Patents Issued in January 25, 1994
  • Patent number: 5280708
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying arrangement is provided for an outboard motor for a watercraft. At least one exhaust port is provided which opens into a first exhaust passage having a first catalyst member lining at least a portion of its inner wall. The first exhaust passage then opens into an exhaust expansion chamber. Next, a second exhaust passage originates just beyond the expansion chamber. A second catalyst member is mounted within and across a section of exhaust passage beyond the first exhaust passage and at a location above the water line within which the outboard motor operates. A first passageway is provided which leads from the second exhaust passage, from a position beyond the second catalyst member, to an exhaust outlet located at a position below a body of water in which the watercraft operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masafumi Sougawa, Atsushi Isogawa
  • Patent number: 5280709
    Abstract: A cooling condenser system adapted especially for processing oily smoke and chemical evaporation includes a motor; a crank shaft to which are connected a number of compression pistons reciprocally operated in corresponding cylinders so as to deliver exhaust air to a cooling condenser; a plurality of exhaust inlet ducts each selectively communicating with a respective cylinder via a first check valve; a plurality of outlet ducts each selectively communicating with a respective cylinder via a second check valve that are led to openings of a cooling condenser and a pressure controlled valve in association with a filter screen disposed at the outlet of the cooling condenser through which the processed exhaust can be discharged to the surroundings. A hot/cold air generator is connected to the cooling condenser and can blow hot or cold air into the condenser and also send hot or cold air to the first and second check valves assembly. A number of collector pans collect the condensed products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Yiu-Te Wang
  • Patent number: 5280710
    Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous process for the preparation of slush hydrogen. The process comprises substantially continuously injecting liquid hydrogen at a temperature slightly above its triple point temperature into a slush hydrogen generator; forming solid hydrogen by removing hydrogen vapor from the slush hydrogen generator; fracturing and dispersing surface solid as it is formed into the slush; concentrating the crystalline solid particles in the slush to a level of at least 30%, and preferably from 45 to 60%, by weight; and substantially continuously removing the slush hydrogen from said slush hydrogen generator at a rate such that a substantially constant level of slush is maintained in said slush hydrogen generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee S. Gaumer, Jr., Robert B. Moore, Glenn E. Kinard
  • Patent number: 5280711
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser is shown and includes an insulated water bath tank for retaining a plurality of beverage heat exchange coils. The coils deliver the beverage to a plurality of beverage dispensing valves. The water bath tank includes an area for holding an ice retaining basket. The dispenser includes a top access door for permitting removal and replacement of the basket from the tank. An overflow drain serves to maintain the water in the tank at a desired level, and an agitator provides for agitation thereof. In operation, the basket is first removed and filled with ice. The basket is then placed into the tank and the access door closed. Water in the bath is displaced by the basket and ice, and any that rises above the overflow drain level is dispensed there through. The agitator causes movement of the water for faster cooling thereof by heat exchange with the ice, and therefore, faster heat exchange cooling of the beverage coils in the water bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos F. C. Motta, Francisco de A. R. Freitas
  • Patent number: 5280712
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flat knitting machine provided with swing sinkers and presser bars which can move into and out from a space provided between two needle beds in relative relationship so that they effectively urge the loops or stitches of yarn. Accordingly, both plain and rib knitting operations will be carried out with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinori Nakamori, Masahiro Yabuta, Minoru Sonomura
  • Patent number: 5280713
    Abstract: An apparatus which provides for servo regulation of a yarn furnisher for a circular knitting machine which permits the knitting machine to operate at a higher speed, controls and varies the tension of the yarn supplied to a knitting machine, and provides a two-bagging unit receptacle for the directing and receiving of the knitted products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: The Kendall Company
    Inventors: Leroy M. Hansen, Bruce Kritz
  • Patent number: 5280714
    Abstract: A block type rolling mill having work roll pairs arranged along a rolling line to roll a single strand product in a twist-free manner, wherein the work roll pairs are driven by a common mill drive via a drive train which includes first and second line shafts extending in parallel relationship with the rolling line, and intermediate drive means for mechanically interconnecting two successive work roll pairs interposed between the two successive work roll pairs and the first and second line shafts, and first and second engagement means for alternatively connecting the intermediate drive means to one or the other of the first and second line shafts via respective first and second intermeshed gear sets having different gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Morgan Construction Company
    Inventors: Terence M. Shore, Melicher Puchovsky
  • Patent number: 5280715
    Abstract: A lifting frame assembly having first and second spaced hooking members adjustably carried on a second portion of the lifting frame assembly is connectable to work tools of different sizes. The lifting frame assembly is connected to a lifting device by a lever arm which causes the lifting frame assembly to hang at an acute angle relative to a vertical plane so that the work tool may be aligned relative to a tool holder of a machine tool without interference. A first end portion of the lifting frame assembly is extensible in order to traverse the length of a ram of the machine tool and further improve alignment capabilities with the tool holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 5280716
    Abstract: A tool for crimping a terminal to an end of an electrical conductor has a movable fulcrum which reduces hand force required to operate the crimping tool. The tool includes main body having a handle end and a first jaw disposed remote from the handle end. A second jaw is pivotally connected to the main body between the handle end and the first jaw. The a second jaw cooperates with the first jaw to perform the crimping as the second jaw is pivoted toward the first jaw. A movable handle is operably connected to the second jaw to pivot the second jaw toward the first jaw. A driver link has a first end pivotally connected to the main body, and a second end of the driver link has a slidable connection with the movable handle. The slidable connection includes a pivot pin which is slidable in a slot defined in the movable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Dale R. Ryan, Steven T. Merkt, David B. Weaver, Richard L. Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 5280717
    Abstract: An improved adhesion testing apparatus (20) for the accurate, quantitative measurement of adhesion of coherent flowable materials such as doughs is provided which includes an extrusion-type sample holding device (42) together with a shiftable probe (38). The device (42) includes a base (46) threadably interconnected with a top (48), the latter supporting an extrusion screen (50). In use, a dough sample placed within the base (46) is extruded through the screen (50) in order to present a test portion (92) above the screen (50); the plunger (38) is then lowered into contact with the portion (92), and rapidly withdrawn. The force required to separate the plunger (38) from the test portion (92) is recorded as a measure of adhesion. Provision of the screen (50) essentially eliminates the potentially interferring factor of dough flow in the measurement of adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Russell C. Hoseney, Wei Z. Chen
  • Patent number: 5280718
    Abstract: A transducer health and offset calibration processing arrangement for a multiple axle railway vehicle including a brake cylinder transducer correction function circuit coupled to a stuck/dragging brake signal terminal, a brake command signal terminal, and a power/brake trainline signal terminal. A zero speed latch circuit and a transducer circuit interface health check circuit connected to a zero speed signal terminal. A first three-input AND gate connected to the zero speed signal terminal, a snowbrake trainline signal terminal, and a Servotrol output signal terminal. A second three-input AND gate coupled to the output of the first three-input AND gate and a highest axle speed signal terminal. A minimum axle rate discriminator circuit connected to each of plurality of axle rate signal terminals of the multiple axles of the railway vehicle. A brake cylinder pressure circuit check and a brake cylinder pressure signal generator coupled to a truck brake cylinder pressure signal terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: John W. Drake, David J. Pcsolar, James A. Wood
  • Patent number: 5280719
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring roughness along a surface (II) of a road or an airport runway in the driving direction. A long bar (I) has a number of ultrasound transducers (1-17) directed down toward the surface (II) of the road. The bar (I) is located e.g. in a carriage trailing behind a vehicle, at a suitable distance (for instance 20 cm) above the road surface (II). During motion, ultrasound pulses are simultaneously emitted form all transducers (1-17) for a subsequent recording of echoes from the road surface (II) with the same transducer, in order to obtain a recording of the distance between the bar and the road surface for each particular transducer. The measurement is repeated when the bar (I) has moved a distance equal to an integral multiple of the distance between two neighboring transducers, in such a manner that a number of the previously measured spots are measured once more, i.e. an overlap technique is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Veidirektoratet, Veglaboratoriet
    Inventor: Per M. Noss
  • Patent number: 5280720
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a web for tears occurring inside a dryer of a web-fed printing machine includes measuring the temperature of a running web by a thermal monitoring device in the proximity of an inlet to the dryer, and actuating a safety device when a sudden increase in the temperature of the web is detected by the thermal monitoring device; and device for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Heinrich Heidt
  • Patent number: 5280721
    Abstract: To measure flow rates, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path is changed by inserting a multiple position gate into the flow path and altering the position of the gate to maintain the head of liquid constant with a reduced flow cross section. The position of the multiple position gate is correlated with the depth as measured with a bubbler to provide an indication of flow rate. To purge the bubbler line, a purge tank is located near the bubbler line. At timed periods or as manually initiated the controller causes an increase in pressure in accumulator portion of the purge tank. When a predetermined pressure is reached, a purge valve in the purge tank opens, rapidly allowing a burst of air at a substantial pressure and velocity to flow through the bubbler line to remove any material adhering to the bubbler outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Isco, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas T. Carson
  • Patent number: 5280722
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for indicating disbonds in joint regions. A critical bondline region is located between a first material and a second material having a higher acoustic impedance than the first material. A form member having an acoustic impedance which is substantially similar to the first material has a first face which is form fitted to a surface of the first material opposite to and non-parallel with the critical bondline region. The form member has an opposite second face which is shaped to be parallel to the critcal bondline region. Transducers are acoustically coupled to the second face of the form member to generate an ultrasonic tone burst through the acoustically similar form member and first material which is reflected by the critical bondline region. This reflected tone burst is received and a resulting signal is compared with a normal signal for no disbond to determine the presence of an unacceptable disbond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Eric I. Madaras
  • Patent number: 5280723
    Abstract: There is provided a programmable receiver for detecting signals reflected from, or transmitted through, a material for analyzing flaws in the material, having a circuit for dividing the signals into a multiplicity of separate, independent sections for selective evaluation of waveform portions as contained in each of the sections. A method for detecting and analyzing flaws in materials is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: IRT Inspection Research & Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham Aharoni, Tzach Livne, Itzhack Segev
  • Patent number: 5280724
    Abstract: A non-destructive, non-invasive arrangement is provided for detecting defects, such as voids, or poorly adhering layers in solid objects and laminated materials. A sensing signal is emitted by one transducer and received by two others. All of the sensors are disposed in a housing unit. The difference between the received signals is used to indicate a defect in the work piece proximate one of the transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Yakichi Higo
    Inventors: Yakichi Higo, Shigenori Kazama
  • Patent number: 5280725
    Abstract: The process described enables in situ testing of securing elements, for example bolted assemblies, to verify that their tightness is adequate and to detect any material defects. To this end, it is sufficient that a coil (19) subjects at least one part of the screwed assembly to an alternating magnetic field. This field, whose frequency can be varied, provides a spectrum containing information about the tightness of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Wolfgang Stengel
  • Patent number: 5280726
    Abstract: The flow rate of molten aluminum through a trough is measured by damming off the trough and diverting the flow through the measuring tube of a magnetic flow meter having a diameter, and located at a level in the trough to create a head of molten aluminum sufficient to produce a flow through the tube which is within the operating range of the meter. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart dam members forming a cavity therebetween which is transversed by the measuring tube. The magnet of the flow meter is located in the cavity preferably in a housing through which cooling air is circulated. The electrodes are made of an electrically conductive material which is resistant to corrosion by the molten aluminum, preferably, titanium diboride. Spring biased tapered connections seal the measuring tube with the dam members which have peripheral seals to keep molten aluminum out of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: John M. Urbanic, Daniel W. Severa, Eric D. Arndt
  • Patent number: 5280727
    Abstract: An electromagnetic flow measuring tube is manufactured by forming an inner member which consists substantially of plastic and thereafter coating the inner member with a material which has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion and a higher mechanical strength than the material of the inner member to form an outer member which surrounds the inner member in a form-stabilizing stiffening manner. Thus, when the inner member is formed from plastic in hot condition, as for instance by injection molding, it can cool down and solidify in a relaxed condition, so that it is free of intrinsic mechanical stresses when the outer member is applied. This eliminates the danger of a detachment of the inner member from the outer member and of subsequent occurrence of cracks in the material of the inner member. Mounting flanges, stiffening webs and other structural elements are integrally formed with the plastic inner member. This permits a simple and economic manufacture of flow measuring tubes having a complicated shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Peter Hafner, Roland Unterseh
  • Patent number: 5280728
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flow velocity measurement method and apparatus thereof and comprises ultrasonic wave transducers disposed on the upstream and downstream sides of a pipe and a control apparatus connected to these ultrasonic wave transducers. Concerning the flow velocity measurement, an average propagation sound velocity in the wedge which forms the ultrasonic wave transducers and the sound velocity on the surface where the wedge is brought into contact with the pipe are measured. The time from when ultrasonic waves are originated from the upstream side to the downstream side and and vice versa and to when they are received is measured. These measured values and the distance between the ultrasonic wave transducers are substituted for a predetermined function to determine the flow velocity of a fluid inside the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Tokimec Inc.
    Inventors: Toshio Sato, Ryohei Motegi
  • Patent number: 5280729
    Abstract: To obtain stable linear torque-output characteristics over a wide torque range in a magnetostrictive torque detecting apparatus having a shaft to be measured, an exciting coil for magnetically exciting the shaft, and a detecting coil for detecting magnetostrictive components generated in the shaft distorted by a torque, the shaft is particularly composed of a substrate shaft portion made of a high yield point material and a shape anisotropic layer portion made of a high magnetostrictive material metallographically welded on an outer surface of the substrate shaft. The welded shape anisotropic layer portion is formed with two symmetrical groups of concave/convex portions each arranged at regular angular intervals on the outer circumferential surface thereof at an inclination angle with respect to the axial direction of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Daido Steel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Aoki, Munekatsu Shimada, Itaru Shibata, Mikiya Shinohara, Masashi Mizuno, Shinichiro Yahagi, Masaru Nagata, Nobuyuki Matsui, Shigeo Hanashima
  • Patent number: 5280730
    Abstract: Apparatus for testing testpieces (11) in the form of small plates, in which the testpiece is grasped between two pairs of jaws (12,13), which can be moved together. The jaws (12,13) are mounted on the platens (1,4) without hyperstaticity, which reduces the risks of introducing parasitic forces. The testpiece can be notched in such a way that its median portion is exposed to shear. The jaws then have adequate lengths to cover the principal faces of the testpiece (11) virtually up to the notches. The shear field is at a maximum and quasi-uniform in the median surface between the notches. This invention is useful for characterizing the interlaminar shear of plates made from composite materials and includes curved testpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Patrick Peres, Michel Cussac
  • Patent number: 5280731
    Abstract: The constant-mesh transmission includes a gear case, an input shaft, a counter shaft and an output shaft. An input drive gear integral with the input shaft meshes with the counter shaft drive gear. First, second and third speed counter shaft gears are integral with the counter shaft. A fifth speed counter shaft gear and a counter shaft sprocket are journaled on the counter shaft. First, second and third speed driven gears are journaled on the output shaft and in mesh with the first, second and third speed counter shaft gears. A reverse driven sprocket is journaled on the output shaft. A fifth speed output shaft gear is secured to the output shaft. A chain is trained around the sprockets. Clutch assemblies are mounted on the output shaft and a clutch is mounted on the counter shaft. A clutch locks gears to the output shaft for first and second speed. A clutch locks a gear to the output shaft for third speed or locks the input shaft to the output shaft for fourth speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: George S. Turpin
  • Patent number: 5280732
    Abstract: A column type change lever mechanism mounted on a tiltable steering shaft assembly having an upper steering column arranged to be tiltable upwardly or downwardly at a tilt center axis. The column type change lever mechanism is composed of a shift arm rotatably mounted on the upper steering column, a manual change lever connected to the shift arm to be operated for rotating the shift arm, a bell crank mounted on the upper steering column in such a manner as to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the tilt center axis and a central axis of the upper steering column and having a first arm pivoted to the shift arm and a second arm pivotally connected to one end of a forwardly extending push-pull cable the other end of which is operatively connected to an automatic transmission of an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Banno Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Katsumata, Motoharu Akiyama
  • Patent number: 5280733
    Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) includes a flexible core element (14) slideably disposed within a conduit (12). A slider member (18) is molded to an end of the conduit (12) and extends slideably into a housing (20) for moving longitudinally relative thereto to adjust the overall effective length of the conduit (12). A locking member (86) is carried on the housing (20) and movable laterally relative to the slider member (18) for selectively engaging the slider member (18) to lock the assembly (10) in an adjusted condition. An anchor leg (112) extends from the side of the housing (20) for engaging an underside surface (116) of a support plate (110) when the housing (20) is slide longitudinally therealong. A locking projection (126) extends from the locking member (86) for engaging a slot (138) in the support plate (119) when the locking member (86) is engaged to prevent disconnection of the assembly from the support plate (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Teleflex, Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael V. Reasoner
  • Patent number: 5280734
    Abstract: A foot operated actuator is provided for actuating a cable operated vehicle parking brake. The actuator comprises an input lever pivotally mounted on a support for movement to a plurality of brake applied positions where it is held by a pawl-and-sector latch. The lever is standardized and is adapted to receive a plurality of different interchangeable sectors. The sectors have outer peripheral cable-receiving grooves which can have a variety of outer profiles which determine the constant or variable output/input ratio of output cable travel per unit of input lever travel. The lever has a hub having an arcuate surface which receives a mating arcuate surface on the sectors. The sectors each have a radially inwardly depending lobed tab that is axially received in an axially open mating slot on the hub to lock the sectors to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Dura Mechanical Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie J. Riffle, Gerald G. Scott
  • Patent number: 5280735
    Abstract: A two piece grip which can be securely attached to a bearing surface. The grip has substantially reduced relative slippage between the grip and the bearing surface. The grip utilizes a two piece construction which comprises a substantially pliable inner sleeve and a substantially rigid outer housing. The outer housing applies force to the inner sleeve to prevent it from rotating on the bearing surface. The pliable inner sleeve absorbs a substantial amount of vibrations and comprises a high tactile material to provide ease of gripping. The two piece invented grip may be repeatedly attached and removed from a bearing surface without causing substantial damage to the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventors: Raymond J. Kuipers, Dominica R. Kuipers
  • Patent number: 5280736
    Abstract: A balancing assembly for a gas turbine hollow drive shaft is disclosed. The balance assembly includes an expandable balance weight carrier and a device for expanding the carrier inside the hollow drive shaft. In a preferred embodiment the carrier comprises a split ring with a plurality of apertures at which balance weights can be received. Combinations of balance weights can be located around the carrier ring to establish an imbalance correction on the carrier. The carrier can then be positioned inside the shaft and expanded against the shaft with the imbalance correction directed opposite the shaft imbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Wesling, Terry T. Eckert, Phillip W. Rambo
  • Patent number: 5280737
    Abstract: A hammer having unique structure in the handle receiving central portion of its hammer head unit. A wedge unit is formed from two intersecting wedge sections that are made of a specific plastic material. The top surface of one of the wedge sections is spaced downwardly a predetermined distance from the top surface of the other wedge section to form a channel for receiving a magnet. The wedge unit is driven into the top end of the hammer causing the wood to be wedged outwardly in four directions within the handle receiving central portion of the hammer head unit. The wedge sections of the wedge unit have a plurality of horizontal barbs and the respective slots formed in the top end of the handle have mating notches for receiving the horizontal barbs of the wedge unit. An epoxy adhesive may also be used to aid in holding the wedge unit in the top end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Ted Floyd
  • Patent number: 5280738
    Abstract: A hammer includes a handle having a head pivotally connected to one end of the handle. A positioning device is provided to position the head at an angle with respect to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Mou-Tang Liou
  • Patent number: 5280739
    Abstract: A hammer includes a shaft having a beam and two bars and a hand grip having an opening and two holes for engagement with the beam and the bars, each of the holes includes a length longer than that of the bar such that a space is formed in each of the holes when the bar is engaged in the hole. The spaces form a shock absorbing configuration of the handle of the hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Mou T. Liou
  • Patent number: 5280740
    Abstract: A socket wrench is shown having a socket driver head pinned to a clevis on a shaft. A sleeve is receivable over the shaft end and includes open ended slots pointing away from the clevis. The shaft includes a pin press fit within a cross bore on the shaft end, and the shaft and sleeve are axially slidable relative to each other; where in one position the pin engages one of the slots, and in another position, the shaft and sleeve spin freely of each other. A handle includes an internal bore which is profiled to compressively fit over the sleeve, and a chamber is defined between the sleeve and the end of the internal bore, to provide clearance for the axial movement of the shaft and sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: MAC Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Ernst
  • Patent number: 5280741
    Abstract: A dispenser for a quantity of a retraction cord where the cord is impregnated with a medicinal substance. The outer free end of the cord is conducted through an outlet hole formed within a cover which closes the access opening into the internal chamber of the housing where the cord stored. A lid is mounted on the cover with this lid including a cutting blade. This lid is movable between an open and a closed position and when in the open position the free outer end of the cord can be pulled from the dispenser a desired amount. As the lid is closed, the cutting blade severs the cord permitting the severed strand of the cord to be utilized. The remaining cord within the dispenser is closed to the ambient thereby keeping the stored cord in the dispenser from contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Belport Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph V. Bell, Eric Groth
  • Patent number: 5280742
    Abstract: A musical drum construction has a drum side wall comprising a relatively thin outer plastic shell or skin and a relatively thick inner foam plastic liner. The drum construction is of relatively light weight and is economical to manufacture. A fluctuating light source is provided in the drum to impart a glowing appearance to the drum exterior. Switch mechanisms on the drum respond to vibrational motion of the drum skin to control the light source, the light or lights going on and off at the frequency with which the drum skin is struck by a drumstick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Florentino S. Vergara
  • Patent number: 5280743
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to luminous drumsticks. The drumsticks of the present invention permit the drummer to perform visually dramatic drumstick maneuvers and exhibitions without impeding the drummer's traditional responsibility of providing a continuum of timely rhythm to the subject music. This is achieved because the drumsticks embodying this invention comprise drumstick body elements which are configured such that the center of mass of the drumstick is at substantially the midpoint of the length of the drumstick body, and such that either end of the drumstick may function as the drum tip. The ends are also configured such that they are compatible for universal use on all types of percussion instruments. Such a construction of drumsticks permits the drummer to predictably and confidently manipulate the drumsticks for the desired visual, yet timely rhythmic affect. The present invention also contemplates a novel method of manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: JTA Products
    Inventors: James T. Abel, Jeffrey T. Abel
  • Patent number: 5280744
    Abstract: Each towed field artillery piece in a battery of field artillery pieces uses a heading reference system having a "slave" azimuth gyro, pitch and roll angle sensors and a readout display for correcting azimuth and elevation during a fire mission. A master system includes a "master" azimuth gyro which is mechanically lined up with the axis of the "slave" azimuth gyros in the heading reference systems. The master system transfers azimuth information to the slave system, whereupon the slave system acts as a repeater for the information given by the master to confirm congruency of the master and slave systems and provides the present location of the respective field artillery pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Frank S. DeCarlo, Frank L. Rosen, Desmond F. Carey
  • Patent number: 5280745
    Abstract: A variable-stroke radial-plunger-type apparatus for use as an air compressor, for example, has a main shaft rotatably disposed in a casing assembly, an eccentric collar angularly movably mounted on a eccentric crankpin of the main shaft, and a coupling ring angularly movably mounted on the eccentric collar. A plurality of radial plungers with inner ends coupled to the coupling ring are slidably fitted in respective cylinders that are rockably supported it the casing assembly. The angular movement of the eccentric collar on the crankpin is adjusted by a stroke adjusting mechanism. The coupling ring can be positioned with respect to the main shaft and the casing assembly by a W-mechanism. The W-mechanism may comprise external and internal gears or pulleys and sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fujiya Maruno
  • Patent number: 5280746
    Abstract: In a pump having a piston, supported displaceably in a pump cylinder, for aspirating a pressure fluid via a feed line and for expelling this pressure fluid into a line, particularly a brake line, the pump cylinder is intended to rest with a stop ring on a shoulder of the housing. This housing shoulder is adjoined by an annular chamber having a filter, which toward the housing forms an annular gap into which the feed line for pressure fluid discharges. The pump cylinder stop ring is intended to include a radius of curvature and to rest on the housing shoulder, also having a radius of curvature in the region of a bearing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Siegel
  • Patent number: 5280747
    Abstract: An espresso coffee machine has a vertically movable snout that supplies hot water under pressure of a pump (13), to coffee (8) held in a filter (7) on a stationary support (9). The snout (10) which penetrates inside the filter (7), is mounted on the first part (22) of a hydraulic jack (21) actuated by the pressurized water supplied by the pump (13). The second part (88) of the jack is adapted to be moved against the action of an antagonistic spring (98) in order to permit the optimum deployment of the jack (21) when the snout (10) is in contact with the ground coffee (8) in the filter (7). This construction is useful for limiting the mechanical stresses on the component parts of the jack, and the pressure exerted by the snout on the ground coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Seb S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Bonneville, Bernard Beillard
  • Patent number: 5280748
    Abstract: An apparatus for uniformly cooking foods which rapidly cools the cooked foods to reduce spoilage. Food packages are placed on trays and the trays are inserted in a transportable rack. The rack is loaded into a cooking tank. A pump continuously circulates hot water through a conduit from a heat exchanger to the tank to cook the food and returns the water back to the heat exchanger. A control mechanism determines and controls the temperature of the water and monitors the temperature of the food to control the length of time the heated water is applied. After the food has been properly cooked and pasteurized, cold water is rapidly supplied to the tank to quickly cool the cooked products. The continuous circulation of water during the heating mode provides uniform cooking with precise temperature control and the circulation during the cooling mode provides for rapid cooling so as to reduce spoilage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Richard J. Pardo
  • Patent number: 5280749
    Abstract: In a frying apparatus, in particular for grilling, an electric heating device with a contact frying surface is positioned in a mainly box-shaped cabinet with an up-turned opening that may be closed at a distance above the contact frying surface by a preferably transparent cover plate. Structure is provided in connection with the cabinet for conditioning the atmosphere above the contact frying surface at a temperature and air humidity suitable for a specific frying operation, together with an air exhaust for the removal of vapor, fatty particles, smoke and smell from the atmosphere. An air flow of a specific quantity and at controlled temperature and passing substantially horizontally is provided across the contact frying surface towards the air exhaust positioned at one lateral wall of the cabinet, a preferably catalytic filtering device being provided in association with the air exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: A/S Ernst Voss Fabrik
    Inventor: Dico Smit
  • Patent number: 5280750
    Abstract: An ink fountain apparatus in an ink supply system for use with a printing press. The apparatus comprises an ink reservoir provided with an ink fountain, an ink steering/collecting section formed in a zone of the ink reservoir and in which a screw adapted to stir, transfer and collect ink is rotatively mounted therein, an ink delivery section for delivering ink into the ink reservoir, and a pump installed between the ink steering/collecting section and the ink delivery section. A suction port of the pump is directly connected to an ink collecting zone of the ink steering/collecting section where ink is collected through the action of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kouichi Yoshida, Kenji Kusunoki
  • Patent number: 5280751
    Abstract: A munition incorporating a miniature transmitter (25) and a piezoelectric power supply (45) which converts a portion of the kinetic energy of the projectile (20), upon impact, into radio frequency energy and radiates that energy into space. The transmitter (25) can be made in suitable sizes to fit various calibers of ammunition. Different caliber ammunition can be made to radiate different frequencies. The transmitted RF energy allows the point of impact of the projectiles to be located with a high degree of precision. This type of munition may be used in the scoring of air to ground gunnery in training environments by receiving the RF energy at several known locations and determining the point of impact using time of arrival or angle of arrival techniques. Frequency discrimination allows simultaneous scoring of multiple weapons from the same aircraft or from multiple aircraft. The munition may be employed in tactical applications by allowing the fall of fire to be located and adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: James O. Muirhead, Gerald E. Held
  • Patent number: 5280752
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sub-combat unit which is disposed to be separated from a flying body, for example a carrier shell or the like, over a target area, the sub-combat unit comprising a warhead (4), a target detector (5) and two diametrically located carrier surfaces (1, 2) which impart to the sub-combat unit a rotation for scanning the target area in a helical pattern during the fall of the sub-combat unit down towards the target area, and both of the carrier surfaces (1, 2) being pivotally disposed from a collapsed position to an opened position where both of the carrier surfaces form a retarding area for the fall velocity of the sub-combat unit. The sub-combat unit is designed such that the relationship between the largest main inertia moment and the other main inertia moments of the sub-combat unit lies within the range of between 1.05 and 1.15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Bofors AB
    Inventors: Dan Borgstrom, Lasse Karlsen, Lars Paulsson
  • Patent number: 5280753
    Abstract: A dual mode table which is convertible to serve as a coffee table and as a dining table comprises a fixed structure supporting a table top through a pair of table top extension means. The extension means comprise facing swingable frames which are pivotally pinned to the base and engage the table top for example through a pin and slot connection for movement of the table top between lowered and raised positions. In the lowered position the table top is substantially at the level of the base structure while in the raised position the extension means are locked and stabilized by appropriate means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventors: Gerald Kavanagh, Michael Kavanagh
  • Patent number: 5280754
    Abstract: A system for detecting objects in the path of a power operated, movable door operating in a mass transit vehicle, which would obstruct door closing. The system also includes an integral method for detection of a "free wheeling" door occasioned by failure of the door mechanical drive. Method and apparatus disclosed utilize door handle locating devices such as electrical switches located at predetermined points along the door closure track. A combination of door locations along the closure track centrally define positions signaling either door linkage failure with attendant "free wheeling" door, and/or door obstruction, in each case, the system disclosed prevents train motion until the improper door condition is remedied. The combination provides a reduction in passenger hazards occasioned by train movement with defective operator linkage and/or door obstruction due to trapped passengers or other impediments to door closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Mark IV Transportation Products Corp. (Vapor Div)
    Inventors: Daniel J. Flanagan, Robert M. Gutierrez, Patrick J. Udelhofen, William J. Patsch
  • Patent number: 5280755
    Abstract: A security cabinet for storing of articles of value which is designed to prevent unauthorized access into the security cabinet by individuals not possessing sufficient physical strength such as young children. The latching arrangement of the security cabinet can be located in a position requiring an inward force of a sufficient magnitude to be applied to the door in order to permit the door to be opened and thereby gain access into the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Dennis A. Batur
  • Patent number: 5280756
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling and providing guidance in reducing the level of NO.sub.x emissions based on controllable combustion parameters and model calculations while maintaining satisfactory plant performance and not causing other harmful consequences to the furnace. To implement such a system, boiler control values of flow, pressure, temperature, valve and damper positions in addition to emission sensors for data associated with the production of NO.sub.x, O.sub.2, CO, unburned carbon and fuel. This information is received from standard sensors located throughout a boiler which are connected either to a distributed control system (DCS), or another data acquisition system which is time coordinated with the DCS. The DCS passes this information to a computing device which then processes the information by model based optimization simulation programs, also referred to as the NO.sub.x Emissions Advisor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Stone & Webster Engineering Corp.
    Inventor: Donald E. Labbe
  • Patent number: 5280757
    Abstract: A plasma arc torch is used as an independent heat source in an enclosed reactor vessel to gasify municipal solid waste and produce a medium quality gas and an inert monolithic slag having substantially lower toxic element leachability. The gas has lower levels of metals and semi-volatile organic compounds, particularly dioxins and furans. Other materials may also be gasified, for example, coal, wood and peat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventors: George W. Carter, Andreas Tsangaris