Patents Issued in October 8, 1996
  • Patent number: 5561883
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for cleaning storage containers used in petrochemical or oil refineries. A remotely controllable dual tracked robotic vehicle is placed in a container to be cleaned. A cleaning fluid diluent material is directed against waste material in the container causing a portion of it to form a slurry which is vacuumed out by a nozzle and hose carried by the vehicle. A separator system exterior to the tank processes the removed slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Landry, Paul Borg
  • Patent number: 5561884
    Abstract: "Suction attachment, spray member suitable for use in such a suction attachment, and vacuum cleaner provided with such a suction attachment."A suction attachment (1) for a vacuum cleaner (119) is provided, which suction attachment (1) has an underpressure chamber (7) with a suction opening (23, 25) and a discharge channel (9) for connection to a suction motor assembly (121) of the vacuum cleaner (119). In the underpressure chamber (7) there is an inner chamber (11) which comprises a spray member (73) for distributing a cleaning liquid over a surface to be cleaned. The spray member (73) comprises a distributor plate (79) which is positioned near an upper side (19) of the inner chamber (11) in a central position relative to an orifice (75) of the inner chamber (11). The distributor plate (79) extends parallel to the side walls (51, 53) of the inner chamber (11) and can be sprayed with the cleaning liquid from a spray nozzle (99).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Everardus J. Nijland, Wilhelmus J. J. Maas
  • Patent number: 5561885
    Abstract: A portable hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a housing for holding a motor and a suction fan and a switch slidably mounted on the housing for selectively activating the motor. The switch extends out of the housing so as to be manually engageable. A nozzle is mounted on the housing and a release button, pivotally mounted on the housing, selectively releases the nozzle from the housing. The release button includes a first finger which engages an aperture in a wall of the nozzle, a pivot aperture through which extends a pivot pin secured to the housing for enabling the release button to move between a pair of end positions and a biasing element for urging the release button to one of the pair of end positions. A second finger is also provided on the release button. In one of the end positions of the release button, the second finger engages in a recess of the switch to prevent the release button from being pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Terry L. Zahuranec, Paul D. Stephens, Robert Salo, Robert Vystrcil
  • Patent number: 5561886
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hinge, in particular a hinge for switch-cabinet and instrument-cabinet doors, the hinge comprising a part fitted to the door and a part fitted to the cabinet which engage with each other for rotational motion by means of at least one hinge pin. In order to ensure that the hinge parts can be separated and reassembled rapidly and simply, the invention calls for at least one hinge part (10, 40) to be designed in two elements, via a first and a second element (11, 12; 41, 42) and that the first and second element (11, 12; 41, 42) can be displaced relative to each other in the longitudinal direction to enable the other part (20; 50) to be inserted and withdrawn again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Knurr-Mechanik fur die Elektronik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans Flamme
  • Patent number: 5561887
    Abstract: A double pivot hinge assembly for attaching a door to a vehicle body door frame for swinging the door between closed, intermediate open, and full open positions in a self-latching and unlatching uninterrupted manner. The hinge assembly includes a U-shaped link having a bight portion and first and second legs extending therefrom wherein a first pin pivotally connects a body hinge to a free end of the first leg and a second pin pivotally connects a door hinge to a free end of the second leg. The door and body hinges are each formed with a sector plate providing a horizontal raceway such that the body and door hinges are interchangeable except for the location of the detent pocket. Each link leg has a resilient detent member juxtaposed its associated raceway adapted for biased travel on a predetermined raceway arcuate path for releasable self-latching engagement at a predetermined position of the door with an associated detent pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Dorinel Neag, Richard Hulbert
  • Patent number: 5561888
    Abstract: A furniture hinge (10) with a carcase-related part (12) which can be fastened adjustably on the carcase of a furniture piece, which is coupled to a door-related part by a linkage mechanism, and which is configured as a hinge cup (14) of metal. The cup part (18) of the hinge cup (14) can be mounted sunken in a mortise in the door and has a flange (20) lying on the inside of the door and projecting from the edge of the cup part. From the bottom of the flange protrude at least one, and preferably two, studs (32) provided with a number of anchoring ribs of pointed cross section, which can be mounted in associated, separate holes in the door. The stud (32) or studs are made expandable by a screw (30) in the manner of an expansion plug and are premounted on the flange by means of the screw being driven in only partially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: MEPLA-Werke Lautenschlager GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reinhard Lautenschlager
  • Patent number: 5561889
    Abstract: An apparatus for depositing sliver from a sliver-producing machine into a coiler can in an annular pattern includes two cooperating pressure rolls for advancing the sliver; a rotatably supported coiler head arranged for receiving sliver from the pressure rolls and having a sliver outlet travelling in a circular path upon rotation of the coiler head; a movable coiler can platform disposed below the coiler head for receiving a coiler can in an upright position; a drive for driving the pressure rolls, the coiler head and the coiler can platform for advancing sliver from the pressure rolls into the coiler head and for depositing sliver by the circulating sliver outlet into the coiler can moved by the coiler can platform in an annular pattern; and a control and regulating device connected to the drive for altering the angular velocity of the coiler head within revolutions thereof as a function of momentary positions of the sliver outlet on the circular path thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Trutzschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ferdinand Leifeld
  • Patent number: 5561890
    Abstract: A clamping arrangement employs a rotatable element, such as a ball, driven by a cam to apply a biasing force to an article desired to be clamped. The ball is contained within a housing having first and second through-holes arranged substantially orthogonal to one another. An elongated cam enters through one of the through-holes, and urges the ball to protrude through the other through-hole. The ball is larger than the through-hole through which it protrudes, and therefore does not exit the housing. In one embodiment, the cam is urged into communication with the ball by the application of air pressure to a pneumatic cylinder. The air pressure can be controlled to ensure that the biasing force applied by the ball is applied gently and resiliently to avoid jarring the article to be clamped, and displacing its contents. A position sensor is employed to provide an indication of the location of the pneumatic piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Technology Handlers, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald S. Rich
  • Patent number: 5561891
    Abstract: The present invention offers a fastener structure between a diving flipper and a tightening strap thereof which is characterized in the following design the fastener comprises a male fastener and a female fastener; the male fastener is-provided at one end of the tightening strap, a tenon extending forward is formed at the front end of the male fastener, a recess is provided in a suitable position on each of two sides of the tenon, a holding down plate at the top of male fastener can adjust the tightness of tightening strap and brake the tightening strap from time to time; the female fastener is combined on one side of the diving filpper, a fastening plate pivotally provided on each of two sides of the female fastener extends inward from outside, the inner end of fastening plate has a catch, another end (outer end) thereof has a pressing portion, a bevel arm on one side of the fastening plate contacts against the inner walls on two sides of the housing so as to keep the catch at inner end of fastening plate te
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Hsing-Chi Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5561892
    Abstract: A combination burial casket and hardware comprises a casket shell having a wall, a plate secured to the wall and having a rear edge and a forward surface, an arm, adapted to receive and support a handle bar, pivoted to the plate, and including at least one transverse pivot member, with the plate including at least one rearward facing notch formed in the plate rear edge and receiving the at least one transverse pivot member, the plate forward surface concealing the transverse pivot member, and a stop operable between the plate and the arm limiting pivotal movement of the arm relative to the plate. The arm comprises a pair of elongated arm members or is an integral one piece arm member. The transverse pivot member comprises a pivot bar or a pair of pivot pins. The stop comprises a first projection on the plate and second and third projections on the pivot member. Either the plate or the arm include ornamentation. The arm and pivot member are cast as a single part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Batesville Casket Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Biondo
  • Patent number: 5561893
    Abstract: A personal computer includes a metallic main chassis section and a metallic subchassis hinged thereto. The subchassis includes a side wall and a floor forming a corner therebetween. The corner is formed by integral pieces of the subchassis extending between the side wall and floor, the pieces being spaced in a longitudinal direction. The pieces are bent to form first pockets opening transversely to the longitudinal direction. First tabs extend from the side wall in the transverse direction. The main chassis section includes an edge having second tabs spaced longitudinally and bent into U-shaped pockets. To assemble the hinge, the second pockets are inserted into spaces formed between the first pockets and first tabs, so that the first and second pockets become aligned. A hinge pin is inserted into the pockets so as to lie in the longitudinal direction. The first and second tabs are bent around the hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayman Lee
  • Patent number: 5561894
    Abstract: Method for providing a decorative cover by providing a flower pot, positioning a sleeve about the floral grouping with a portion of the sleeve extending along a portion of the flower pot, disposing a sheet of material about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot; and positioning a collar about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot with a portion of the sleeve and the sheet of material being disposed between the collar and the flower pot whereby the collar secures the sleeve and the sheet of material to the flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Franklin J. Craig, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5561895
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a brake pad wherein a clamping force of a mechanical joint formed between a friction member and a metal backing plate by a rivet is specified and controlled such that noise developed during a brake application through vibration is attenuated as the friction material and metal backing plate vibrating at different frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Neil J. Clark
  • Patent number: 5561896
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive transducer has a sensor which includes a magnetic layer and an interdiffusion layer. An active central region of the sensor extends between two passive end regions which are used to magnetically bias the active central region longitudinally. The biasing function is attained by fabricating the transducer on a wafer in an H-configuration, with the crossbar of the H as the active central region and a portion of the side legs as the passive end regions. When short current pulses are passed through the side legs of the H, the associated heating of the side legs (but not the crossbar of the H) causes interdiffusion between the interdiffusion layer and the magnetic layer and transforms the magnetic layer from soft magnetism to hard magnetism as required for the biasing function. The wafer is diced near the crossbar of the H and then processed further to form the finished transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventors: Otto Voegeli, George Tzanavaras
  • Patent number: 5561897
    Abstract: A slope is provided from a heater area to the side of the edge of a substrate near the heater area. A resistance film layer and a common electrode are provided on the slope which is formed as a convexly curved surface. In the slope, a reinforcement conductor along the common electrode is embedded below the resistance film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Ohnishi
  • Patent number: 5561898
    Abstract: A tool for inserting wires into more than one type of insulation displacement connector comprises a stepped locating device such that a first portion (230) locates in one connector type and a second portion is of a width (W) suitable to locate in a further connector type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Mod-Tap W Corporation
    Inventors: Rowland S. White, David E. Ivey
  • Patent number: 5561899
    Abstract: Apparatus for feeding an insulated electrical wire, or the like, axially with respect to a transverse plane in which a single pair of blade cutting edges are supported for movement toward and away from the axis of the wire. Each blade has a continuous cutting edge forming the periphery of an opening through the blade. The wire is advanced a predetermined distance through the aligned blade openings by a pair of conveyors on opposite sides of the plane of the blade edges. The blades are moved in opposite directions to sever a premeasured length of wire from the supply by first portions of each blade edge. The severed wire portion is then moved by the conveyors to a second axial position and the blades are again moved to cause second portions of the cutting edges to pass partially through the layer of insulation, stopping before contacting the conductor. Axial movement of the wire then causes the engaged blades to sever a slug of insulation and strip it partially or fully from the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Carpenter Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Carpenter, David D. Hand, David J. Palmowski
  • Patent number: 5561900
    Abstract: A coaxial connector (10) for a coaxial cable (100) having a corrugated outer conductor (108), including one which is helically corrugated. An adapter (40) of the connector can include a crimpable sleeve (44) within which is a bushing (70) initially having an axial slot (72) of selected dimension. The inner surface (74) of the bushing is fluted defining ridges and grooves (for cable of annular corrugation), or a continuous helical ridge (76) and associated groove (78) defining a thread of corresponding pitch, and general inner diameter permitting cable insertion. Upon full threading of the cable end into adapter (40), crimp sleeve (44) is crimped thus closing axial slot (72) and stopping the crimp process to achieve a minimum desired inner diameter. The adapter may be a discrete subassembly and securable to a forward connector portion in modular fashion by complementary threaded flanges (32,46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Hosler, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5561901
    Abstract: A collapsible pump chamber includes several functional elements of a pump device. For example, the collapsible pump chamber may be a bellows which includes a functional element of an outlet valve, a functional element of a biasing feature, and a functional element of a spin chamber. Consequently, a functional element of all of the downstream functions are incorporated into the bellows. This can significantly reduce costs; due to reduced tooling, and assembly, for example. Since it can be desirable to separate these functions (e.g., to achieve more consistent spray quality), a process is described for severing functions from the multiple function collapsible pump chamber during the assembly of the pump device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Stahley, Robert J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5561902
    Abstract: A rail frame assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a rearward frame module having a pair of generally parallel rearward frame rail members interconnected by a rearward cross-member assembly. A central frame module includes a pair of generally parallel central frame rail members interconnected by a central cross-member assembly, the central frame members each having a generally U-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration including a vertical base wall portion and a pair of outwardly extending generally parallel horizontal wall portions extending from opposite ends of the base wall portion. The U-shaped central frame members are each bent between two spaced positions thereof, and one of the horizontal wall portions extending from one end of the base wall portion has metallic grains therein substantially stretched at a location between the spaced positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Cosma International Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Jacobs, Frank A. Horton, Howard A. Mayo, III
  • Patent number: 5561903
    Abstract: A hand tool for cutting an axially extending severable web of insulating material connecting two axially elongate cables in parallel axially spaced apart relation to each other has a generally cylindrical blade holder defining a bore for receiving one of the cables therethrough. A first slot communicates with the bore to receive the severable web. A second slot communicates with the first notch and opens outwardly through the peripheral surface of the blade holder to receive the other of the cables. A blade pivotally supported on the blade holder for movement between a cutting position, wherein the blade extends across the first slot, and a retracted position wherein the blade is disposed at one side of the first slot is normally biased toward its cutting position. Insertion of one of the cables into the bore and through the blade holder causes the blade to pivot to its retracted position allowing free movement of the tool relative to the one cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Ben Hughes Communication Products Company
    Inventor: Roger R. Bourbeau
  • Patent number: 5561904
    Abstract: A rose stem stripper according to the present invention is accomplished by two metal arms including a base, a handle with looped gripping projections and a pair of jaws laterally offset from the handle. The metal arms are pivotally attached to each other at their bases. A rose containing a stem is inserted between the pair of jaws where each jaw has a V-shaped opening with a sharpened edge in order to overlap and form a generally diamond-shaped opening allowing only the rose stem to pass and thereby remove thorns and foliage. The handle of the rose stem stripper being offset from the jaws is gripped via the looped gripping projections and squeezed so that the sharpened edges of the V-shaped openings in the jaws move toward each other and encompass the rose stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: DooBong Chung
  • Patent number: 5561905
    Abstract: A letter opener includes a handle portion, a depending neck portion, and oppositely extending tine portions carried by the neck portion. A cutting edge is mounted on each side of the neck portion such that either of the tine portions can be inserted under the flap of a sealed envelope and moved across the envelope to permit the respective cutting edge to slice open the envelope. Since the novel letter opener according to the invention includes two cutting edges, the useful life of the letter opener is doubled over the useful life of prior art, single cutting edge letter openers. Inasmuch as the letter opener may carry one or more informational messages, such as advertising messages, postal rate information, etc., the length of time the messages are exposed to the user is also doubled, thereby doubling the value of the letter opener to both the user as well as those employing the letter opener as a medium of communication to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Alan E. Sherman
  • Patent number: 5561906
    Abstract: A carpet knife for creasing carpet at the juncture of the floor and the wall, and for cutting carpet along the crease, includes a split body having first and second mating body sections which when in assembled relation include a forward end portion which is capable of receiving and securing thereto a blade to cut carpet, a handle portion which is grasped in the user's hand, and a rearward end portion which is tapered to a pointed end. The rearward end portion is designed to crease the carpet at the juncture of the floor and the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Armand R. F. Desmarais
  • Patent number: 5561907
    Abstract: An aligning mechanism for a hand-held circular saw has a base adapted to be attached to the circular saw. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface. At least two paddles are pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis and movable in unison between a deployed position and an undeployed position. Each paddle when in its deployed position extends below the lower surface of the base and is capable of contacting an edge of the workpiece so that the saw blade is aligned in a predetermined position with respect to the edge. The paddles move in unison toward their undeployed positions as the saw blade engages the workpiece while maintaining the predetermined alignment between the saw blade and the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Campbell, Paul G. Gross, Gale A. Heslop
  • Patent number: 5561908
    Abstract: Guide bar for chain saws, where the chain is supposed by a nose sprocket while traversing the front end. Regions of the edges of the guide bar are locally hardened to a higher hardness than the rest of the guide bar. The regions of hardness are only where the chair impacts the bar near an attachment end of the guide bar after having left the drive sprocket of the power socket, and where the chain settles on the guide bar edge after having been supported by the nose sprocket while traversing the nose curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventor: Arvo Leini
  • Patent number: 5561909
    Abstract: The electrically operated reciprocating tool includes a housing with a counterbalanced single throw crankshaft mounted for rotation within the housing. The crankshaft rotates on a central shaft, and includes a weighted counterbalance section extending radially on an opposite side of the shaft and is pivotally connected to one end of an elongate drive link. The opposite end of the drive link is pivotally connected to a reciprocable unit mounted for movement in a raceway formed in the housing. A battery powered drive unit mounted in the housing is connected to rotate the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventors: Donald N. E. Berg, James R. Headberg
  • Patent number: 5561910
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to sights and aiming aids, and more specifically to an apparatus for sighting an archer's bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Camtrack
    Inventor: Bobby Maynard
  • Patent number: 5561911
    Abstract: A level tool with laser light alignment capabilities including a straight rigid first rail having a leveling vial coupled thereto; a laser light source coupled to the first rail and with the laser light source transmitting a laser beam that is longitudinally aligned with the first rail to a remote location for use in alignment operations; and an electrical power supply coupled to the first rail for providing electrical energy to the laser light source for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Martin
  • Patent number: 5561912
    Abstract: A goniometer arm for use in conjunction with a precision cutting apparatus comprising an arm for supporting a rotating adaptor arm which in turn supports and secures a rotating disc and a specimen holder. The goniometer arm allows a specimen to be cut along a specific plane about a specific axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Buehler Ltd.
    Inventor: Horst Stange, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5561913
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying photo-sensitive material having a transfer path for the photo-sensitive material having at least one curved section, a supply device for supplying hot air to the photo-sensitive material, and a suction duct for sucking the hot air provided inside the curved section. The apparatus further includes turn rollers provided along the inside of the curved section, and a paper guide having an opening for circulating hot air, provided between the adjacent two rollers of the plurality of turn rollers in such a manner as not to contact with the photo-sensitive material. It is possible to dry all the portions of the photo-sensitive material under a uniform condition, while maintaining the transfer characteristics so that no drying irregularity appears; thereby, making it possible to prevent the reduction in the printing quality of the picture due to the drying irregularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Domoto
  • Patent number: 5561914
    Abstract: A mobile Sand Dryer is disclosed. This dryer is substantially made up of two portions. The first portion of the Sand Dryer is a wet sand tank. This tank is essentially divided into two distinct portions; an upper wet sand holding chamber and a lower sand drying chamber. The two chambers are divided by a grate. The upper wet sand holding chamber is supplied with a removable lid as well as a fan which may be used to create a vacuum in the chamber. The lower sand drying chamber is supplied with a propane burner and a hopper bottom. During use wet sand is placed in the upper wet sand drying chamber via the removable lid. The wet sand collects on the steel grate as it is placed into the chamber. Upon ignition of the burner and the fan the vacuum crated by the fan tends to draw the heat and moisture from the sand up and out the top of the chamber. As the sand on the grate is dried it falls through the grate before finally be moved via a vacuum tube to the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Charles L. Asplin
  • Patent number: 5561915
    Abstract: A sealed storage container includes a large storage compartment and a smaller cartridge chamber near the bottom of the storage container for a carbon dioxide gas cartridge. The cartridge chamber communicates with the storage compartment via a piercing orifice mechanism. The mechanism pierces the carbon dioxide gas cartridge when the cartridge is loaded into the cartridge chamber and pushed into the piercing orifice by a closure plug. When the cartridge is pierced; the carbon dioxide gas flows into the storage compartment and displaces the air in the storage compartment. The displaced air is exhausted through a small exhaust orifice near the top of a side wall of the storage container. When a sufficient amount of air is displaced, the exhaust orifice is sealed with a pipe plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Johnie B. Vandergriff
  • Patent number: 5561916
    Abstract: A flowable solid material, such as wet-milled corn germ, is continuously fed into the upper portion of a large vessel having a cylindrical shell with a vertical axis and a series of vertically spaced horizontal decks. Each deck has concentrically spaced annular zones of holes or perforations, and heated air from a set of blowers and a gas-fired or steam heat exchanger is forced countercurrently or upwardly through the perforations to produce a recirculating bed of material above each deck with an upward spouting flow of the material above the zones of perforations and a downward flow of material between the zones of perforations. The recirculating material forming the lower beds is also heated by cylindrical steam heat exchangers which extend vertically between the zones of perforations, and the material is fed progressively downwardly through the vessel to form the beds and for discharge from the lowermost bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: The French Oil Mill Machinery Company
    Inventor: Ralph H. Willgohs
  • Patent number: 5561917
    Abstract: A paper sludge drier includes a somewhat attrition style mill discharging to a horizontal, rotary drum drier. The mill has two mill plates facing each other. As one rotates relative to the other, sludge is broken down as it passes between the plates. The sludge flows generally from the center of the plates and outward through grooves running radially across the plates. The sludge is subsequently dried in the horizontal drum which has an integral internal screw that conveys the sludge through the drum. The sludge drier reduces the moisture content of the paper sludge from over 50 percent down to less than 20 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: William J. Ratajczek
  • Patent number: 5561918
    Abstract: A double backer for curing the web bonding adhesive and drying the corrugated paperboard web utilizes a web holddown apparatus for maintaining the web in intimate drying contact with the lower heating units which does not require the use of a driven holddown belt. The holddown is provided instead by a series of parallel, flexible, closely spaced strips suspended above the web in the heating section and extending in the direction of web travel. By adjusting the supports to which the ends of the strips are attached, the portions of the lengths of the strips maintained in contact with the web may be varied. The holddown strips may be provided with strip supporting air bearings which also help dissipate moisture and heat. The web is pulled through the double backer by a downstream vacuum conveyor section comprising a series of transport belts to the upper surfaces of which a vacuum is applied and which may also be supported by air bearings to reduce friction and drive power requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Marquip, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl R. Marschke
  • Patent number: 5561919
    Abstract: A sandal having a sole formed of a lower layer, an intermediate layer having openings formed therein, and a microporous upper layer with the layers sealed together to form air pockets. The sole is fastened upon a user's foot by three, separate, independently adjustable straps. One strap extends over the forward portion of the user's foot, and the other two straps loosely cross each other to extend over the front and rear of the user's ankles for securely holding the sandal in position upon the foot while allowing flexible and comfortable freedom of movement of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Yoram Gill
  • Patent number: 5561920
    Abstract: A shoe construction having an energy return system together with features providing cushioning and stability. The energy return system includes a rigid frame having a torsional rigidity bar in the midfoot area integrally connecting annular walls in the forefoot and heel areas of the midsole. A net of monofilaments or fibers is secured under tension in the areas defined by the annular walls with the net positioned over an open area in the midsole. A cantilevered system of support pads is positioned in the arch area to support the medial side of the midfoot.The energy return system also includes a rigid frame having annular walls in the heel area. A net of fibers is secured under tension in the area defined by the heel annular walls. The open areas can have inserted within them a variety of inserts to view the components of the energy return system from outside the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Hyde Athletic Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Graham, Bernie Allen, Michael Kirk, Stephen Francis, Edward Tavino, Kenton Geer, Gary J. Troy
  • Patent number: 5561921
    Abstract: A vehicular apparatus which is adapted for removing fluids including snow and/or ice and de-icing or anti-icing liquids from a surface as the apparatus traverses the surface. The apparatus comprises: a first container for receiving a first portion of the fluids removed from a zone of the surface; apparatus for collecting and transferring the first portion of the fluids from the zone to the first container; a second container for collecting residual fluids remaining on the zone of the surface after the first portion is removed; a tank for containing water and a diaphragm pump for pumping water from the tank through nozzles at high pressure on the zone of the surface to loosen the residual fluids or make them airborne; and an air sweep connected in fluid communication with the second container for drawing or sweeping the loosened residual fluids and water into the second container concurrently with impinging high pressure water on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Zenon Airport Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn M. Vanderlinden
  • Patent number: 5561922
    Abstract: A marine dredging device comprised of scoop buckets pivotally connected to a reciprocating mechanism that extrudes soil into a receiver chamber and thence to upwardly extending soil transport tubes. Powered helices in the transport tubes serve to propel soil upwards to a discharge chute. Deployable silt curtains serve to close off the aperture between the scoop buckets and prevent the escape of sediments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Robert P. Lynch
  • Patent number: 5561923
    Abstract: An excavating apparatus for excavating a ditch in the ground, the apparatus including a vehicle (2) and a cutter (22), the cutter being attached slidably to upper and lower horizontal guides (7,8) mounted on the vehicle, and having upper and lower hydraulic cylinders (16,18) to move the cutter (22) relative to the upper and lower horizontal guides (7,8). If the angle of the cutter (22) inclines from the vertical it can be corrected by use of the upper and lower hydraulic cylinders (16,18). During the excavation of a ditch the cutter (22) is driven forward by the hydraulic cylinders (16,18) with the vehicle (2) stationary with the result that an accurate ditch can be excavated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignees: Kobe Steel, Ltd., Tomen Kenki Corporation
    Inventor: Katsumi Kitanaka
  • Patent number: 5561924
    Abstract: In a scraper, or the like, having as its purpose the cutting of a level swath in an earthen terrain, and receiving the earth cut from the terrain, in which the cutting blade is mounted, in a level attitude, to a scraper frame, which frame is itself mounted on wheels for movement along the terrain, means for adjusting the wheels relative to the frame so as to maintain the level attitude of the blade over uneven terrain, or under conditions of uneven loading of the earth removed from the swath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas N. Ramey
  • Patent number: 5561925
    Abstract: A tooth assembly includes a tip and an adapter, with the tip being replaceably secured to the adapter by a retaining mechanism. It is advantageous to have a tooth assembly that, due to mating load transfer surfaces between the tip and adapter, allows the effective transfer of forces from the tip directly into the adapter without creating undesired resultant forces on the retaining mechanism. In the subject arrangement, the retaining mechanism utilizes a double flex pin that eliminates the need for supplemental devices or components to retain such retaining pin. In particular, the pin is provided with a pair of protrusions defining a detent valley therebetween on one surface thereof that receives a detent protrusion provided on the nose of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Livesay
  • Patent number: 5561926
    Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to an articulating mounting for positioning a rock saw for cutting rock, in particular for the building industry.Rock saw mountings are known which enable mounting of a rock saw blade to an hydraulic arm of a conventional excavator. Conventionally, the rock saw is mounted so it is fixed to either one side or other of the hydraulic arm. The angle of the rock saw relative to the hydraulic arm cannot be varied.The present invention provides a mounting which enables three degrees of freedom of motion of the rock saw, to enable it to be fixed at predetermined angles to make predetermined desired angular cuts into rock. The rock saw may be moved from one side of the arm to the other in order to cut trenches without it being necessary to reposition the excavator.The mounting may also be used as a support for tools other than a rock saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Samuel E. Stratti
  • Patent number: 5561927
    Abstract: A needlework aid device is for use with a needlework fabric having an edge portion, a right side and a wrong side. The needlework aid device comprises a mechanism for rolling the fabric with one hand. The device further comprises a mechanism, attached to the right side of the fabric, for releasably mounting the fabric to the rolling mechanism. A method for securing and working with the needlework fabric comprises the steps of releasably mounting the fabric edge portion to an elongated tube; and rolling the fabric to expose a desired area to be needleworked, such that the wrong side of the fabric faces outwardly from the elongated tube during the rolling step, whereby the right side of the fabric is protected from soiling during rolling and needleworking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Betty Blavat
  • Patent number: 5561928
    Abstract: A display greeting card device includes a pair of superimposed flexible elongate rectangular strips mutually rigidly stapled at one end and joined at their opposite ends by a separable hinge member defining pressure sensitive tape. By separating one leaf of the hinge member tape from the respective end of the hinge tape and inverting the strips and rejoining the free ends of the strips with the hinge member tape, the strips assume the shape of a heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Avedis Baghsarian
  • Patent number: 5561929
    Abstract: A rotary card file having a tumbler combination and latch for securing a pivotable cover over a series of cards held for rotation on a spindle beneath the cover. Actuating a select position of the tumblers allows a latch to clear a tab portion of the cover to allow pivoting of the cover to access the cards. Additionally, a swivel base is provided having a lock for selecting and locking the card file in a rotary orientation convenient for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Randall Bell
    Inventors: Randall Bell, Kim Vollendorf
  • Patent number: 5561930
    Abstract: An advertising display representative of an enlarged beverage or other product container, including a body portion of a part of a container, formed as an arcuate segment, including along its side edges integrally inturned flanges, for connecting thereto of one or more hanger brackets, which are bent into particular configurations to accommodate either the mounting of the display directly to the flat surface of a wall, or for snug attachment at the corner between a pair of walls, due to the hanger bracket being configured at an approximate 90.degree. angle at inwardly angulated bent sections located proximate the back surface of the body portion for the container display of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Stout Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris M. Ashley, Bryan C. Aukamp, James S. Jepsen, Lee A. Witt
  • Patent number: 5561931
    Abstract: A publicity display includes a central tubular mast and a plurality of transversal tubes each having one end fixed to the central tubular mast and a free end projecting radially from the central tubular mast. The upper ends of a pair of vertical support tubes is attached to the free end of each transversal tube. The lower ends of each pair of tubes are connected to tensioning cables which have their other end connected to a ground anchor. A plurality of canvasses each for having an advertisement thereon are provided, with each canvas being fixed on two of the vertical supports which are spaced apart from one another and fixed to adjacent transversal tubes to form a plurality of publicity supports each having a triangular plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Dannhaeuser GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Duenkel
  • Patent number: 5561932
    Abstract: A garment indicia strip and method for size labeling a pair of folded pants. A strip of flexible material has indicia repeatedly printed along a first major surface thereof. The indica are printed using symbols having a height no greater than the width of an edge of said folded pants. A second major surface of the strip has a pressure sensitive adhesive material bonded thereto. In use, the second surface of the strip is affixed to a pair of pants at a predetermined position whereby sizing information of the pants can be determined by reading the strip when the pants are folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Haggar Clothing Co.
    Inventor: Frank D. Bracken