Patents Examined by Thomas Hughes
-
Patent number: 5996203Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus for determining whether or not a nozzle replacement operation is successfully performed. A horizontal array of nozzles are accommodated in the holder in a nozzle stocker, and a light emitting device and a light receiving device are arranged so that the light path between both runs above the nozzles. The nozzle stocker is arranged in a travel path of a feeding head. The nozzle mount of the feeding head returns a used nozzle into the holder or mounts a new nozzle thereon. When any nozzle remains lifted from the holder intercepting the light path, a returning operation of the used nozzle is determined to be a failure. When a nozzle replacement is performed, its success or failure is reliably determined by detecting a intercepting height of light and release height of light by the nozzle and nozzle mount, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobutaka Abe, Akira Nishimura
-
Patent number: 5992000Abstract: An apparatus for crimping a stent to a catheter as well as a method for crimping a stent to a catheter are disclosed in several embodiments. The apparatus in its various embodiments involves the application of a uniform radially inward force to a compressible tube in which the stent and catheter are situated.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: John W. Humphrey, Terry V. Brown, Charles L. Euteneuer, Nam H. Hoang, Leo M. Klisch, Christopher R. Larson, Jonathan C. Sell, Vladimir B. Tsukernik, Lawrence W. Ulanowski
-
Patent number: 5987735Abstract: A collet assembly for picking and placing a disc pack in an automated assembly process, the collet assembly having a retractable cylinder that extends to spreadingly engage a segmented collet against a lifting surface of the disc pack to support the disc pack during a lifting operation. The collet assembly is positioned by a positioning assembly to an engaging position adjacent the disc pack. A locking cylinder supports a lower pad and an upper pad on opposing sides of a flange portion of the collet assembly, to provide a fixed mode in a retracted position of the locking cylinder wherein the collet assembly position is fixed relative the positioning assembly, and to provide a compliant mode in an extended position of the locking cylinder wherein the collet assembly is free to compliantly float in a two-axis plane relative to the positioning assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.Inventors: Steve Gregory Horning, James Randy Jenkins
-
Patent number: 5987728Abstract: A clutch housing for a vehicle transmission assembly and a method of making the same. The housing is generally cup-shaped with an axial hub. The outer wall of the housing is formed with a plurality of longitudinal splines of varying configurations. Select splines are formed at an increased depth. A groove is formed in the exterior surface of the housing at a depth sufficient to intersect the select splines of the inner surface thereby forming apertures through the wall of the housing. The dimensions of the apertures are determined by the configuration of the exterior groove and the interior splines.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Mascotech, Inc.Inventors: David Richard Townsend, Thomas Meier
-
Patent number: 5987734Abstract: A semi-automatic lacing machine used to lace a pair of blocks together to form a block and tackle assembly that will frequently be used in the manufacture of other products. The apparatus includes a structure for receiving a pair of blocks and a line therein, and structure including a first and a second guide, and a threader to advance the line through the first and second guides and thereby through the blocks received within the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Balance Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bruce L. Overgard, Kris D. Baymiller, Walter Rohrbach, Walter Gysling
-
Patent number: 5984849Abstract: The invention provides a novel semiconductive silicone rubber roller suitable for use as a development roller in a photocopying machine exhibiting high performance with stability and long durability. The rubber roller is prepared by (A) forming a cylindrical layer of a semi-conductive silicone rubber on and around a metallic core mandrel, (B) irradiating the surface of the rubber layer with ultraviolet light and (C) coating the ultraviolet-irradiated surface of the rubber layer with a silane coupling agent.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsuneo Ohki, Shuji Oguchi
-
Patent number: 5983476Abstract: A method of converting an HF alkylation process into a solid catalyst alkylation process is disclosed. In this method, an HF alkylation unit having an HF stripper downstream of the HF alkylation reactor is modified to a benzene rectifier. By modifying the HF stripper, this invention not only makes use of the existing HF stripper but also allows the entire downstream product recovery section, which comprises four fractionation columns, to be used in the modified process with only relatively minor modifications. Thus this invention maximizes the use of existing equipment and minimizes the investment necessary to eliminate the use of HF in detergent alkylation.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Steven F. Eshelman, Dennis E. O'Brien
-
Patent number: 5979052Abstract: Hard thread milling methods and equipment provide more precise alignment for a threadably retained component A fuel injector body with a cavity for a solenoid valve is processed by steps including heat treatment before milling threads and also milling a planar seal face to which the threads are located in precise perpendicularly so a high pressure fuel line can be reliably sealed.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gerald A. Horrie, John E. Myers
-
Patent number: 5979050Abstract: Heat transfer elements for rotary regenerative heat exchangers are formed with spacing ridges or notches having flow-disrupting indentations in the peaks of the notches formed at selected intervals to project into the flow channels. These projections interrupt the boundary layer and cause turbulence and mixing to enhance the heat transfer. Various methods of forming the indentations are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: ABB Air Preheater, Inc.Inventors: Wayne S. Counterman, Gary Foster Brown, Tadek Casimir Brzytwa, Michael Mimg-Ming Chen, Scott Frederick Harting, James David Seebald
-
Patent number: 5980149Abstract: A sampling arm coupler device comprises a coupler comprising a rectangular tructure or bar, having a cylindrically hollow bore therethrough. The bar has internal threading along the hollowv bore, and internally threaded holes through opposite sides of the bar perpendicular to the hollow bore. The holes are aligned along the bar so as to permit passage of a bolt therethrough. Additionally, the sampling arm coupler device has a lever arm structure having one insert end comprising a half cylinder portion with external threading and a flat longitudinal sure opposite the external threading. The external threading of the half cylinder is capable of mating with the internal threading of the bore whereby the half cylinder portion and the flat longitudinal surface portion inserts and screws into one end of the bar, wherein the flat longitudinal surface portion is positioned as to allow at least one bolt to be inserted through the bar holes perpendicular to the bore along the flat longitudinal surface portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stephen J. Colclough, Louie J. Lipp
-
Patent number: 5982583Abstract: A method of controlling curvature of a disc head slider having a slider body with a bearing surface and a back surface, which is opposite to the bearing surface. The method includes melting and then cooling the back surface to add tensile stress to the back surface which induces curvature of the bearing surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.Inventor: Richard A. Strom
-
Patent number: 5980174Abstract: A system for reinforcing a sandwich panel, the panel having a first exterior skin, an intermediate skin and a second exterior skin, the skins being separated by first and second cores and having a hole bored therethrough of diameter A, the holes in the first and second exterior skins being enlarged to a diameter B, the system including a first tubular sleeve that is insertable into the hole in the first exterior skin and being of a length substantially equal to the spacing between the first exterior skin and the intermediate skin, a second tubular sleeve that is insertable into the hole in the second exterior skin and being a length substantially equal to the spacing between the second exterior skin and the intermediate skin, the first and second sleeves each having a diameter greater than A and slightly less than B, a bolt insertable through the tubular sleeves, the bolt having a head that contacts the exterior surface of the first exterior skin, first and second flare washers positioned on the bolt, one engType: GrantFiled: October 29, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: The Nordam Group, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Gallagher, David H. Lafevers, David D. Breckenridge
-
Patent number: 5974646Abstract: A tool to remove a retaining ring at least partially received in a groove of a cylinder has a handle lever constructed to engage the open end of the cylinder and a claw lever having a hooked end or claw constructed to be received at least partially underneath the retaining ring with the claw lever pivotally connected to the handle lever permitting relative movement between the two levers. The pivotal connection between the handle lever and claw lever permits them to be separated and joined together in a scissor-like fashion to facilitate engaging the claw with the retaining ring. When engaged with the retaining ring, the tool is pivoted about the cylinder to displace the claw and thereby displace the retaining ring inwardly and upwardly of the groove to remove it from the cylinder. The tool permits easy and non-destructive removal of the retaining ring and requires relatively low force and a relatively low level of skill to safely remove the retaining ring from the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Diebolt International, Inc.Inventor: Jonathan P. Cotter
-
Patent number: 5974649Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels and other corrosive fluids is disclosed. The assembly (10) includes a tubular inner liner (12) including a polymeric fluorocarbon material resistant to chemical and heat degradation. A reinforcing layer (14) having gaps extending therethrough is disposed about the inner linear (12). The assembly (10) further includes an outer fluorocarbon coating (16) dispersed throughout the reinforcing layer (14) The hose assembly (10) is characterized by including a metallic reinforcing layer (18) disposed about the reinforcing layer (14) for increasing the strength and bending properties of the hose assembly (10).Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Teleflex, Inc.Inventor: Alfonso Marena
-
Patent number: 5974654Abstract: There is here disclosed a printed board positioning method in which various types of printed boards different in rigidity are positioned horizontally with a good operation efficiency. Relative to a printed board laid on a first guide portion and a second guide portion, a movable clamp is advanced. The printed board is clamped from opposite sides by the movable clamp and a fixed clamp. Subsequently, after a first vertically movable clamp is lowered to press one end of the printed board onto the second guide portion, the movable clamp is retreated to release the opposite side clamping condition. Thereby, the deflection of the printed board is eliminated and the printed board is placed in a horizontal attitude. Subsequently, a second vertically movable clamp is lowered to press the other end of the printed board onto the first guide portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takeshi Morita
-
Patent number: 5976053Abstract: A method of manufacturing a traction roller for a continuously variable transmission comprises placing a layer on a hollow cylindrical material having the volume substantially equal to the traction roller, performing axial pressure forging of the cylindrical material to obtain a work having the axial length substantially equal to that of the traction roller, performing axial die forging of the work to form side wall and outer peripheral surface of the traction roller, and grinding the work subjected to die forging to obtain a finished product of the traction roller.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1996Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuo Kino, Shinji Fushimi, Toshifumi Hibi
-
Patent number: 5974651Abstract: A covering for a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein and extending a distance above an upper end of the flower pot wherein the flower pot has a lower end and an outer peripheral surface. The covering includes a sheet of material having an upper surface, a lower surface and an outer peripheral surface with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral surface of the sheet of material and extending a distance from the outer peripheral surface of the sheet of material. The sheet of material is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed about the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.Inventor: Donald E. Weder
-
Patent number: 5974645Abstract: A system for customizing a golf club which utilizes a hosel to interconnect the had and the shaft includes a hosel bending vise. The hosel bending vise imparts an offset bend and a lie angle bend in the hosel. The shaft of the golf club is then cut to length. If desired a loft angle bend may be made in the hosel.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Kurr Golf TechnologyInventor: Kirk Currie
-
Patent number: 5974648Abstract: The present invention is direct to a method of connecting a piece of tubing to an outlet manifold of an oxygenator that prevents excessively high positive or negative pressure from forming in the oxygenator and helps to minimize the possibility of misidentifyig the outlet connector. The outlet connector is hollow and substantially cylindrically tubular in shape so that a hollow inner conduit is formed. The outlet connector is in fluid communication with the outlet manifold of an oxygenator through the inner conduit. In one embodiment, the outlet connector has an elongated hole extending through the tubular material of the outlet connector into the hollow inner conduit formed therein. The elongated hole is preferable large enough to be felt by the fingers of the person connecting tubing to the outlet connector. The elongated hole is preferably arrow shaped with the arrow pointing in the direction of fluid flow out of the outlet manifold.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Robert F. Gremel
-
Patent number: 5970596Abstract: The method of laying and clamping an elastic tubular covering on an element consists in using a rigid tubular support mounted on the element and previously provided with said covering expanded thereon. In the laying method and the corresponding assembly, flexible associated auxiliary means that are strong in traction and not stretchable are provided for temporarily mechanically securing the expanded covering on said support to said element on which said covering is thus mounted and positioned. The invention is applicable to use at an end of an electric cable or at a junction thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Alcatel Cable FranceInventor: Jozef Cardinaels