Patents Issued in April 9, 1996
  • Patent number: 5505259
    Abstract: A measuring device in a hydrocarbon producing well includes a rod made from a composite material stiff against compression and flectionally elastic. An information transfer line is contained in the rod. The rod includes a plurality of measuring stations thereon and it is suited for being wound on a reel. The device is utilized to practice a measuring method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Christian Wittrisch, Jean-Baptiste Fay
  • Patent number: 5505260
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single trip system for placing perforating apparatus and sand control equipment in a wellbore. This system includes a casing string equipped with extendible pistons and a pumpable activator plug for extending the pistons. Additionally, this system utilizes a single gravel-pack and completion tool string. Further, this system includes a means for opening the extendible pistons to fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Eric E. Andersen, Larry K. Moran, Richard M. Hodge, Nobuo Morita
  • Patent number: 5505261
    Abstract: A firing head adapted to connected between a coiled tubing and a perforating gun, is sized and shaped to enable it to move freely within a tubing string in the wellbore, may be actuated by fluid pressure within the coiled tubing, and includes a circulation and recirculation feature wherein wellbore fluid may be circulated through the firing head between the coiled tubing and an annulus around the tubing string, the circulation taking place either before or after detonation of the perforating gun. Three firing heads are discussed. One such firing head is a Circulation Direction Firing (CDF) Head. The CDF firing head circulates fluid from the wellbore to the coiled tubing and depresses a piston. Then, fluid pressure from the coiled tubing lifts the piston uncovering locking balls and propelling a firing pin to a booster of a detonating cord detonating the CDF firing head. Fluid circulation from the coiled tubing to the wellbore annulus begins after the CDF firing head detonates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus B. Huber, A. Glen Edwards, Thomas M. Sayers, Edward G. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5505262
    Abstract: A fluid accelerating and pulsation generating apparatus for minimizing loss in fluid energy through frictional pressure drop for fluid passing through the apparatus is characterized by a body having a generally cylindrical chamber formed by a cylindrical inner wall and opposed transverse end walls. One of the end walls has one or more fluid inlet ports arranged therein and defined by passages which intersect the end wall at an angle with respect to a plane normal to the central longitudinal axis of the chamber and generally tangentially with respect to the cylindrical inner wall. Plural discharge passages intersect the opposite end wall at a curved wall portion formed between the cylindrical inner wall and the opposite end wall. The discharge passages may also be arranged to have their axes extending tangentially with respect to the inner cylindrical wall and at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane normal to the central longitudinal axis of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Timothy A. Cobb
  • Patent number: 5505263
    Abstract: A packer set safety valve assembly for controlling annular and tubing flows within a subterranean wellbore is disclosed. The packer set safety valve assembly controls the annular and tubing flows through dual flow paths. The assembly includes a means, that is remotely actuatable, to secure the assembly within the wellbore, a means, also remotely actuatable, the allows selective control of fluid flow in the dual flow paths, and a means, remotely actuatable as well, to unsecure the assembly from within the wellbore. The packer set safety valve assembly is a "fail closed" design which prevents flows through the dual flow paths when the fluid flow control means is not actuated to allow flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventors: Pat M. White, Robert W. Crow
  • Patent number: 5505264
    Abstract: A hoof pad adapted for attachment between the hoof of a horse and a horseshoe. The hoof pad is made of a leather-like composite material having a substantially continuous web portion impregnated with a binder composition. The web portion of the composite material is made of a particulate, matrix-forming material, preferably a natural or synthetic fibrous material. The binder composition binds the particulate, matrix-forming material in the web and imparts resiliency and water resistance to the composite material. Preferably, the binder composition is a natural or synthetic rubber latex. The hoof pad can be a full pad or a rim pad, and is sized to fit between a horse's hoof and a horseshoe with a peripheral portion shaped substantially the same as the arcuate portion of the horseshoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Georgia Bonded Fibers, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry E. Morris, George A. Casper, Charles R. Moran
  • Patent number: 5505265
    Abstract: A fire shield array includes a plurality of fire shield members interposed between a fire and a structure, wherein each fire shield includes a first frame hingedly mounted to a second frame, the first frame including a corrugated shield interposed within the first frame, the corrugated shield being formed of transparent material and corrugated for strength as well as heat diffusion. First and second leg members pivotally mounted to the second frame are selectively secured to the first frame permitting ease of collapsing for transport and storage of each fire shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: James E. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 5505266
    Abstract: In order to carry out a two-stage fire extinguishing operation including a cooling fire extinguishing operation and an oxygen deficiency fire extinguishing operation using a fire extinguishing gas, a cylinder filled with a liquefied gas of carbon dioxide is used, and a firing pin unit for breaking a seal member of the cylinder, a retainer for maintaining the firing pin unit in a non-opereted state and a retainer operating device for automatically operating the retainer on the basis of stored temperature data are provided. The retainer is fixed at a head portion thereof by a bolt screwed to the upper surface region of a fixing member, and leg portions of the retainer are fitted in an upper recess in a shaft to a lower end portion of which a pin is fixed. The retainer operating device consists of a retainer turning member provided with projections on one end portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Glory Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Fujiki
  • Patent number: 5505267
    Abstract: A control system for engaging, disengaging and re-engaging a differential locking mechanism in an agricultural vehicle includes a control circuit configured to receive signals representative of vehicle operating parameters and to generate control signals corresponding to the desired state (i.e. engaged or disengaged) of a differential locking mechanism for limiting relative velocity between two driven wheels. Sensors are associated with the rear wheels, rear service brakes, implement positioning circuit, the vehicle body and the front axle to provide parameter signals related to wheel speed, braking, implement position and vehicle speed. Control logic executed by the control circuit in a continuously cycled routine determines the desired state of the differential locking mechanism based upon the operating parameters. The control circuit applies an appropriate control signal to the differential locking mechanism causing engagement or disengagement in accordance with the desired state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Abraham Orbach, William L. Schubert
  • Patent number: 5505268
    Abstract: An implement for preparing a field includes a ground engaging device that allows the implement to be pushed or pulled on the field. The ground engaging device includes a reversible roller with projections joined to an outer surface thereof to engage the ground. The projections do not extend along the complete length of the roller but rather a portion thereof thereby reducing the power necessary to rotate the roller. The implement includes reversible guards for keeping the disturbed ground in front of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Glenmac, Inc.
    Inventors: Marion E. McPherson, Michael G. McPherson, Kenneth L. Innocent, Gary A. Parkos, Roger D. Noska
  • Patent number: 5505269
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a soilworking rotary machine in which there are kinematic and shape soilworking elements that obtain a cultivation effect to open and turn the soil. The fundamental unit of the machine is the cultivation unit compounded to tillage sections. The tillage sections are built with blades joined to the common holder. The blades are twisted, the holder is cone shaped and tillage sections are positioned at approximately a 450.degree. angle to the direction of linear velocity. The tillage sections, together with a transmission and support wheels, is affixed to the common frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Janusz Roszczenko
  • Patent number: 5505270
    Abstract: A pneumatic ground piercing tool has a reversing mechanism than can be operated by remote control but which does not contain a moving valve member inside the tool which become jammed. Such a tool generally includes, as essential components, an elongated tubular housing having a rear opening, a striker disposed for reciprocation within an internal chamber of the housing to impart impacts to a rear impact surface of the anvil for driving the body through the ground, an air distributing mechanism for effecting reciprocation of the striker, a tail assembly mounted in a rear end opening of the housing that secures the striker and air distributing mechanism in the housing, and a reversing mechanism including a supplemental air line capable of supplying compressed air for reverse operation to a radial port in the air distributing mechanism. Opening the supplemental air line to the atmosphere produces a short stroke forward mode of operation useful for operations wherein a less forceful impact is desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Earth Tool L.L.C.
    Inventor: Steven W. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 5505271
    Abstract: A hammer mechanism (200,200') for a power tool comprises a housing (203), a chuck spindle (201) journalled for rotation in the housing and having axial freedom of movement in the housing, a rotary ratchet (204) fixed on the spindle, the ratchet having teeth (207) facing a rear end of the housing, a fixed ratchet (205) rotationally fixed in the housing but having axial freedom of movement in the housing, the fixed ratchet surrounding the spindle and having teeth (207) facing the teeth of the rotary ratchet, and a spring (213) between the fixed ratchet and housing resiliently biasing the fixed ratchet towards the rotary ratchet.A first cam (208,209) between the fixed and rotary ratchets has two positions. In a first position, the ratchets can engage one another, whereby reciprocal motion is imparted on the spindle on rotation thereof. In a second position the ratchets are prevented from inter-engagement.A second cam (224) between the fixed ratchet and housing have two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Bourner
  • Patent number: 5505272
    Abstract: A novel form of drill bit is disclosed. The bit (30) comprises a bit body having a leading face (32) and gauge surface (44, 46). Cutting inserts (32, 34, 36) are set into the bit body, each cutting insert being in the form of a segment of a composite PCD (polycrystalline diamond) or PCBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride) composite. Thus each insert has a PCD or PCBN compact (40) carried by a carbide backing (42). The PCD or PCBN compact of each insert is exposed at the leading face or at the gauge surface to perform an axial cutting or gauge maintenance function during drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Ian E. Clark
  • Patent number: 5505273
    Abstract: A diamond drag bit is disclosed that utilizes stud type PDC cutters that have dome shaped polycrystalline diamond depth of penetration limiters fused to the tungsten carbide surface trailing the PDC compact disc. This cutter penetration limiting diamond dome surface acts as an impact or shock absorber to minimize the impact damage to the PDC cutter when drilling laminated hard and soft rock formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Azar, Simon N. Willis
  • Patent number: 5505274
    Abstract: A continuous track machine has a superstructure and an undercarriage each having a supporting frame and first and second end portions. A suspension structure connects the superstructure to the undercarriage. The suspension structure attaches the superstructure to the undercarriage at three locations. A pair of resilient members are connected to a respective frame and an arm of the suspension structure and provides cushioning between the superstructure and the undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Satzler
  • Patent number: 5505275
    Abstract: A power steering system (10) for a motor vehicle having a power cylinder with the piston mounted in the power cylinder which divides the power cylinder into first (30) and second (32) chambers. The steering system includes a valve assembly having a rotary input member (40) and a valve sleeve 42 and first and second pairs of open center input valves (18), each which has an inlet and an outlet. The inlets of the input valves are fluidly connected to pump output. The valve assembly further includes a pair of closed center input valves (4b) and a normally closed by-pass valve (50). A hydraulic pump (12) is controlled so as to maintain a constant pressure drop between the inlets and outlets of the closed center valve (4b) and normally closed by-pass valves (50) whereby initial fluid flow through the control valve is proportional to the area of a variable orifice comprised within the normally closed by-pass valve (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Techo Corporation
    Inventor: Edward H. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5505276
    Abstract: A power steering system (10) for use in a vehicle includes a power steering pump (12) which is driven by an engine (13) of the vehicle. The output from the power steering pump (12) is connected to a power steering valve (22). The power steering valve (22) is connected with a power steering motor (24). When the engine (13) is turned off, that is, in a non-operating condition, and the power steering pump (12) is not being driven, the fluid pressure in motor cylinder chambers (40, 42) is prevented from falling below a predetermined pressure to keep seals (64, 66) in sealing engagement with the power steering motor 24. To keep the fluid pressure in the motor cylinder chambers (40, 42) from falling below a predetermined pressure, a one-way valve (70) blocks the flow of fluid from the power steering valve (22) back to the reservoir (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Luibrand
  • Patent number: 5505277
    Abstract: An electrically power assisted, manually operated vehicle, such as a bicycle, that includes a force sensor for varying the amount of power assist by an electrical motor in response to the manual force input. In addition, a vehicle speed sensor is incorporated for sensing vehicle speed. An abnormality condition detector detects both the outputs from the force sensor and the vehicle speed sensor and indicates an abnormality and discontinues the supply of electrical power to the electric motor in the event of a discrepancy in the outputs of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Suganuma, Katsumi Ikuma, Sueji Nagai, Fumio Ito, Syoichiro Miyata
  • Patent number: 5505278
    Abstract: A four wheel drive and steering system for a motor vehicle includes a splitter gear assembly coupled to the transmission for splitting rotational power between the front wheels and one set of wheels of a tandem rear wheel vehicle. A first drive train rotationally couples the front wheels to the transmission, while a second drive train drives the one set of rear wheels. The second drive train includes a pair of shaft assemblies, each corresponding to a respective rear wheel. Each of the pair of shaft assemblies includes a rear shaft extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle adjacent a vertical plane including the corresponding rear wheels, thereby providing clearance for the floor of a dropframe cargo compartment. A transfer gear assembly couples the corresponding rear wheel to the rear shaft of the shaft assembly. The steering system is coupled between the steering linkage for the front wheels and the other set of tandem rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: DBX Engineering Corp.
    Inventor: Earl D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5505279
    Abstract: An integrated hydrostatic transaxle having a common housing for a hydrostatic transmission and a pair of oppositely-extending differentially-connected axles to have the common housing provide a common sump therefor and with a specifically-shaped center section interconnecting the pair of hydraulic displacement units constituting the hydrostatic transmission. The center section is a unitary member separate from the common housing, with the exterior thereof exposed to the common sump. The center section has passages and arcuate ports which are interconnected by certain of said passages and which are located whereby the center section may be cast to minimize any machining required to finish the center section. Such casting can result in a porous center section with possible leakage from a passage having high pressure fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Sauer Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Louis, Alan W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5505280
    Abstract: An elevator car has a car door having a arcuate cross-section and attaching to and rotating about a pivot. A hoistway door has an arcuate cross-section and is selectively coupled to a car door to open and close therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: John K. Salmon, Jean-Pierre Bourbon, Antoine Fritsch, Herve Saillio, Sanjay Kamani
  • Patent number: 5505281
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system provides various internal mechanisms for the control of the internal resistance of the telescoping cylinders of the system. Various devices and principles are provided for the external or remote adjustment of the internal resistance control mechanisms of the cylinders. In addition, various types of readouts are provided in order to determine the internal working condition(s) of the cylinder(s). Fluid systems (hydraulic or pneumatic) are provided for the determination of the working condition and internal resistance adjustment of a single cylinder, and further for such determination and adjustment of plural cylinders either collectively or independently. The system is particularly adaptable to use with exercise machines of various types, allowing the user of such a machine to adjust the internal resistance of the cylinder, and to determine the amount of work being expended due to the readout of the internal working condition of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: W. Ken Lee
  • Patent number: 5505282
    Abstract: Vibrations in a structure having a large mass and a multiplicity of frequencies of excitation are damped by determining two principal frequencies of excitation for the structure and coupling thereto a damping member of smaller mass to produce an absorber. The spring damper characteristics of the absorber are determined at these frequencies and the displacement of the damping member is monitored. The monitored displacement of the damping member is processed together with the spring damper characteristics of the absorber to output a signal which produces a force acting on the damping member proportional to the displacement of the damping member with a controlled time delay. This produces two frequencies of vibration in the damping member substantially equal to the determined frequencies of excitation of the large structure and thereby produces resonance of the damping member substantially at the determined frequencies of excitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: The University of Connecticut
    Inventor: Nejat Olgac
  • Patent number: 5505283
    Abstract: A harp for an electric trolley bus having a channeled shoe member for sliding engagement with a conducting wire. The channeled shoe member is mounted onto the uppemost member of a ball-and-socket swivel joint, and includes an improved shunt member extending through the lowermost member of the ball-and-socket swivel joint for carrying electric current from the swivel joint to a transmission cable provided to deliver electric current into the trolley bus. The shunt comprises a flexible length of conductive cable, with a graphite contact secured at a first end, and a copper contact secured at a second end, and includes a coil spring to maintain the two contacts biased against their respective adjacent conducting elements, and the graphite contact is adapted to be worn by the swiveling action of the swivel joint to mate with the micro-spherical topography of the adjacent contacting portion of the ball-and-socket swivel joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventor: Steven C. Rumsey
  • Patent number: 5505284
    Abstract: An aftermarket device for permitting an electric solenoid of a torque converter lock-up clutch to be selectively actuated and deactuated by a vehicle electronic control module only when the vehicle is operating above a predetermined vehicle speed, or is operating in the high gear ratio. The device includes a switching transistor in the supply voltage side of an electric solenoid which enables the solenoid by coupling a source voltage to the solenoid from a brake switch. The switching transistor can either be an "NPN" or an "PNP" type depending upon whether a pressure activated contact switch in the transmission is "normally open" or "normally closed".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: James D. Halderman
  • Patent number: 5505285
    Abstract: A ball ramp actuator for applying a driveline clutch clamping force to a clutch disc using an axial movement created when a control ring is rotated relative to an adjacent activation ring where rolling elements are disposed in opposed variable depth grooves formed in the control ring and likewise in the activation ring and where the rolling elements establish a variable axial separation distance, the ball ramp actuator also having a primary control clutch and a secondary control clutch where upon energizing an electromagnetic coil the primary control clutch energizes the ball ramp actuator and where the secondary control clutch frictionally couples a transmission input shaft to a pressure plate and also frictionally couples the control ring to the activation ring thereby establishing a relatively constant clutch clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory J. Organek
  • Patent number: 5505286
    Abstract: A motor vehicle friction clutch having a flywheel, an annular plate attached coaxially to the flywheel and rotatable with the flywheel and which is biased away from the flywheel by a first spring; a clutch cover assembly secured to the flywheel and comprising a cover, a pressure plate and diaphragm spring, and a clutch driven plate sandwiched between the pressure plate and the annular plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Automotive Products, plc
    Inventor: Ian Anthony Nash
  • Patent number: 5505287
    Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for a hydraulically operated vehicular transmission provided with hydraulic engaging elements has a control valve provided with a drain port, and oil discharge passages which are connected, at the time of disengagement of the hydraulic engaging elements, to working oil passages which are in communication with the hydraulic engaging elements. The hydraulic oil to be discharged from the drain port of the control valve is supplied to the oil discharge passages. The apparatus is provided with an oil reservoir for storing therein the hydraulic oil to be discharged from the drain port of the control valve. The oil discharge passages are connected to the oil reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoji Asatsuke, Tatsuyuki Ohashi, Koichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 5505288
    Abstract: A damper disc assembly is provided for transmitting a torque between an input rotary member and an output rotary member, including a hub, a flange, a first spring member, a support member, a second spring member and an input member. The hub is coupled with the output rotary member. The flange is disposed on an outer circumference of the hub, the flange having, on its outer circumferential portion, first and second spring member receiving portions each extending in a circumferential direction. The first spring member is disposed within the first spring member receiving portion. The support member is retained so as to be non-rotatable relative to the hub for supporting the first spring member in the circumferential direction. The second spring member is disposed within said second spring member receiving portion, and has a higher rigidity than that of the first spring member. The input member is coupled with the flange through the second spring member and capable of being coupled with the input rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin Seisakusho
    Inventors: Naoki Tomiyama, Hiroshi Uehara
  • Patent number: 5505289
    Abstract: A bill processor temporarily collects liquid entering the processor body through the liquid inlet and guided below a bill inlet or guided along a tilted bottom surface of the processor body in a liquid collector disposed at the bottom of a front cover which is provided with the bill inlet, and then discharges the liquid to the outside of a device to which the bill processor is mounted through a liquid guiding member connected to the liquid collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Conlux
    Inventors: Masayuki Watabe, Kenji Nishiumi
  • Patent number: 5505290
    Abstract: A working apparatus performs predetermined work on moving subject works carried by work carriers, which are coupled to and transported, one after another, by, a conveyor system. The apparatus holds a work carrier at a working station and releases mechanical coupling between the work carrier and the conveyor system upon a detection of a work carrier located in a predetermined position relative to the working station. The work carrier located at the working station is transported at a speed of the work carrier detected in the predetermined position independently from the conveyor system while performing the predetermined work on the subject work carried by the work carrier at the working station. Upon completion of the predetermined work, the work carrier is released so as to restore the mechanical coupling between the work carrier and the conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fujii, Yukihiro Okinaka
  • Patent number: 5505291
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided which provides measuring and accumulation of packages for downstream sorting or stacking. The apparatus provides variable force feeding of packages to reduce chaos accumulation. Reversing of conveyors allows for reduced line compression of packages for ease of removal. An ultrasonic measuring arch is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Pao-Ter Huang, Chunsheng Cai, Jaroslav Janik, John H. Lecko, James S. Morton
  • Patent number: 5505292
    Abstract: A reciprocating conveyor floor slat has an upper portion with an upper surface and at least one longitudinally extending ridge projecting upwardly from the upper surface. The ridge has a longitudinally extending pointed top portion positioned to engage a bottom surface of an article placed on the slat. The pointed top portion is spaced above the top surface a distance sufficient to maintain the bottom surface of the article out of contact with the slat's upper surface as the article is being conveyed. The preferred number of ridges per slat is two, with the ridges projecting upwardly from laterally opposite portions of the upper surface. Preferably, the bottom surface of the article being conveyed remains at least about 90% out of contact with the slat. When articles such as wooden pallets are conveyed, the pointed top portions of the ridges dig into the bottom surfaces of the pallets to form longitudinal grooves to guide longitudinal movement of the pallets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Raymond K. Foster
  • Patent number: 5505293
    Abstract: A food processing system, particularly a spiral food freezing system, comprises a food processing section, a conveyor belt for conveying food products through the food processing section, and a conveyor belt tension reducer engaged with the conveyor belt to reduce tension in the conveyor belt at a selected location, such as at the commencement of an infeed section to the food processing section. The tension reducer is provided as an infeed assist drive that is engaged with the conveyor belt at the commencement of the system's infeed section to drive slack into the conveyor belt at the transition from a conveyor belt return section to the inlet section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: York Food Systems
    Inventors: Gregory L. Ochs, James E. Aikins
  • Patent number: 5505294
    Abstract: A stackable display includes a frame having an inwardly extending ledge, an upper edge portion, a lower edge portion, and an opening. The display also includes an upwardly facing top tray and a downwardly facing bottom tray each disposed within the opening of the frame. The top and bottom trays each have a horizontally disposed wall and at least one side wall attached to the horizontal wall at its outer peripheral edge. The side wall of the top tray is offset relative to the upper edge portion of the frame to define an upper interengageable formation. The side wall of the bottom tray is offset relative to the lower edge portion of the frame to define a lower mating interengageable formation which is adapted to interengage with the upper interengageable formation of a next adjacent display construction so as to assemble the display in nested, stacked relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: International Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Kilmartin, III, Joseph G. Lefebvre, John M. Lopez
  • Patent number: 5505295
    Abstract: A system that comprises a container capable of holding motor oil and a housing that is capable of holding a first oil filter such that motor oil in the first oil filter can drain into the container. The container is comprised of a light to medium weight durable plastic that is recyclable, such as polyethylene, and preferably has a rectangular top surface with four sides. The rectangular top surface has at least two handles (i.e., indention handles) positioned on opposite sides of the rectangular top surface. The container also has a drain release cap along with a screw and nipple combination to secure motor oil in the container and empty motor oil from the container. At least one drain hole is positioned to drain motor oil from the first oil filter held by the housing into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: C. Wendell Whittington
  • Patent number: 5505296
    Abstract: The tissue container and disposal container arrangement of the invention is arranged to provide for a disposal container readily removed and erected from a collapsed configuration to accommodate soiled tissues subsequent to use. The disposal container is provided with a support tether to permit ease of positioning of the disposal container as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Marion H. Parker
  • Patent number: 5505297
    Abstract: A garment bag of the type having an elongate body substantially formed of flexible fabric or sheet material, and defining a cavity with a hanger support at the top for receiving hanging clothes on hangers. The bag folds double on itself for transport, and includes a pair of rigid wall portions which when the bag is folded double on itself are urged forcefully together. These rigid wall portions substantially immobilize the clothing items therebetween to greatly reduce creasing and wrinkling of the clothing items which would otherwise result from their shifting about in transit. The garment bag also includes features preserving the efforts of careful packing during folding and unfolding of the bag to further reduce clothes wrinkling. Also, the garment bag includes a specially configured toiletries kit which by its shape and placement in the folded bag further contributes to a reduction of clothes wrinkling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Andiamo, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay E. Myers
  • Patent number: 5505298
    Abstract: A box suitable for holding a garment bag or for clothes hung on hangers during travel includes front and rear panels, two side panels, a bottom, and a top. The top is constructed from panels folded to form a peak and gables. The top includes a slot allowing passage of the neck of a hanging hook of a garment bag or of clothes hangers to protrude out from the box, and a hole spaced from the slot allowing re-entry of the end of the hanging hook or hanger. When the hanging hook or hanger are properly installed, the garment bag or clothes hangers are securely suspended in the box. The box shape reduces the possibility of becoming snagged in a baggage conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Fidelity Container Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Dlugopolski
  • Patent number: 5505299
    Abstract: A storage case for a compact optical disc retains trays for the disc in a spring loaded arrangement that is released by a latch mechanism easily activated using one hand. The case is formed by top and bottom portions of alternative configurations. By selecting different combinations of configurations, the case provides storage for two, four or six compact discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Opticord, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Ditzig, Patrick B. Sandell
  • Patent number: 5505300
    Abstract: A golf club divider insert and golf bag for a set of golf clubs includes a golf bag having a base, a body and an open top. The divider insert includes an elongated and sleeve shaped member which is inserted within the golf bag and includes a plurality of elongated and circumferentially extending and spaced apart vanes which define a plurality of elongated enclosures within the bag for receiving the golf clubs. A plurality of foldable flap support members are hingedly attached to the plurality of vanes and each has a horizontal support ledge which allow the insert to be lifted a distance in the bag. Thus, the foldable flap members reach the height of the club head and each club is secured and protected from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: William K. Joh
  • Patent number: 5505301
    Abstract: A container for a toothbrush of the type having a head with bristles, a handle, and a connecting neck. The container comprises a body sized to contain the toothbrush. A securing clip is provided having two protruding arms. The arms are sized and shaped to frictionally engage a portion of the neck of the toothbrush. The container further includes means for selectively locking the securing clip to a portion of the body so that the toothbrush may be held in place within the container by the securing clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Radius Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Foley
  • Patent number: 5505302
    Abstract: A toolbox for a stepladder comprising a container having a holding space therein, a sealable opening for selectively allowing and preventing access to the holding space, and an outwardly extending lip adapted for hanging items thereupon; and a coupling mechanism for coupling the container to a stepladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Scott R. Ferley
  • Patent number: 5505303
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a tool box apparatus that is used to carry and store the tools and equipment that are commonly used by individuals who plaster or drywall. The tool box apparatus of the present invention includes a first wall that is parallel to a second wall, an opened top and an enclosed bottom. The first portion includes a plurality of parallel slots for receiving and maintaining blades that are used by drywallers. The second portion includes a compartment that is used for storing other commonly used items by individuals who drywall. This second portion can be provided with a cover or lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Levi J. Sirman
  • Patent number: 5505304
    Abstract: In a package for substantially identical containers, such as substantially identical bottles, a wrapper is formed from a paperboard sheet, folded, and seamed so as to have a bottom wall and two lateral walls providing expansive surfaces for labelling. Each lateral wall has a longitudinal row of container-receiving apertures, each of which is surrounded completely by portions of such lateral wall. The lateral walls are joined to each other at longitudinally extending folding lines, between the longitudinal rows of container-receiving apertures, so as to define an upper edge of the wrapper. As formed from sheet-form, resilient, polymeric material, a carrier has band segments defining container-receiving apertures in a generally rectangular array, which comprises two longitudinal rows corresponding to the longitudinal rows of container-receiving apertures of the wrapper. The carrier is disposed above the bottom wall of the wrapper, below the upper edge of the wrapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Broskow, William N. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5505305
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an easy-to-use and effective magnetically resealable moisture-proof pouch containing moisture-curable orthopedic splinting/casting product in bulk form or in individually packaged rolls. The preferred pouch incorporates a frame disposed about an opening into the pouch which provides a mounting place for a moisture-proof magnetic seal. Also disclosed are containers for the preferred pouches which are adapted for use with the magnetic sealing system according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Patricia A. Eull, Jason L. Edgar, Gerald E. Drake, Barry J. Novak, Dennis C. Bartizal, Anthony J. Campagna
  • Patent number: 5505306
    Abstract: A package structure, in which a drug-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet comprising a support, a drug-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a separator in this order is packaged and sealed in a packaging material, is disclosed, wherein unevenness is provided on at least one of the surface of the support on the side in contact with the inside of the packaging material, the surface of the separator on the side in contact with the inside of the packaging material, and the inside surface of the packaging material. The unevenness reduces the contact area between the packaging material and the sheet so that an adhesive, a plasticizer or any liquid component of the adhesive layer is prevented from adhering to the inside of the packaging material. Therefore, the sheet can easily be taken out of unit package on use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Akemi, Takashi Kinoshita, Takateru Muraoka, Kazuhiro Higashio, Saburo Otsuka
  • Patent number: 5505307
    Abstract: An insulated cooler which can be mounted to the floor of an automobile and provides access to open beverage containers. The cooler includes an insulated box which has a front wall separated from a back wall by a pair of side walls. The front, back and side walls are attached to a bottom wall that together define an inner cavity. The insulated cooler also has a top cover adapted to enclose the inner cavity of the box. The insulated box is small enough to be placed between the driver and front passenger of an automobile. The cooler has a strip of hook and loop material which can secure the bottom wall of the box to the carpet of the car. Additionally, the top cover has a pair of apertures adapted to receive beverage containers. The apertures may be covered by a flap which can be fastened to either the front or back walls of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Auto-Shade, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Shink
  • Patent number: 5505308
    Abstract: The invention is within the field of packaging and storing of test elements that are usually sensitive towards atmospheric humidity or water vapor. The invention concerns a system for the storage of test elements for the analysis of sample liquids in which two or more test elements are present in a storage container which can be sealed water-vapor tight and contains a desiccant inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Boehringer Mannheim GmbH
    Inventors: Heino Eikmeier, Klaus-Dieter Sacherer