Patents Issued in August 26, 1997
  • Patent number: 5660294
    Abstract: A rotating closure device for a runout opening in a base of a metallurgical vessel for preventing access of gases reacting with a melt. The device includes an upper closure plate (3) positioned at an end side of a drain block (1) and a lower closure plate (4) at the outlet (2). The upper closure plate (3) is provided with at least two through-holes for meeting at least two channels (7, 8) in the drain block (1), which channels (7, 8) extend parallel to an axis of rotation of the device. The lower closure plate (4) is provided with at least one through-hole for meeting at least one channel (6) in the outlet. The at least two chapels (7, 8) meet at least one channel (6) via a connection between the upper and lower closure plates (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralf Schneider, Wolfram Jung, Hans-Joachim Paris
  • Patent number: 5660295
    Abstract: New covers for access openings or hatches, for example, gauge hatches, are preferably opened and closed on a "hands-free" basis, so that a human operator can carry gauging/sampling or other equipment in his/her hands and still gain access to the container to be monitored. In one embodiment, the hatch cover comprises a housing including a wall surface defining an opening, a first pivot element and a spaced apart second pivot element; a cover member coupled to the first pivot element and adapted to be pivotably movable about the first pivot element relative to the housing, the cover member being sized and adapted to cover the opening when placed in a closed position and to not cover the opening when placed in an opened position; a pin secured to the cover member; and a movable latch element coupled to the second pivot element and adapted to be pivotably movable about the second pivot element relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: GPE Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: George Hroma, Guy H. Johnson, Gerald S. Sieja
  • Patent number: 5660296
    Abstract: A mobile cooler includes a container that is partitioned to form a cold compartment and a non-cooled compartment. A cover is removably mounted on the container to overlie both compartments. In one position, the cover can function as a small chair. In an alternate position the cover is held close against the container to facilitate compact storage of the cooler in a minimum space, and easy towing of the cooler from one place to another place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Ryan E. Greenwich
  • Patent number: 5660297
    Abstract: A non-screw assembled casing for computer mainframe comprised of an upper cover, a base and a front panel wherein the non-screw assembling structure comprises a first coupling section structure, a second coupling section structure and a third coupling section structure. The first coupling section structure includes a plurality of first fastening units provided on the bottom edge of the inner right side of the upper cover and on the bottom edge of the right side of the base. The second coupling section structure includes a plurality of second fastening units provided on the bottom edge of the inner left side of the upper cover and on the bottom edge at the left of the base. And the third coupling section structure includes a plurality of third fastening units provided on the back side of the front panel, the periphery of the front side of the upper cover, and the front side of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Enlight Corporation
    Inventor: Morgan C. Liu
  • Patent number: 5660298
    Abstract: The present invention includes a container with a rectilinear configuration for storage of reading material. Further provided is a mounting assembly including a first planar strip with a thin rectangular configuration. The first planar strip is integrally coupled along a first long edge coincidentally along a top edge of the rear face of the container. The mounting assembly also includes a second planar strip with a thin rectangular configuration hingably coupled to the first planar strip, whereby the mounting assembly may be situated on a bed rail of an associated bed or situated between two mattresses for affording a user in the bed convenient access to the reading material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Gerald W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5660299
    Abstract: A two-n-one cooler including an insulated container having a bottom wall with a rear wall, a front wall, a pair of side walls and an interior wall extending upward therefrom. The front wall has a pair of front upper edges and the rear wall has a pair of rear upper edges with a passage through each rear upper edge. The pair of side walls each have a short upper edge extending from the rear wall in a horizontal plane for a portion thereof and a remaining portion sloping downward toward the front wall. The interior wall is integral with the front and rear walls and spaced from one of the pair of side walls to form two chambers within the container. The interior wall has a projecting upper edge with an aperture therethrough and adjacent each rear upper edge. A first lid has an upper surface and a lower surface with an opening therethrough and positionable over one chamber. The opening has a door positioned therein. A second lid is positionable over another chamber of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Allen W. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5660300
    Abstract: This invention relates to a frying pan with an articulable handle which can be mated with a second frying pan with a fixed handle to flip foods without the intermediate transfer of the food from the frying pan to another frying pan or dish. When cooking an omelette or other similar food in currently available frying pans, utensils are usually necessary to turn the food over within the frying pan. Quite often, the utensils damage the food when turned over in this manner and affect the final presentation of the food. The present invention addresses this shortcoming by providing a pair of nestable frying pans, one pan having an articulable handle, that permit a cook to flip food within the pans without the need for additional flipping utensils thereby eliminating possible food damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Bruno Demetrio
  • Patent number: 5660301
    Abstract: An attachment provision for a bottle or receptacle for use with various possible connecting devices currently available. In its preferred embodiment, the bottle/container attachment is comprised of a external recessed area (7) running across the bottle's/container's base. A hanging bar (8), formed integrally with this bottle/container, crosses the area (7) at the bottle's/container's medial plane (FIG. 3). The upper surface (8A) of bar (8), upper wall (11), transitioning radii (11A), (11B), (12A), and (12B) form a full radius slot (10) thus creating a connecting provision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Gary H. Kaplowitz
  • Patent number: 5660302
    Abstract: A removeable plastic plug for a container having an annular outlet opening includes a unitary outer annular wall which is arranged with an annular upper lip portion, an annular lower rib portion, and an enclosing body portion which extends between the upper lip portion and the lower rib portion. The enclosing body portion defines a hollow interior which is sealed across by a closing diaphragm arranged in unitary construction with the enclosing body portion. The closing diaphragm includes an upwardly inclined portion to which a pull ring is attached. The outer annular wall further defines an annular receiving channel and a retention bead whereby the edge defining the outlet opening snaps into said annular receiving channel with the retention bead positioned on the underside of the defining edge. The lower rib portion is segmented by three equally spaced inverted V-shaped notches which are centered relative to the pull ring and which are disposed adjacent to the upwardly inclined portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventor: Stanley D. Trout
  • Patent number: 5660303
    Abstract: A plastic case for protecting a photographic film cassette from moisture consists of a case body having a closed bottom and a lid to be fitted to an open top of the case body. The case body has a horizontal contour at least in its engaging portion with the lid, that is constituted of at least four arcs connected in series to one another, of which at least two arcs are different in radius from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masuhiko Hirose
  • Patent number: 5660304
    Abstract: A vending apparatus of the type having drop shelves, wherein the shelves are retained in an upright position by a solenoid, and wherein, when so positioned, the solenoid forms a series electrical circuit with the shelf, such that the position of the shelf can be tested by testing the integrity of this series electrical circuit. The vending apparatus can be equipped with an acoustic input, such that upon receiving a particular acoustic input signal, the machine will automatically test the position of the shelves by testing the shelf/solenoid circuit, and in this way, an inventory of the contents of the vending machine can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: IDX, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Halsey, Scott Juds, James W. Erwin
  • Patent number: 5660305
    Abstract: In an automatic prescription dispensing system, a multiplicity of pill dispensers dispensing the pills of different prescriptions are arranged in columns and rows. A conveyer organizes open and labeled pill bottles in columns corresponding to the columns of the pill dispensers and carries the columns of pill bottles severally past and beneath the pill dispensers in the array. The pill bottles are carried in bottle carriers which in turn are carried by pallets on a conveyer. When a pill bottle gets to a pill dispenser containing the pills to be dispensed for the prescription of a pill bottle, the pills are released from the dispenser into the pill bottle, whereby a plurality of pill bottles passing under the array of dispensers are filled simultaneously. The pill dispensers count the pills out one at a time and accumulate the pills of a prescription before the pill bottle to receive such prescription reaches the dispenser and then releases the pills en masse into the pill bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Medco Containment Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Lasher, Dennis Wayne Rice, Michael Joseph Szesko
  • Patent number: 5660306
    Abstract: A selectively attachable closure for a container. The closure includes a valve member connected to a restraining member by structure for causing the restraining member to be drawn toward the valve member. The closure further includes a central expandable member positioned between the valve member and the restraining member. The central expandable member is caused to outwardly expand when the restraining member is drawn toward the valve member. The central expandable member includes a hollow body positioned about the restraining member so that the central expandable member is supported by the restraining member. In use, the restraining member and the central expandable member are passed within a hole formed in a container while the valve member is seated on a periphery of the hole to support the closure, and the restraining member is drawn toward the valve member causing the central expandable member to outwardly expand and secure the closure within the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Il Yoo Kim
  • Patent number: 5660307
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ice includes a bin and a shroud that contains a recess for housing a wheel. The shroud mounts to a front wall of the bin and includes a chute that communicates exterior to the bin. The shroud further includes a curved plate that directs ice into the recess so that the wheel can raise the ice to the chute. A plate mounts at an angle sloping downward towards the front wall of the bin to direct ice onto the curved plate of the shroud. A discharge chute assembly mounts to the ice bin and communicates with the chute of the shroud to permit the delivery of the ice exterior to the bin. A gear motor drives the wheel to facilitate the lifting of the ice to the chute of the shroud. Alternatively, in a combination ice and beverage dispenser, the plate mounted within the bin is replaced with a cold plate mounted within the bin at an angle sloping downward towards the front wall of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Bennet Gibbon Credle, Richard Logue Laughlin
  • Patent number: 5660308
    Abstract: A connector is disclosed for joining two sections of an expansible watchband. The watchband sections have adjacent ends defined by endmost top and bottom links interconnected by pairs of mutually spaced staples. The connector comprises a unitary element having first and second sets of locking ears projecting laterally in opposite directions from opposite sides thereof. The connector has an initial laterally contracted configuration which accommodates its insertion between the endmost top and bottom links of the adjacent ends of the watchband sections, with the first and second sets of locking ears having passed between and beyond the respective pairs of staples interconnecting the endmost top and bottom links. The thus inserted connector is permanently deformable into a laterally expanded configuration which causes its locking ears to mechanically interengage with the staples to thereby effect a connection between the watchband sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Bert
  • Patent number: 5660309
    Abstract: A tote strap for an umbrella, for carrying the umbrella when not in use. The tote strap comprises a flexible strap having at one end a first loop, and at the other end a second loop. The first loop is placed over the handle of the umbrella. The second loop is twisted prior to being stitched in place, thereby causing the resultant configuration to be frustoconical. The end of the umbrella penetrates the second loop until the generally frustoconical collapsed canopy of the umbrella abuts the second loop. A sling for carrying the folded umbrella over the shoulder by engaging two ends of the umbrella is thereby formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventors: Carol A. Belanger, Julia J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5660310
    Abstract: A portable storage unit for a vehicle seat includes a generally rectilinear housing having a plurality of pull-out drawers and a fixed shelf with an overlying cover serving as a writing surface. The drawers and shelf may be compartmentalized to provide storage compartments for various articles such as pens, pencils, paper, and food articles, such as packets of condiments. The storage unit may have a beanbag-type flexible container secured along its bottom surface enabling the flexible container to conform to the contours of the vehicle seat such that the flexible container maintains the overlying housing in a stable, upright position on the seat. In another form, the cooler includes a housing having an insert for containing a cooling medium and a door for selective access to a cooling chamber defined by the insert. The insert is removable for purposes of replenishing the cooling medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Mary K. LeGrow
  • Patent number: 5660311
    Abstract: A novel dashboard organizer (10) for mounting on the dashboard of a vehicle such as an automobile, boat or airplane provides security and ready access for various items such as pens, pencils, calculators, rulers, letter openers, maps, notes, or turnpike tickets. The organizer has a base (20) that attaches to the upper surface of the vehicle dashboard, and approximately conforms to the general shape of the dashboard. The body (30) of the organizer is attached to the base such that the body is held in a substantially vertical position. The forward-most portion (32) of the body is arranged so that it comes in contact with the vehicle's windshield, and the remainder (34) of the body is arranged to provide storage (42, 44, 46, 48) for one or more of the above mentioned objects. When mounted in proper position on the vehicle dashboard, the organizer lies generally perpendicular to the long axis of the dashboard, thus dividing the dashboard into two sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: William V. Soltau
  • Patent number: 5660312
    Abstract: A backpacking apparatus includes: a backpacking apparatus body in which an object is accommodated; and a strap for a backpacking apparatus which is connected to the backpacking apparatus body and is hung from a user's shoulder, the strap including a strap body and a length-adjusting member, the strap body having a length longer than a strap for a backpacking apparatus which is hung from another shoulder of the user, the length-adjusting member being provided on the strap body so as to adjust the length of the strap body by folding the strap body, the length-adjusting member being provided with an engaging/disengaging device having a first member and a second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Suzusho Trading Co.
    Inventor: Shoji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5660313
    Abstract: A premoistened toilet paper and dispenser of the type having a pre-moistened roll of fabric sheets disposed in a dispenser connectably with a conventional toilet roll holder is provided. The premoistened toilet paper and dispenser comprises: a dispenser housing defining a cavity therein, the housing defining a slot in connection with the cavity and having a first and second sidewall connectable to a conventional toilet paper roll holder and premoistened toilet paper formed in a roll about a tube, the toilet paper being rotatably disposed within the cavity of the housing and a first end of the toilet paper being disposed through the slot exterior the housing, the tube being adapted for passing a conventional toilet paper dowel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Harry L. Newbold
  • Patent number: 5660314
    Abstract: A stapler comprises a stapler head which accommodates a strip of wire staple blanks and is pivotable between a starting position and a working position, in which it is applied against a sheaf of papers. A staple shaper shapes the blanks into substantially U-shaped staples, and a staple driver releases the thus-formed staples from the strip and drives them one by one into the sheaf of papers. A pivotable operating device reciprocates the staple shaper and the staple driver. A drive device is adapted to pivot the operating device in such a manner that it causes the staple driver to drive a staple into the sheaf of papers in a driving stroke and causes the staple shaper to shape the following staple in a shaping stroke, as well as adapted to pivot the stapler head to its working position before the staple driver performs the driving stroke and retain it there during the driving stroke of the staple driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Isaberg AB
    Inventors: Lars-Inge Magnusson, Olle Str.ang..ang.t, Trygve Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 5660315
    Abstract: A guiding and gripping device for stapler is affixed in upright relation to the front surface of the stapler. The body member has a front contoured surface that receives a line being stapled and guides an unattached portion of the line in upright position along the front contoured surface. The front contoured surface also positions an unattached portion of the line laterally along the bottom surface in a position that is straddled by staples driven out of the bottom surface of the stapler. The front contoured surface includes a lower convex V-shaped groove for receiving an unattached portion of a line and that is bent thereover to impart friction to actual movement of the line. The front contoured surface also includes an upper projection having at least one guide surface offset laterally from the groove wherein a line that is bent over the groove and along one side of the laterally offset projection has angled engagement against the projection to further impart frictional clamping force on the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventors: Stacy A. Beavers, Herbert D. Beavers
  • Patent number: 5660316
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming electric connections between predetermined bonding pads of semiconductor electronic devices and respective electric contact leads formed on a frame holding the devices in a tidy arrangement is available. The apparatus includes a supporting structure, a mechanism for advancing the frame along a longitudinal direction in a work plane on the supporting structure, a bonding head, and a high-precision X-Y table carrying the bonding head for accurately setting the bonding head in the work plane. The bonding apparatus further includes a carriage guided on the supporting structure for movement in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction, the X-Y table being mounted on the carriage, The bonding head working range always spans a sufficiently large area for a single device, thereby enabling connections to be made even when the side-by-side devices are arranged in two or more rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Pierangelo Magni
  • Patent number: 5660317
    Abstract: An exothermic welding jig, molds for the jig, and a method of forming and manipulating the mold parts is disclosed. Upper and lower mold parts are included with a crucible fitted on and clamped to the upper mold part. The upper mold part and crucible may be moved as a unit to open and close the mold and also inverted when open for cleaning and inspection. The crucible can quickly be removed or snapped in place for mold or crucible change out. The jig will fit in cramped quarters and has a handle which may be used as a cane or supporting device. A toggle opens and closes the mold set and will hold the molds at any position where released. A mold system with diagonal sleeving makes it easier to form X-connections and other connections in tight or restrictive locations. The method includes the attachment and manipulative steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Singer, Curtis R. Stidham, Robert McPherson, Jr., Thomas M. Dedo, Michael A. Spychola
  • Patent number: 5660318
    Abstract: An inner lead bonding apparatus having a heat dissipation plate attached to inner leads and to a support for upholding a lead frame of a tape automated bonding package. The heat dissipation plate is, during performance of an inner lead bonding process, located near the bonding interface of bumps formed on a semiconductor chip or on the inner leads and the inner leads, and includes a fastener for fixing itself to the support and elliptical bolt holes for enabling its contact position to the inner leads to be controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Il Gyu Jung, Tae Gyeong Chung, Tae Koo Lee
  • Patent number: 5660319
    Abstract: A method for bonding a metal wire (17) to a metal bond site (16) utilizes an ultrasonic power source (12) that is at approximately 162 KHz. A mash force is applied from a pressure source (13) during bonding. A metal exchange takes place between the metal wire (17) and the bond site (16) during the application of the ultrasonic power to produce a strong bond between the metal wire (17) and the bond site (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert J. Falcone, Timothy J. Hogan
  • Patent number: 5660320
    Abstract: A metallic alloy part having a bonded coating that includes dispersed hard-material particles embedded in a metal matrix, composed of a eutectic solder whose alloy elements include at least the base metal of the metallic alloy part. The solder is formed by fusion bonding on the metallic alloy part, a precoating composed of sequential layers of the elemental components of the solder applied on the metal part or on the hard-material particles. The composition and disposition of the various layers are graduated such that the melting points of the elemental solder components increase towards the outermost layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: MTU Motoren-Und Turbinen-Union Munchen GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Hoffmuller, Josef Eichner, Robert Sigl, Thomas Uihlein
  • Patent number: 5660321
    Abstract: An method for depositing solder onto the pad-on and pad-off via contacts of a substrate is disclosed. In one embodiment the present invention includes positioning a mask having a first opening of a first diameter and a second opening of a second diameter over a substrate having both pad-on and pad-off via contacts. The substrate is positioned over the substrate such that the first opening is positioned over the pad-on via contact and the second opening is positioned over the pad-off via contact. Solder of a first volume and solder of a second volume are deposited onto the pad-on and pad-off via contacts, respectively, by forcing a solder paste through the mask openings. In this manner, solder bumps having a uniform height and volume above the pad-on via contact plane is established after reflowing the deposited solder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Kenzo Ishida, Yohko Mashimoto, Kinya Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5660322
    Abstract: A carton for a package of photographic film, such as instant film. The carton is formed of a unitary paperboard blank coated on both sides by a thermoplastic barrier film. The thermoplastic functions as an adhesive when acted upon by heat and pressure, thus sealing portions of the blank together. Each of four corners of the carton includes a gusset folded in such a manner as not to present a raw paperboard edge to the interior. The construction yields an air tight, liquid tight package with an oxygen barrier, and obviates the requirement of many similar packages that the photographic film be separately wrapped in a protective foil or film prior to being placed in a carton. Three embodiments of the carton are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: International Paper
    Inventor: Kurt D. Jensen
  • Patent number: 5660323
    Abstract: A box, folded from a blank comprising wall panels and glue panels, which has a substantially closed form and is provided with a dispensing opening provision (7) which extends in two wall panels adjoining each other through an edge of the box for forming a dispensing opening at the location of the edge, wherein at least one of the panels of the blank comprises an integrally formed sealing tab (9) which in a sealing position covers the dispensing opening provision (7) in such a manner as to prevent formation of the dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Johannes Fredericus Spronk
  • Patent number: 5660324
    Abstract: A one piece, paperboard, dispensing carton having a dispensing opening in a side wall panel thereof, the major portion of which is covered by a cover panel foldably and partially detachably joined to the side wall panel, and also having a pour spout, secured to the cover panel and joined to a side edge of a glue flap panel by a two-piece connecting member that includes a pair of upper and lower connecting elements, one of which is adapted to cover a remaining portion of the dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Jefferson Smurfit Corporation
    Inventor: Angela L. Rowland
  • Patent number: 5660325
    Abstract: A method and mechanism for opening a paperboard carton that is child resistant. A dual-tab arrangement is used whereby one tab is removed to expose a second tab. The second tab is connected to a tape that is attached to and circles the interior of the carton. When the second tab is pulled it pulls with it the tape. The tape is pulled through the wall of the carton and sequentially severs the carton. The tape circles back to where the second tab was first pulled and, as a result, the carton is completely severed and the user is able to dispense the product contained within the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging
    Inventor: Raymond L. Zacher
  • Patent number: 5660326
    Abstract: An elongated sheet (10) is used to form a thermally insulated cup (30). The sheet includes a pair of spaced apart smooth portions (12, 13) connected by a middle portion (11). The smooth portions are folded on opposite sides of the middle portion. The middle portion is corrugated or otherwise distorted to create air space. The folded sheet is wound around a mandrel to form a cylinder. The ends of the smooth portions are joined together, and a bottom closure (14) is attached to form the cup. The finishell cup includes a smooth outer shell (12S), a smooth inner shell (13S), and a middle layer (11L) sandwiched therebetween. The middle layer forms many air spaces between the shells to thermally insulate the contents of the cup, and also provide structural strength. The cup can be constructed of paper, which makes it biodegradable and recyclable, and its simple construction method makes it easy and inexpensive to manufacture using standard, conventional machinery. In an alternative embodiment (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignees: Sherwood Tool Incorporated, Insul-Air Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varano, Claus E. Sadlier
  • Patent number: 5660327
    Abstract: A system added to a mailbox having a hinged door, said system exposing a visible signal when the mailbox door is opened for mail delivery and then closed. A receptacle (10), fixed in an elevated position to the side of the mailbox, or to its enclosure, holds a delivery indicator (14) which is connected to the mailbox door through a flexible connector (18), such as a monofilament plastic line, and then a fastener (22) that is fastened to the door. When the door is opened this action pulls the delivery indicator (14) free of the receptacle (10). When the door is closed the delivery indicator (14) hangs in a visible position below the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Amiel W. Brinkley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5660328
    Abstract: A water heater control modifies a temperature differential setting in a hot water heater according to elapsed time between calls for heat. This allows the temperature setting of the hot water heater to remain low, which reduces the risk of scalding, yet allows the hot water heater to deliver hot water consistently. For example, a hot water heater temperature setting is 120.degree. F. and the temperature differential is normally set to 20.degree. F. After six hours without a call for heat, during which time period the water in the tank has destratified, the water heater control could set the differential to 15.degree. F., which would cause a call for heat when the water temperature drops to 105.degree. F. Once a call for heat is generated, the temperature differential can be set back to 20.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Gregory J. Momber
  • Patent number: 5660329
    Abstract: In a vehicle heating appliance, water is pumped as heat transfer medium through a heat exchanger that surrounds the combustion chamber. The water pump is mounted above the heat exchanger and pumps the water it axially receives into the heat exchanger through a tangential pump outlet pipe. To vent the pump, a connection hole with a small cross-section is provided in the top area of the pump part of the water pump. The connection hole leads to the system flow pipe. Any air bubbles accumulated in the pump chamber of the pump part reach the flow pipe through the connection hole, propelled by their own ascending force and helped by the geometric arrangement of the pump chamber and return pipe, including the connection hole, and/or additionally by the pressure difference between the pump chamber and the return pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: J. Eberspacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Michael Humburg
  • Patent number: 5660330
    Abstract: An automated pesticide applicator system including a pesticide storage receptacle having an aspirator, a conduit having a receiving end constructed to be attached to a water source and having a backflow valve therein to prevent the flow of water from the conduit to the source of water and to allow the flow of water in the opposite direction, a fluid control valve having an inlet end connected to the conduit and an outlet end connected to aspirator, and a soaker tube attached to the aspirator, the soaker tube is generally positioned to surround a structure to be protected and is buried a shallow depth in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: James F. Scott
  • Patent number: 5660331
    Abstract: An engine fuel system includes an accumulator chamber in which fuel is stored at high pressure and a three way valve having two settings in the first of which when a valve actuator is energised fuel flows from the accumulator chamber to a fuel injection nozzle and in the second of which when the actuator is de-energised fuel flows from the supply line of the nozzle to a drain. The valve includes a valve member directly coupled to the actuator and controlling the flow of fuel from the accumulator chamber to the nozzle, and a valve element which is resiliently coupled to the valve member and controls the flow of fuel from the line to the drain. The valve member and valve element cooperate with respective seatings and when the actuator is de-energised the valve element can move away from its seating against the action of the resilient coupling to allow a rapid reduction of fuel pressure in the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Lucas Industries plc
    Inventor: Michael Peter Cooke
  • Patent number: 5660332
    Abstract: A spray tip guard for a hydraulically operated air-less spray gun which is generally Y-shaped having forwardly extending diverging ears arranged parallel to the fan spray of the spray pattern issuing from the spray tip of the spray gun. A pair of forwardly extending projections are provided at the apex of the diverging ears adjacent to and on either side of the stream of high pressure liquid emerging from the spray tip so as to provide an obstacle to the approach of the stream of high pressure liquid prior to its being atomized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Titan Tool Inc.
    Inventors: Danuta H. Carey, John D. Geberth
  • Patent number: 5660333
    Abstract: A trigger having a pawl operates a nozzle valve via a valve stem in a nozzle barrel bore. A spring in the barrel bore normally biases the valve closed. A toothed ratchet lever is pivotally resiliently secured to a trigger guard which protects the trigger from accidental activation. A ratchet tooth in an array of teeth on the lever engages the pawl to hold the trigger in a selected spray position of the valve, the teeth being normally biased disengaged by a second spring. The teeth each have a sharp crest which digs into the trigger in response to the spring bias on the valve stem overcoming the disengagement bias on the ratchet from the second spring. The nozzle is closed by squeezing the trigger to release the ratchet and pawl engagment such that the ratchet lever is pivoted to a disengagment position by the second spring. The assembly comprises metal components in contact with hot fluid but which are thermally insulated with an outer casing spaced from the components by an air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Strahman Valves, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Dietriek Strahman, Robert Palmer
  • Patent number: 5660334
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray system has a high voltage section where an electric charge is applied to a liquid and the high voltage section is isolated from a lower potential section, such as a frame. The spray system has components on the high voltage section that communicate for operating functions with other components on the low voltage section, such as a liquid level sensor that controls flow into a liquid reservoir or valves on the high voltage section controlled from the low voltage section. Radio controls are provided for the components so there are no physical links for the operation of the components that can provide current leakage paths back to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Dennis L. Trusty, C. Ricky Heard
  • Patent number: 5660335
    Abstract: A method for the contamination-free comminution of semiconductor material cludes an apparatus by which the method is carried out. The method includes creating at least one liquid jet by applying pressure to a liquid and forcing it through a nozzle, and directing the liquid jet against the semiconductor material, so that it impinges on its surface at high velocity. The apparatus includes a container for receiving comminuted semiconductor material, at least one nozzle through which a liquid jet is directed at high velocity against the semiconductor material to be comminuted, a conveyor device for removing the comminuted semiconductor material from the container, means for releasing and interrupting the liquid jet, and means for positioning the nozzle and/or advancing the semiconductor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Wacker-Chemitronic Gesellschaft fur Elektronik Grundstoffe mbH
    Inventors: Franz Koppl, Matthaus Schantz
  • Patent number: 5660336
    Abstract: A coffee grinder which has several different automatic grinding capacities is connected to a coffee brewer which has several different automatic brewing capacities by a control that inhibits brewing of all but the corresponding brew capacity following grinding of a quantity of coffee. The grinder is also inhibited from grinding any more coffee until the appropriate brew cycle of the coffee brewer is started. Once the corresponding brewing cycle is selected, the coffee grinder is reset and any grinding capacity may be selected. A calibration mode for the coffee grinder and the coffee brewer is provided wherein the duration of the grinding cycle or brewing cycle, respectively, is set by manually initiating the cycle and then halting of the cycle when the appropriate capacity is reached. The duration of the cycle is then set for subsequent automatic operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: National Controls Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Joseph, Jr., Donald R. Buttle, David G. Motkowski
  • Patent number: 5660337
    Abstract: Crushing machine with jaws (4, 5) regulating the size of the material in exit by means of a controlled distance, between the fixed (5) and mobile jaw (4) and with a safety device against uncrushable material blocks, composed of interposed oleo-hydraulic cylinders between one of the jaws and the body (1), the said cylinders (7) being connected to an oleo-hydraulic circuit with valves of maximum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Officine Meccaniche Di Ponzano Veneto S.P.A.
    Inventors: Dario Falbo, Franco Carlesso
  • Patent number: 5660338
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided herein for disposing of light bulbs, e.g., fluorescent bulbs. The apparatus includes an open-topped cylindrical container covered by a removable lid. A hollow cylindrical light bulb feed chute is perpendicularly attached to, and extends through the lid along the central longitudinal axis of the lid and has an inlet opening which is and an outlet opening disposed below the lower surface of the lid. An electric motor is mounted upon the upper surface of the lid and has a downwardly-extending rotatable shaft, projecting through the lid and terminating below the lower surface of the lid. An "on-off" electrical switch operates the electric motor. Inventive structure is provided for pulverizing a light bulb, e.g., a fluorescent tube, as it emerges from the outlet opening of the feed chute. That structure comprises a hub at the terminal end of the shaft. At least two equiangularly-disposed, multi-stranded, braided, wire cables are secured to the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Dana Emmerson
  • Patent number: 5660339
    Abstract: A rotary grinding mill is disclosed including a hopper for holding a product to be milled, a mixing chamber having a grain inlet and a separate air inlet for mixing grain and air prior to grinding, a grinding mechanism for grinding the grain and a discharge port for disposing of grain flour received from the grinding mechanism. Connected to the discharge port is a container separate from the grinding mill which may be used not only to collect ground product, but also to store the ground product for later use. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the container is connected to the grinding mechanism by an arcuate connector for developing a helical flow path of air within the container. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a motor which drives the grinding mechanism, and a rotor of the grinding mechanism, are structurally isolated from the grinding mill so as to minimize vibration and noise within the grinding mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Creative Technologies
    Inventors: Leon Scott, Leslie L. Black
  • Patent number: 5660340
    Abstract: A rotary de-icer for separating ice particles from comestible products covered with such particles, comprises a perforate drum mounted on an upstanding frame for rotation about a central axis of the drum, the drum having a cylindrical side wall comprising an assembly of elements parallel to the central axis and extending between opposing ends of the drum. The elements are mutually spaced apart to define uniform gaps through which separated ice particles fall by gravity upon being tumbled during drum rotation causing the ice-covered products to impact against the drum side wall elements which have continuous arcuate surfaces facing inwardly of the drum presenting a plurality of curved surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Beehive, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean E. Baughman
  • Patent number: 5660341
    Abstract: An improved hand-held, hand-crank operated rotary drum-type grater for cheese and the like is provided. The grater is adapted to incorporate molded plastic or metal components but preferably utilizes a cage-type drum body having a cylindrical surface defined by a metal sheet having bladed perforations. The drum is insertable into either end of a cylindrical cavity defined transversely in the grater hopper and thereafter is engagable with a crank. The drum has an internally threaded hub at one end that is engagable with a threaded stub shaft of the crank. The hopper has an improved integral support handle and also is associated with an improved press plate with an integral support arm. The arm pivotably extends adjacently to the handle, both the handle and the arm are graspable by one hand. The grater has few components, and the food contacting components thereof can be readily dissembled so that the entire grater is easily cleaned after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: The Pampered Chef, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nancy Perkins, Karen Wolters
  • Patent number: 5660342
    Abstract: The mixing device for mixing a liquid with a dry material, particularly a bleaching agent, includes a mixing container (1) for the liquid having a top edge and a screw thread on which a threaded cap (5) can engage to close the mixing container and a receiving insert (7) located between the top edge of the mixing container (1) and the threaded cap (5). The receiving insert (7) includes an insert top member (8) and an insert bottom member (9). The insert bottom member (8) is provided with tablet receptacles (12) for tablets of the dry material and throughgoing openings (14) connecting each tablet receptacle (12) with the interior of the mixing container (1). The insert top member (9) is provided with comminuting pins (16) projecting into the tablet receptacles (12) of the insert bottom member (9) so that tablets in the tablet receptacles can be smashed and the broken pieces delivered to the interior of the mixing container when the threaded cap is screwed sufficiently tightly to the mixing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Gabriele Bock
  • Patent number: 5660343
    Abstract: This invention relates to marking the yarn end of a package, which is wound at the end of a winding cycle over a narrow axial range of the package surface in the form of a yarn bead. For purposes of marking the yarn end (105) of the package (103), a marking strip (126) is used, over which the yarn (105) is wound. A winding mandrel (107) engages into the space between a yarn suction device (106) and the circumferential surface of the package, and is rotated oppositely to the direction of unwinding (112) of the package (103), thereby forming a yarn loop (110) with more than one winding. Inserted axially into the space between winding mandrel (107) and the circumferential surface of the package is the marking strip (126), over which the yarn is wound several times by reversing the rotation of the winding mandrel (107). The excessive yarn (105) of the yarn loop (110) is sucked into the yarn suction device (106), and subsequently the yarn end (105) is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Barmag AG
    Inventors: Heinz Schippers, Hans-Gerhard Hutter