Patents Examined by Scott L. Lowe
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Patent number: 5373988Abstract: A rail fastening assembly for fastening a rail to a sleeper and comprising an insert and a complimentary resilient clip. The insert has a shank portion extending upwardly into a jaw. The jaw has a locating recess extending along the entire length of the upper surface and with the depth for receiving the clip. The base of the jaw has a seat with a ledge extending into a projection. The clip comprises a first and second loops, each having a flat surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1991Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Yellapragada S. Rao
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Patent number: 5373925Abstract: An underwater deployment and storage apparatus for a diving bell or the like has a reel assembly (7) with spaced flanges (9,10) to contain an umbilical services assembly (5) wound around a hub (7A) of the reel. A rotary union (12) mounted in the hub has a fixed assembly or static line (11) about which the hub rotates. The fixed assembly receives services such as gases, liquids, electricity, fibre optics and the like and feeds to a rotatable assembly connected with the hub. The umbilical services are coupled to one of the umbilical. A first drive motor rotates the reel in either direction. A second drive motor and fairlead (6) extract from or rewind the umbilical onto the reel. Both drive motors are synchronized under controls to exert and maintain either a tractive or a drag force on the run of the umbilical.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Ocean Technical Services LimitedInventors: Roger J. Handford, Malcolm Johnson
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Patent number: 5372225Abstract: An organizer for storing excess audio and video cable. The storage device includes a housing within which a plurality of reels are rotatably mounted. Each of the reels stores thereon a length of cable which may be extended therefrom through a slot in the housing and connected to an electrical device, such as a cable box, a VCR, or the like. The cables are electrically connected through a switching arrangement which allows operation of selected devices in the absence of other devices. An auxiliary input for connecting video games to the television and audio cable storage reels are also included.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1994Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Inventors: Lance R. Joynes, Sandra M. Hilgarth
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Patent number: 5370575Abstract: A disc-type coin sorter comprises a rotatable disc having a resilient top surface and a stationary sorting head having a lower surface positioned parallel to the upper surface of the disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface presses coins of all denominations downwardly into the resilient top surface at predetermined sections thereof. These predetermined sections include a multiplicity of dimples filled with a solid lubricant for preventing the coins from galling the lower surface of the sorting head at the predetermined sections.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1994Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: Joseph J. Geib, Juan J. Malave
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Patent number: 5368149Abstract: Procedure for verifying coins in which an analog electrical signal is generated when a coin passes in front of a sensor. This signal is subjected to analog-digital conversion. In a first filtration step, each of the measured digital values (D.sub.n) obtained in this manner is compared with at least one value (S.sub.1 to S.sub.n) stored in a memory. In the event of predetermined conditions being met or not being met, the average digital value (D.sub.n) is either stored or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1993Date of Patent: November 29, 1994Assignee: Azkoyen Industrial, S.A.Inventor: Jesus E. Ibarrola
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Patent number: 5368429Abstract: The invention comprises a panel lifting apparatus having at least three telescoping elongated sections telescoping into one another and all telescoping into a non-telescoping elongated frame member. Three separate chain length segaments not directly connected to one another act to raise and lower the telescoping sections. The first chain segament has its upper and lower end mounted to the upper and lower end of the first telescoping section. The second chain segament has its upper end connected to the upper end of the non-telescoping section and its lower end connected to the lower end of the second telescoping section. The third chain segament has its upper end connected to the upper end of the first telescoping section and its lower end connected to the lower end of the third telescoping section. The non-telescoping section has a gear drive with its output gear engaging the first chain segament to raise and lower the first chain segament to thereby raise and lower the first telescoping section.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1993Date of Patent: November 29, 1994Inventor: Roland O. Young
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Patent number: 5366183Abstract: In a railway signalling system, to achieve inter-vehicle headway spacing for railway vehicles (1) travelling on a track (T), there are a) control of vehicles by fixed block signalling and b) control of vehicles by moving block signalling via communication between vehicles. The moving block signalling occurs within a moving block control zone of the track and the fixed block signalling occurs outside that zone, there being the facility of two-way data transmission between vehicles throughout the moving block control zone and the fixed block signalling system not preventing a further vehicle from entering the mowing block control zone when another vehicle is already in that zone and receiving a transmission via the moving block signalling system.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1993Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Westinghouse Brake and Signal Holdings LimitedInventor: David C. Gill
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Patent number: 5361879Abstract: A locating device of retracting and storing an electric extension cord is provided with a retaining device capable of locking and retaining the extension cord as desired after the extension cord has been pulled out, without the risk that the extension cord so locked and retained is retracted accidentally by a retrievable spring disposed in a retracting and storing mount. In the process of retracting the extension cord that is pulled out, the retaining device is caused to release the extension cord, which is then retracted rapidly by the retrievable spring and stored in the retracting and storing amount.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1993Date of Patent: November 8, 1994Inventor: Yeong-hwa Lin
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Patent number: 5360095Abstract: A power conserving electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of payment element.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1992Date of Patent: November 1, 1994Assignee: POM IncorporatedInventor: Gary W. Speas
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Patent number: 5358202Abstract: A track code analyzer is disclosed that measures the duty cycle, carrier frequency, modulation frequency, and amplitude of track code signal and determines when these parameters are outside predetermined limits. The system also detects and records transient anomalies in the track code. The track code analyzer of the present invention is either mounted on a railway vehicle or used as a portable, wayside troubleshooting device. In a preferred embodiment, apparatus for processing a track code signal for indicating track conditions is provided that comprises a pickup for inductively receiving and decoding an analog track code signal. The signal is preferably received and processed by a conditioning circuit for processing the analog track code signal and transmitted to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter for creating a digital track code signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1992Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: Consolidated Rail CorporationInventors: Terry H. Tse, Roger M. St. Martin, Donald C. Oltmann, James P. Miccolis, James M. Harris, Joseph F. Dolan, James F. Brady
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Patent number: 5354018Abstract: An apparatus for switching a railroad car wheel from a first rail to a second rail including a base and a ramp member. The ramp member is hingedly connected to the base. The ramp member extends from the first rail to the second rail. The ramp member has a first angled portion at one end and a second angled portion at another end. The ramp member has a generally flat surface between the angled portions and has a thickness of greater than one and one-half inches. A frame extends upwardly from the base so as to support a hinge. The hinge extends in parallel relation to the base and to the ramp member. The ramp member is connected to the hinge by a plurality of struts. A lever-receiving receptacle is fastened to one of the struts so as to move in relation to the movement of the ramp member.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1991Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Inventor: Edwin deS. Snead
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Patent number: 5351794Abstract: A current collector holder for a carbon shoe, which bears against a contact wire, for electrically driven vehicles, has two first webs which grip a foot region of the shoe, and two second webs which project away from the shoe are arranged underneath the shoe. An independent spring system is provided for exerting forces against the second webs for pressing the first webs against the foot region of the shoe. The spring system has a spring which extends uniformly in the longitudinal direction of the shoe, and bears with its longitudinal regions against the second webs to transmit a spring force, acting in a direction transverse to the shoe, to the second webs. The holder is simple to construct and provides contact forces acting continuously over the entire length of the shoe.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1993Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Inventor: Manfred Deutzer
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Patent number: 5351919Abstract: The link permits communications between cars of a railway or subway trains. On at least a first one of the cars, a multiplexer multiplexes digital signals representative of the status of various systems on the car, and processes them into a first digital trainline signal. A transmitter includes a modulator which converts the digital trainline signal to a RF signal, and the RF signal is transmitted, by an antenna, through free space from the first car to a second car. The second car includes an antenna for receiving the RF signal, and a receiver for de-modulating the signal and converting it to a second digital trainline signal. A demultiplexer demultiplexes the second digital trainline signal into appropriate formats readable by the train systems on board the second car. Both the first and second cars include multiplexers and demultiplexers, and transmitters and receivers, so that communication is possible between the first car and the second car as well as between the second car and the first car.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1993Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: Primetech Electroniques Inc.Inventor: Andre Martin
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Patent number: 5348129Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a coin chute assembly which includes a sizing block having a plurality of vertical slots each disposed to receive one of a plurality of removable sizing inserts. The sizing block has a horizontal groove in the top surface which communicates with the vertical slots. Each insert has a flange portion received in the horizontal groove and a downwardly extending notch defining stem portion which fits within a separate one of the vertical slots. The notch portion of each insert defines the upper edge of an acceptably sized coin needed to operate the assembly. Fasteners are provided to removably fasten the sizing block within the assembly to permit replacement of the inserts as needed.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1993Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Assignee: Greenwald Industries, Inc.Inventor: Arkady Zirkiev
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Patent number: 5348257Abstract: A control and detector for a railroad switch point having a detector mechanism which is secured to a stockrail at the switch point where the stockrail is intended to be in contact with a corresponding switchrail. The detector mechanism is secured in a housing and has a plunger assembly biased in the direction of the switchrail and reciprocably secured preferably in alignment with the switchrail at the switch point. Electrical contacts connected to the plunger assembly report contact or a lack of contact between the switchrail and the stockrail. A contact on the switchrail at the switchpoint for reciprocates the plunger against the electrical reporting contacts when the switchrail is in physical contact with the stockrail at the switchpoint. A heating element is associated with the switchpoint and us energized in response to contact between the stockrail and switchrail as detected by the detector mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1993Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Inventor: Salvador C. Ocampo
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Patent number: 5348125Abstract: A portable hydraulic device for supplying hydraulic power to a portable waste container having a self-contained hydraulic compactor system, and a method of using such to provide for efficient waste management. The portable hydraulic device is connected to a source of electrical power, preferably a vehicle battery, by jumper cables located on an extendable/retractable reel located within the portable hydraulic device. A mechanism in the portable hydraulic device converts the electrical power to hydraulic power. The hydraulic power is then transferred to the portable waste compactor through a plurality of hydraulic hoses. As the hydraulic device is portable, the unit may be transported to a plurality of portable waste containers in succession. Compacting the waste product contained within the waste containers extends the period in which the individual containers must be removed and emptied, therefore saving both time and money.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1993Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Assignee: Stribling Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert Stribling
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Patent number: 5346048Abstract: An apparatus for collecting articles is housed in a parallelepipedic casing, on the front panel of which is arranged a display part of a playing part. An article-return part with an article-receiving container is also provided in the apparatus. The front panel of the casing is subdivided into a number of fields of which one field forms a door for an access to an article collecting container. A gaming machine is arranged in another field, and the article-return part in the third field. The gaming machine is at least partly visible through a window so that its game can be seen. Increased use of the apparatus results from the visibility and/or audibility of the game.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Egapro A.G.Inventor: Rene Wilhelm
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Patent number: 5346163Abstract: A railway control system for controllably suppressing the maximum output of a railway substation for energy saving in a densified operation territory and, in which a predetermined upper limit value is established in the output of a substation. The output of the substation is always monitored by output monitoring apparatus, and, when the substation output exceeds an upper limit value, control command apparatus transmits a control command signal to any or several of output control apparatus, a train group and an operation administration system. The output control apparatus, train group or operation administration system which receives this signal performs output control or drive force control or both of them, thereby to limit the output of the substation at or below a predetermined value. It thus becomes possible to restrain a temporary output peak of a railway substation and to reduce the installed capacity.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1992Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naoko Momma, Korefumi Tashiro, Masahito Ikeda
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Patent number: 5346049Abstract: A coin discriminating apparatus including a light source for irradiating the surface of a coin to be discriminated with light normal thereto, a plurality of optical fiber groups each including a plurality of optical fibers for guiding light reflected by the surface of the coin to be discriminated, each of the optical fibers disposed so that an imaginary extension of the center axis thereof passes through the center of the surface of the coin to be discriminated at a predetermined angle, the predetermined angle being different between different optical fiber groups, a plurality of photoelectric converters each facing an end portion of an associated one of the optical fiber groups further from the end portion facing the coin to be discriminated and being adapted for receiving the reflected light guided by the associated optical fiber group and converting it to an electrical signal proportional to the amount of the received light, and a discriminator for discriminating coins based upon the electrical signals genType: GrantFiled: December 1, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Laurel Bank Machines Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tohru Nakajima, Mituhiro Nagase
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Patent number: 5343989Abstract: A cable carrier that slides upon itself is provided with pad and padless surfaces or a stainless steel strip therealong. The cable carrier may be connected to a fast moving robotic trolley and manipulative arm assembly in a storage library containing automated magnetic tape cartridges or optical disk cartridges or magnetic disk cartridges. The pad and padless surfaces are made of dissimilar materials, such as stainless steel and plastic respectively. When the pad and padless surfaces slide across one another, there is a minimum of wear and galling of the surfaces. Several arrangements are employed to quickly modify existing carriers to obtain the benefits of this invention. One type of discrete pad can be easily mounted to the existing carrier with double-sided tape and another type of discrete pad can be easily mounted to the existing carrier with tabs. Further, both type of pads are configured with curves to make a smooth transition of pad-to-padless surface or pad-to-pad surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1992Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Paul Y. Hu, David R. Lyman, D. Kenneth Walston