion of the transfer belt positioned adjacent to the pick-up cylinder and between the plurality of web guide rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Meschenmoser
  • Patent number: 5915843
    Abstract: A housing segment has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a cooling passage therebetween. The cooling passage has a uniform cross-sectional area approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and may be conveniently formed in a serpentine configuration with loops extending axially. The bearing housing may be mounted over a rolling element bearing to provide a fluid-cooled housed bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: Ted Mattera
  • Patent number: 5913743
    Abstract: An auto-tensioner has an arrangement wherein a pivoting member rotatably supports a pulley in contacted relation with a belt and is pivotally biased by a spring for pressing the pulley against the belt. A bracket is press fitted around the outer periphery of the pivoting member and one end of the spring is locked to the bracket. A first fit portion disposed at the pivoting member and a second fit portion disposed at the bracket are fitted with each other for restriction of a relative rotation between the pivoting member and the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Ohta
  • Patent number: 5911641
    Abstract: A chain tensioner (19) having a housing (23) and a plunger (29), in which the housing includes a mounting surface (39) to be in face-to-face relationship with a wall surface (35) of the engine block (E). The tensioner includes a retainer member (43;81) having a retaining portion (55;85) and a wall-engaging portion (41;87). Before assembly, the retaining portion (55;85) engages a shoulder (65) on the plunger (29) to keep it within its bore (25) When the housing (23) of the tensioner is bolted to the engine block (E), the wall-engaging portion (41;87) engages the wall surface (35), and tightening of the bolts gradually moves the retaining portion (55;85) to a position in which it no longer engages the plunger (29), thus permitting the plunger to move outward of its bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Sheren, Richard L. Madden
  • Patent number: 5911514
    Abstract: The bearing comprises a metal backing, a sintered layer on said metal backing, and a lining layer infiltrated into pores of the sintered layer and standing proud thereof to provide a bearing surface. The lining layer comprises polytetrafluoroethylene including 2 to 10% by volume of fibrillated aramid fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: T&N Technology Limited
    Inventors: Glyndwr John Davies, Philip Moisey, Janette Johnston
  • Patent number: 5909835
    Abstract: A gripper feeder for metal strip including on a base one pair of grippers for an engagement of a metal strip to be advanced; members for moving said grippers in a direction parallel to an axis of the strip and in the opposite direction; and means for independently operating the grippers such that the gripper which moves in the direction of advancement of the strip is activated, whereas that which moves in an opposite direction is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Dalcos S.R.L.
    Inventor: Donato Zanette
  • Patent number: 5908248
    Abstract: A bearing assembly includes an inner ring assembly defining a bore for receiving a shaft, and an outer ring assembly disposed radially outward from the inner ring assembly. A plurality of rotatable bearing elements are disposed between the inner and outer rings and permit the rotation of the shaft and inner ring relative to the outer ring. An annular member extends from the outer ring assembly radially inward toward the inner ring assembly. The annular member is secured to a housing surrounding the outer ring and axially bounds an area between the inner ring and the outer ring in which the plurality of rotatable bearing elements are disposed. A first seal is disposed outside the bearing area to seal a chamber between the annular member and the inner ring. The first seal permits egress of lubricant from the chamber but inhibits ingress of foreign matter therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Industrial Company
    Inventor: Donald L. Nisley
  • Patent number: 5906306
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling a continuous web in a continuous processing operation wherein the web incorporates therein one or more stretched elastic-type elements having retractive forces active in the cross-machine direction, and limiting shrinkage of the web in the cross-machine direction to no more than about 5%. Shrinkage in the width dimension is controlled using methods including transporting the web on a sequence of rolls having on their outer working surfaces protuberances which interact with edges of openings in the web, inhibiting lateral movement of elements defining the edges of the openings, and thereby stabilizing the web in the width dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Gerald Leigh Rabe, Paul Martin Niemi, Donald Joseph Holewinski
  • Patent number: 5906307
    Abstract: A superstructure of a folding apparatus for feeding at least two webs of flat material to a cylinder unit of the folding apparatus. The superstructure including at least two take-off roller assemblies, each take-off roller assembly including a corresponding take-off roller rotatably mounted on the superstructure. At least one mantling is provided for mounting on an outer surface of each take-off roller in order to adjust a diameter of the corresponding take-off roller assembly. A drive assembly is provided for driving the at least two take-off roller assemblies, each of the at least two take-off roller assemblies having a respective circumferential velocity which is a function of the adjusted diameter of the take-off roller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignees: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Heidelberg Harris, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Francis Albert, Richard Edward Breton, Richard Lee McKrell
  • Patent number: 5903991
    Abstract: A sign post kit having an anchor post member is secured to the ground by a pair of stakes driven through two PVC pipes disposed in diagonally opposite corners thereof, a main post member is slid over a portion of the anchor post member and stake combination and securely snapped into place, and an arm member is snapped onto the main post member. A brochure holder is formed out of one end of the arm member and is covered by a flap. Signs are hung from the arm member or ride on top of the arm member. A flag can be inserted into a flag pole holder formed in the top the main post member or in a portion of the arm member. A stake puller jack is provided for removing the stakes from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Winfried O. Sasse
  • Patent number: 5902201
    Abstract: The positioning device comprises a chassis (1) provided with a drive wheel (2), mounted on the shaft of a motor (6), and a reversing wheel (3). The positioning device further comprises a loop-shaped traction member (4) tensioned around the wheels (2, 3). The traction member (4) is connected to a load (5), which is movable relative to the chassis (1) and together with the traction member (4) forms a closed loop. The drive wheel (2) and the motor (6) form a drive means for driving the load (5) via a first section (41) of the traction member (4), which first section is disposed between the load (5) and the drive wheel (2), and via a second section (42) of the traction member (4), which second section is disposed between the load (5) and the drive wheel (2). The load (5) carries tensioning means (7) for tensioning the traction member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Adrianus J. P. M. Vermeer, Petrus A. De Bie, Jeroen G. P. Cox
  • Patent number: 5902203
    Abstract: A silent chain is provided in which a plurality of link plates of a certin configuration may have an identification indicator marked on a reference surface thereof at the time connecting pin inserting holes are punched into the link plates in order to ensure the link plates are properly directed in the same direction, are superposed on the connecting pins, and are constituted in a chain-like manner by the connecting pins so that meshing surfaces of the link plates mesh smoothly to prevent any meshing noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Makoto Kanehira, Takero Nakagawa, Yutaka Uchiumi, Masahiro Sato, Nobuyuki Fujimoto, Hitoshi Ohara, Masao Maruyama
  • Patent number: 5902202
    Abstract: A belt tensioning system for an appliance, which has a tub driven by an endless loop drive belt connected to a motor that is movable with respect to a tub housing surrounding the tub, includes a rib extending from the tub housing, a pivotal cam washer having a pivot axis and an eccentrically curved cam profile edge with a series of arcuately spaced contact points thereon for engaging the ribs on the tub housing. The cam washer is pivotally mounted to the motor along the pivot axis and loosenably secured against rotation about the pivot axis and with respect to the motor. Normally, one of the contact points engages the rib so as to establish an offset distance between the rib and the motor, and thereby a tension on the drive belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Guerra
  • Patent number: 5899574
    Abstract: A supporting structure of bearings incorporates a housing, a shaft on which a rotor is fixed, a first ball bearing supported on the housing supporting one side of the shaft and having an outer and inner race, a second ball bearing supported on the housing supporting the other side of the shaft and having an outer and an inner race, an elastic member for urging the outer race of the second ball bearing in the axial direction, and a ring spacer having at least one radial projecting portion disposed between the elastic member and the outer race of the second ball bearing. The outer race and the inner race of the first ball bearing are fixed to the housing and the shaft. The outer race of the second ball bearing is slidably mounted to the housing, while the inner race of the second ball bearing is fixed to the shaft. The ring spacer also includes an axial groove formed on the housing for receiving the radial projecting portion whereby the radial projecting portion slides along the axial groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Chujo