Patents Issued in January 19, 1988
  • Patent number: 4719979
    Abstract: Drag-type drilling bits are disclosed which have at least one blade and a plurality of fluid flow channels incorporated in the blade for conducting drilling fluid or drilling mud from the hollow interior of the bit to discharge or ejection ports located in the front cutting edge of the blade. Rods of diamonds or of like "hard" cutter insert materials are incorporated in the blade in such a configuration that as the blade wears away or erodes and small pieces of diamonds are lost during drilling, more diamonds are exposed to the formation for drilling. During erosion or wear of the blades, the fluid discharge ports continue to operate to eject drilling fluid adjacent to substantially each diamond rod, whereby the flushing away of cuttings and cooling of the diamonds is greatly improved. In some embodiments of the invention rods of alternating hard and soft materials are also disposed substantially parallel with the diamond or like "hard" cutter insert rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Jones
  • Patent number: 4719980
    Abstract: In an analytical balance with scale on top with a scale carrier which is directly operatively connected to the measured value receiver, with a balance scale disk (6) which rests in a removable manner on the scale carrier, with a weighing chamber which surrounds the balance scale disk (6), the scale carrier and the measured value receiver, with a weighing chamber lock which constitutes the communication between the weighing chamber and the environment and which consists of two sets of closing doors or elements located in a vertically displaced manner in the form of a lock and with a transport device which can move the balance scale between a weighing position on the scale carrier and a loading position outside of the weighing position on the scale carrier and a loading position outside of the weighing chamber, the two closing elements of the weighing chamber lock are located above one another. The lower closing element consists of at least one level, horizontal plate which can be shifted in the plate plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Sartorius GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Knothe, Franz-Josef Melcher, Klaus Dardat, Gunther Maaz
  • Patent number: 4719981
    Abstract: A four-wheel steering system for a vehicle comprises a steering wheel, a front wheel turning mechanism for turning front wheels in response to operation of the steering wheel, and a rear wheel turning mechanism which turns rear wheels in response to operation of the steering wheel and is provided with an electric actuator for changing the position of a movable member the position of which determines a rear wheel turning angle ratio which is the ratio of the turning angle of the rear wheels to the turning angle of the front wheels for a given turning angle of the steering wheel. A control circuit receives a vehicle speed signal from a vehicle speed sensor and controls the electric actuator according to the detected vehicle speed so that a target rear wheel turning angle ratio determined in advance according to the vehicle speed is obtained. A preset vehicle speed detector detects a preset vehicle speed and a rear wheel turning angle ratio detector detects the actual rear wheel turning angle ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Akihiko Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 4719982
    Abstract: A conversion arrangement for converting a conventional rear wheel drive road vehicle to a snowmobile comprises a subframe upon the sides of which are mounted track support wheels and tracks with the subframe attached to the vehicle through the conventional rear suspension springs. At the front end of the subframe is a pair of forwardly extending levers which are attached to the front wheel hubs of the vehicle and carry skis. The skis are vertically movable under control of the vehicle front suspension by pivotal movement about a shaft at the front edge of the subframe with the amount of movement limited by the addition of an arcuate stop arrangement which cooperates with a tongue extension on the lever system. The rear drive axle of the vehicle is moved from its conventional position on the springs rearwardly to a position at a rearmost edge of the subframe with an additional drive shaft added between the vehicle drive shaft and the vehicle back axle for communication of drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Allen L. Shaver
  • Patent number: 4719983
    Abstract: A device comprising a rear adapter frame with an idle crawler track and adapted to be mounted, together with a front steering skid, in lieu of the rear and front wheels, respectively, of a motor-scooter so as to enable a quick conversion thereof, when desired, into a vehicle suitable to travel on snowy ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Riccardo Bruzzone
  • Patent number: 4719984
    Abstract: An improved drive and braking arrangement for an off the road single rider multi-wheeled vehicle. The drive arrangement includes a shaft drive and the brake includes a brake disk that is fixed for rotation with the drive shaft. The brake disk is contained within a housing for its protection and the housing is made up of two pieces, one of which is affixed to a tube that contains the drive shaft and is affixed to the engine and the other of which is affixed to a tube that forms a portion of the final drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4719985
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for a motor vehicle having a four-wheel drive establishable by connecting one wheel axle with another drivable wheel axle, wherein one wheel axle can be driven via an auxiliary drive shaft and a gear shift transmission, arranged in parallel with respect to its input shaft from an engine.This auxiliary drive shaft can be used for forming at least one gear transmission when the input shaft and the auxiliary drive shaft are brought into direct driving connection with one another by means of an auxiliary transmission. At least one of these two shafts can be clutched into driving connection with the auxiliary transmission. The clutch can be engaged only when the torque transmission in the gear shift transmission is interrupted or an interaxle differential is in effect that is connected between the two wheel axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wolfgang Zaiser
  • Patent number: 4719986
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the unauthorized use of a vehicle. The apparatus includes main column unit half shells and column base unit half shells having interlocking joint structure for fixing the main column unit and base column unit to a steering column unit. Locking means is provided to lock the main column unit to the steering column once they are affixed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Winaford H. Richardson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4719987
    Abstract: A bi-planar pontoon paravane is towed by a marine vessel and controls the depth and position of a towed seismic source array. The bi-planar pontoon paravane is made up of a buoyant bridge with right and left wings attached to the long sides of the bridge, the wings projecting into the water and, in concert, providing a side force. The paravane is towed by a tow line connected to an adjustable bridle which in turn is connected to the paravane. Remote adjustment of the bridle is provided by an hydraulic valve on the vessel controlling an hydraulic motor and gear arrangement on the paravane to adjust the bridle. Adjustment of the bridle adjusts the angle of attack of the paravane. The paravane provides a housing formed below the bridge and between the two wings for housing the seismic source array. A boom on the vessel is attached to the seismic source array, through the bridge, when the assembly is to be placed in or removed from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert K. George, Jr., Lorton E. Trent, Ernest R. Harrison
  • Patent number: 4719988
    Abstract: The muffler comprises a main sound arresting chamber formed in the interior of an outer cylinder of the muffler and a bracket fixedly secured to the outer surface of the outer cylinder for mounting the muffler on a body of a motorcycle. The muffler is provided with an auxiliary sound arresting chamber formed in the interior of the bracket and communicating with the main sound arresting chamber through a connecting passage so as to increase the total volume of the sound arresting chamber, thereby permitting the output of the engine of the motorcycle to be enhanced while the sound arresting effect on the exhaust gas is improved. The main sound arresting chamber may be divided into an upstream side main sound arresting chamber portion and downstream side main sound arresting chamber portions by partition means and the auxiliary sound arresting chamber portion communicates with the upstream main sound arresting chamber portion. The connecting passage may be in the form of a plurality of small diameter holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sosuke Kinouchi, Syuziro Shigemoto, Wataru Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 4719989
    Abstract: Improved boat boarding ladders, that may be mounted on a boat in a boarding position wherein they extend into the water and mounted in different stowage position wherein they are clear of the water, are formed of a step section, a support section and mounting units, all of which are separable from each other. The step section has a pair of tubular siderails and a plurality of steps fixed between them. The support section includes a pair of U-shaped tubular members each braced by a bar that is fixed at its ends across the arcuate portion of such member. One free end of each U-shaped member is enlarged so the upper end of a siderail may be fitted therein and locked with a through pin so the support section extends normal to the step section. The mounting units each include a tubular portion into which ends of the U-shaped support section members may be fitted to hold the ladder in the boarding position, while ends of the step section siderails may be so fitted to mount the ladder in the stowage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Step-On Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Ritten
  • Patent number: 4719990
    Abstract: A step ladder for stairs has a rear support member for providing a climbing structure, a front support member for retaining the rear support member in a substantially erect position, the front support member being hinged connected to the rear support member and including an upper portion with a bottom end and a lower portion, and a hinge assembly for hinged connecting the upper and lower portions together. The hinge assembly permits folding of the front support member so that the bottom end of the upper portion can rest on a first surface which is raised above a second surface whereupon the rear support member rests. The hinge assembly may have a first locking assembly to secure the upper and lower portions in an unfolded position and a second locking assembly to secure the upper and lower portions in a folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Branko Markovic
  • Patent number: 4719991
    Abstract: A lubricant distribution system which includes a standard oil storage tank, a pump, a retractable hose reel for discharging the lubricant, and a saddle bracket for mounting the reel to the covered upper surface of the tank. The bracket is configured to facilitate attachment of the reel to a lubricant containing tank in an operative system by connecting to the tank at the ventilation cap fitting of the tank, and to be supported and leveled upon the tank with adjustable feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Prestolite Wire Corporation
    Inventors: Philip H. Diehn, Timothy P. Dunigan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4719992
    Abstract: A spring motor comprises an output drum rotatably mounted to a casing and a first end of a spring attached to the output drum. A second end of the spring is attached to a free floating locking plug, around which the spring coils in an unstressed state. A pin is mounted near the output drum to prevent the locking plug from passing between the pin and the output drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Sandvik Steel Co.
    Inventors: Michael P. Elward, Donald R. Lodwick
  • Patent number: 4719993
    Abstract: In a case where peculiar control information which differs depending upon buildings is revised, a first memory for storing the revised information and a second memory for storing the original information before the revision are disposed, and addresses and contents are correspondingly stored in both the memories, whereupon the stored contents of both the memories are displayed on a display unit at the respectively corresponding addresses. Thus, the presence or absence of an alteration error in the case of the revision of the control information can be reliably checked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideyo Ujihara
  • Patent number: 4719994
    Abstract: Floor re-leveling apparatus including a microprocessor; cage position detectors produce outputs representative of the position of the cage in any one of three sections, a normal floor arrival section, one other section immediately above the normal floor arrival section, and one other section immediately below the normal floor arrival section. A speed reference signal having a preferred characteristic is generated and an actual cage speed signal is compared with the reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryuichi Kajiyama
  • Patent number: 4719995
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an A.C. elevator having a variable voltage and variable frequency inverter for driving an induction motor coupled to a cage of the elevator, a control device for controlling the inverter in accordance with a deviation between a speed signal detected from the induction motor and a speed command signal having a preset value, and an abnormality detection device for interrupting feed of the A.C. power to the induction motor upon detecting that a slip frequency command corresponding to the deviation is greater than a predetermined set value and continues exceeding the predetermined set value in excess of a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ikejima
  • Patent number: 4719996
    Abstract: A group supervision apparatus for an elevator has apparatus operating under program control to predict periods of time of service by respective cages and to calculate predicted service periods of time, to calculate a mean value and a variance of the predicted service periods of time as to each of the cages, to set a reference value for deciding whether the service periods of time are long or short, to obtain a square value of a difference between the reference value and the mean value, to calculate a value of a ratio between the variance and the square value and to calculate an assignment estimation value on the basis of the value of the ratio in conformity with a predetermined assignment estimation function which becomes a monotonically increasing function of the ratio, to preferentially select a cage as to which the assignment estimation value is smaller, and to assign the selected cage to a hall call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shintaro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 4719997
    Abstract: A parking brake mechanism in a disc brake includes a bottomed tubular adjusting nut slidably fitted in a bore defined in a cylinder bottom coaxially with a piston with a seal ring interposed and having a closed end projecting into the cylinder and coupled to piston, an adjusting bolt axially movably threaded in the adjusting nut and having a head projecting out of the cylinder, a first spring interposed between the head and the cylinder bottom for normally urging the adjusting bolt in a direction out of the cylinder, a thrust bearing interposed between the head and the first spring for ensuring smooth rotation of the adjusting bolt, a pusher disposed coaxially with the adjusting bolt and having in one end a slot substantially perpendicular to an axis of the adjusting bolt, the pusher serving as a clutch for selective engagement with the head, a second spring for normally urging the pusher in a direction out of the cylinder, a plate having an intermediate portion extending through the slot and interposed betwe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Matsuhisa Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 4719998
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power transmission system for a vehicle of the type in which front and rear wheels are driven by a sole engine. In order to control the distribution of drive torque produced by the engine to front wheel side and rear wheel side of the vehicle according to a difference in rotational speed between both sides and in relative rotational direction between both sides, the power transmission system includes an oil pump adapted to be driven by a first rotational shaft which transmits a driving torque from an engine to front wheels of the vehicle and a second rotational shaft which transmits the driving force to rear wheels of the vehicle. The oil pump produces an oil pressure proportional to the difference in rotational speed and has at least two ports. A clutch mechanism couples the rotational shafts with each other by the discharge pressure of the oil pump and, the clutch mechanism is disposed between the rotational shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeo Hiramatsu, Bonnosuke Takamiya, Yoshimasa Nagayoshi
  • Patent number: 4719999
    Abstract: A parking device for an automatic transmission wherein a parking gear provided in a transmission for the automatic transmission comprising the transmission disposed at a rear stage of a torque converter is locked at the time of parking; characterized by that a leaf spring, which urges a locking arm apart from a parking gear when a driving mode is selected to a range other than P-range, is provided on a push rod moving the locking arm which locks the parking gear toward the parking gear; a pin serving as a fulcrum of the leaf spring is held to a housing of the transmission at a position where a spring force of said leaf spring functions so as to part the locking arm from the parking gear when the driving mode is selected to a range other than P-range; and the leaf spring is formed into such a shape that the leaf spring does not contact with the pin as the driving mode is shifted from R-range to P-range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin Seisakusho
    Inventor: Masahiro Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 4720000
    Abstract: The external sleeve of a slip brake in a torque wrench with a pair of clutches in series is provided with a spiral groove which houses lubricant. "O" rings at opposite ends of the external sleeve cooperate with an internal sleeve to seal in the lubricant. The slip brake of the present invention incorporates an internal split ring or drum which is adjustable to set the desired bias load of the slip brake. However, the split ring or drum is encased in a very thin steel sleeve which is attached, as by soldering, to the split ring. The outer surface of the thin steel sleeve abutts the inner surface of the outer ring and serves as the brake drum. Although the split ring is encased in a thin steel sleeve, the sleeve is thin enough (from about 0.025" to 0.030" thick) so that this sleeve will stretch when the split ring is expanded to increase the bias load on the slip brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Raymond Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4720001
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for self-propelled racing karts permitting free wheeling rotation of one drive wheel at a rotational speed exceeding that of the other drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Michael E. Jensen
  • Patent number: 4720002
    Abstract: A clutch having an adjustable diaphragm spring engaging lever and a release bearing for disengaging the clutch. The clutch disc is spline fitted onto an input shaft of transmission. A sleeve, having the release bearing fastened at its transmission end, is fitted on the outer periphery of the input shaft. A load transmitting retainer is fitted on the clutch end of the sleeve. A clutch cover, covering the clutch and flywheel is mounted on the flywheel. A diaphragm spring is disposed between the clutch cover and the retainer. A clutch lever is fulcrummed at its inner end to a groove in the retainer ring and at its outer end to an adjustable member on the clutch cover for engaging and disengaging the clutch disc with the pressure plate and flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin Seisakusho
    Inventors: Seiichi Kitano, Yasunobu Fukatani, Masaaki Asada, Kazuhiko Yoneda
  • Patent number: 4720003
    Abstract: A clutch slip control device for a lock-up torque converter has a clutch slip control valve and an operating range detecting valve which are operative to control a lock-up control pressure in a lock-up control chamber based upon a torque pressure representative of a torque transmitted by a turbine runner and upon a governor pressure and a throttle pressure representative of a vehicle speed and an engine load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Murasugi
  • Patent number: 4720004
    Abstract: A coin-operated latch mechanism for a newspaper rack includes a coin-receiving mechanism into which coins are deposited. A coin-return mechanism is provided which, when depressed, swings the coin-receiving mechanism to a position in which the outlets of the coin slots overly a coin-return diverter. The coin-return diverter is normally disposed in a coin return mode and is moved to a coin retention position in response to the opening of a door of the rack. A key-actuated wall of the rack is mounted on hinges which permit a simplified removal of the wall from the rack. The key-actuated wall includes a latch which enables the wall to be closed and relatched without the use of a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Ronald C. Voegeli
  • Patent number: 4720005
    Abstract: A materials conveyor and distribution system comprising a pair of juxtaposed component belts forming a composite conveyor belt having a conveyor stretch and a return stretch, adjacent longitudinal edges of the component belts being disposed in a substantially abutting relationship, at least in the conveyor stretch, a support for the component belts with their adjacent longitudinal edges in abutting relationship while allowing for the free movement of the belts with respect to the support, into and out of the conveyor stretch, one or more discharge locations along the conveyor stretch wherein the adjacent edges of the component belts can move apart so as to form a discharge gap, and apparatus for driving the composite conveyor belt into and out of the conveyor stretch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Moledeth Know-How Export Company (1978) Ltd.
    Inventor: Isaac Beresinsky
  • Patent number: 4720006
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating and conveying elongate items includes a first pair of side-by-side arranged conveyor belts driven in a conveying direction at identical speeds, a second pair of side-by-side arranged conveyor belts being in longitudinal alignment with the first conveyor belt pair and being driven in the conveying direction at identical speeds greater than the speed of the first conveyor pair. First and second item transfer locations spaced from one another in the conveying direction are defined between the two conveyor belt pairs to cause each item to assume an oblique orientation relative to the conveying direction, and a longitudinal clearance defined between the belts of the first and second conveyor pairs. A suction device including a suction opening aligned with the longitudinal clearance is provided for pressing the items against the conveyor belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: SIG Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft
    Inventor: Harald Lenherr
  • Patent number: 4720007
    Abstract: A suspended idler roller for supporting a troughing belt for use in the conveying of granular bulk material such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, grain, coal, fertilizer, etc. The idler roller comprises a plurality of intermediate idler wheels positioned on an elongated curved support rod between a pair of end idler rollers. Each of the idler rollers has elongated hubs having teeth on the ends thereof which mesh with the teeth on the next adjacent roller so that all of the idler rollers rotate in unison on the support rod. A flexible bellows element is positioned between each pair of idler wheels and has its ends operatively sealed and secured to the idler wheels for preventing contaminants from coming into contact with the bearing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Robert C. Milek
  • Patent number: 4720008
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly for use with conveyor belt systems of the type utilizing articulated links having downwardly extending opposed feet. The conveyor assembly includes a guide ramp for supporting the conveyor belt and guiding it to a drive sprocket. The guide ramp has a horizontal leading end and a downwardly inclined trailing end. The opposed feet of the conveyor belt are supported within a clearance between two sides of the guide ramp. Due to the incline on the ramp the drive sprocket may be lowered allowing implementation of a coverplate at the same height as the main, horizontal section of the conveyor belt. Use of this coverplate protects the operator and prevents items being transported on the conveyor belt from falling into the drive bed of the conveyor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: National Conveyor Corporation
    Inventor: Jared E. Ufland
  • Patent number: 4720009
    Abstract: Portable booklike container comprising two covers joined to a spine, a rigid support bar on the inside of the cover near its bottom edge, a plurality of parallel spaced elongated thin spindles affixed to the support bar and extending upward terminating with free ends short of and adjacent to the top edge of the covers, and quick release fastening means to maintain the covers in a position closed upon each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Herbert Tomes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4720010
    Abstract: A stock assembly is provided for storing a mass of individual closed loops used in suspending sausages and for successively supplying the loops to an automatic sausage-sealing machine. Each loop compries a piece of yarn arranged in an elongated loop configuration with the ends thereof knotted together at one end of the loop. The stock assembly includes a long strip member of resilient material adapted to be wound onto a reel. The loops are detachably affixed to the strip member lengthwise thereof one after the other in closely spaced relationship so that each loop member overlaps the adjacent loop member at one end thereof and is overlapped by the adjacent loop member of the other end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Hans J. Bertram
  • Patent number: 4720011
    Abstract: Enclosed package such as an envelope-like package, which may be substantially impermeable to gas, water and chemical vapor and preferably is essentially light opaque having two surfaces sealed together, e.g., at least one end, and having a tearstrip. The improvement comprises hot melt adhesive-covered tearstrip present between the two surfaces and is sealed in an area along the entire length of the outer edge of the tearstrip, the inner edge of the entire length of the tearstrip remaining unsealed except at the opposite ends. The seal can be opened easily by tearing in a substantially perfect line with virtually no ragged edges which impede the removal of the package contents. The package, when light opaque, is useful for containing light-sensitive photographic films, e.g., x-ray films, including x-ray intensifying screens, photopolymer elements and other light sensitive sheets. In nonlight opaque embodiments, the package can contain paper sheets, flat materials and various solid and liquid food items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Ernest V. Canamero
  • Patent number: 4720012
    Abstract: A device for holding and displaying jewelry of the type having attachment means such as posts and rear clips, pins and the like, having a first page of mesh material having a plurality of apertures defined therein through which apertures the attachment means such as the posts of pierced earrings can be passed and from the rear the rear clips of such pierced earrings can be inserted on the earring posts to hold the jewelry to the mesh page, a second mesh page similar in structure to the first mesh page, a separator element disposed between the first and second mesh pages being of substantially the same size as the first and second mesh pages and having cushioning on each side thereof, and a binding having front and rear cover members with cushioning on the inside of each respectively, the binding means further including means to retain the first and second mesh pages and separator element within the device. Either of the mesh pages may also have slits therein for standard earrings or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Laurette Dufour
  • Patent number: 4720013
    Abstract: A nestable and stackable tray preferably formed of molded or die cut flat sheet material having a pair of stacking supports pivotally attached to the inside of the tray near the bottoms of each of the end walls of the tray. The supports are movable to a lowered position against the base of the tray for nesting empty trays within one another and for holding the trays in close spaced relationship while nesting. The supports are also movable to a raised position against an end wall of the tray and held against the walls with fasteners, where the supports present an upper surface upon which another tray is placed for stacking the loaded trays one upon another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Bradford Company
    Inventors: Glenn R. Nichols, Michael F. Stejskal, Robert M. Zink
  • Patent number: 4720014
    Abstract: A package for an individual service portion of a spreadable product, such as a butter pat or the like, has two opposed edges on each of the base and cover folded into a channel shape and the respective channel sides of the base and cover are positioned in overlapping abutting contact with two opposed sides of the pat to thereby encase the pat in an open-ended, generally rectangularly-shaped tubular member. Alternative structures include forming the cover from a "deadfold" foil and tamping the ends against the ends of the pat and the bottom of the base channel member to form a completely enclosed package without sealing. Also alternatively, the sides of the bottom channel may extend the full height of the pat and the top cover may be a flat sheet or may be channel-shaped perpendicular to that of the base member so as to abut the ends of the pat and form a package essentially completely enclosing the pat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Sanford Redmond
  • Patent number: 4720015
    Abstract: A carton is provided with a moisture-proof membrane which is die cut from a web on-line for attachment to an open ended carton. The membrane includes attachment sections which are sealed to the carton opening, and upright sections which extend outwardly from the attachment sections and overlie the carton opening. The upright sections include a removable membrane strip which provides an opening for dispensing foodstuff from the carton, and interlocking tab and groove elements which provide a resealing feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Arne H. Brauner
  • Patent number: 4720016
    Abstract: A method and an apparattus for modifying a closet to optimize the storage space therein is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a bracket member and an extension member which are slidably adjustable to achieve a desired length. An E-clip is provided which can attach to either the brcket member, the extension member or both at the same time at a plurality of positions along the length thereof. The E-clip can be attached to standards. Therefore, standards can be attached to the wall of a closet at any convenient location. The E-clips can be adjusted on and secured to the bracket and extension member to attach the bracket and extension member to the standards either separately or together. A plurality of longitudinal hanger support members are provided which can pivotally extend from the bracket and extension members. A plurality of conventional hangers can be positioned on the longitudinal support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Harold Kay
  • Patent number: 4720017
    Abstract: An improvement in specimen kits that reduces significantly the possibility of contamination of the specimen by either user or container; of the patient by the swab used to obtain the specimen; and of a subsequent handler of the container by the specimen. It permits the collected specimen to be transported to the diagnostic processing laboratory in common, widely used medical specimen mailing containers, while permitting the use of swab lengths that are appropriate to the type of specimen desired. The improvement is made possible by a unique double-ended stopper that maintains the specimen container sterile until use, then acts as a cap for engaging the swab shaft for withdrawal while maintaining a tight and sterile shipping container after the specimen is taken and while it is subsequently handled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Medical Media Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Cornelius N. Pestes
  • Patent number: 4720018
    Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure construction is disclosed which includes an annular pilfer band which depends from an annular skirt portion of the closure. The pilfer band is partially detachably connected to the skirt portion by frangible ribs, and remains connected to the skirt portion attendant to removal of the closure from a container. To facilitate such removal, the pilfer band includes a fracturable portion defined by a pair of vertically spaced, vertical scores. In order to substantially prevent any propagation of the upper one of the vertical scores, another score is formed in intersecting relation thereto. Consistent manufacture and reliable performance are further promoted by the formation of a stabilizing score in operative association with the fracturable portion of the pilfer band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: H-C Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Schetzsle, Michael E. Corcoran
  • Patent number: 4720019
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stopper device for a container, in particular a container with a neck, consisting of a single-piece stopper with means for detachably joining the device to the container and to its neck, of single-piece sealing means with a seal or the like, and of means for joining the single-piece sealing means to the single-piece stopper, wherein the means (7) for joining the sealing means (5) to the stopper (2) are means which ensure a rigid and automatic connection, the sealing means (5) being rigidly joined to the stopper (2) by simple mounting of these sealing means (5) inside the stopper (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: A.M.S. S.A.
    Inventor: Reinold Geiger
  • Patent number: 4720020
    Abstract: A folding crate comprising a rectangular upper frame, two end walls, two upper side webs, two lower side webs, a base panel and, alternatively, a plurality of casters or supports and a belt. The upper side webs are foldable with respect to the upper frame and the lower side webs are foldable with respect to the base panel by forming a plurality of tubular lappings on the connecting face. Each pair of juxtaposed lappings is engaged together by a pin member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Kuo K. Su
  • Patent number: 4720021
    Abstract: A portable utility tray formed from a resilient thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene. The tray is provided with one or more continuous upward protrusions, of generally inverted V-shape, with one of the protrusions defining a raised rib running centrally and longitudinally of the tray. The top of the rib is provided with sockets to receive pintles carried by a handle pivotally mounted on the rib top, the handle being rotatable over approximately 180.degree.. The handle and rib are provided with cooperating dimple and detent elements to releasably hold the handle in an upright position. The handle may be swung in either of two substantially flat positions, with the handle being releasably held in either of its two extreme, substantially flat positions. The tray is formed by blow molding a preform, to form a double-wall tray, and then cutting off and removing the inner bottom one of double walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: James E. Byrns
  • Patent number: 4720022
    Abstract: A beverage can is provided with a tab having opening and sealing portions. The tab is riveted to the can lid in a central portion thereof with the opening portion being adjacent an openable area of the can lid which is defined by a continuous score line.The can is opened by lifting the sealing portion of the tab which causes downward movement of the opening portion which in turn impinges upon the openable area of the lid until an opening is formed. After forming the opening, the tab is rotated 180 degrees until the sealing recoverable portion is juxtaposed over the opening, thus covering the opening to keep out foreign matter. The tab is then pushed downwardly so that the sealing portion is fitted into the opening, thereby affecting a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Rodney A. Gomes
  • Patent number: 4720023
    Abstract: Combination insulated mug and beverage can holder comprises a one-piece flexible ring-shaped retainer with an annular groove that mounts on the upper rim of an insulated mug. The annular groove on the retainer has an outside lip that has a slightly inward bias and is of a slightly smaller diameter than the outside of the flared or beaded portion of the mug that it fastens to. The inner edge of the flexible retainer has a lip (or tabs) that face inward and slightly down and is of a smaller diameter than the beverage can it is designed to hold and engage when the beverage can is inserted into the mug with a fitted retainer. When the retainer is fitted to the mug's upper rim the insulated mug functions as an insulated holder of a beverage can and when the retainer is not fitted to the upper rim the mug can function as a normal drinking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Michael J. Jeff
  • Patent number: 4720024
    Abstract: A measuring device for an apparatus for measuring and delivering predetermined quantities of liquid, for example quantities of water, comprises a measuring vessel, to which a liquid supply pipe and a liquid discharge pipe are connected, measuring apparatus being mounted in the measuring vessel, which measuring apparatus serve for measuring a fixed quantity of liquid in the measuring vessel and for controlling the liquid supply to and the liquid discharge from the measuring vessel and the measuring apparatus further causes the liquid supply pipe to close and the liquid discharge pipe to open when a set residual quantity of liquid is supplied in the measuring vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Jongerius Hanco B.V.
    Inventor: Sebastiaan C. E. Jongerius
  • Patent number: 4720025
    Abstract: A feeder of loose materials includes a hopper, a chamber with a control section fashioned as a latticed partition having placed thereon kinematically disconnected magnetic bodies, and a source of alternating magnetic field covering the chamber by magnetic lines of force it generates. The latticed partition has the form of a plurality of parallel vertically arranged plates secured in recesses of the chamber by horizontal pins for the plates to be capable of oscillating relative to these pins. The invention expands the field of application of the feeder, makes the feeder more reliable in operation, and improves the quality of the end product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Proizvodstvennoe Geologicheskoe Obiedinenie Tsentralnykh Raionov "Tsentrgeologiya"
    Inventors: Ruben A. Tatevosian, Mikhail Y. Titov
  • Patent number: 4720026
    Abstract: A sewing assembly including a needle, a loop secured to the trailing end of the needle, and a driver member in the form of a thimble adapted to fit on and over the finger of the user and including a hook portion extending upwardly from the main body portion of the thimble and adapted to be inserted into the seat defined by the crotch defined at the juncture of the forward end of the loop with the trailing end of the needle. The loop thus coacts with the needle to facilitate ready threading of the sewing assembly, to define a seat for receipt of the hook portion of the driving member, and to provide cam surfaces to guide the hook portion into firm seating engagement with the seat at the trailing end of the needle. In an alternate form, the driver member is in the form of a finger ring and the hook portion extends upwardly from the main body of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Arnold I. Feuerman
  • Patent number: 4720027
    Abstract: A bag for mounting on the cross bar of a bicycle. The bag includes flap portions unitary with the bag walls and extending above the bag pocket. The flap portion on one wall being wrapped around the bicycle cross bar and joined together by hook and loop fastener materials to support the bag and its contents. The flap portion on the other wall folds over the top opening of the bag and fastens to the flap on the first wall thereby covering the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: William D. Board
  • Patent number: 4720028
    Abstract: A device for hanging a garment in a vehicle includes a hook housing embedded in a vehicle wall and a hook supported by the housing either rotatable or slidable between its retracted position in which it is positioned within the housing and its hanging position in which it projects into the interior space of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takemura, Naoaki Tsuchiya