Patents Examined by Trinh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8028662
    Abstract: A positive-reinforced method of training a dog to chew or mouth only appropriate household items and chew toys. The method includes scent-training the dog (or puppy) to recognize a particular distinctive scent not normally found in nature as applied to an acceptable chewing object. The dog is introduced to the distinctive scent and encouraged to chew the marked acceptable chewing object. Each time the dog recognizes the scent, the dog is encouraged to chew the scented chewing object or some other acceptable chewing object marked with the distinctive scent and rewarded. The dog is tested with at least one unmarked object. The dog is trained once the dog can discriminate between the scent-marked object or objects and the unmarked object or objects. From there, the scent may be applied to other household items that are acceptable chewing/mouthing items (e.g., other chew toys). By absence of the scent, the dog recognizes that it cannot chew on unacceptable items (e.g., furniture, shoes).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Laurel D. Raymond
  • Patent number: 7383661
    Abstract: The interior of a mushroom house is sterilized by applying ozone into the interior of the mushroom house around compost in receptacles in the mushroom house. The ozone is applied prior to the spawning step in the growing of the mushrooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Remo Toto
  • Patent number: 7121229
    Abstract: In a method and system for evaluating interest of a tested animal, first and second dispensers for dispensing respectively a vital first liquid and a second liquid are provided in a closed space confined by a housing for containing the tested animal. The first dispenser dispenses the first liquid at a first position that is easily accessible to the tested animal. The second dispenser dispenses the second liquid at a second position higher than the first position so as to be less easily accessible to the tested animal. Amounts of the first and second liquids consumed by the tested animal within a predetermined time period are measured. The consumed amounts of the first and second liquids are subsequently compared to evaluate interest of the tested animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Chen-Jee Hong
  • Patent number: 6742252
    Abstract: A method of machining rotationally symmetrical parts, in particular crankshafts, in particular the bearing surfaces of crankshafts, until they are in a condition of being ready for use, that is to say the condition in which the crankshaft can be installed in an engine without the further removal of material at the bearing surfaces. The object of the invention is to simplify the removal of material when machining bearing locations of a crankshaft. In the method according to the invention for finishing machining rotary parts, in a condition such that they are ready for use, after the original shaping operation removal of material is effected only by cutting machining with a given cutting edge and subsequent finishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Boehringer Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Santorius, Matthias Kohlhase
  • Patent number: 6735866
    Abstract: Method for manufacturing elements made from composite material using the co-bonding technique, in which uncured elements (preformed beams (2)) are bonded onto another cured element (the skin (3)) with multiple thickness changes, using a rigid tooling made of invar used for support and positioning during the curing process. Each element is made with preimpregnated material using automated tape laying. The preform of the beams (J-section) is obtained by hot forming of flat laminates. The final curing and bonding to the precured skin (co-bonding) is performed using a direct vacuum bag in an autoclave. A flat development of the vacuum bag is performed, it is traced with a numerical control machine and it is made prior to being placed on the tool. For large surfaces with difficult access the final adjustment is performed with the tool and the part in a vertical position, due to the ergonomic difficulties involved in working on certain areas of same. The invention is applicable to the field of aeronautics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Airbus Espana, S.L.
    Inventors: Pedro Nogueroles Vi{overscore (n)}es, Aquilino Garcia Garcia, Carlos Cerezo Pancorbo
  • Patent number: 6722009
    Abstract: A sheet hydroforming method is disclosed wherein two stacked metallic sheets are clamped between a pair of upper and lower dies 10, 11 and a fluid is introduced and pressurized between mating surfaces of the metallic sheets, causing the metallic sheets to bulge into a space defined by die cavities 10b and 11b. A thru-hole 11d for introducing the fluid is formed in one of the dies so as to lead to a holding surface of the die, while a pierced hole for introducing the fluid is formed in one of the metallic sheets in a portion of the one metallic sheet which portion is in contact with a holding surface 10a (10b) of one of the dies, the pierced hole being positioned with the thru-hole 11d, then the fluid is introduced in a pressurized state between mating surfaces of the metallic sheets from the thru-hole through the pierced hole, thereby causing the metallic sheets to bulge. According to this method, a pressurized fluid can be introduced between the mating surfaces of blanks easily without leakage of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayasu Kojima, Mitsutoshi Uchida
  • Patent number: 6560834
    Abstract: A device forms metallic cages for structures made of reinforced concrete, the metallic cages providing longitudinal rods associated with transverse stirrups, the transverse stirrups having an at least partly closed shape and being distanced lengthwise. The device includes a supporting frame, and a plurality of housing seatings arranged in a longitudinal line on the supporting frame at least according to a desired interaxis (“i”) or a multiple of the interaxis (“i”), each of the housing seatings cooperating with a relative means to position and retain the stirrups defining their erect position on a substantially vertical plane. A plurality of transverse arms to support the longitudinal rods lie separated from each other on a horizontal plane, the transverse arms being interposed between the housing seatings. Means are provided for relative displacement in height between the transverse arms and the means to position and retain the stirrups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: BCD Marcel Wirth - Bending and Cutting Devices
    Inventor: Marcel Wirth
  • Patent number: 6508002
    Abstract: A method of making a bicycle crank arm bar by casting, forging, rolling, heat molding, and cold forging. The bicycle crank arm has an elongated cavity, an axle end, and a pedal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas Chiang
  • Patent number: 6474766
    Abstract: A system and method for creating dither matrices for printing in color. The disclosed method shows how to construct arrays for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black primary color printing for which only a single calculation using the cost function is involved. The disclosed method computes only a single dither array. Once the first array is generated, the computer software program creates the other arrays by translating points of the original array to corresponding points in the secondary array. In one embodiment translation is performed using a random number generator. In alternate embodiments, translation is performed by inversion and shifting of the first array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ted J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6347453
    Abstract: A method of assembling a regenerator comprising multiple concentric layers of foil, each with an unbonded joint inside a generally cylindrical space, by inserting each successive layer of foil into the remaining space inside said generally cylindrical space and pressing it outward against the wall of the generally cylindrical space until its edges do not overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Matthew P. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6286214
    Abstract: A method for mounting a bushing into a metal member which comprises providing a metal member forming a bushing receiving opening in the metal member, the opening defined by an annular edge portion surrounding the opening. A bushing is then forced through the opening in a bushing driving direction such that the bushing engages the annular edge portion and deforms the annular edge portion in the bushing driving direction to form an annular flange portion on the metal member which projects in the driving direction and engages an exterior surface of the bushing in an interference fit relation so as to securely retain the bushing within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Cosma International Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Bean
  • Patent number: 6286213
    Abstract: A method of securing intake tubes in an intake manifold is provided in which leakage of brazing material from the joint between the intake tubes and the intake tube mounting rings is prevented. For securing each intake tube in the intake manifold, the intake tube 3 is fitted into the intake tube mounting ring 5. Then, a jig 13 of a tubular shape is inserted into insert areas of the intake tube 3 and the intake tube mounting ring 5. The jig 13 includes separate sections 16 defined by slits extending to a predetermined length in parallel to the axis and has a plurality of projections 19 and 20 provided on the outer side of the separate sections 16 thereof. A bar-like pressing tool 14 reduced in the diameter towards its front end is inserted into the interior of a tubular shape of the peen locking jig 13, and it is then advanced relatively towards the insert area by the action of pressing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignees: Aichi Kikai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Sanoh Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Hada, Yasuo Sunaga
  • Patent number: 6287246
    Abstract: A development roller for developing a latent electrostatic image to a visible toner image with toner, including a surface layer which contains a guanamine-skeleton-containing compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Yoshii, Kyoichi Ashikawa, Taisuke Tokuwaki, Makoto Nakamura, Yoshiyuki Takano, Atsushi Ohta, Noriyuki Kamiya
  • Patent number: 6282790
    Abstract: A space frame includes a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending side rail structures and longitudinally spaced pairs of laterally spaced upright structures having joints at their lower ends with the pair of side rail structures. The longitudinal spaced pairs of laterally spaced upright structures extend upwardly from the side rails structures and define a plurality of pairs of pillars, including a pair of forward A pillars, a longitudinally spaced pair of B pillars, and a longitudinally spaced pair of rearward end pillars. A pair of the side roof structures has joints with the pair of A pillars. The pair of side roof structures extends longitudinally rearwardly from the pair of A pillars and have joints with the pair of B pillars and with the pair of rearward end pillars. Longitudinally spaced cross structures have joints with the pair of side rail structures, with the pair of A pillars and with the pair of side roof structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Cosma International Inc.
    Inventors: Fred G. Jaekel, Gianfranco Gabbianelli, Frank A. Horton
  • Patent number: 6279217
    Abstract: A system for assembling a railway car body includes an openable-and-closeable rotating cage for receiving and aligning car components, and rotator mechanism coupled to the rotating cage for selectively rotating the rotating cage and components therein. The openable-and-closeable rotating cage may include a plurality of ring members, each ring member including a first portion, second portion, and third portion with the first portion pivotably coupled to the second portion, and the second portion pivotably coupled to the third portion, a plurality of cross members coupled to the plurality of rings, a first end assembly mechanism at a first end of the rotating cage, the first end assembly for holding and aligning an end assembly component, a second end assembly mechanism at a second end of the rotating cage, the second end assembly for holding an aligning an end assembly component, and a locking mechanism for selectively locking one or more of the plurality of ring members in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Jay S. Gallinger, Keith A. Young
  • Patent number: 6276058
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing an aluminum alloy and steel railway car includes an aluminum alloy-body-manufacturing subsystem for producing an aluminum alloy railway car body, a steel-underframe-manufacturing subsystem for producing a steel car underframe, and an underframe-and-body combination subsystem for mating and attaching an aluminum alloy railway car body from the aluminum alloy-body-manufacturing subsystem and a steel underframe from the steel-underframe-manufacturing subsystem. The aluminum alloy-body-manufacturing subsystem of the system may include an openable-and-closeable rotating cage for receiving and aligning car body components and a rotator mechanism coupled to the rotating cage for selectively rotating the rotating cage and components therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Jay S. Gallinger, Keith A. Young
  • Patent number: 6272749
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a concrete deck form panel includes the initial step of cutting an insert within the panel, which may be removed by sliding the insert longitudinally from the panel. A pair of structural members are attached to the longitudinal sides of the insert, and then the insert is returned to the original position within the panel. A series of panels are connected to form a floor for supporting concrete, thereby forming a concrete deck system. In a second embodiment of the invention each form panel is formed by attaching a pair of structural members to longitudinal sides of a central body and then attaching L-shaped members to the structural members. A top plate is mounted to the top of the L-shaped members and the central body to form the integrated form panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Lite-Form International
    Inventors: Patrick E. Boeshart, Thomas J. Devine
  • Patent number: 6266879
    Abstract: A container having a container body, a thermic module at one end of the body, and a closure at the other end of the body initiates an internal exothermic (or, alternatively, endothermic) chemical reaction to heat its contents when auser actuates the thermic module. A plastic thermic module body is spin-welded to a plastic container body by rotating one relative to and in contact with the other. The container body has multiple layers, including an inner layer such as a so-called oxygen barrier layer that inhibits oxidation and spoilage of the contents, and spin-welding the container body to the module body seals the otherwise-exposed oxygen barrier layer against air or moisture intrusion. The container includes a rotatable cover adhered to the container end over the closure with heat-sensitive adhesive that prevents a user from accessing the contents until a certain temperature is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Ontro, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Scudder, James L. Berntsen, William B. Farnham, Dan Gibbs, Ann T. Davern, Jerine J. Rosato, Michael S. Slocum
  • Patent number: 6260273
    Abstract: A method of providing venturi based vacuum valve (10) includes the step of providing a plug (12) formed with first (14), second (16) and third (18) openings. The first opening (14) formed in the plug (12) acts as an inlet and is smaller than the second opening (16). The first (14) and second (16) openings are connected within the plug (12) so that a small diameter space (20) is connected with a large diameter space (22) within the plug (12). A third opening (18), open to the atmosphere and forming a suction hole, intersects the small (20) and large (22) diameter space after the small diameter space (20) and before the second opening (16). The second opening (16) forms an outlet in the plug (12). The plug (12) in a preferred embodiment, is form fitted within a shower pipe (26) so that water is received first at the first opening (14). Thereafter, small diameter space (20) opens into large diameter space (22) and air through third opening (18) is mixed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: John L. Brice
  • Patent number: 6256884
    Abstract: A method for producing a nozzle having a projecting tip part, including the steps of disposing a ceramic green sheet between a first die and a stripper containing a first punch, moving the first punch through a first surface of the ceramic green sheet to form a hole therethrough, inverting the ceramic green sheet, disposing the inverted ceramic green sheet between a second die and a stripper containing a second punch, the second die having a cavity in the shape of a negative configuration of the projecting tip part, moving the second punch through the hole formed in the ceramic green sheet to force a portion of the ceramic green sheet into the cavity of the second die and form the projecting tip part, and baking the ceramic green sheet to form the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihisa Takeuchi, Hiroyuki Tsuji, Nobuo Takahashi