Patents Issued in April 28, 1998
  • Patent number: 5742968
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing debris form the ground comprising a frame which supports a rotatable cylindrical brush having bristles projecting from its axis of rotation, a rotatable shaft member extending across the width of the brush, a scraper member extending across the width of the shaft member, and a guide member configured arcuately to follow the outside of the brush. In use, the frame is movable across the ground and the brush is in contact with the ground such that the bristles contact and catch any surface debris upon leaving the ground the bristles approach the shaft member which contra-rotates with respect to the brush such that surface debris is retained by the bristles as they move upwardly proximate the guide member which guides the debris upwardly for ejection, while the scraper member maintains the shaft member free of accumulated debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Nicholson Farm Machinery Company Limited
    Inventor: David Nicholson
  • Patent number: 5742969
    Abstract: The disclosed particle removing device is formed as a thin flexible generally flat loop sheet, with a layer of adhesive covering one sheet face while the other face is substantially plain, and a quick release backer sheet covers the adhesive layer on the loop sheet 12 prior to use. The particle removing device is reconfigured from its flat storage condition to a three-dimensional loop use configuration, with the adhesive layer exposed and on the outside face of the loop, by peeling off the backer sheet to expose the underlying adhesive layer and curling the loop sheet on itself to connect its opposite ends together at a small lapped connection area. The user can then fit his/her open hand into the loop to pat or roll the loop adhesive layer against or along the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: Andrew P. Thomas, Mark J. Pociejewski
  • Patent number: 5742970
    Abstract: An improved coater includes a handle, a frame attached to the handle, a roller rotatably housed within the frame, wherein the roller has a substantially increased width and pile height for more quickly and accurately spreading a coating liquid to a surface. The frame includes a spatter shield having a first radius of curvature larger than the diameter of the roller and a squeegee member having a radius of curvature which is less than the radius of curvature of the spatter shield and which extends in a direction opposite to the radius of curvature of the spatter shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: AdamsBrush Mfg. Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Zurawin
  • Patent number: 5742971
    Abstract: A toothbrush has a swivel mounted vacuum cup on the end of the handle which is remote from the bristles so that, when stored, the brush hangs down under gravity in a sanitary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Stephen Forrest Salinger
  • Patent number: 5742972
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Bredall, Miklos M. Breuer, Ximena A. Gavino, Christopher Loew, Jeffrey Scott Meessmann, Douglas J. McDowell, Alberto B. Sabato, Jean L. Spencer, James D. Vidra, Stanley Wreford
  • Patent number: 5742973
    Abstract: A wiper apparatus has a wiper blade which has a multi-linked frame on which a wiping element placed on the windshield is held and wherein the frame has an upper bow of an essentially U-shaped cross section, on at least one end of which a lower bow, which dips between the U-shaped legs, is hinged in the manner of a balance arm, and wherein an elastically deformable hinge element, which can be locked with the upper bow and is U-shaped at least in the installed state, is disposed between the surfaces of the upper and lower bows facing each other, and extends with hinge protrusions disposed on the insides of its U-shaped legs and oriented toward each other into bearing recesses of the lower bow. A particularly simple and low-cost assembly is achieved, if the upper bow has at least one opening in the area of its U-shaped base, through which a detent element connected with the hinge element lockingly extends while being elastically deflected in respect to the upper bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Kessler
  • Patent number: 5742974
    Abstract: An articulated twin spline windshield wiper blade assembly includes an elongated, resilient, thin-walled polymeric female spline of relatively high durometer having a generally planar backbone, and two opposing arcuate spline legs which extend downwardly from the backbone and cooperate with the backbone to define a cylindrical spline channel. The wiper blade assembly further includes an elastomeric male spline having a cylindrical body portion rotatably journaled within the spline channel of the female spline. The male spline further includes a neck portion depending from the body portion, and a wiping portion depending from the neck portion. The wiping portion includes opposing wiping edges which are alternately engagable with a surface to be wiped upon rotation of the male spline within the spline channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: New-View Windshield Wiper, L.P.
    Inventors: Peter H. Jeffer, Michel Fernandes
  • Patent number: 5742975
    Abstract: The present invention provides an articulated vehicle for scrubbing floors that provides an operator station for riding on the vehicle and is particularly useful in cleaning relatively large floor surfaces that are defined by intersecting aisles of relatively narrow width. In this regard, the dimensional characteristics of the vehicle body facilitate tight turns in such aisles. Further, the location and/or shape of components of the vehicle and/or the positional relationship of one component to another component facilitate turns in narrow aisles. The vehicle also incorporates shock absorbing systems for the scrub head and vacuum squeegee that benefit the noted application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara
  • Patent number: 5742976
    Abstract: A vacuum apparatus with a suction hose. The hose has a first end connected to a suction inlet of the apparatus and an opposite second end removably connected to a docking section on a housing of the apparatus. The docking station has an aperture for receiving the second end. Located in the aperture is a latch with a ring shaped section and an integral ejecting spring. The latch also has a button section that extends through the housing and is adapted to be depressed by a user. Pressing the button section spreads the ring shaped section and allows the ejecting spring to eject the second end of the hose from the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard L. Bensussen, Joseph Gelb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5742977
    Abstract: A wheel adapter that can be slipped onto the legs of equipment and shelving, such that the equipment and shelving can be rolled into a different location. The adapter comprises a wheel which is attached to a socket that has an inner socket cavity. A secondary adapter is coupled to the socket. The secondary adapter has an opening that allows the leg to be inserted into the socket cavity and secured to the wheel adapter. There are typically a plurality of different size secondary adapters. The opening for each secondary adapter is one of a number of different sizes and shapes that correspond to the size and shape of the leg. The secondary adapter may be easily replaced by another adapter so that the overall assembly can be used with different legs. The wheel can be of the caster variety to allow the equipment and shelving to be moved in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: William J. Hoofe, III
  • Patent number: 5742978
    Abstract: A window snubber including a flat metal base having means adapted for securing the base against a window frame and/or a window sash, a metal snubber flange integral with the base and extending substantially upright therefrom, and supporting wings integrally formed with the base and the flange, and a method of manufacturing thereof. The flange has a side adapted to engage a window sash and/or a corresponding side of a second window snubber, when the sash is closed relative to a window frame. The supporting wings extend from opposite sides of the flange to integral connections to the base. The flange extends upright substantially along a plane with the flange side adapted to engage a window sash and/or second snubber facing one side relative to the plane, and the wing integral connections to the base extend on the other side relative to the plane. A portion on the top of the flange is bent into the other side relative to the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory J. Vetter
  • Patent number: 5742979
    Abstract: A rolling support assembly having a carrier with a housing configured for lateral reception within a corresponding cavity in a sliding door for frictional reception therein in a manner precluding longitudinal movement out of the cavity. The carrier mounts and provides for vertical adjustment of a depending wheel set offset to underlie the center of weight of the door and engage a pair of wheel rails provided on an underlying track including rail protecting overlying flanges and/or members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Rocio Aznar Escolano
    Inventor: Maria del Rosario Garcia-Hernando
  • Patent number: 5742980
    Abstract: A seam-assembled continuous hinge for use on a door elbow which allows a door to be opened up to 180.degree. without forming a space in the longitudinal direction and permits disposing plates in any optional directions on a bed for mounting a box-like outer frame to which the continuous hinge is to be attached. This continuous hinge is configured to allow a door to be opened up to 180.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushikigaisha, ADD
    Inventor: Tomoharu Nitta
  • Patent number: 5742981
    Abstract: A device for dividing a card web comprised of a loose structure of fibers into successive longitudinal sections, comprises an air-permeable conveyor belt having a conveyor strand carrying the card web on one side thereof for conveying the card web in a conveying direction, a suction box arranged on a side of the conveyor strand opposite the one side, the suction box defining a suction slot extending transversely to the conveyor strand and facing the opposite side of the conveyor strand, and a screen arranged to close the suction slot and to open it periodically whereby suction is applied to the card web through the air-permeable conveyor belt and a respective one of the longitudinal sections is separated from the card web by sucking the fibers in alignment with the suction slot out of the card web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Ernst Fehrer
  • Patent number: 5742982
    Abstract: A clamp assembly (10) is provided which can include first and second clamp halves (16, 18) with a base (50) mounted in each clamp path. The base has a cylindrical inner surface (54) which can clamp a cable thereto for strain relief. Alternatively, a flexible insert (86) having a plurality of cylindrical cavities (102) opening through the outer surface (100) thereof can receive a number of cables (12) to be clamped in the clamp assembly for strain relief. In another version, a plurality of nested inserts (106-116) can be provided on each base (50) allowing the selection of a particular insert dimension suitable the cable to be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph K. Dodd, J. D. Harvey, Mark D. Walters, Kevin L. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5742983
    Abstract: An airtight clip device for inflation nozzle of an air bag. The clip device includes a clip seat, a clip board and a folding section foldably connecting the clip board with the clip seat. The clip seat is disposed with two hook edges on two sides and multiple clip teeth are arranged on the clip seat between the hook edges. Multiple clip teeth are formed on the clip board in cooperation with the clip teeth of the clip seat. The clip board is foldable onto the clip seat to be fixedly inserted between the hook edges thereof with the clip teeth of the clip board engaged with the clip teeth of the clip seat so as to airtightly clip and seal the inflation nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Luke Lo
  • Patent number: 5742984
    Abstract: A strap tensioning apparatus (26) suitable for use in a motor vehicle having strap (11) for retaining a sensor (12) strapped inside a tire/wheel assembly (14) is described. The strap tensioning apparatus includes an arcuate member (28) having a first radius of curvature along a longitudinal axis unequal to the installed radius of curvature. The difference in radii of curvature is such that the arcuate member will maintain a predetermined tension in the strap (11) in the event the strap relaxes during normal use, thus preventing the dislocation of the strap (11) and sensor (16) relative to an installed location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lee Baibak, George Nicholas Villec
  • Patent number: 5742985
    Abstract: A clip-on camouflage outfit accessory comprises a base backing having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base backing including two apertures extending therethrough, the base backing having a first end including an clip release projecting upwardly therefrom and a second end including a hinge member projecting upwardly therefrom, the base backing being couplable to a user's item of camouflage clothing; and a branch clip being having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface, the first end of the branch clip being couplable to the clip release of the base backing, the second end of the branch clip being hingedly coupled to the hinge member of the base backing, in an operative orientation a user securing small branches of foliage with the branch clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Christopher M. Larrabee
  • Patent number: 5742986
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle (12) includes a latch mechanism (20) and a Hall effect assembly (26). The latch mechanism (20) releasably interlocks with a seat belt tongue (16). The Hall effect assembly (26) has a first output if the seat belt tongue (16) is not interlocked with the latch mechanism (20) and has a second, different output if the seat belt tongue (16) is interlocked with the latch mechanism (20). The output of the Hall effect assembly (26) thus indicates whether or not the seat belt tongue (16) is interlocked with the latch mechanism (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignees: TRW Inc., TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Corrion, Scott B. Gentry, Brian K. Blackburn
  • Patent number: 5742987
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle (100) operable with a pretensioner (330) connected thereto for moving the buckle a determinable distance to remove slack of the seat belt about an occupant, the buckle comprising: a frame (102), adapted to be connected to the pretensioner (330), defining a tongue receiving opening (170) to receive a tongue (173) as the tongue is moved in a first direction, the frame having a first opening (126a) therein, and opposing frame sides (108a,b), each side including a latch plate slot (110) arranged generally perpendicular to the first direction and an arcuate slot (112), the arcuate slot (112) including a first portion (112a) generally parallel to the latch plate slots (110) and a second portion (113b) angled thereto, a latch plate (180), having end portions (186) movable within the latch plate slots between a locked position in engagement with an opening within the tongue and with the first opening (136a), a weight assembly pivotally connected to the end portions of the latch plate to generate a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Mikulec, David Burke, Harjeet Gill, Andrew Downie, Tony Chamings
  • Patent number: 5742988
    Abstract: A quick-release pin latch assembly comprises a first latch member configured for locking engagement with and a second latch member. The first latch member includes a body member and a load bearing post or pin extending outwardly from the body member. The load pin has an enlarged head portion offset from the body member by a shank portion. The second latch member includes a base plate and a somewhat flexible, elongate latch plate. The latch plate is anchored at one of its ends to the base plate, wherein the latch plate is biased to remain in substantial contact with the base plate. The base plate has a pin receiving elongate opening. The elongate opening is large enough at one end to allow the head portion of the pin to pass. The elongate opening is reduced at an opposite end to receive and establish coupling engagement with the shank portion of the pin. The latch plate has a retaining hole to receive and establish coupling engagement with the head portion of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson Worldwide Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Swetish
  • Patent number: 5742989
    Abstract: A rivet setting tool for setting blind rivets and/or pins with setting rings comprises an actuating assembly operable to impart an axial movement to the pulling pin for setting the rivet. The actuating assembly has a piston-cylinder arrangement comprising a pressure piston and a working piston movable in the direction for pulling the pulling pin during the rivet-setting operation by a substantially incompressible fluid pressurized by the pneumatically actuated pressure piston. The working piston is moved back in the opposite direction to the pulling direction after the setting operation. The escape of air from the pneumatic actuation assembly of the pressure piston in the return movement is promoted by a venting device. The flow resistance of a passage between the pressure piston and the working piston is different during movement in the pulling direction from that during the return movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Roman Subotsch
  • Patent number: 5742990
    Abstract: A flexible over-center draw latch is disclosed which is adapted for securing together two closure members. The latch comprises a keeper mounted on the one closure member and a latch assembly mounted on the other closure member. The latch assembly includes a base which is adapted to be mounted on the second closure member, a substantially elastic latch body pivotally connected to the base and a lever which is pivotally connected to the latch body. As the latch is fastened, the lever engages the keeper to secure the panels together. The substantially elastic body member becomes elongated along its longitudinal axis as the latch is fastened. The loads which are produced by the latch body as it is elongated are distributed over the latch which ensures the connection of the components. The latch assembly also provides reinforced connection between the latch body with the base and the lever. The latch also provides a more secured fastened position due to engagement of the lever and the keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Antonucci
  • Patent number: 5742991
    Abstract: In presses for processing plastic materials, pre-stressing of pins (23) stressed by tension is preferably achieved by the use of the hydraulic press device via an auxiliary block instead by means of tightening stop nuts (20). After stressing a pressure plate (22) with a pressure force larger than the maximum operational load, gaps (.DELTA.l) are created between stops (31) on the pins (23) and the pressure plate (22) or counter-support flanges on a hydraulic cylinder. These gaps (.DELTA.l) are bridged in a frictionally connected manner by the adjustment of threaded rings (34), which have been inserted into bores (32) for the pins (23) in the pressure plate (22) or in the hydraulic cylinder. After the pressure plate (22) has been relieved of the pressure force, the required pre-tension is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Fahr Bucher GmbH
    Inventor: Erhard Kurth
  • Patent number: 5742992
    Abstract: A composite double-wall underground tank comprises an internal rotatable metal mandrel tank frame structure surmounted by two individual concentric corrugated cylindrical nonmetallic pressure vessels having hemispherical ends. The metal tank frame structure provides the buckling resistance and compression strength to resist soil loads when the tank is buried. The pressure vessels are made of identical materials and include an internal primary container enclosed by an external secondary container of equal tensile strength and corrosion-resistance. The composite double-wall underground tank is a substantial improvement over conventional steel and fiberglass tanks, and provides a more reliable method of protecting the environment by preventing the release of contaminating hazardous liquids stored in the tank. Each of the two pressure vessels is made from a multiple ply composite laminate having a unique arrangement of fabrics containing filament reinforcements impregnated with a thermosetting polymeric matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Charles R. Kaempen
    Inventor: Charles E. Kaempen
  • Patent number: 5742993
    Abstract: A method for making hollow workpieces such as beverage containers with a circular die in which an aluminum alloy is strip cast whereby the alloy is solidified rapidly without substantial precipitation. Thereafter, the aluminum alloy is formed into a cup which is drawn and passed through one or more dies to iron the walls of the cup and thereby lengthen the side walls thereof using at least one circular die having a die angle of less than about 6 degrees and a chamfer angle of less than 35 degrees. It has been found that the use of such die angles prevents or minimizes galling and tearoffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Tyzh-Chiang Sun
  • Patent number: 5742994
    Abstract: A specialty tool designed for the efficient removal of strips of the outer sheathing (or "wrap") from underground pipe, consisting of a slotted cylindrical steel shaft (10) with female ratchet drive couplings (16) matched into each end, and having cutting discs (14) seated slightly inward from each end. Upon insertion into the slot (12) of a small loosened portion of the wrap and the engagement of the ratchets (18), a strip of wrap is simultaneously cut, pulled loose, and wrapped around the shaft (10) of the tool between the cutting discs (14), as the tool is directed by means of the ratchets (18) around the circumference of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Charlie A. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 5742995
    Abstract: A system and method of determining a height of a sensor is disclosed. The sensor has an air bearing surface. The method includes determining a pre-processing width of a base of a first triangle, a top of a second triangle and a first and a second rectangle, all formed of the same material which forms the sensor. The air bearing surface of the magnetoresistive sensor, the base of the first triangle, the top of the second triangle and the first and second rectangles are then processed and simultaneously lapped. A post-lapping width of the base of the first triangle, the top of the second triangle and the first and second rectangles are then determined. The height of the sensor is then calculated through use of the pre-processing and post-lapping widths at the air bearing surfaces of the bases of the first triangle, the top of the second triangle and the first and second rectangles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nurul Amin, Lance E. Stover, Richard P. Larson, Gregory S. Mowry
  • Patent number: 5742996
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a transducer suspension system for a data storage disk drive device having electrical wires strung along the top surface of the suspension, by bending the wires around the distal end of the suspension and connecting the wires to electrical pads on the transducer slider below. The height of the wires is reduced by swiping the wires in a lateral direction using a two-finger member. The swipe operation bends the wires down to reduce the overall height and reduces the stress created by the wires in the electrical pad bonds and allows the slider gimbal the freedom to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Kermit Frater, David Gerson, Gary L. Heitkamp, Thomas Mark Hoffmann, John Philip Hollowell, Peter William Kanas, Oscar Jaime Ruiz, Enrique Eduardo Sanicky
  • Patent number: 5742997
    Abstract: Pivotal jaws of wire clamps that temporarily grip stator coil lead wires are spring biased to clamp stator coil lead wires thereto when the lead wires are inserted into the clamps at a winding station, and are biased by respective air actuators to ensure release of the lead wires at a coil lead terminating station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Globe Products Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Beakes, Lawrence E. Newman
  • Patent number: 5742998
    Abstract: A plurality of suspension and magnetic head combinations are made on a wafer for longitudinal recording. A horizontal first pole piece and horizontal and vertical components of a second pole piece are formed with a magnetic gap between the first pole piece and the vertical component of the second pole piece. The suspension layers are formed mainly from the insulation layer that separates the horizontal first pole piece and the horizontal component of the second pole piece and an insulation layer that covers and protects the pole pieces. The layers of the combination head are deposited on a wafer in rows and columns. A release layer is deposited on the wafer and then the individual thin film layers of the magnetic head are deposited. The wafer is then divided into rows. The vertical component of the second pole piece is formed on the end of the row in contact with its horizontal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Edward Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5742999
    Abstract: A side-mountable liquid level sensor utilizes a rubber sealing grommet to temporarily hold the buoyant member within the cylinder of the liquid container opening to facilitate assembly. The buoyant member has an open slot with cooperating limit structure on the buoyant member and sensor rod to facilitate manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Standex International Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Gomez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5743000
    Abstract: An ionically permeable separator for a LeClanche cell, and methods of making and using same, are provided for in the invention. The separator comprises a Kraft paper separator and a corrosion-inhibiting coating thereupon selected to prevent corrosion of a zinc anode of the LeClanche cell. The separator may be configured for use in round or flat LeClanche cells. The separators of the invention may be used in heavy duty batteries containing an electrolyte comprising zinc chloride as a primary component. Cells made in accordance with the invention exhibit comparable or improved capacity and other performance characteristics in respect of conventional cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald J. Ekern, Miguel E. Armacanqui, Janna L. Rose
  • Patent number: 5743001
    Abstract: A surface mount placement system with one or more carriages includes, on each carriage, multiple groups of quills, each group being adjustable on one of two principal orthogonal directions of a plane containing a component mounting zone. The quills of each group are independently rotatable with respect to the quills of the other group and are further independently moveable in a third direction orthogonal to the two principal directions. A carriage is moved to the component mounting zone where the two groups are adjusted with respect to each other for placement of at least two components, one from each group, in a single place step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Amistar Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart Baker, George Michael Wohlhieter
  • Patent number: 5743002
    Abstract: A holder for retaining an elastic part while a wire is inserted therein including a contact holding portion gripping a neck of the plug. The contact holding portion has an annular groove for absorbing elastic deformation of the plug resulting from insertion of the wire. The rubber plug is positioned and held in the holder; since the elastic deformation thereof is accommodated by the annular groove, the wire insertion can be smoothly performed without inward pressure on the wire being inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Ito, Tomoji Niwa, Shigeharu Nakahira
  • Patent number: 5743003
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically fixing the self-piercing nuts has a striking punch (2) for causing the end face of each nut (N) to pierce a metallic panel (P) laid on a caulking die (1) and to be fixed to the panel, and also has a mechanism for intermittently feeding the nuts. The mechanism is composed of a rigid frame (6) to which a slide guide (3) is fixed and a movable chute (8) having a distal opening (8a) communicating with a feeding aperture (5) opened in the slide guide and a proximal opening (8b) communicating with a flexible chute (7). The movable chute (8) held in and connected to the rigid frame (6) is driven by an actuator (22) mounted on the frame so as to swing between an operative and inoperative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Yugenkaisha Shinjo Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hiroshi Shinjo
  • Patent number: 5743004
    Abstract: A multi-layer printed circuit board or card including at least one passage in at least one of the layers of the circuit board or card for preventing the diffusion of heat throughout the circuit board or card during the securing or removal of components in plated through holes in the circuit board or card by the heating of the plating material to a temperature above a melting point of the plating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ivan Ivor Chobot, John Arthur Covert, Randy Lee Haight, Keith David Mansfield, Donald Wayne Miller, Reinaldo Anthony Neira, Alexander Petrovich, Paul Camilo Sviedrys, Louise Ann Tiemann, Gerald Arthur Valenta, Thurston Bryce Youngs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5743005
    Abstract: A component mounting apparatus and method for mounting components on to-be-mounted positions of works, includes a carrying device for continuously and successively carrying the works in a working area, and a first component-mounting device for picking up one component from component supply units in a first component supply section and mounting the picked-up component on the to-be-mounted position of one of the works being continuously and successively carried in the work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Nakao, Masanori Yasutake, Wataru Hirai, Makoto Kawai
  • Patent number: 5743006
    Abstract: A hybrid thermal imaging system (20, 120) often includes a focal plane array (30, 130), a thermal isolation structure (50, 150) and an integrated circuit substrate (60, 160). The focal plane array (30, 130) includes thermal sensitive elements (42, 142) formed from a pyroelectric film layer (82), such as barium strontium titanate (BST). One side of the thermal sensitive elements (42, 142) may be coupled to a contact pad (62, 162) disposed on the integrated circuit substrate (60, 160) through a mesa strip conductor (56, 150) of the thermal isolation structure (50, 150). The other side of the thermal sensitive elements (42, 142) may be coupled to an electrode (36, 136). The various components of the focal plane array (30, 130) may be fabricated from multiple heterogeneous layers (74, 34, 36, 82, 84) formed on a carrier substrate (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Howard R. Beratan
  • Patent number: 5743007
    Abstract: A method for mounting on integrated circuit having many leads with narrow pitches on the printed circuit board. In a method, a resist layer is formed between lands on the board, and solder paste is applied with a stencil to the lands so that the positions of the solder paste on the lands are staggered. Then, leads of the integrated circuit are positioned on the lands. Then, reflow soldering of the leads to the lands is performed with the solder paste in a nitrogen environment. In a different embodiment, each land includes a first portion and a second portion having a width narrower than the first portion, and the second portions are arranged staggeredly among the lands. Then, solder paste is applied to the first portions having the wider width. Then, reflow soldering of the leads to the lands is performed with the solder paste in a nitrogen environment. If solder including bismuth is used, reflow soldering can be performed in ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Onishi, Haruto Nagata, Masato Hirano, Kenichiro Suetsugu
  • Patent number: 5743008
    Abstract: A method for shifting a terminal which has been incompletely inserted into a terminal accommodating chamber of a connector housing of a connector for use in a wiring harness for motor vehicles to completely insert the terminal by the use of an inserted position correcting jig is provided. The method includes inserting a front end portion of the inserted terminal position correcting jig into an opening formed in a peripheral wall extending from a rear portion of the connector housing. The opening functions as a pivot center and has a correcting operation checking member therein to thereby shift the jig toward the housing pivoting on the opening. The jig is thus fitted with the rear end portion of the terminal which is still in an incompletely inserted state so as to shift the terminal to a completely inserted position and securely lock the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takayoshi Endo, Masanori Tsuji, Motohisa Kashiyama
  • Patent number: 5743009
    Abstract: Ends of contact pins are inserted into bottomed connection holes which are in desired positions on a printed board, so that the contact pins are arrayed in the desired form. By effecting solder reflow in this state, the contact pins are fixedly soldered to the connection holes. A multi-pin connector is thus provided, which can be manufactured with ease in a short period of time and which can have any pitch, any number of pins and any shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Matsui, Takayuki Ono, Kenichi Kasai, Tsutomu Imai, Morio Suzuki, Hideyuki Fukasawa, Mitugu Shirai, Toshitaka Murakawa, Takeji Siokawa, Takeshi Kuroda
  • Patent number: 5743010
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame having an inner surface and a trim panel having an outer surface adapted to overlie the inner surface of the frame. A plurality of electrical devices are secured in the frame and the trim panel for carrying out various tasks and operations. A plurality of electrical wires are secured to the outer surface of the trim panel and electrically connect to the several electrical devices. Wire routing elements extend from the outer surface of the trim panel for individually and sequentially securing the plurality of electrical wires on the outer surface of the trim panel to eliminate the need for a prefabricated wiring harness. The routing elements may comprise a series of L-shaped posts between which the electrical wires are woven, a series of tabs having a V-shaped receiving notch into which the wires are seated, channels along which the electrical wires are secured by glue, or self-locking strap-like clamps for clamping the electrical wires to the trim panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Zaguskin, Robert Szudarek
  • Patent number: 5743011
    Abstract: A process of manufacturing vehicle manifolds particularly for attaching the manifold tubes to the base plate which is used to secure the manifold to the engine block. The manifold assembly includes a plurality of manifold tubes having at least one end secured to the base plate. The tubes are secured to the plate in groups utilizing a pool of epoxy isolated along the base plate by a ridge. The liquified epoxy flows around the tubes to secure the tubes within the plate once the epoxy is cured and hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Mascotech Tubular Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Devere Carl Dickerson, Brian Stephen Anderson
  • Patent number: 5743012
    Abstract: A method of reducing wear between the radial faces of a piston ring and the radial faces of the co-operating piston ring groove in an aluminium alloy piston is described. The method comprises the steps of locally alloying the region in which the piston ring groove radial faces are located to increase the concentration of at least one strengthening element and coating at least the co-operating radial faces of a piston ring with a compatible material. Nickel has been found to be particularly advantageous and an example is described of a piston which is locally alloyed by electron-beam melting wherein the nickel content is raised to about 12%. The co-operating piston ring was electroless plated with a nickel-phosphorus alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: AE PLC
    Inventors: David Robert Adams, Jonathan David Philby
  • Patent number: 5743013
    Abstract: A compressor or turbine blade having its tip coated with a zirconium-based oxide having a plurality of macrocracks extending at least 100 microns through the coating and the process used to produce such a coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Praxair S.T. Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Taylor, Don Joseph Lemen
  • Patent number: 5743014
    Abstract: A field serviceable fill tube apparatus for use on a heat pipe employs a quick-disconnect fitting on one end of the heat pipe to facilitate filling, sealing and servicing the heat pipe, both during manufacture and afterwards in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Giammaruti, Morten Licht
  • Patent number: 5743015
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of securing a shaft-bearing bush (3) of a non-weldable material, particularly a sintered metal, in a hole (2) in a metal mounting plate (1), a metal sleeve (4), whose material is weldable to the metal mounting plate (1), being securely press-fitted onto the outer wall (3a) of the shaft-bearing bush (3), the shaft-bearing bush (3) with the press-fitted metal sleeve (4) being introduced into the hole (2) in the metal mounting plate (1) and being locked in the desired axial alignment, and the metal sleeve (4) being welded to the metal mounting plate (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Kunze, Dieter Muller
  • Patent number: 5743016
    Abstract: A method for mounting on a shaft extending through a housing a preloaded rolling bearing assembly incorporating first and second rolling bearings capable of supporting axial load, involves mounting the outer race rings of both bearings in axially fixed positions in the housing, mounting the inner race rings with a shrink fit on the shaft and with rolling bodies disposed between the inner and outer race rings, and introducing in the interface between the inner envelope surface of the inner race ring of the second bearing and the shaft a pressure medium to create a thin medium film in the interface for allowing the inner race ring of the second bearing to be axially displaced on the shaft. An axial force is then applied to the inner race ring of the second bearing and the axial force thus applied is measured. The pressure medium is then drained from the interface between the inner race ring and the shaft when a predetermined axial force is reached, whereupon the axial force is relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Aktiegolaget SKF
    Inventors: Nils Manne, Per-Olof Johansson
  • Patent number: 5743017
    Abstract: A device for heating of the blades of scissors, knives and the like, with heating module comprising an electrical heating strip provided on the metallic blades, connecting conductors for providing current to the heating strip, and a cowling of a synthetic material. The heating module is capable of being fastened on the outer surface of the blade. The heating strip is in thermal conductive contact with the outer surface of the blade, extends over the length of the cutting edge of the blade, and is on its outer surface covered with a cowling of a synthetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Theracut-Hair-Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Dreher, Hans Kessing, Klaus Paulat