Patents Examined by Tom Hughes
  • Patent number: 5417535
    Abstract: Books or brochures are produced by transporting a series of elongated piles of superimposed paper sheets longitudinally through at least one bonding station where certain marginal portions of the sheets of each pile are adhesively connected to each other, and thereupon sideways through a laminating station wherein the piles are provided with rigid or semirigid covers which are glued to the outer sides of their outermost sheets. The piles are then advanced lengthwise through a backstripping station, are compressed subsequent to stacking, singularized, trimmed, stacked and thereupon subdivided into stacks of superimposed books or brochures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: E.C.H. Will GmbH
    Inventors: Milan Andjelic, Peter Huser
  • Patent number: 5412865
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a layered product to obtain a multilayer ceramic capacitor. A mother sheet supported by a carrier film is cut to obtain respective sheets to form a plurality of sheets. The sheets are transferred to a frame having inner dimensions capable of positioning the sheets inside the frame. The stacked sheets are then pressurized. The arrangement enables the sheets forming the layered product to be stacked for pressurizing without misalignment of internal electrodes embedded in the respective sheets and without air being entrapped between the stacked sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuru Takaoka, Kouichi Yagi, Yoshiaki Kohno
  • Patent number: 5413447
    Abstract: In a book binding operation, opened covers are brought into alignment with moving book blocks by a feed system which applies a pneumatic hold-down force to the moving covers. This hold-down force provides for a braking effect which varies as a function of the characteristics of the cover, the braking effect minimizing the chances of overshoot. The hold-down force also provides a stiffening effect, in the direction of cover movement, which varies as a function of cover thickness and minimizes the possibility of crushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Horst Rathert
  • Patent number: 5413446
    Abstract: A book cover formation machine has feeder stations for the cover cloth and cover boards, a glue-application station for the cover cloth, and an assembly station for mating the cover cloth and cover boards. The machine also has a turn-in station with turn-in elements for folding the head and foot flaps over the cover-board edges in a first plane, and for folding the lateral flaps over the cover-board edges in a vertically displaced second plane. The turn-in station is a separate mechanism juxtapositioned to the assembly station. The functions of assembling the cover cloth and boards, of executing the head and foot flap turn-ins, and of executing the lateral flap turn-ins, are coordinated such that all functions within a cycle are performed on different book covers simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Rathert, Reimer Voss
  • Patent number: 5409341
    Abstract: A book cover assembly apparatus includes a cover table and a transport arm. The transport arm has a vertically moveable suction head which carries cover boards to the cover table which is initially in an inclined acquiring position. The transport arm establishes an initial line of contact between an adhesively coated cover cloth disposed on the cover table and the cover boards. The cover table is pivoted to a horizontal position in synchronization with movement of the transport arm thereby progressively diminishing the angle included by the cover cloth and cover boards. Such combined movement causes the contact line to move across the cover cloth, rolling the cover cloth into contact with the cover boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Kolbus GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Horst Rathert
  • Patent number: 5408735
    Abstract: A series of related clinch joints as well as methods and apparatus for forming these joints are disclosed. All of the leak proof drawings are capable of being fabricated using a solid non-radially expandable die having a recessed cavity formed therein for cooperation with a corresponding punch having a solid punch projection. The clearance between the punch and the die recess are specifically sized relative to the material thickness to achieve optimum fastening characteristics. Several joint embodiments utilize variable clearance between the punch and the die to minimize strength variability resulting from changing material thickness. Alternative lance type and leak proof joints utilize a variable clearance between the punch and the die to achieve both high, shear and peel strength in a single joint design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Louis C. Schleicher
  • Patent number: 5408737
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for stabilizing a work piece of ring configuration on a base. The apparatus has a first ring fixed to the base and frictionally positioned within the work piece. A second ring has a portion within the other end of the work piece and a portion covering the other end of the work piece. A plurality of hold downs are connected to a base via hydraulic cylinders and are positioned about the work piece and have arms with rollers attached thereto. In response to actuation of the cylinders, the rollers are automatically swung into position over the second ring and the rollers forcibly urge the second ring and work piece in a direction toward the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: Desmond Mailey, Jose J. Rodriguez, Jerry P. Fregoe, Curtis L. Stevens, Frank M. Dettmers, Sr., Glenn L. Brown, Gary L. Kitzer, James G. Miller, Martin J. Hilbrands, Gary L. Vander Stel
  • Patent number: 5402572
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a metal roof formed of overlapping R panels having major ribs and panel flats spaced therebetween includes the steps of removing fasteners disposed along the overlapping margins of adjacent R panels; plugging the holes formed when the fasteners are removed from the R panels; positioning a RETRO R panel having dual-tiered major ribs and panel flats spaced therebetween over the metal roof; aligning the major ribs of the RETRO R panel with major ribs of the underlying R panel; and fastening the major ribs of the RETRO R panel to the major ribs of the underlying R panel. An apparatus for retrofitting a metal roof includes a plurality of dual-tiered major ribs and a plurality of panel flats spaced therebetween, such that when installed over an existing metal roof, the major ribs of the new roof panel are aligned with the major ribs of the underlying roof panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: NCI Building Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: Johnie Schulte, Leonard F. George
  • Patent number: 5400492
    Abstract: A device and method for removing a branch fitting from a tapped hole in a main water distribution pipeline under pressure includes a water-tight housing adapted to fit on to the pipeline over the fitting. A cutter is provided within the housing to sever the fitting and other devices include a tool holder for use in removing a part of the fitting left in place after severing. Thus, the fitment can be removed and replaced without closing off the water supply within the main distribution pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Periquip Services Limited
    Inventors: Steven T. Hodgson, Christopher R. Hodgson, David J. Jarman
  • Patent number: 5401232
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cylindrical mantle of rolls or cylinders of a paper machine out of a corrosion-proof metal or alloy material, particularly refined steel, in which oblong plate blanks are cut to a length equal to the total length of the roll mantle to be manufactured. The plate blanks are machined or bent to mantle portions of a cross-sectional shape equal to a part of a circular ring. Out of the mantle portions, the cylindrical mantle of a roll or cylinder is assembled by joining the mantle portions together by means of axial welding joints prepared by electron-beam welding performed in the vacuum chamber of an electron-beam apparatus by using a number of mantle portions per one roll mantle. A roll or cylinder manufactured by the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Vaino Sailas
  • Patent number: 5398393
    Abstract: Assembly apparatus for assembling a compressible foam cushion and a flexible cover having favorable ergonomic characteristics. The apparatus includes a plate supporting the inverted cushion top having a flexible cover preliminarily positioned thereto, and a second plate engages the inverted cover bottom. A linear motor raises and lowers the second plate to selectively compress the cushion, and cover engaging rollers lift the cover adjacent the cushion sides during cushion compression to permit the cover to be attached to the cushion bottom. The cover engaging rollers are operated by a linear motor and are adjustable transverse to the direction of cushion compression to permit accommodation of various cushion configurations, and the cushion supporting plates are rotatable by a motor and selectively restrained against rotation by a brake to permit all sides of the cushion to be enclosed by the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Labor Aiding Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen E. Bentschneider
  • Patent number: 5399141
    Abstract: A roller supporting structure has a shaft having first grooves for generating a dynamic pressure, and first and second retaining plates placed opposite both ends of a roller when the roller is mounted around the shaft. The first and second retaining plates have second grooves for generating a dynamic pressure on their roller-facing end faces. When the roller is placed in an axially central portion of the shaft, that is, in the middle between the retaining plates, there is left a predetermined gap between the roller-side end face of each retaining plate and each end face of the roller. The gap is large enough so that the second grooves of the first and second retaining plates do not generate dynamic pressure between these retaining plates and the roller. The second grooves of one of the first and second retaining plates generate dynamic pressure when the roller is displaced from the axially central portion toward the one retaining plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5398409
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making reusable paint rollers comprised of a core formed from thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material is formed into a core about a stationary mandril. An adhesive is then applied to the core whereupon a cover is bonded thereto. In a first embodiment the core is formed by winding a plurality of thermoplastic strips about the mandril. In a second embodiment the core is formed by applying liquefied thermoplastic material to a driven belt which transfers the thermoplastic material to the mandril.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Chandr Sekar
    Inventor: Chandr Sekar
  • Patent number: 5398411
    Abstract: A process for producing a suspension member for a vehicle, which member comprises a first mounting portion relatively swingably connected to either one of a vehicle body and an axle, through a connecting member, an a second mounting portion integrally connected to the first mounting portion and connected to the other of the vehicle body and the axle. The first mounting portion is provided at an outer surface thereof with a pair of parallel cam guides of readjusting the relative mounting position between the first mounting portion and a connection member by cooperation with eccentric cams connected to the connecting member. The process comprises steps of forming a base material for the suspension member by an extrusion, and cutting the base material along planes spaced at an equal distance form onto another in an extruding direction to provide a plurality of the suspension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kaoru Kusaka, Yasunori Oku, Yasushi Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 5397130
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a two-section flag pole comprising a pointed lower section for planting into the ground and an upper section having a colored area and a numbered flag for establishing a target in a game of flying-disc golf. Each flag may be removed from or rolled over the pole and the pole can be disassembled for ease of storage. A threaded or snap-on quick-coupler is used to assemble the two sections of each pole, so that it may be easily and quickly installed at each selected target site. The flag poles can be manufactured entirely by utilizing standard-size tubing available for gardening applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: David C. Brown
  • Patent number: 5394602
    Abstract: The instrument panel assembly is made by initially forming an instrument panel substrate having a door-receiving notch, initially forming a door substrate, and attaching the door substrate to the instrument panel substrate so that the door substrate covers the notch and its sides extend beyond the notch and overlie portions of the instrument panel substrate. A single decorative cover layer is also initially formed. The attached substrates are positioned in a mold in spaced relation to the cover layer, and a foamable material is forced into the space to provide a foam padding for both the instrument panel and the door. The sides of the door substrate overlying the instrument panel substrate are braced to prevent distortion thereof during molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Adelbert T. Czapp, David E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5383755
    Abstract: An apparatus in a book binding machine for binding books by gluing includes a notch cutting tool for producing notches in the back of the book block, wherein the notches extend approximately transversely of the back of the book block. The notch cutting tool is mounted for cutting notches in a portion of the book block which projects from a mounting device. A rotatably mounted abutment has a cylindrical support surface for laterally supporting the projecting portion against the cutting force exerted by the notch cutting tool. A guide plate is mounted rearwardly offset from the cylindrical support surface of the abutment. The guide plate has a groove surrounding the travel path of the notch cutting tool and the cylindrical support surface of the abutment is located opposite the groove in the guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Grapha-Holding AG
    Inventors: Fredy Hassig, Marcel Stolz
  • Patent number: 5373633
    Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an ink-jet head assembling apparatus, which can improve productivity by omitting the step of temporarily fixing a top plate and a heater board using an ultraviolet curing adhesive.In order to achieve this object, an ink-jet head assembling apparatus of this invention includes a plurality of work stations, an index table, upper and front pressing members, arranged at a position on the index table corresponding to at least one of the plurality of work stations, for holding the top plate on the heater board, and first and second driving mechanisms, arranged outside the index table, for switching the holding member between a holding state wherein the top plate member is held on the heater board, and a non-holding state attained by releasing the holding state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsunenobu Satoi, Tsuyoshi Baba, Tsuyoshi Orikasa, Takashi Oba, Masatoshi Kato
  • Patent number: 5373635
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a linear motion guide unit having a slider mounted to a rail. The rail includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces. A liner overlying the rail is press-formed against a core which is lager than a combination of the rail and a thin plate member. The press-formed liner is placed inside a mold and molten metal is poured into a gap formed between the liner and the mold. After the metal cools to a hardened condition, the slider is removed from the mold and assembled on the rail with a gap defined between the top of the rail and an opposed surface of the slider. Oil is supplied to the gap to define an oil film between the rail and the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Nonaka, Toshiaki Shimizu, Yukio Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 5369866
    Abstract: A key member, a method for insertion and/or removal of the fuel rods in a nuclear fuel assembly using the key member and a method of disassembling the nuclear fuel assembly using the same key member are disclosed. The key member has first projections and second projections formed on the opposite faces of an elongated key body. In the insertion or removal of the fuel rods or in the disassembling the nuclear fuel assembly, the key member is inserted into the grid and rotated to bring the first projections and the second projections into engagement with the straps of the grids and the springs on the straps to thereby the springs are deflected in a direction away from the dimples opposing to the springs. In this situation, the insertion and removal of the fuel rods can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel Co.
    Inventors: Shuji Yamazaki, Akihiro Kato, Masashi Yoshida