Patents Issued in October 24, 1995
  • Patent number: 5459896
    Abstract: Pressure relief for wheelchair patients is improved by use of a relatively higher density foam, such as 2.4 pounds per cubic foot or above and a 25 percent ILD characteristic of at least about 50 pounds, together with independently acting cube shaped segments. The segments have predetermined respective separation and rounded upper edges with a predetermined radius of curvature which is larger about the periphery of the wheelchair pad. A relatively lowered pad thickness of about 3 inches facilitates patient movement onto and off from a wheelchair cushion. A removable covering of laminated materials is stretchable so as to slide over the rounded edges of the segments and down into separations therebetween to maintain independent action of such segments during use with the covering. An upper layer of the covering comprises a base layer of woven fabric of elastic synthetic fibers. A lower layer of the covering comprises a water resistant coating of urethane generally at least about 1 mil thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Raburn, Fred T. Wickis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5459897
    Abstract: A combination tool for lifting furniture and modular office panels with adjustable leveling glides mounted on a threaded shaft and for removing glued down carpet. The tool has an elongated handle and a blade pivoted about a fulcrum spaced rearwardly of the front end of the blade. The front end of the blade has a transverse cutting edge and a longitudinal slot opening from the transverse cutting edge for straddling the threaded shaft when the tool is used to lift the furniture and panels. The handle is attached to the blade at an obtuse angle and the blade pivots about a fulcrum spaced rearwardly of the front end of the blade such that the front end of the blade is elevated from about 1/2 to 2 inches above the floor at full pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Roy A. Wurdack
  • Patent number: 5459898
    Abstract: A toothbrush for partial denture plate and natural teeth wherein an elongate handle includes a brush head plate having a first matrix of bristles, with the first matrix of bristles including an arcuate profile to permit cleansing of natural teeth and partial plates, with a conical second matrix of bristles integral with the handle at a second end of the handle spaced from the first matrix of bristles, such that the conical second matrix of bristles is arranged for cleaning clasp openings within the partial denture plates, that in turn are secured to a user's natural teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Leonard B. Bacolot
  • Patent number: 5459899
    Abstract: A toothbrush for brushing tooth surfaces and for flossing and picking foreign matter from spaces and interstices on and between and around teeth and gums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Jerome Bauer
  • Patent number: 5459900
    Abstract: A wiping strip, for a motor vehicle windshield wiper, comprises a dorsal portion and a wiping lip which are joined together through a hinge, whereby the wiping lip is able to be deflected with respect to a median position. The wiping strip comprises at least two profiled members assembled together, with at least one of these profiled members having a connecting means for connection of one end of the hinge, the hinge being made of a material having a hardness greater than that of one of the profiled members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Bernard Mege, Jean-Luc Sortais
  • Patent number: 5459901
    Abstract: The water extraction machine according to the invention provides a quick connect system for mounting one end of a solution tube and vacuum hose to the water extraction machine housing and a simple and efficient means for conveying solution from the housing to a cleaning tool. One end of the vacuum hose and solution tube are received in a cuff member which is adapted to be received in the machine housing by a simple press fit interconnection. The cuff member provides a single connection for both the vacuum hose and the solution hose to the machine housing. The other end of the vacuum hose and solution tube are received in a clam shell grip tube handle which is in turn mounted to an extruded dual chamber wand. A first longitudinal chamber in the wand conveys vacuum through the wand and the second longitudinal channel conveys cleaning solution from the grip tube to the cleaning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Bissell Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Blase, Giovanni Pino, Kevin M. Kennedy, Brenda K. Langeland
  • Patent number: 5459902
    Abstract: A sliver of animal wool is subjected to hot drawing under its wet state to provide a slenderized fine animal wool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Kurashiki Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryohei Hino, Tadashi Karakawa, Wasaburo Kengaku, Takashi Kondo, Masaru Yamada
  • Patent number: 5459903
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for supporting an oral device proximate to a person's mouth is disclosed. The person is disposed on a body support having a superstructure positioned above the person, such as a baby seat. The apparatus comprises a cord having a generally central portion and first and second distal sections. The first and second distal sections terminate at respective first and second ends. A adjustable clamp joins portions of the first and second distal sections, the clamp forming a loop portion of the cord having an adjustable circumference adapted for adjustably gripping the oral device. Spring-biased clips are adapted for securing each of the first and second ends to the superstructure. The oral device comprises a pacifier, a food item, a feeding device such as a baby bottle, or the like. The method and system utilize the apparatus in conjunction with the body support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Brian M. Treacy
  • Patent number: 5459904
    Abstract: In a connecting arrangement having at least first and second parts, the first part includes at least one portion whose cross-section is adapted to the contour of an opening in the second part. The connection is made by a relative displacement whereby the first part is relatively introduced into the opening in the second part. The first part has a plurality of retaining projections which are arranged in mutually displaced relationship in the direction of the relative displacement for insertion of the first part into the opening of the second part. Which of the projections is operative for fixing of the second part in the end position thereof depends on the relative position of the second part in its end position relative to the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Kautex Werke Reinold Hagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dirk Eulitz
  • Patent number: 5459905
    Abstract: A one piece elastic binder element comprised of either one or two rubber bands. The present invention further comprises a novel method for producing rubber bands having enhanced archival binding properties, with a longitudinal grain which closes on stretching, whereby it is not susceptible to drying and embrittled breakage, and the rubber bands so produced. The elastic binder element comprises two bands or portions of a single band, being held together with two metal clamping members deployed such that the one or two bands are configured in dual, spaced, cruciformic or cross-like configurations (i.e., each configuration having a central point, defined by each of the metal clamping members, from which four arms, comprised of segments of the elastic band or bands, extend, at approximate 90.degree. intervals--full lateral and longitudinal extension). The cruciformic configurations are suitable for respective deployment on the front and rear of a file, to engage all four sides of the file, in the binding thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Guy Voyre
  • Patent number: 5459906
    Abstract: This invention relates to a band clamp fitting constituted by a metal band wound on itself, presenting, near one of its ends, an ear provided with an extension and, at the other end, a hook. The extension presents a projecting part, of transverse dimension less than that of the free edge of the hook and capable of cooperating with pre-hooking means when the clamp fitting is in non-tightened state. The free edge of the hook presents a notch, of dimensions adapted to those of the projecting part and offset with respect to the latter in the transverse sense of the band. A portion of the free edge of the hook is located in line with the projecting part and is capable of being hooked therebehind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Pascal Detable, Michel Andre
  • Patent number: 5459907
    Abstract: The annular fastening device comprises a male attachment element (2) of moulded plastic material, a female attachment element (3) of moulded plastic material, and a flexible strap (4) which is attached at a first end to the male attachment element (2) and at a second end to the female attachment element (3).A seat cover includes a hem which is peripheral to an opening for introducing the cover onto a seat, together with a fastening device, the strap (4) of which is inserted through the said hem.In accordance with a method of securing the cover to the seat, a cover is used, which is slid over the seat and which is stretched over the seat cushion of the seat by means of the annular fastening device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: ITW de France
    Inventor: Andre Nivet
  • Patent number: 5459908
    Abstract: A handle device includes two tubes slidably engaged in two pipes which has a number of teeth. A handle is secured on top of the tubes and has a hand grip slidably engaged in the lower portion. Two blocks are secured to the lower ends of the tubes. Two catches are slidably engaged in the blocks. Two bars are slidably engaged in the catches and the blocks and coupled to the hand grip. The catches are forced to engage with the teeth when the hand grip is not pulled and are disengaged from the teeth so as to release tubes from the pipes when the hand grip is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Shou-Mao Chen
  • Patent number: 5459909
    Abstract: A connecting device is disclosed consisting of two parts, the first part being a male member (16) which includes a forward portion (17) and a rearward portion (32) attachable to an outside surface, device, structure or element (34). A female member (15) is provided, one side ready to connect to a surface, device or element (25), the receiving side (21) open. The shell (20) of the female member (15) having therein a forward receptacle portions (22) and a rearward receptacle portions (23) to pivot the forward portion (17) during insertion and to lock upon release. A method to engage the connecting device: inserting the male member (16) all the way into the female member (15) and releasing the male member (16). This action pivots the forward portion and locks the connecting device. A method to disengage the connecting device: first pressing the male member (16) all the way into the female member (15) and second releasing the male member (16). This pivots the forward portion (17) again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Gregor Nussberger
  • Patent number: 5459910
    Abstract: A buckle assembly for releasably connecting a first strap to a second strap. The buckle assembly includes a male clasp and a female buckle. The male clasp slidably engages the first strap with a strap bar. A planar shield on the male clasp covers the strap bar to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance. The female buckle engages the second strap and can be readily connected and disconnected from the male strap with a single hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: National Molding Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher
  • Patent number: 5459911
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a fluffy surface on cloth on which short fluff is thickly and uniformly formed. In this fluff-raising process there is no deterioration of the cloth such as undue heating of cloth or the cutting off of raised fibers. The method includes the conveying of the cloth between a working rotary member formed of a cylindrical grindstone and a pressure-contact member having a cooperating circular arc-shaped concave surface portion with which a part of a peripheral surface of the working rotary member is cooperatively engaged. The pressure-contact member is disposed in such a manner that the circular arc-shaped concave surface portion thereof faces closely to the adjacent part of the peripheral surface of the working rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Naigai Special Dyeing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Iwami
  • Patent number: 5459912
    Abstract: Patterned spunlaced fabrics formed of synthetic fibers and woodpulp and/or woodpulp-like fibers are disclosed having very low wet and dry particle counts and good absorbency. The patterned spunlaced fabrics according to the invention are particularly useful as cleanroom wipers, robotic covers, food service wipes, and as coverstock for sanitary napkins, diapers, surgical body part bags, and the like. The invention also comprises a process of making the patterned spunlaced fabrics..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: James M. Oathout
  • Patent number: 5459913
    Abstract: The heald handling apparatus contains carrier rails for the storage of the healds and a transport device for feeding the healds to a separating station. Each carrier rail is held by a plurality of controlled clamps and is thereby subdivided into a plurality of sections, each for receiving a heald set. The transport of the healds takes place in sets from section to section, the clamp located between the respective sections being opened. The control of the clamps takes place by means of sensors assigned to the clamps, at least one sensor being provided for each pair of clamps belonging together. The heald handling apparatus can be used in connection with healds having closed end loops and healds having open end loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Staubli AG
    Inventors: Theophil Lechner, Janos Magdika
  • Patent number: 5459914
    Abstract: A method of closing the forward portion or region (u) of a cylindrical sleeve body (3) of a practice cartridge (1), wherein a predetermined number of inside and outside radial folds (8, 7, respectively) are created in the forward region (4) of the sleeve body (3) in two work cycles, and wherein circular arc-shaped inside folds (8) of predetermined depth are created during the first work cycle by the application of radial pressure using correspondingly shaped profiling tools. To achieve secure closing of the sleeve body (3) through folding in a simple and cost-effective manner and without predetermined fracture points resulting in the region of the inside folds (8) during closing, the inside folds (8) are created in the forward region of the projectile body (3) during the first work cycle so that a first, central opening having a diameter of at least 2 mm remains between the inside folds (8) after completion of this work cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Bisping
  • Patent number: 5459915
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in the multiple spindle rotary indexing machine tool systems of the prior art. Traditionally, such machine tool systems include a base and an upstanding vertical column which houses a plurality of machining stations each equipped with two-axis tool slides. In addition, the base supports a rotatable worktable, which carries a number of work-holding spindles. As the worktable rotates, these spindles are indexed through successive machining stations where a variety of operations are performed. In accordance with the invention, a spindle position measurement unit is provided to dynamically measure the exact location of each spindle indexed to position at a modified machining station. A computerized numerical control system calculates spindle position errors based on the position information provided by the measurement unit and offsets tool slide position commands to compensate for those errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: DeVlieg-Bullard, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse W. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 5459916
    Abstract: A multiple-component torque transmitting apparatus for attachment to the crankshaft of an engine is assembled by: (a) moving the pressure plate of an assembled friction clutch axially in a first direction toward a clutch housing and against the bias of a clutch spring with a force exceeding the operating point of the clutch spring, (b) measuring the magnitude of the force and the distance which is covered by the pressure plate and/or one or more portions of the spring and generating corresponding signals, (c) moving the pressure plate axially in a second direction counter to the first direction with a force lower than the operating point and generating corresponding signals, (d) relaxing the force upon the clutch, (e) processing the signals into a further signal denoting the desired or optimum operating point of the clutch spring, (f) moving the clutch and a flywheel against each other until the bias of the spring reaches the calculated operating point, and (g) fixing the housing to the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jackel, Hartmut Mende
  • Patent number: 5459917
    Abstract: A tool is provided that includes a claw head wherein the claw head includes a plurality of laterally spaced claw fingers. The claw fingers are particularly sized and spaced such that they can be projected down through the exposed side of a spiked metal connecting plate and particularly through the perforated openings formed therein. More particularly, the claw fingers are designed such that the entire tool and claw head is effective to remove or peel the spiked metal connecting plate from one or more connecting wood members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Ulys Smith
  • Patent number: 5459918
    Abstract: A first mechanical unit and a second mechanical unit, each of which has bodies of rotation arranged so as to be rotatable independently from one another, are assembled together with engagement between their bodies of rotation. After first concentric engaging members of a first engaging mechanism, rotatable independently from one another, are engaged with the bodies of rotation of the first mechanical unit, respectively, second concentric engaging members of a second engaging mechanism, rotatable independently from one another, are integrated with the first concentric engaging members together in rotational angular phase. Then, the second concentric engaging members are engaged with the second bodies of rotation of the first mechanical unit, respectively, so as to adjust the bodies of rotation of the first and second mechanical units in rotational angular phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignees: Mazda Motor Corporation, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Uchida, Kinji Matsubara
  • Patent number: 5459919
    Abstract: A knob and skirt assembly having a dial which can be calibrated relative to a control shaft and easily assembled in the proper position of alignment. The assembly includes a knob having a handle portion and hub portion. The knob portion has a control shaft receiving socket at the outer end thereof. The handle portion has an axially facing annular rim. At least one arcuate segment of teeth is formed on the annular rim. A disk shaped skirt has a central opening which fits over and receives the hub of the knob. A shallow well is formed in the skirt surrounding the central opening. Teeth formed in at least one arcuate segment are positioned in the well to mesh with the teeth on the annular rim. Ribs on the knob are heated and bent over against the skirt to fasten the knob to the skirt and to frictionally resist rotation of the hub and the skirt relative to each other until a predetermined rotational force is applied. An indexing notch is formed in the central opening of the skirt at the peripheral edge thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5459920
    Abstract: A method of making an artificial flower by fastening an artificial flower to a processed genuine flower stem by a bonding agent. The artificial flower is obtained by I) selecting the core of the stem of a woody plant as a base material and then using a plane to plane the base material into plain strips according to a predetermined width, length and thickness; II) putting the plain strips into a punching die and then punching them into patterned strips; III) dipping the patterned strips in an aromatic solution at room temperature for 35 to 45 minutes; IV) putting the patterned strips thus obtained from step III) into a dye bath and dying the patterned-colored strips; V) putting the patterned-colored strips into a form setting solution heated to 80.degree. C. and then setting the patterned-color strips into desired shapes; VI) drying the shape-formed strips thus obtained from step V); VII) cooling down the shape-formed strips thus obtained from step VI) in a refrigerator at 7.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: William Huang
  • Patent number: 5459921
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for compensating for different gram loads and actuator arm resonances by positioning z-height of outer actuator arm at an optimum height. Specifically, an actuator arm driven by a closed loop servo motor system for a disc drive system is configured so that the outer upper and lower actuator arms are positioned at an optimum distance, called optimum z-height, from the disc surface. At the optimum z-height position, the resonances of the outer actuator arms are shifted as near as possible to the resonances of the inner actuator arms. At the optimum z-height, the gram loads on the head gimbal assemblies of the inner and outer actuator arms are closest for all z-heights measured. Accordingly, degradation of the performance of the servo motor system will be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hudson, Michael J. Raffetto
  • Patent number: 5459922
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus 10 and methods for loading groups of battery plates or the like in adjacent cells 1 to 6 in a holder. The apparatus includes guide means 13 which defines, by means of walls 37, 38, spaces 40 for receiving respective battery groups 30. The walls can be collapsed around the groups 30 in the spaces 40 until the position and spacing corresponds to that of a row cells 1 to 3, in which point in the groups are pushed through the guide means 13 in to the respective cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: TBS Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Robert T. Hopwood
  • Patent number: 5459923
    Abstract: A device and method of manufacture for producing electrically conductive regions in hermetically sealed insulative plates or hermetically sealed electronic component enclosures. The electrically conductive regions consist of a monolithic composite material comprising particles of an insulative material and a conductive metal. The material of the insulative particles, their size, and the type of conductive metal used are selected so that the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the resulting electrically conductive region approximates the CTE of the surrounding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: E-Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Montesano
  • Patent number: 5459924
    Abstract: A method of automatically inserting terminals with wires into desired terminal accommodating cavities in a connector housing after putting neighboring wires aside, and a wire sweeping arm and a driving device for the sweeping arm. The method includes the steps of: grasping the terminal with wire by terminal supporting hands and wire supporting hands; moving the wire sweeping arm in the direction that the wire sweeping arm sweep wires which are already accommodated in neighboring terminal accommodating cavities, the wire sweeping arm being disposed between the terminal accommodating cavities and the terminal supporting hands so as to move back and forth; moving the wire supporting hands and the terminal supporting hands toward the connector housing to insert the terminal with wire into the terminal accommodating cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Ohsumi, Hiroo Suzuki, Takao Nakagame, Takamichi Maejima, Toshihiro Inoue, Osamu Yamashima, Fumio Kato, Toshinori Igura
  • Patent number: 5459925
    Abstract: A planetary type speed reducer provides a large central hole for passing electric and service lines for a robot therethrough. The speed reducer may be used in either a self-motorized or an externally-motorized rotary joint. In a predetermined embodiment, the speed reducer includes a cylindrical carrier and multiple compound gear planets which are rotatably mounted on their respective shafts some of which, in turn, are eccentrically mounted on the carrier. A method for manufacturing the gear planets is also provided. Each of the gears has two sections or parts which are shifted angularly relative to each other and are adapted to engage adjacent fixed output gears of the rotary joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hadi A. Akeel, Stan H. McClosky
  • Patent number: 5459926
    Abstract: A nail clipping and catching implement includes a nail clipper having a forward end portion operable for severing nail fragments from a fingernail and a collector assembly fitted over the forward end portion of the nail clipper for catching and retaining the severed nail fragments. The collector assembly includes a collection receptacle defining an interior collection chamber extending outwardly from cutting edges of the forward end portion of the nail clipper in opposite directions above, below, forwardly, rearwardly and laterally thereof for catching and retaining the severed nail fragments and an elongated rod attached to and extending between opposite sides of the collection receptacle and coupled to the forward end portion of the nail clipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Chris Perea
  • Patent number: 5459927
    Abstract: A shaving apparatus (1) is provided which includes a housing (5), a shaving-head frame (6), which is detachably mounted on the housing (5), a lower cutter (12), a foil-type upper cutter (11) cooperating with a cutting area (14) of the lower cutter (12) and mounted in a foil-cutter frame (21) which is pivotably mounted in the shaving-head frame (6), which upper cutter has at least two aperture fields (31, 32) which differ as regards the form of the hair-entry apertures (33, 34), and a control member (35) for actuating the foil-cutter frame (21), which control member is coupled to the foil-cutter frame (21) via an actuating device (36), the control member (35) is movably mounted on the housing (5) of the shaving apparatus (1), and the actuating device (36) comprises an actuating frame (38) which engages underneath the foil-cutter frame (21) at a location remote from the foil-type upper cutter (11), which actuating frame is mounted in the shaving apparatus (1) so as to be pivotable about a pivotal axis (43) para
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Kauer, Herbert Piber
  • Patent number: 5459928
    Abstract: A holder for conventional rectangular cabinet scrapers having a body shaped like an open scroll, pivoting structures within each scroll-like end of the body to grasp a scraper blade along a substantial portion of its entire end, and a centrally located padded pressure plate adjustable with a thumb screw to apply pressure to one face of the cabinet scraper in order to bow it away from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools Ltd.
    Inventors: John S. Lynn, Leonard G. Lee, Lloyd Sevack
  • Patent number: 5459929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hinged tools such as scissors, shears, pruners, or the like, having a force applying end with formed handles and an opposed working end consisting of a pair of blades disposed across a hinged joint through which a force may be transmitted. In these tools the handles, which are formed integrally with the hinge, are provided with ridge support in the form of heel elements to establish suitable contact between the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Fiskars Oy Ab
    Inventors: Erkki O. Linden, Veikko Makipelto
  • Patent number: 5459930
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning bicycle wheel truing stands is disclosed having a gauge bar (10), hub pin (20), and gauge pin (30), which combine together to represent those certain parts, or features, or physical manifestations, or characteristics of a perfectly true, perfectly dished bicycle wheel, and being, by virtue of its construction and manufacture, accurate for use in aligning bicycle wheel truing stands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: William E. Crisick
  • Patent number: 5459931
    Abstract: A direction indicator includes a base defining four edges that extend parallel to a horizontal surface on which the base is placed and form portions of respective sides of a rectangle, a bearing indicator which is selectively positionable on the base for carrying compass bearing information, and a gnomon supported in a predetermined position relative to the direction indicator. The bearing indicator may further contain time markings in the event that it is used as a sundial. The base is adapted to be placed in a predetermined orientation on a horizontal surface. For a given orientation of the base, the direction indicator can be appropriately positioned relative to the base by reference to the direction of a shadow cast by the gnomon at a predetermined time of day and by reference to the bearing of the sun at that predetermined time of day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Barry S. Waltho
  • Patent number: 5459932
    Abstract: An automatic plumb, level and pointing tool uses a visible laser diode to project light beams in two modes through two windows. In the first mode of operation, the unit is able to project a plumb-up beam and a level beam of light while resting on a surface which is as much as five degrees out of level. In the second mode of operation the unit is able to project two orthogonal beams of light both approximately in the horizontal plane for aligning one or more reference lines. An accurate, low cost method of generating level and plumb beams and planes of light is disclosed. One method uses an approximately leveled platform combined with a weak optical correction. The approximate leveling is done using a single wire or coil spring pendulum element which allows the platform to level itself to within a small fraction of true level, and remaining correction is provided by a weak negative lens or a weak reverse telescope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: LeveLite Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Rando, Christiaan Ligtenberg
  • Patent number: 5459933
    Abstract: A level position measuring method including providing a hose having a first end and a second end; filling the hose, at least partially, with a liquid so as to form a water head; leaving the first end of the hose open to atmospheric pressure; closing the second end of the hose by airtightly fixing a pressure sensor to the second end of the hose near the water head; configuring the hose so as to define a reference level by obtaining a reference level pressure value dispatched from the pressure sensor; and measuring the level position by obtaining a level position pressure value dispatched from the pressure sensor which varies from the reference level pressure value in proportion to a vertical displacement of the second end of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Takeshi Izumitani
  • Patent number: 5459934
    Abstract: A circular target type bubble level slides easily onto and off of a standard surveyor's sight rod. When slid into position at any desired elevation on the rod for optimal viewing and released, the device automatically assumes a position such that the indicating plane of the level is exactly at right angles to the long axis of the rod. When the rod is adjusted so that the bubble level indicates the true horizontal, then the rod will be plumb. The rod is received in a through hole of a rod-encircling member. A spring bias element within the hole is forced against the rod. This forces a diametrally opposed support wall portion of the member against the rod with sufficient force to hold the level at any position on the rod without operator adjustment. It also automatically positions the indicating plane of the level orthogonal to the long axis of the rod, because the bubble level element is rigidly mounted with the desired orientation relative to the support wall portion forced against the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Lionel G. Heroux
  • Patent number: 5459935
    Abstract: A combination tool for craftsmen including a square, a level, a plumb indicator, a slope measurement device, a linear scale, and a straight edge. The tool includes a pair of elongated members joined at a hinge with a protractor scale for measuring the angle between the members. The hinge comprises a sturdy clevis arrangement which allows a central fastening assembly to be tightened to provide friction in order to set the angle between the two arms without other locking structure. A series of markings along one edge of each of the members provides a linear scale. Each of the elongated members have an I-beam construction with a central web and a pair of side flanges. A number of elongated cutouts are provided for handles. A second series of cutouts are provided to position a plurality of spirit level indicators. Some of the spirit level indicators are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the members, while others are positioned transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventors: Eldon D. Paulson, Gregory A. Paulson
  • Patent number: 5459936
    Abstract: A pipe wall thickness measuring template has a tapered slot with indicia along opposite edges of the slot and a tapered finger portion, the slot being calibrated to indicate the wall thickness at the point where the pipe wall reaches its maximum penetration into the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Tools For Bending, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald R. Stange
  • Patent number: 5459937
    Abstract: A mat board cutting guide for use in cutting mat board for flamed pictures, for example, is disclosed. The cutting guide includes an elongated straight edge having a top and a bottom surface, a first and a second end, and a first and a second edge. The first and the second edge are parallel to each other and extending along the entire length of the straight edge. The cutting guide also includes a squaring head having a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of a standard single mat board, approximately 1/16 of an inch. The squaring edge is attached to the bottom surface of the straight edge at the first end of the straight edge. The squaring head includes a squaring edge adapted to engage a first edge of a piece of mat board when the bottom surface of the straight edge is placed on the piece of mat board. The squaring head is attached to the straight edge such that the squaring edge of the squaring head is perpendicular to the first and second edge of the straight edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventors: Stephen D. Albin, Michael T. Albin
  • Patent number: 5459938
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new guide for brick laying for facilitating uniform arrangement of bricks during construction of floors, walkways, patios, and the like. The guide comprises a rectangular lattice panel having square openings for temporary placement flat on top of a prepared work area whereby bricks placed inside the square openings will automatically align to a desired pattern. A handle is included whereby a user may easily grasp the panel after brick placement to facilitate removal of the panel without disturbing alignment of the bricks. The lattice panel is separated longitudinally into hingedly connected left and right half panels for providing an operating position wherein the half panels extend coplanarly relative to each other and a storage/transport position wherein the right half panel is pivoted 180.degree. to lie adjacent the left half panel. A latch is additionally included whereby the panels may be releasably locked in the operating position to prevent unwanted pivotal movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventors: William F. Knight, Roger J. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 5459939
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a width of a micro gap of a non-conductive material of a sample which is formed between two conductive materials thereof, includes a conductive probe having a sharpened front end, a cantilever having the probe, a sample confronting the probe, a driving device for relatively moving the sample with respect to the probe in three directions of XYZ, and bias power source for applying a voltage between the probe and the sample, an electric current detecting device for detecting a contact current running between the probe and the sample, a micro displacement detecting part which detects an amount of deflection of the cantilever when the sample and the probe are in touch with each other, a servo part which feeds back the amount of the deflection of the cantilever detected by the micro displacement detecting part to the driving device thereby to control to change a position of the sample in the Z-direction of the probe so as to make the amount of the deflection of the cantilever c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keishi Kubo, Keiichi Yoshizumi
  • Patent number: 5459940
    Abstract: An apparatus and process which can be used to determine the top dead center position of a piston. The apparatus includes an actuator plunger which engages the rocker lever of an engine cylinder, and a gauge indicator to measure movement in the rocker lever when it is engaged by the piston. The process includes measuring the position of the piston on the upswing of the power cycle and in a corresponding position on the downswing of the piston during the exhaust cycle. The center point between these two measurements is the top dead center point of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: James R. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 5459941
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in printing which includes a print table mounted on a base frame, a support secured to the print table, a vision device secured to the support which is disposed such that the vision device uses a major face of the print table, securing a substrate to the print table, mounting a screen, a device for effecting relative movement between the print table and screen mounting from a first position in which the vision device can view fiducial marks carried by the substrate to a second position in which the screen is positioned between the vision device and the substrate, in which the vision device can view fiducial marks carried by the screen to facilitate the adjustment of relative positions of the screen and substrate so that the fiducial marks on the screen and substrate are in register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: John M. Lowe
  • Patent number: 5459942
    Abstract: The invention is a single thickness metallic notation plate for use in combination with today's plastic cased measuring tapes. During manufacture, the metallic notation plate is pressed into a slightly concave shape. The concave surface is pressed against the tape case surface which ensures that the metal edges snug tightly to the tape perimeter for user-friendly contact. The plate is held in place by factory applied, paper protected adhesives. Notations are erased with a rubber eraser or by moistening the plate and rubbing off with finger pressure. When the plate surface becomes too scratched and unusable, it is stripped off and a new one is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Harry W. Hintz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5459943
    Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus according to the present invention includes an apparatus body having a suction port through which air in a processing space is sucked and a discharge port through which the air sucked through the suction port is discharged into the processing space. A blower is provided in the apparatus body for sucking the air from the processing space into the apparatus body through the suction port and discharging the sucked air into the processing space through the discharge port. In addition an impurity gas removing device in the apparatus body is provided for removing impurity gases contained in the air sucked through the suction port and harmful to processing in the processing space, and a particle removing device is provided on the exhaust side of the impurity gas removing device for removing particles in the sucked air cleared of the impurity gases by impurity gas removing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, Tokyo Electron Tohoku Limited
    Inventor: Takashi Tanahashi
  • Patent number: 5459944
    Abstract: A hand dryer in which a channel-like hand insertion unit 5 opening at the front face and side faces is formed in the front face of a case 6 which functions as an outer shell. Upper and lower blowout nozzles 32 and 33 are disposed in the upper and lower faces of the hand insertion unit 5. A high-pressure air flow generation device 7 supplies high-pressure air flow to the blowout nozzles 32 and 33. A high-speed wind generated in the hand insertion unit 5 blows water on hands to the inner portion of the hand insertion unit 5. The blown water is drained to the outside of the hand insertion unit 5, through drainage holes 18 which are disposed at lateral ends of the bottom face of the hand insertion unit 5. Thereby, the blown water from the hands can be smoothly drained without remaining in the hand insertion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Tatsutani, Tetsuya Tanaka, Toshihiko Horii, Kazuhiko Hotta, Keiu Kawasaki, Keiichi Hasegawa, Yoshiyuki Umai, Masaaki Sendo
  • Patent number: 5459945
    Abstract: A vacuum assisted system for drying articles of clothing with recaptured heat includes an evaporation chamber and a condensation chamber. The evaporation chamber is enclosed inside the condensation chamber. Heat transfers from the condensation chamber to the evaporation chamber when vapor condenses on the exterior of the evaporation chamber. Pressure is reduced in each chamber by an automated regulation system which pumps vapor from between the chambers to optimize drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Arthur Shulenberger