Patents Issued in March 14, 1995
  • Patent number: 5397068
    Abstract: A compact medical waste disposal device, operable without water or other processing, disposal or disinfecting fluid or solution, for pulverizing Sharps into medically acceptably safe small particles, and directing the particles into a disposable container. The disposal device comprises a waste receiving and pulverizing chamber containing a pulverizing disc blade, with the disc blade being operable only when the pulverizing chamber is sealed. The pulverizing disc grinds the medical waste against the inner surface of a closely adjacent liner of the pulverizing chamber. Relatively heavy elements, rotatably swing on the upper surface of the pulverizing disc to direct medical waste materials and fragments, towards the pulverizing interface between disc and liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: SPS Medical Equipment Corp.
    Inventors: Charles Solomons, Herbert R. Porter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5397069
    Abstract: A jaw crusher designed to break a non-rigid object, e.g., asphalt, into pieces of desired size without causing the object to be undesirably mashed by changing the motion of a movable tooth plate relative to a fixed tooth plate. The jaw crusher includes a fixed tooth plate (16), a swing jaw (8), a movable tooth plate (15), and a toggle plate (10). Motion of a lower end portion of the movable tooth plate (15) which is on an approximately circular locus satisfies the conditions that the relative angle between a straight line connecting the lower and upper end points of the approximately circular locus and the fixed tooth plate (16) is not smaller than 20.degree., and that the distance between the lower and upper end points is not shorter than 50 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Nakayama Iron Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kitsukawa, Koichiro Ogushi
  • Patent number: 5397070
    Abstract: An automatic coil winder provided with a turret having a rotation axle for carrying a bobbin and a motor for rotating this rotation axle, and provided with a nozzle for supplying wire to the bobbin, further comprises a mechanism for rotating the turret and a mechanism for fixing the turret in a predetermined rotation position. The rotation axis of the bobbin can therefore be inclined depending on the projection direction of a terminal pin on the bobbin, and the tying of the wire around the pin can be easily accomplished. By providing a displacement mechanism which can displace the turret in three dimensions, it is easy to adapt to operations other than winding such as soldering wire to the terminal pin or taping it to the bobbin, and the entire series of coil manufacturing processes can be automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Nittoku Engineering Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fumiharu Yano
  • Patent number: 5397071
    Abstract: A motor output regulator for increasing and decreasing the output of a spool drive motor in multiple continuous stages is rotatably provided, in a motor-operated fishing reel equipped with a spool drive motor, on the same side of the reel body where a manual handle for manually driving the spool to rotate is installed. The direction in which the output of the motor is increased by the motor output regulator is set equal to the direction in which the fishline is wound up onto the spool by the manual handle. The motor-operated fishing reel is excellent in operability in that while both sides of the reel body is gripped, the output of the motor can be made variable to adjust its speed. It is also possible to simultaneously perform both winding-up operation by the manual handle and speed change operation by the motor output regulator with a single hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuya Nanbu
  • Patent number: 5397072
    Abstract: A drive belt for a belt-driven recording tape cartridge, wherein the drive belt has inside and outside major surfaces which comprise a plurality of bubble burst discontinuities. Processes for making drive belts with bubble burst discontinuities are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Wolfgang G. Schoeppel, David P. Smith
  • Patent number: 5397073
    Abstract: In a seat belt retractor, cross-section of a reel shaft 4 is formed in octagonal cylinder, and each side of the octagon, i.e. outer peripheral surfaces 4b between corners 4a of the reel shaft 4 are formed in inwardly curved depression. Therefore, when a webbing 3 is taken up on the reel shaft 4, the webbing 3 is brought into contact only with the corners 4a of outer peripheral surfaces of the reel 4, and high compressive force f is intensively applied on the webbing 3 at the corners 4a of the reel shaft 4. As the result, high friction force is generated between the corners 4a and the webbing 3 and between the webbing coils at the corners 4a, and this prevents the pulling-out of the webbing 3. Thus, the pulling-out of the webbing due to tightening phenomenon can be prevented in reliable and satisfactory manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiichi Fujimura
  • Patent number: 5397074
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for engaging tape wound on a reel and for threading the tape on various members of a tape loading machine comprises a grasping member supported by a driving bar slidably engaged in a support arm and movable in a vertical direction. The support arm extends downwardly from a main carriage horizontally movable along guide bars slidably carried on top of a tape loading center. The grasping member is designed to pick up a closure tab associated with a pancake previously mounted on a support hub belonging to the loading machine. By the combination of vertical and horizontal movements imparted to the grasping member by the driving bar and the main carriage, the magnetic tape connected to the closure tab is partly unwound from the pancake and guided in a predetermined path between the different members of the loading machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Tapematic U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Luciano Perego
  • Patent number: 5397075
    Abstract: A pretensioner for a seat belt utilizes a relatively inexpensive gas-producing cartridge that is easily replaced after activation so as to condition the pretensioner for subsequent use. The cartridge is similar to a shotgun shell and is chambered in a breech block. The cartridge contains a gas-producing pyrotechnic and a piston. Upon ignition, gas produced by the pyrotechnic effects advancement of the piston which, through an associated mechanism, takes up slack in the seat belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard W. Behr
  • Patent number: 5397076
    Abstract: A pre-prepared paster pattern designed to effectively create a splice between the first web of a first roll of paper feeding into a high speed printing press and the leading edge of the second web of a second replacement roll of paper. The paster pattern comprises a first extensive paper layer having two generally triangularly shaped portions adapted on a first side to be adhesively connected to the end portion of the replacement roll and to a web portion of the replacement roll spaced from the end portion. An array of pressure sensitive adhesive layers are applied to the second and opposing side of the first paper layer and are adapted to adhere to the first web of the first roll while the first web is being fed into the high speed printing press. A very tacky adhesive layer is applied to the second side at the apex of each triangular portion and is protected by a removable cover or release paper layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Man Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Edward R. Padilla
  • Patent number: 5397077
    Abstract: An inlet bleed system for a supersonic aircraft engine having a longitudinally downstream extending inlet bounded by a boundary wall that in part defines a supersonic flowpath through the inlet, a transversely extending boundary layer scoop extends into a boundary layer region of the flowpath and has an upstream facing bleed aperture, and a shock generating means for generating a shockwave in a supersonic flow in the flowpath such that the shockwave passes through the bleed aperture. One embodiment provides a scoop which extends a height above the wall such that it is operable to scoop off no more than a sufficient amount of a boundary layer flow that would exist in the boundary region and be momentum deficient relative to predetermined conditions that would exist downstream of the scoop under supersonic operating conditions. Another embodiment provides for the scoop to be disposed a throat section of the inlet wherein the aperture located is just upstream of the normal shock location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul H. Kutschenreuter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5397078
    Abstract: A pallet that is initially not completely aligned with a support structure, such as support rails in the floor of an aircraft, is properly aligned by the function of an aligning and coupling device which has two sections interconnected by a coupling member, such as a screw bolt that can be tightened. One section is connected to the support and the other section is connected to the pallet. Relative movement at least in a radial direction of the components of one section permit an adjustment. The relative movement is preferably permitted in the radial and axial direction. The continued tightening of the two sections to each other provide the required alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Eilenstein-Wiegmann, Guenter Vogg
  • Patent number: 5397079
    Abstract: Process for the autonomous positional control of guided missiles, which are to be launched from a carrier plane, but without the cooperation thereof, wherein data on the instantaneous position of the guided missile, as well as flight and target data are fed into a computer of the guided missile already on the ground. The initial data fed into the computer are continually updated with changing values from the inertial navigation and additional navigational aids and are further calculated to achieve autonomous flight guidance and self-guiding of the missile. An uninterruptible power supply of the guided missile is maintained beginning from the moment of data reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Strentz, Gunther Bittner
  • Patent number: 5397080
    Abstract: The spreading of a fire outside of an aircraft body into the cabin through the windows is retarded by a fire retardant slide member that is movable into a window covering position guided by guide rails or the like. Both, the sliding member and the guide rails are made of fire retarding material such as thermosetting material, preferably glass fiber reinforced thermosetting materials. A thermoplastic locking element that holds the sliding cover member in a recessed position releases the cover member when the locking element melts at elevated temperatures to cover the window automatically, e.g. with the aid of gravity or with the aid of one or more biasing springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventor: Hans D. Berg
  • Patent number: 5397081
    Abstract: A pedestal assembly having two opposing and abutting parts, each including a base portion, a wall, both a locking extension and a locking recess, such that the two parts interlock to create a floor region for holding a computer enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Christian C. Landry, Bradford G. Chapin, Ching-Chiang Chen, Jause Kuo
  • Patent number: 5397082
    Abstract: A space transport architecture (STA) for robotic operations on a planet. The STA comprises and an earth launch vehicle (ELV) (10), adapted to carry a space transfer vehicle (STV) (15) and associated payloads (17) into low earth orbit (LEO). The space transfer vehicle (STV) (15), carried by the ELV (10), is adapted to carry associated payloads from LEO in the planetary orbit and to dispense these payloads (17) from planetary orbit for landing in the locus of at least one planetary exploration site. At least one planetary lander (17) is carried by the STV. The lander (17) is adapted to carry a plurality of robotic operational platforms (58) and deploy these platforms in the locus of the exploration site. A plurality of robotic operational platforms (58) is carried by each of the landers (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: David R. Scott
  • Patent number: 5397083
    Abstract: A rail guard for monitoring the limits of transverse inclination and extension between the rails of a railroad track and transmitting an indication when these limits are breached. The rail guard has a plurality of tension switches, each switch being coupled between the outer edge of a railroad track and a penetrable surface near the railroad track. The tension switches are coupled in series and in turn are coupled to a relay. The relay controls a warning signal when one or more of the switches is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Donald Thomas
  • Patent number: 5397084
    Abstract: A supporting frame for a golf bag including a seat having an enlarged portion and a flange at both sides of the enlarged portion, the flange being riveted on an upper portion of a golf bag, the enlarged portion having a recess at a bottom and between two shoulders, two blocks depending downwardly from a top surface of the recess and being each formed with an elongated slot, the recess having a rear side provided with a rail, a pair of legs each formed at an upper end with a horizontal portion having a threaded hole, each of the legs being fixedly connected with the seat by a bolt, a connecting member inserted into the rail of the seat and having two lugs between which is fitted an end of a spring, and a handle engaged with the connecting member by a pin extending through the two lugs of the connecting member and a partition of the locking handle whereby the legs will expand to support the golf bag at an upright position simply by pulling the handle outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Ming-Tsang Wang
  • Patent number: 5397085
    Abstract: A new and improved sandbag filling aid for supporting a sandbag in an upright position and providing a fill-chute to enable a single person to rapidly and efficiently fill sandbags during emergency situations, the sandbag filling aid comprising an upright tubular frame structure having left and right parallel support columns, a first horizontal hoop member, a second horizontal hoop member, whereby a sandbag within the first hoop may be clamped in place by pivoting the second hoop downwardly until it contacts the sandbag, and an arcuate fill-chute member extending upwardly and slightly outwardly from the second hoop member such that when the second hoop member is positioned for clamping a sandbag the chute will catch and direct hastily shovelled or thrown sand into the mouth of the sandbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Andrew J. Spagnolo
  • Patent number: 5397086
    Abstract: A tripod head comprising (a) a plate connecting with a camera, (b) a camera platform for receiving, (c) two joints linking said camera platform to a central post of a tripod, one of said joints enabling said camera platform to rotate about an axis perpendicular to an axis of the central post while the remaining of said joints enabling said camera platform to rotate about the axis of the central post and (d) a handle for rotating said camera platform, comprising a coupler connecting with said camera platform and a grip pivotably connecting with said coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Chien S. Chen
  • Patent number: 5397087
    Abstract: A universal mounting hook attaches to a variety of industrial and commercial adjustable shelving systems to provide interchangeability between the shelving systems. The universal mounting hook comprises a generally vertical leg and a generally horizontal leg. The vertical leg includes an "L"-shaped hook positioned at the top of the vertical leg and an abutting portion positioned at the base of the vertical leg. The abutting portion protrudes from the general line of extension of the vertical leg, in a direction opposite from the horizontal leg. The base of the abutting portion connects to an inverted "L"-shaped indentation which interconnects the vertical leg and the horizontal leg. A spring clip extends from the horizontal leg adjacent the indentation so that the spring clip and the indentation form an enclosure which receives a supporting wire. The entire mounting hook may be securely fastened to one of a plurality of different shelving systems so as to support shelving or merchandise baskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: J D Store Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis L. Teece
  • Patent number: 5397088
    Abstract: A holding bracket is provided to engage the inner rod of a vehicular sun visor. The bracket has a semispherical outer surface with a diametrical slot containing an engaging socket. The bracket eliminates exposed sharp engaging surfaces that can be hazardous and provides a stylish means for accomplishing the holding function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Jay Roberts Company
    Inventor: Jay R. White
  • Patent number: 5397089
    Abstract: A glass holder is provided which is used to hold a glass stably at the edge of a dish. It has a glass holding body shaped like a cup and a cylindrical mounting frame vertically extending from the underside of the bottom of the glass holding body. The mounting frame is cut horizontally halfway around to form a mounting section so that the edge of a dish can freely be inserted into or removed from the mounting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Kataoka Bussan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Joji Kataoka
  • Patent number: 5397090
    Abstract: Adjustable hangers used in hanging loads from joists that extend across a room downward in the ceiling toward the room's floor are disclosed. The hangers have a mount for attaching to a joist, the mount having a support that joins a guide and is adapted to fit against a side of the joist and the guide to fit against a side of the joist that runs along the first side at a right angle. The support carries first and second cups at different vertical levels from one another on the support. The hangers also comprise a strand having enlargements spaced equally along its length. The strand also carries a hook for carrying the load, e.g. ceiling tile frame. Placing a select-enlargement of the strand in a cup allows for adjustment in the height of the hook. Placing the same enlargement in a different cup permits refinement in the height of the hook. Positions of the first and second cups include adjacent the support and remote from the support respectively, as well as adjacent and remote from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventors: Bradley C. Carson, Russell L. Heckenberg
  • Patent number: 5397091
    Abstract: A blackboard includes a rectangular board member, a protective frame member provided on each side of the board member, and a tray connected to a lowermost one of the frame members and movable between an unfolded position for receiving erasers and writing implements and a folded position. The lowermost one of the frame members has a front side which is formed with a longitudinally extending retaining portion that confines a longitudinally extending space which is substantially L-shaped in cross-section. The tray has a rear side wall which is formed with a transversely and longitudinally extending rearward anchor projection that is substantially T-shaped in cross-section and that has a head portion which extends into the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Gwo-Nan Tsuar
  • Patent number: 5397092
    Abstract: An artwork mounting peg has a spacer connected to a cap by a neck so that a groove is defined between the cap and the spacer. Means are provided for attaching the peg to a wall or other object onto which artwork is to be mounted. When the artwork mounting peg is attached to a wall, the artwork is placed in the groove to secure the artwork a short distance off the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Barbara A. Black
  • Patent number: 5397093
    Abstract: A wall mounting bracket comprising a plastic body which includes a wall having an integral projection facing outwardly with a centering recess to receive the tip of a hole saw or the like. At least one opening is provided through the wall adjacent the projection. Preferably, a plurality of openings are provided at equally spaced radial locations adjacent the projection. In use, the body is mounted on the building and then siding is applied to the wall of the building and the edges of the siding or brought into closely adjacent relation with the plastic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mid-America Building Products Corporation
    Inventors: Norman L. Chubb, Richard J. MacLeod, Charles E. Schiedegger
  • Patent number: 5397094
    Abstract: A device for supporting a saddle of a bicycle, a mountain bike, etc., which includes a support frame, a guide tube secured to the support frame, and a tubular support member upwardly biased by a spring means. The projecting end portion of the tubular support member is connected to a mounting member for the saddle so that the support member and the saddle mounting member are movable relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the support member. The saddle mounting member is swingably connected to the guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Tokico, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Aoyama, Tetsuo Yasumaru, Masayuki Saito
  • Patent number: 5397095
    Abstract: A modular building system for constructing the frame of a structure. Standardized foundation forms, vertical forms, and tie beam forms are attached to each other. The vertical forms are hinged so as to be capable of defining a corner of any angle. Cover plates are selectively inserted into the tie beam forms so as to define a reception recess which corresponds to the size of a roof truss being used. The various forms can be attached to each other with a minimal amount of labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Alfred S. Jeffrey
  • Patent number: 5397096
    Abstract: A reusable low maintenance forming system for forming concrete floors, ceilings and walls with joists thereunder utilizes concrete displacement form pans supported by a temporary framework and floor. A plurality of alignment channels are arranged in parallel series of elongate aligned rows and are adapted to alignably receive and support the flanges of parallel and adjacent form pans. A plurality of joist bottomed wedges are arranged in parallel series of aligned rows and adapted to fit within the alignment channels as to abut and seal against the lower free ends of the form pans afterwhich uncured concrete may be placed over the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Stevan T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5397097
    Abstract: An ice cube tray comprising a tray having an upper horizontal peripheral ledge and an upwardly extending vertical periphery terminating in an upper edge, a plurality of planar connectors in a grid pattern located in the plane of the upper ledge and a plurality of compartments extending downwardly from the connectors, each of the compartments having a lower horizontal surface parallel with, but spaced beneath the upper horizontal plane with the connectors at a depth essentially equal to the distance of the depth of the water placed in the tray and the resulting ice cubes, each of the compartments also including a plurality of generally vertically extending side walls in a rectangular configuration extending between the connectors and the lower horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Randall W. Dale
  • Patent number: 5397098
    Abstract: A modulating valve includes an inlet passage and a discharge passage, both of which are in communication with an internal cavity associated with the valve body. An actuator arrangement includes a pivoting actuator shaft, at least a portion of which is located within the internal cavity. A flow-controlling plug member includes a first portion extending into one of the passages, and a second portion located within the internal cavity. The first portion is provided with guide structure engageable with one or more walls defining the passage, to guide axial movement of the plug member. The second portion of the plug member is interconnected with the actuator shaft. The plug member second portion and the actuator shaft are interconnected in such a manner that pivoting movement of the actuator shaft results in axially inward or outward movement of the plug member within the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Erie Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael R. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 5397099
    Abstract: A faucet for discharging water automatically or manually includes a body which supports a single flow control valve mechanism, a manual actuation mechanism which operates the flow control valve mechanism, and an electrical actuation mechanism which operates the flow control valve mechanism independently of the automatic actuation mechanism. The faucet may be centrally mounted behind two adjacent sink bowls and positionable over each of the bowls to discharge water. Electrical detection means mounted behind one of the bowls detects the presence of a user of that bowl and automatically actuates the faucet in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph J. Pilolla
  • Patent number: 5397100
    Abstract: A valve, such as a compressor or line service valve, for use in refrigeration or air conditioning fluid circuits having an improved flow for improved energy efficiency is disclosed. The valve incorporates a rotary ball member with a 90.degree. fluid passage diameter that is equal to or greater than the diameter of the fluid line that it services. Rotation of a primary actuator stem rotates the ball member to open and close the valve. An annular ball seal provides a seat against which the ball may be positively sealed. A secondary stem is aligned on an alternate axis from the primary stem that is preferably collinear with a fluid line. The secondary stem effectuates a positive engagement between the rotary ball member and the ball seal. A plunger cooperates with locator indentations and a groove in the rotary ball member to center the ball within the valve and align its fluid passage with fluid line connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mueller Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent A. Miller
  • Patent number: 5397101
    Abstract: A ball valve construction particularly suited for forming large diameter ball valves includes a main valve body formed from extruded plastic pipe and having a central through passage with a valve ball mounted centrally therein. An operating stem extends from the ball outwardly of the main body. First and second separate seat retainer rings are positioned on opposite sides of the valve ball. Each retainer ring has an outer surface carrying a seal for engaging the wall of the through passage for preventing fluid flow between the retainer rings and the wall of the through passage. Each retainer ring further defines a spherical seat surface positioned and sized to sealingly engage the valve ball. Adjustable tie rod members join between the retainer rings to cause the seat surfaces to engage the valve ball with a predetermined sealing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Perfection Corporation
    Inventors: Barry G. O'Connell, James M. Lorenz, Leonard H. Brown
  • Patent number: 5397102
    Abstract: A faucet housing includes a hollow copper base and at least one copper inlet conduit in communication with the hollow interior of the base. The conduit is brazed to the base with a no-lead solder so that the combination of the conduit, solder and base provides a lead-free environment for water passing therethrough. There is a hollow plastic body coaxial with the base, with the hollow interior of the body and the base together being of a size and shape to receive a faucet cartridge therein. There is an outlet opening in the body and there is a seal ring positioned between the body and the base. The body and base include interlocking structure for attaching the two together to form a lead-free faucet housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: Ross E. Kingman
  • Patent number: 5397103
    Abstract: Large storage tanks are lifted by means of pressurized bags and support members. Tanks may easily and quickly be lifted for inspection, repair and reconstruction. Lifting the tank allows for visual inspection under the tank for corrosion to prevent leakage of environmentally hazardous chemicals stored in the tank. The lifting bags are placed under the tank, inflated, and support timbers placed under the raised tank. The bags are then deflated allowing the tank to rest on the support timbers. The deflated bags are raised by placing support timbers under the bags. The bags are again pressurized further raising the tank. The steps are repeated until the tank is lifted to the desired height. Bags may also be placed under the floor after the wall or rim of the tank is lifted. This does not require cutting holes or welding of supports on the wall or floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Alan R. Watson
  • Patent number: 5397104
    Abstract: A dross compression apparatus utilizes a substantially hemispheric shaped receptacle in a dross collector and a complementing compression head which is provided with ribs to form grooves in the material formed between the head and the receptacle. The material formed between the head and the receptacle is substantially a shell comprised of an inner layer of aluminum oxide and outer layers of aluminum. The grooves in the shell enable the material to be more easily processed as the shell is readily broken for crushing. The compression head may be applied more than once to the aluminum dross and may be rotated between applications causing multiple grooves and increased decanting of aluminum. The compression head is provided with a water cooling system which more rapidly cools the aluminum dross and reduces the thermite reaction. The cast steel compression head reduces the air flow to the cooling dross thereby reducing the amount of oxygen available, oxidation and the thermite reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Altek International
    Inventor: David Roth
  • Patent number: 5397105
    Abstract: A two-piece tundish nozzle assembly block is provided for the drain regions of tundish vessels. The two-piece assembly block includes a lower main block firmly mounted in the refractory lining of the tundish, and a selectively removable top sleeve which, together with the refractory lining, protects the lower main block from direct exposure to molten iron or steel. The top sleeve is directly exposed to molten iron or steel passing into the drain. The top sleeve is not strongly bonded in place, and can be easily removed and replaced when worn or damaged. The top sleeve further includes a ramp for channeling molten metal into the drain, and a blocking wall for preventing heavy inclusions from entering the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Magneco/Metrel, Inc.
    Inventor: Madjid Soofi
  • Patent number: 5397106
    Abstract: A machine for "bleed cutting" a sheet (1) into a plurality of pieces (2) and collating them by the method described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,405,121 has upper and lower pairs of slitting rollers in both the first series (12) and the second series (17) of slitting rollers, and transfer devices (201, 201') are provided within each path of pieces leaving the second series (17) of slitting rollers, with side gaps between the transfer devices within adjacent piece paths, and with end gaps between the second series (17) of slitting rollers and the transfer devices (201, 201'), whereby narrow side and end strips (101, 102) and tiny squares (103) formed by the pairs of lines (6) of cut by the second series (17) of slitting rollers across the pairs of lines (3) cut by the first series (12) of slitting rollers can fall away before the cut pieces (2) arrive at the transverse feed means (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Rollem Patent Products Limited
    Inventor: James Hill
  • Patent number: 5397107
    Abstract: Apparatus for feeding respective sheets from a stack thereof comprising structure for supporting a plurality of sheets in an upright stack thereof, the supporting structure including an upright wall, the supporting structure including a deck extending beneath the wall and defining a path of travel for respective sheets fed from the stack, the deck extending transverse to the path of travel; structure for successively feeding respective sheets downstream in the path of travel, the feeding structure including opposed outfeed rollers downstream of the upright wall, the feeding structure including an elongate first roller longitudinally extending transverse to the path of travel upstream of the upright wall, the feeding structure including an elongate second roller longitudinally extending transverse to the path of travel upstream of the fist roller, the feeding structure including structure for driving the outfeed and first and second rollers; structure for controlling the driving structure, and the controlling
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Wolog, Thomas M. Helit, William H. Brewster, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5397108
    Abstract: A peepsight for a blast furnace tuyere sensor system comprises a housing in which is mounted a colored glass viewing window and one end of a fiber optic cable directed toward a tuyere so that an operator can view the interior of the furnace and the cable can receive light energy emitted at the tuyere for transmittal of such light energy to an optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventors: James M. Alexander, Russell K. McComb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5397109
    Abstract: A vertical shaft furnace for melting non-ferrous metals, such as copper, aluminum, and their alloys, includes metal blocks disposed in an annular wall just beneath the charging section of the furnace. Preheated air is forced into the furnace shaft through openings in the wall of metal blocks to burn or oxidize substantially all the CO gas contained in the combustion gases rising from the melting chamber of the furnace. A pressurized plenum surrounding the shaft adjacent the charge opening is used to preheat ambient air which is then supplied under pressure to another plenum above the melting chamber where the preheated air is introduced into the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Thomas N. Wilson, Milton E. Berry, John D. Butler, Thomas H. Crumbley, Peter W. Ware
  • Patent number: 5397110
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved refractory brick that provides many distinct advantages over prior art bricks. More particularly, the brick of the present invention facilitates the construction of an integral furnace lining that prevents the dislodgement or movement of individual bricks. The refractory brick of the present invention also provides a continuous refractory lining which affords improved lining lifetimes or furnace campaigns. Each brick comprises a refractory portion and a pair of steel portions. The steel portions are each contained within a recess formed along each of the major surfaces of the brick. The brick is utilized to form a refractory lining within a vessel wherein at least a part of the refractory portion of each brick is in contact with the refractory portion of adjoining bricks and the steel portions of each of the bricks is metallurgically bonded to the steel portions of adjoining bricks so as to provide an integral (monolithic) refractory wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: North American Refractories Company
    Inventors: Bohus Brezny, David E. Shewmon
  • Patent number: 5397111
    Abstract: According to an illustrative example of the invention, a chair column comprises a lockable gas spring for height adjustment of the chair column. The gas spring is inserted into a stand tube of the chair column. The piston rod extends downwards and is rotatably fastened to a bottom part of the stand tube. The cylinder of the gas spring extends upwards out of the upper end of the stand tube. At the upper end of the cylinder there is provided in axial alignment with the axis of the cylinder a valve pin. A pushing member acts onto the valve pin. The pushing member is connected with a Bowden cable. One end of the Bowden cable core is fastened to a guide sleeve of the pushing member. The tube member of the Bowden cable acts onto the pushing member. The other end of the Bowden cable is connected to a releasing lever by which the valve can be opened. When the valve is opened, the working chambers located on both sides of a piston are interconnected so that height adjustment of the gas spring is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Knopp, Klaus Gitzinger
  • Patent number: 5397112
    Abstract: A circular cylindrical elastomeric member is formed with an annular recess and two spaced apart pockets in communication with the recess. An outer metal tube receives an inner ring in interference fit in the tube bore, the ring having at least one peripheral depression in an outer surface and a pair of spaced apertures through the ring each communicating with a different corresponding aperture forming at least one channel communicating with the pockets and apertures which are congruent with the pockets. The member is axially forced into the ring and outer tube while submerged in an imcompressible hydraulic fluid to radially compress and elongate the member during member insertion and fill the channel and pockets with the fluid. The ring seats in the member recess. An inner tube is then axial forced into the bore of the elastomeric member and locked to the member by the radial compressive forces without vulcanization or a bonding agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventors: Stephen F. Roth, Harold H. Henry, III
  • Patent number: 5397113
    Abstract: A vibration isolation apparatus comprises an outer cylinder connected to one of a vibration producing portion and a vibration receiving portion, an inner cylinder connected to the other of the vibration producing portion and the vibration receiving portion, and an elastic member which is disposed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder and which deforms when vibration is generated. The vibration isolation apparatus further comprises a unit having both a plurality of restricted paths and a rotary apparatus able to open and close at least one of the restricted paths. Thus, the restricted paths and the rotary apparatus are housed in a unit. As a result, assembly of the vibration isolation apparatus can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kojima, Kazuya Takano
  • Patent number: 5397114
    Abstract: A clamping device for fixing a die on the setting surface of a lateral injection molding machine comprises a clamp main body, plural clamping hydraulic cylinders installed in the output portion at the front end portion of the clamp main body, and a guide mechanism for guiding the clamp main body movably only in the longitudinal direction without separate from the setting surface, in which the clamp main body can be freely changed over in position with respect to the setting surface in the released state, so that it may not be dislocated from the setting surface. The lower base portion of the clamp main body can be divided as a base member to be fixed on the setting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Aioi Seiki, Inc.
    Inventor: Ichiro Kitaura
  • Patent number: 5397115
    Abstract: A vehicle body for motor vehicles, particularly passenger cars, has supports and receiving devices for vehicle components. In order to provide a receiving device which can be manufactured at low cost and is easy to mount and by which high forces can be absorbed and introduced into the vehicle body, the receiving device is formed by an extruded profile part connected with the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Josip Vlahovic
  • Patent number: 5397116
    Abstract: A work holder is provided which comprises a work surface having a pattern of apertures across its entire surface. The apertures allow a conventional clamp to secure any work piece to the work surface at any point on the surface. The apertures are circular in shape and of a dimension such that a conventional clamp will not slip from the board. Radially extended flutes are connected to the circular apertures to allow the clamps to be fully extended across a work piece and be essentially locked to the work surface. Half apertures at the edges of the work surface allow the work surfaces to interlock with one another. The interlocking half apertures in combination with their radial flutes allow the work surface to be set up in a wide variety of configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: John L. Jansen
  • Patent number: 5397117
    Abstract: A sheet dispenser including a coherent stack of adhesive-bearing sheets that can be unobtrusively permanently or removably adhered on a page of a book, catalog, brochure, etc. The dispenser has a supple cover layer that is a thin, tear-resistant polymeric film that has opposite retaining peripheral portions extending around the sides of the stack and attached to a backing sheet for the dispenser, and has a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one or two attachable peripheral portions of the cover layer by which the dispenser can be adhered to the page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Timothy A. Mertens