Patents Issued in December 20, 1994
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Patent number: 5373899Abstract: The invention controls a well during completion by first running a sealable well completion tool and string downhole from the surface and isolating a productive interval near an oil or gas formation from the remainder of the wellbore. The drilling or other fluid in the interval is displaced from the interval under control by a non-damaging fluid. Using a pressure source from the surface, the non-damaging fluid is pressurized and circulated to move the gravel to the formation face by fluid entrainment. After the gravel is separated from the entraining fluid to form a gravel pack, the oil or gas formation may now be produced through the gravel pack.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: Eddie E. Dore', Frank L. Jones, Danny R. Williamson
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Patent number: 5373900Abstract: A tool for cutting or milling casing in a well is disclosed. It includes a plurality of blades extending outwardly to a substantially radial position for cutting the walls of casing strings and removing a predetermined length of the casing strings in a cutting action. The blades have cutting elements positioned on leading faces of the blades to engage the casing strings in a cutting action without tripping or removal from the bore hole. The cutting element has surface irregularities to cause the metal chips cut from the casings to break off at short lengths. The cutting element can also have stress relieving grooves to prevent the propagation of a crack across the face of the element.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gerald D. Lynde, Harold H. Harvey, Jr.
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Patent number: 5373901Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of breaking an aqueous fracturing fluid comprising introducing said aqueous fracturing fluid into contact with an encapsulated breaker said encapsulated breaker comprising an aqueous fluid soluble breaker for said fracturing fluid encapsulated within a membrane comprising a partially hydrolyzed acrylic crosslinked with either an aziridine prepolymer or a carbodiimide, said membrane having imperfections through which an aqueous fluid can diffuse, such that an aqueous fluid in said fracturing fluid can diffuse through said membrane, dissolve at least a portion of said breaker and diffuse outward from said encapsulated breaker to contact and break the fracturing fluid in contact therewith.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Halliburton CompanyInventors: Lewis R. Norman, Steve B. Laramay
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Patent number: 5373902Abstract: A hood assembly includes a hood member and an adjustable length stabilizing link. The stabilizing link is movable between a first position at which the link maintains a bottom surface of the hood member in a substantially parallel relationship with a ground, or soil, surface and a second position at which the link tilts, or rotates, the hood member and thereby moves the bottom surface of the hood member to a nonparallel orientation with the ground surface. When in the tilted position, a portion of the bottom surface of the hood member is spaced from the ground surface at a distance sufficient to permit access for the repair or service of elements normally protectively enclosed by the hood member.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: Victor E. Lindblom
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Patent number: 5373903Abstract: A self-cleaning, dual purpose, manual garden tool that can be used either as a weeder or as a cultivator. The tool has an elongated body that serves as a handle. The body is longitudinally split into two parts which are pivotally joined at one end. When the two parts are brought together they mate so as to form a single body. A blade formed of laterally spaced tines is mounted at the pivoted end of one body part so as to form a longitudinal extension of that body part. Another blade formed of laterally spaced tines is mounted on the pivoted end of the other body part so as to form a transverse extension thereof. When the tool is used as a weeder the longitudinally extending blade is shoved in the soil underneath a weed and the weed is lifted by a prying action. When the tool is used as a cultivator the transversely extending blade is used to scarify the top soil and dig out weeds.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1994Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Walter M. Lewis
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Patent number: 5373904Abstract: A blade construction for a cultivator blade or a cultivator sweep, wherein the blade is adapted to sever plants from the ground by digging up the roots, to permit collection of the plants and subsequent separation of the fruit contained thereon. The blade includes first and second elongated body portions that have respective upper surfaces that are disposed relative to each other to define an obtuse included angle. The forward body portion includes a cutting edge that extends longitudinally of the blade, the cutting edge defined by the intersection of the upper planar surface of the first body portion with a longitudinally-extending grinding surface that is oriented at an acute angle relative to the forward upper planar surface. The obtuse included angle between the first and second body portions can range from about 150.degree. to about 170.degree., and the acute angle at the grinding surface can range from about 25.degree. to about 35.degree..Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Julius R. Sanders
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Patent number: 5373905Abstract: A hammer drill has a three-part hammering sleeve. A hardened tool socket is attached to a guide tube made of unhardened steel by an axial connection. For connection to the driving gearwheel, the guide tube furthermore carries a latching ring fixed on the guide tube by three rollers which make possible good torque transmission. This construction has the advantage that it is no longer necessary to harden the entire hammering sleeve but only the tool socket and the latching ring. The guide tube can be composed of soft steel. The connections and ensure large-area transmission of force, wear on the soft guide tube caused by conventional connection techniques thereby being avoided.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Manfred Bleicher, Ulrich Bohne, Volker Lasch, deceased
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Patent number: 5373906Abstract: An anchor (A) or guide assembly (GA) connects with a workstring (WS) that may include a drill string (DS). The guide assembly (GA) includes an internal tubular member (ITM) to releasably connect with the workstring (WS). A tube (CT) is within the internal tubular member (ITM). The internal tubular member (ITM) is releasably secured with an outer tubular member (OTM). The internal tubular member (ITM) is releasably secured with an anchor surface. The workstring (WS) is released from the internal tubular member (ITM) to move relative to the guide assembly (GA) to extend the tube (CT) from the internal tubular member (ITM) for performing various operations.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Britt O. Braddick
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Patent number: 5373907Abstract: Quality of a matrix body of a matrix body drill bit is tested by forming an extension of the matrix material near the nose of the matrix body drill bit. A notch is formed in a mold used to form the matrix body drill bit. The notch is filled with matrix powder during loading of the mold and subsequently infiltrated with binder alloy during infiltration of the matrix body. A matrix body extension is thus formed in the notch. The notch, and thus the matrix body extension, has a ratio of length versus diameter sufficiently high to allow the extension to be removed without permanently damaging the matrix body. The removed extension may then be subsequently tested.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.Inventor: Gary E. Weaver
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Patent number: 5373908Abstract: A cutting structure for use in a rotary drag bit for downhole drilling is disclosed which relieves stress concentrations focused in the cutting structure along a line adjacent the surface where a cutting element abuts the carrier element or stud. A semicircular polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutting element segment and a cooperating blank segment are diametrically bonded together and, in turn, bonded to a surface on the carrier element. The PDC segment has a chamfer formed along one inner edge, and the blank segment similarly has a chamfer formed along one inner edge. The two segments are joined together along their chamfered edges so that the chamfers are aligned to form a channel through the cutting structure when the segments are bonded to the carrier element. A groove may also be formed in the carrier element along the line where the polycrystalline diamond cutting element, the blank segment and the carrier element are joined, either in addition to or in lieu of the chamfers.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Paul E. Pastusek
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Patent number: 5373909Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle for agricultural harvesting which reduces damage to fields and can be driven on paved roads at reasonable speeds. The vehicle has front and rear elements, linked by an articulating joint which permits turning and rotation of one element with respect to the other. Each element is motivated by a pair of tracked power units which are hydraulically driven by a heavy duty differential between the units. Each power unit is rotatably mounted solely on a shaft sleeve of the differential and is free to oscillate vertically and independently to absorb irregularities in its path. Each unit includes an endless elastomeric track which has two rows of lugs on its inner surface. A novel drive mechanism engages these lugs to motivate the vehicle. A sealed transmission housing in each power unit protects key drive elements from environmental damage without interfering with operation of the unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Byron Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Paul W. Dow, Steven S. Dow
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Patent number: 5373910Abstract: A battery-powered vehicle has two batteries which are replaced, rather than recharged in the vehicle. The vehicle is powered by only one battery at a time and that battery is used until substantially all of the energy the battery is exhausted. A discharged battery is replaced while the vehicle operates with the other, nondischarged battery. Preferred batteries have high energy density and may be of a type that is not rechargeable. An example is an aluminum-air battery. The non-rechargeable discharged batteries can be remanufactured to produce new batteries for further use in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Dale B. Nixon
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Patent number: 5373911Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an automatic lateral guidance control system for motor vehicles is provided which includes a steering servo actuator which steers the vehicle. The steering servo actuator also allows for manual control by the driver. A detector detects when the automatic control is malfunctioning or is not present, and restores manual control to the driver. The system also includes a provision for stability augmentation to compensate for oversteering or understeering.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiyuki Yasui
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Patent number: 5373912Abstract: A differential control system for restrictively controlling a differential, which has electromagnetically controlled clutches disposed between differentially driven shafts, is electromagnetically controlled to lock and unlock the driven shafts. The control system has a controller for restrictively applying a locking current to the differential to lock and unlock the clutches in accordance with control modes manually selected.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Takashi Haiki, Yoshitaka Kimura, Takeshi Sugimoto, Minoru Takata, Shigeaki Imaishi, Yoshihisa Shikenya, Tadashi Kimura
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Patent number: 5373913Abstract: For enhancing the safety of a ladder, adjustable extensions (14) can be attached to the bottom ends of the side rails of the ladder so as effectively to adjust the lengths of such rails so that the ladder will not lean to either side, regardless of any difference in heights of the ground or support areas under such rails. Also coupling cables (66) couple the ladder to the wall of the building against which the ladder leans. The coupling cables connect the midpart of the ladder to a horizontal wall cable (64) which is attached along and parallel to the wall of the building. The top of the ladder is stabilized against rolling to either the left or right and so that it can be positioned stably against irregular supports, such as windows, eaves, pitched roofs, pipes, etc., by means of stabilizing bars (74) connected to its top and suitably shaped to mate with the irregular supports, and by extension arms (82) which project out from the top of the ladder. Hand holds (88) are attached to the extension arms.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Joseph H. Couch, IIIInventor: Virgil Santos
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Patent number: 5373914Abstract: A fitting for connection to a threaded drain hole of a crankcase of a compressor, the fitting including a tool engaging member having surfaces thereon for engagement and rotation by a tool, a drain plug projecting in a first direction from the tool engaging member, the drain plug being externally threaded for engagement with the threaded drain hole, a connection member for connection to a refrigeration service hose having an internally threaded connection, the connection member having an externally threaded surface for engagement with the internally threaded connection of the refrigeration service hose, the connection member projecting from the tool engaging member in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction, a channel passing through each of the drain plug, the tool engaging member, and the connection member, and a depressible valve core disposed within the channel and within the connection member.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Charles T. Maher
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Patent number: 5373915Abstract: A passenger lift incorporates an electronic safety interlock to prevent all movement of the lift, until a restraining belt is fastened. In some embodiments, the interlock is a normally open electric switch located inside the restraining belt's buckle. The switch is closed and the movement of the lift actuated only when the restraining belt's matingly interlocking tab is inserted in the buckle.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Ricon CorporationInventor: Jules M. Tremblay
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Patent number: 5373916Abstract: The invention relates to a safety apparatus mounted in the doorway of an elevator shaft to prevent people, animals and objects from falling down into the shaft. The safety apparatus comprises a collapsible safety wall composed of laminae (1) and supported by telescopic bars (2). The bars (2) are inserted through holes provided in the laminae and attached by their ends to separate supporting structures (3) either with or without hinges (4).Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Kone Elevator GmbHInventors: Seppo J. Kiviniemi, Ari Ketonen
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Patent number: 5373917Abstract: A wheel brake mechanism is disclosed for a vehicle such as a carriage or stroller having a wheel mounted on an axle. The wheel is of the normal type having radially extending ribs with spaces or recesses therebetween. The brake housing is mounted for pivotal movement around the axle between a normal unbraking position and a braking position by depressing a foot pedal attached to the housing. The brake mechanism comprises a cam mounted within the brake housing, and a cam follower mounted on the vehicle body. The cam follower has a cam engagable portion and a wheel engaging portion. Pivotal movement of the brake housing to its braking position causes the cam to force the wheel engaging portion into a wheel recess for braking the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1988Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Fisher-Price, Inc.Inventor: Gordon W. Kamman
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Patent number: 5373918Abstract: A bicycle brake apparatus comprising a pair of brake calipers each attached to a bicycle frame to be pivotable about a first axis, and a connecting structure for connecting one of the brake calipers to a brake control cable. Each brake caliper includes a proximal region pivotally attached to the bicycle frame, a brake pad mounting region for supporting a brake pad, and an arm region extending from the brake pad mounting region. The connecting structure includes a control cable receiving surface formed on the arm region of one of the brake calipers, and a cable clamp for engaging the control cable receiving surface. The cable clamp is movable along a second axis extending substantially parallel to the arm region of this brake caliper to fixedly hold the brake control cable between the control cable receiving surface and the cable clamp. The second axis extends substantially perpendicular to the first axis and in a direction outwardly and upwardly of the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1992Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Masashi Nagano
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Patent number: 5373919Abstract: An improved brake actuator is disclosed that automatically adjusts for brake pad wear, thereby retaining a given retraction space from a fully actuated position. The actuator is hydraulically actuated and the components for positive retraction are housed within the hydraulic actuator, thereby protecting the components from the elements. The brake actuator has particular application for a ring brake having opposed cylindrical braking surfaces. An improved self-locking brake pad is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Eric Siegrist
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Patent number: 5373920Abstract: In a horizontally and vertically acting vibration damper, there is arranged within the damper housing filled with damping medium a series of annular discs, at least one of which is assigned to the damper strut and which are horizontally and vertically movable relative to one another as a whole, the two movements being designated as telescopic. Some of the discs have at their outer edge a driver, so that the horizontal or radial movement of the annular discs can be transmitted to adjacent annular discs after a predetermined travel has been exceeded. By an appropriate calculation of the diameter of the discs, these can be arranged nested one in the other, so that, even with large movements, small constructional sizes are guaranteed.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Cerb Schwingungsisolierungen GmbH & Co.Inventors: Anton Valdivia, Frank-Michael Weber
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Patent number: 5373921Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a hydraulic brake coupled to a rotary shaft. It includes a hydraulic pump connected to the shaft, the pump having a pump inlet, and a pump outlet, a hydraulic loop having an inlet part connected to the pump outlet and an outlet part connected to the pump inlet, a flow control device positioned in the hydraulic loop between the inlet part and the outlet part for controlling flow of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic loop, and a brake actuator connected to the flow control device for reducing the flow of hydraulic fluid in response to operation of the brake actuator. The pump is advantageously a gearwheel pump, and may include a gearwheel housing having one side formed as a flow-control plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Ralph P. Muscatell
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Patent number: 5373922Abstract: The invention is directed to a damper ring for damping the natural vibration of the rotor blades of an integrally bladed rocket turbine rotor. The invention consists of an integral damper ring which is fixed to the underside of the rotor blade platform of a turbine rotor. The damper ring includes integral supports which extend radially outwardly therefrom. The supports are located adjacent the base portion and directly under each blade of the rotor. Vibration damping is accomplished by action of tuned mass damper beams attached at each end to the supports. These beams vibrate at a predetermined frequency during operation. The vibration of the beams enforce a local node of zero vibratory amplitude at the interface between the supports and the beam. The vibration of the beams create forces upon the supports which forces are transmitted through the rotor blade mounting platform to the base of each rotor blade.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: John J. Marra
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Patent number: 5373923Abstract: A rotary motor with a counterbalanced torque arm adapted to be mounted within an auger housing. The torque arm is mounted on the stationary cylinder block of the motor which extends radially outwardly from the access of the cowling and is attached to the auger housing. The torque arm includes a pair of diametrically opposed torque arm members which support pairs of cylinders. The cylinders engage the housing and are interconnected such that diametrically opposed pairs of cylinders are in fluid communication. Accordingly, rotational torques exerted on the torque arm by the cylinder block, for auger screw rotation both in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, are born equally by the opposing torque arm members.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1992Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Larry E. Koenig
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Patent number: 5373924Abstract: A shift mechanism for conditioning a transmission assembly of an off-highway implement. The transmission assembly includes a clutch assembly having a manually actuated clutch pedal for facilitating shifting of the transmission from a neutral condition to any of a plurality of drive conditions. The shift mechanism includes a shift lever mounted for movement toward and away from a neutral position corresponding to the neutral condition of the transmission assembly and a shifting assembly connected to the transmission assembly and mounted for movement along a predetermined path of travel. The shifting assembly is moved in response to shifting movements of the shift lever from for conditioning the transmission assembly into any of the plurality of drive conditions depending on the direction of movement of the shift lever.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Case CorporationInventors: Kenneth E. McKee, Ralph D. Price, Francis A. Peterson
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Patent number: 5373925Abstract: An underwater deployment and storage apparatus for a diving bell or the like has a reel assembly (7) with spaced flanges (9,10) to contain an umbilical services assembly (5) wound around a hub (7A) of the reel. A rotary union (12) mounted in the hub has a fixed assembly or static line (11) about which the hub rotates. The fixed assembly receives services such as gases, liquids, electricity, fibre optics and the like and feeds to a rotatable assembly connected with the hub. The umbilical services are coupled to one of the umbilical. A first drive motor rotates the reel in either direction. A second drive motor and fairlead (6) extract from or rewind the umbilical onto the reel. Both drive motors are synchronized under controls to exert and maintain either a tractive or a drag force on the run of the umbilical.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Ocean Technical Services LimitedInventors: Roger J. Handford, Malcolm Johnson
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Patent number: 5373926Abstract: An electrical rail conductor assemblage for an insulated electrification system, including an elongate electrically-conducting rail having a longitudinal groove for receiving a cooperable collector shoe and for guiding it for travel along the rail. The rail has opposite wall portions which border the groove. The wall portions have thin wall sections with rounded longitudinal edges that constitute the mouth of the groove of the rail. The rail is covered by an essentially tubular, insulating, hollow, resilient and rigid cover member enveloping essentially all portions of the rail except for the mouth of the groove thereof. The cover member has a longitudinal cut which registers with the mouth of this groove, and curved, longitudinally-extending snap-on retainer portions that extend along the cut and are adapted to snap over the rounded longitudinal edges of the rail. These retainer portions extend in a circumferential direction through substantially a full semi-circle.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Howell CorporationInventors: Robin A. Clarke, William R. Heil, Robert S. Beale
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Patent number: 5373927Abstract: A clutch engaging assembly includes a sleeve member positioned circumferentially about a drive shaft, wherein the sleeve member includes a radially outwardly extending circumferential flange. A spring collector is positioned circumferentially about the sleeve member by a plurality of radially extending and angled coil springs positioned between the spring collector and the clutch cover. The angled springs, along with a plurality of axially extending spring members, urge the spring collector towards the flange of the sleeve member. A clearance is maintained between the sleeve member and the spring collector. The spring collector is not fixed to any member of the clutch, and is permitted limited radial movement about the sleeve member.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Daniel V. Gochenour, Matthew R. Arend, James K. Tarlton, Sr.
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Patent number: 5373928Abstract: The invention relates to a friction lining of a clutch plate which is constructed with an encircling reinforcing ring to increase the stability of speed. This annular part is arranged outside the wear volume and has a considerably smaller radial dimension than the friction lining.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AGInventors: Karl H. Werner, Hilmar Goebel, Bernhard Schierling
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Patent number: 5373929Abstract: A coin validator is provided in the region of its entrance hopper with a flap which is caused to pivot against the action of a spring when a coin is inserted in the hopper. In the case of fraudulent use of the coin validator wherein a thread is attached to a coin, the movement of the flap into the closed position following passage of the coin causes a tension to be applied in the trailing thread, and the thread under tension is then sensed by a lever mechanism. Actuation of the lever mechanism by the tensioned thread inhibits validation of the attached coin, e.g. by causing any credit added by the passage of the coin past a testing station to be debited before returning the coin to the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Michael Chittleborough, Alan M. G. Meeks, Robert G. Lloyd, Peter R. Johnson
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Patent number: 5373930Abstract: A package transport system (1) is provided for transporting yarn packages from a textile machine (2) to a transport conveyor (4) and includes a first output conveyor (14) leading outwardly from a top portion of the textile machine, a second output conveyor (16) adjacent to the first output conveyor (14) also leading outwardly from the top portion of the textile machine, a first chute (18) communicating with the first output conveyor (14) for transporting a first package from an end of the first output conveyor (14 ) to the transport conveyor (4 ) , and a second chute (20) communicating with the second output conveyor (16) for transporting a second package from an end of the second output conveyor (16) to the transport conveyor (4). The yarn packages are thus deposited onto the transport conveyor (4) at a predetermined distance from one another without making contact.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: TNS Mills, Inc.Inventor: Kiyohiro Tsuzuki
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Patent number: 5373931Abstract: An integrally formed conveyor belt cleaning head (10) formed of a resilient material includes a substantially transversely extending cleaning tip portion (11). At least two integrally formed and substantially parallel, integrally spaced apart elongate arms (12) extend outwardly therefrom, substantially perpendicular to the transverse cleaning tip portion (11). The arms (12) extend into a substantially transverse base portion (14) which is adapted to engage with and/or be mounted to resilient mounting pad (18). Elongate reinforcing shoulders (19) extend at least partway along each of the arms (12).Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Belle Banne Flexco Pty LimitedInventors: Edwin A. Barnes, Glenn Skelton
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Patent number: 5373932Abstract: A fire barrier apparatus includes a wall separating two adjacent spaces, extending in a predetermined plane and formed from a fire resistant material. The wall has an opening. The apparatus further includes a conveyor defining a conveyor path which extends through the opening. The conveyor has at least one conveyor element within the predetermined plane. A shutter is included within the range of the opening. The shutter is composed of fire resistant material and is movable towards the conveyor element and away from it between an open position where the opening is free and a closed position where the opening is shut off. At least part of the shutter is included in an encasing arrangement for encasing the conveyor element in the closed position of the shutter. Several embodiments are described.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Stoebich Brandschutz GmbHInventors: Jochen Stobich, Joachim Luther
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Patent number: 5373933Abstract: A conveyor for lightweight objects, such as plastic beverage containers, includes an upward facing conveyor surface and a drive for causing the conveyor surface to move. An air suction device located below the conveyor surface draws air through the conveyor surface. The drawn air creates an object-stabilizing suction force on an object located on the conveyor surface when the conveyor moves relative to the air suction device. The conveyor has provision for changing the suction force imposed on the object while it is being transported on the conveyor surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Tomra Systems A/SInventors: Tore Planke, Kristian Holmen
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Patent number: 5373934Abstract: A bottle-gripping insert element is configured for detachable mounting in respective association with a bottle-receiving pocket of a star wheel of a bottle-handling apparatus. The insert element is formed from elastomeric material, and is dimensioned for interfering engagement with associated bottles dimensioned in accordance with normal manufacturing tolerances. The bottle-gripping insert element is preferably provided with a plurality of generally vertically extending gripping ribs for enhanced frictional engagement with associated bottles.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: James R. Jackson, Gerald E. Stelle, Edgar E. Adams
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Patent number: 5373935Abstract: A return roller assembly for the return flight of a continuous belt of a bulk conveyor, the return roller assembly having a center roller and a pair of end rollers, the center roller being mounted horizontally and the end rollers being mounted such that the upper most portion of the inner ends are at the same vertical level as the uppermost part of the center roller and the uppermost part of the outer ends of the end rollers are below the vertical level, the center and end rollers defining a shallow, inverted, trough-like supporting shape for the return flight.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Ronald G. Anderson
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Patent number: 5373936Abstract: A storage container for housing and storing an ink jet cartridge which has a recording head to discharge ink, and an ink tank to contain ink to be supplied to the recording head and which is structured to be exchangeable with respect to a recording apparatus comprises a capping member to be in contact with the ink discharge port surface of the recording head to cover the surface thereof and absorbing members conductively connected to the capping member to absorb ink which leaks from the recording head. With the capping member and absorbing member, an airtightness higher than that of the discharge ports is obtained in order to suppress the ink evaporation from the discharge ports of the recording head while the cartridge which is still in use is kept in the storage container.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsutomu Kawai, Akira Miyakawa, Hideki Yamaguchi, Hitoshi Nakamura, Hisashi Morioka
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Patent number: 5373937Abstract: The invention relates to a two-compartment container of simple construction in one piece [as a whole], comprising two compartments stacked one upon another, which are connected by a passage opening. The passage opening is sealed by a stopper, and a closing cap which is fitted on top of the upper chamber and which partly embraces the outer wall of the same. The stopper has a connecting element which reaches into the upper chamber and has an end that is shaped as a rectangular or disk part. Underneath the end part, hook-shaped and contoured supports snap in, forming the lower end of a handle which has an enlargement on its upper end that protrudes from the container. The handle is connected to the closure cap in one piece by an elastic membrane which is turned in to the inside as long as the chamber is closed, and turned outside when the stopper is removed.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1994Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Goldwell AGInventor: Peter Lamboy
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Patent number: 5373938Abstract: A latch arm for engaging with a corner portion of an IC is pivotably supported on a corner portion of a base member of an IC carrier or IC socket. A spring element extends from a rear end of the latch arm, and is bent to accumulate resilient force when the latch arm is pivoted upwardly to remove engagement. Thus, the latch arm is pivoted in the engaging direction by the accumulated resilient force, in order to maintain engagement with the IC.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Yamaichi Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaaki Kubo
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Patent number: 5373939Abstract: A mechanic's bolt and small parts receptacle for storing bolts, screws, and other small parts removed during repair of an engine or other machine is formed of cardboard as a polyhedron that includes a sloping front panel having a plurality of perforations thereon for receiving and storing individual bolts and screws and that also includes an internal cavity accessible through an opening in a sloping rear panel for storing other small parts.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1994Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Ellis R. Bloomgren
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Patent number: 5373940Abstract: An elongate container structure that is coaxially aligned includes a lipstick tube structure arranged to direct the lipstick tube from within the container at a first end of a central hub, with a second end of the central hub having a removable storage container arranged to contain medicament, coins, or the like therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1994Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: June D. Hillelson
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Patent number: 5373941Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette storage case having reduced exterior dimensions of the cassette storage case and the magnetic tape cassette is prevented from rattling in the case. To assure that a magnetic tape cassette is properly inserted into a pocket portion of the case with one side end of the cassette inserted first, a groove portion is formed on the side wall of the cassette so as to allow one projection-shaped guide portion to be received therein, and a recess portion is formed on the inner wall surface of a side wall of a casing member so as to allow the other projection-shaped guide portion to be received therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kiyoo Morita
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Patent number: 5373942Abstract: A wrapping having a sheet of material and an elongated spring strip. The spring strip has an internal bias for maintaining an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the spring strip is straight from one end to the other end and has an arch from side edge to side edge. In the closed position, the spring strip is circular with one end overlapping the other end and has no arch from side edge to side edge. To wrap an item, such as a floral grouping, the item is placed against the sheet of material with the spring strip in the open, straight position. A portion of the arch of the spring strip is then flattened and the spring strip snaps from the open position into the closed position. In moving into the closed, circular position, the spring strip forms the sheet of material around the floral grouping.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1992Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Highland Supply CorporationInventor: Donald E. Weder
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Patent number: 5373943Abstract: A wrap having a wrap opening formed through a portion thereof for wrapping a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end. The stem end of the floral grouping is inserted through the wrap opening in the wrap and the wrap is formed about the floral grouping and encompasses a substantial portion of the floral grouping while a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping remains extended through the wrap opening in the wrap. In one embodiment, the wrap includes an adhesive or cohesive or drawstring or the like for cooperating to secure the wrap tightly wrapped about the stem end of the floral grouping and for cooperating to secure the wrap wrapped about the floral grouping.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Highland Supply CorporationInventors: David A. Weder, Donald E. Weder
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Patent number: 5373944Abstract: A recording media case suitable for filing recording media adapted to prevent the outer side of encased disk cartridges or the like accommodating the recording media from being exposed when the case is used while separate from a file, and thus adapted to completely protect the recording media from dust and external force, the case also having good portability.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhiro Ishitsuka
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Patent number: 5373945Abstract: The invention pertains to a cassette for storing a plurality of disk-like data carriers with two telescopically insertable, essentially closed, flat housing sections, open in the direction of insertion. The external housing section has attached to one side wall a prod formed as a rib with a stepped edge which projects into the interior of this housing. The steps rise from the bottom of the external housing section towards the open top. The internal housing section which holds the disks has an open top and a slot cut in one side wall and the bottom to receive the rib when the internal housing is nested in the external housing section. The steps on the rib serve to raise successive disks in the interior housing. To close the internal housing, the external housing is inverted and then telescoped with the external housing. The internal housing section, on the side opposite the slot, has a recess open towards the top of the internal housing section 1 which receives the rib in closed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: HAN-Burogerate GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Ralf Niehaus
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Patent number: 5373946Abstract: A system for separating solid particles in two fractions by means of a medium, the specific gravity of said medium being between the specific gravity of the particles of the first fraction and the specific gravity of the particles of the second fraction.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1992Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Paul A. Olivier
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Patent number: 5373947Abstract: A separator of the invention is designed to remove foreign materials, such as small stones, included in granulated materials, such as red beans, having smooth outer surfaces. The separator is formed of a supplying section, and a separating section for receiving the granulated materials with the foreign materials from the supplying section and separating the foreign materials from the granulated materials. The separating section includes at least one pair of elongated rollers formed of first and second rollers, which are arranged parallel to and at a predetermined distance spaced apart from each other. The first roller has a spiral projection on an outer surface thereof, while the second roller has a resilient outer peripheral portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Kyowa Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Teruyuki Nakamura, Yuko Kawakami
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Patent number: 5373948Abstract: A device for separating long-size materials included in the scraps of a crushed car, etc., has an inner cylinder which is installed with a slope and around which a plurality of short pipes are radially installed as they open to the inside of the inner cylinder, and receiving plates which are installed around the outside of said short pipes with a predetermined spacing therefrom. The inner cylinder is rotated at a low speed with the receiving plate, and the scraps charged from the upper stream of said inner cylinder are separated to the short-size materials which have passed through the short pipes and the long-size materials which have flowed down through said inner cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Nippon Jiryoku Senko, Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsunoru Nagaki