Patents Issued in July 6, 1999
  • Patent number: 5918485
    Abstract: A warp knitting machine comprises a jacquard guide bar (102) whose guides (7) are movable to and fro between two end stops (113 and 114). This motion is effected by setting members of a guide control. The end positions of the guides have a separation equal to two needle spaces. Additional strikers (115) and (116) are, at choice, made operative by the setting members (transducer 108) of a stop control. When one of the additional strikers is in an operative position, that striker holds the guide (7) in a central position. In particular, needle control and stop controls may operate with piezoelectric transducers. In this manner, it is possible to obtain an extremely large number of patterning possibilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Karl Mayer Textilmachinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Fischer, Kresimir Mista
  • Patent number: 5918486
    Abstract: A washing machine having an apparatus for generating a turbulent flow. The washing machine has a cabinet, an outer tub installed in the cabinet to receive a washing water, a spin tub mounted in the outer tub to receive articles, an apparatus installed at a lower portion of the spin tub to upwardly impel the washing water, a pulsator to guide the washing water impelled by the apparatus into a center portion of the spin tub and to generate a swirling flow in the spin tub, a motor and a power transmission to drive the apparatus and pulsator. The apparatus has a porous cap member to allow the washing water to flow thereinto and an impeller to upwardly impel the washing water flown thereinto. The washing machine can impel the washing water toward an upper portion of the spin tub while a washing operation is being carried out so that the apparatus generates a complicated turbulent flow in the spin tub, thereby improving a washing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwan-Choul Park
  • Patent number: 5918487
    Abstract: A spherical container for a chemical solution is disclosed which is used in a washing machine. The spherical container maximizes the surface which interacts with the clothing being washed in the washing machine, yet there are no sharp edges or surfaces to damage the clothing. The sphere is sealed with the solution therewithin, and vapor, gas and/or charged particles are emitted which perform the cleaning function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: North American Plastic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan A. Franceus
  • Patent number: 5918488
    Abstract: A locking device used to secure a ladder to a ladder rack or roof rack on a vehicle while being transported. Its main purpose is to help protect a ladder from theft, cross-winds and accidents while being transported comprising a screw member (10) which is threaded at one end (12) and has a curvature at opposite end (14) whereby the screw member (10) is hooked under the ladder rack or roof rack and interlocked with crossbar (22) and handle(16) to secure ladder, the screw member (10) is of a predetermined diameter and length. The crossbar (22) having four equal sides and four right angles comprising a commercial form of rigid material, and having a plurality of holes for an interlocking method for securing the handle (16) to the crossbar (22) and screw member (10). The handle (16) comprising a predetermined diameter center hole (18) and an internal screw thread within the center hole (18) for receiving the screw member (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel Lee Deeter
  • Patent number: 5918489
    Abstract: A padlock includes a body combined with a first casing a second casing. The first casing has a hook-like latch integrally extending therefrom. A pivotal member is received in the body and has a rod extending from a first end thereof to alignedly contact with the hook-like latch when it is pivoted. A symbol-sequence selecting device is received in the body to cooperate with the pivotal member. The symbol-sequence selecting device is operable at two sides of the padlock. The padlock further includes a release member movably mounted to a surface of the first casing to activate a pivoting of the pivotal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Kuo-Tsung Yang
  • Patent number: 5918490
    Abstract: A golf club locking device and golf club holder assembly is provided, comprising an upper housing element having a substantially circular configuration, an outer locking knob coupled to the upper housing element, an inner locking coupler operably linked to the outer locking knob, and a locking plate secured to the inner locking coupler. A key cylinder is communicatively linked to the locking plate and a rubber bumper for holding golf clubs within the assembly is secured to the locking plate. A cable locking mechanism for locking the assembly to any object or to a golf bag is secured to a cable anchor plate and locking cable, and a lower housing element is configured to be adapted secured to the upper housing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald K. Lion
  • Patent number: 5918491
    Abstract: This invention is a tamper-resistant enclosure for a coin-operated vending apparatus and the like wherein the locking device is fixedly attached to and mounted internally of the enclosure making it less vulnerable to theft and vandalism. The locking mechanism includes a ring-shaped hanging lock that is attached by weldment to an interior end wall of the enclosure. The lock is positioned in substantial alignment with an aperture in the front end wall to permit operation of the lock from the exterior of the enclosure by a key. The top cover includes an integrally formed locking flange which passes through a slotted opening in the end wall adjacent the lock such that the lock is positioned in an operative relationship with an aperture in the locking flange when the slideable top is in a closed position enabling the enclosure to be secured. The enclosure is adaptable to use for vending any suitable consumer product or to any application where a secure, corrosion-resistant enclosure is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: Daniel H. Maxwell, Henley S. Hales
  • Patent number: 5918492
    Abstract: A trigger-engaging plug for a firearm having of the type that is a trigger guard defining lateral openings and a trigger. A rear portion of the trigger is spaced from and in opposed relation with a portion of the firearm frame. The plug includes a base portion having a size and shape corresponding generally to one of the lateral openings. The plug also has a trigger-blocking projection extending from and positioned generally at one end of the base portion. The trigger-blocking projection defines a lock shackle-receiving bore. A tang extends from and is positioned on the base portion and in opposed relation with the first or trigger-blocking projection. The trigger-blocking and tang define a recess of a size and shape corresponding to a trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson
    Inventor: John F. Klebes
  • Patent number: 5918493
    Abstract: A contour measuring devices for measuring the contour of hot-strip rolls installed in a roll stand during a rolling process includes a plurality of distance sensors that extend along the length of the hot-strip roll in a perpendicular and non-contacting manner and, in this manner. Each distance sensor has a measurement head oriented towards the hot-strip roll. The plurality of distance sensors are positioned separate from and lateral to each other on and along a longitudinal support. The longitudinal support is comprised of a double shell tube that cools the design sensors with an inner tube that conducts a coolant, a shell tube that surrounds the inner tube, and an annular space located therebetween. The inner tube is fixed at its opposite ends in a position relative to the shell tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Horst Cerv
  • Patent number: 5918494
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydroforming a metallic tube including the steps of: preliminarily expanding the metallic tube over an axial section longer than the length of the expanded portion of a final product as measured in the axial direction of the metallic tube; and compressing the preliminarily expanded portion in the axial direction of the metallic tube so as to form the shape of the expanded portion of the final product. According to the method and apparatus of the invention, frictional resistance between the metallic tube and processing tools can be reduced, and moreover, the internal pressure within the metallic tube can be reduced during expansion processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayasu Kojima, Saburo Inoue
  • Patent number: 5918495
    Abstract: A multistage gear-rolling apparatus of the present invention comprises a roller squeezing apparatus including a roughing roller die and a finishing roller die disposed coaxially and connected in series in an axial direction of said roughing roller die. The roughing roller die is used for carrying out a hot rough-rolling step. The finishing roller die is used for a warm finish-rolling step. Thus, immediately after the hot rough-rolling step, the warm finish-rolling step can be carried out without a reset of workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosh Kabushiki Kaisha, Nachi-Fujikoshi Corporation
    Inventors: Noritaka Miyamoto, Masazumi Onishi, Yasuyuki Fujiwara, Toshiaki Tanaka, Shintaro Igarashi, Atsushi Danno, Kenichi Yamaguchi, Shinichi Nagamori
  • Patent number: 5918496
    Abstract: A clamp die apparatus for co-operating with the bend die of a tube bending apparatus during tube bending has a support bolster adapted for adjustable mounting on a bend arm of a tube bending machine and a primary clamp die rigidly mounted on the support bolster for clamping a portion of a tube against a bend die of the bend arm. A secondary clamp die is movably mounted on the support bolster for movement between an extended position alongside the primary clamp die and a retracted position spaced rearwardly from the primary clamp die. Each clamp die has a clamping surface for bearing against a portion of a tube to be bent, and the clamping surfaces of the primary and secondary clamp dies are aligned to form a clamping surface of extended length when the secondary clamp die is in the extended position. The primary clamp die alone forms a reduced length clamping surface when the secondary clamp die is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Eagle Precision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Werner G. Hopf
  • Patent number: 5918497
    Abstract: A metalworking iterative method of cold-working blanks into configurations having contiguously repeated predetermined forms wherein an advance-worked form functions to locate a succeeding form. A first portion of a blank is squeezed into a predetermined form in a forming position of a press. The predetermined form corresponds to one cycle of the reciprocal undulations of an undulated plate spring. The blank is then shifted in the feed direction of the press by a feed pitch corresponding to one undulation, thereby locating the worked first portion of the blank into a locating position of the press, meanwhile a pitch-length second portion is in the forming position. Accordingly, the accuracy of the succeeding press operation on the second portion in terms of its contiguous position relative to the worked first portion is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Mieda
  • Patent number: 5918498
    Abstract: In a dummy block construction for use in extruding an extrudable metal, the dummy block having a dummy block base; a connector for connecting said dummy block base to a stem of an extruder; a replaceable wear ring connected to a forward circumferential portion of said dummy block base; a device for releasably securing said wear ring to said dummy block base; a device for expanding said ring to engage a billet container inside wall of an extrusion press during extrusion of a billet of extrudable metal through such extrusion press, the improvement being characterized in the wear ring being a metal collar having a conical interior surface converging towards said dummy block base; and the device for expanding the ring comprising a metal plunger having a plunger head with a conical surface for engaging the collar conical surface to expand the collar as said plunger head is forced into the collar during extrusion; the converging surfaces of the collar and the plunger head extending a sufficient distance to permit t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Paul H. Robbins
  • Patent number: 5918499
    Abstract: A process of forming a rivet from a sheet of metal, typically double reduced steel, by producing a blister surrounded by an annular configuration in a first operation or first stage. A second operation or second stage forms the blister into a boss by flattening the annular corrugation between a die and a support so as to push metal back toward the center of the blister. Finally, the boss is converted into an upstanding hollow rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: CarnaudMetalbox (Holdings) Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Langlasse, Jean Mevel, Jean-Francois Devaud
  • Patent number: 5918500
    Abstract: An integrated platform/clamping structure for use in combination with a frame straightening system; the structure including multiple clamp assemblies slidably attached to the platform of the system for lateral movement relative to the platform. The clamp assemblies can be moved independently of one another until they are located underneath the automobile pinchweld. The clamp assemblies also have a mechanism (in the preferred embodiment, a vertically aligned piston/cylinder system) which raise each clamp relative to the platform. Once the clamp touches the pinchweld, means (in the preferred embodiment, a second, horizontally aligned piston/cylinder system) are provided to automatically fix the jaws of the clamp over the pinchweld and lock. The system also has linear measurement gauges underneath the platform and made a part of the system, with means to raise the gauges into an operable location adjacent the undercarriage of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Nu-Tech Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence R. Brewer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5918501
    Abstract: The invention provides a tool and method for repairing a sheet metal according which a dented portion of a sheet metal can be easily and appropriately pulled out with a minimal force. The tool has a simple structure and adapted to be used in the method. The tool includes an end of an operation shaft 1 having a given length serves as a handle portion 2, and an arc electrode 3 is affixed to the other end. A support stand 4 is attached to an end of the operational shaft 1. The support stand 4 may include a base 5 through which the operational shaft 1 is inserted and affixed thereto, a leg portion 6 extended from the base 5, and a seat portion 7 attached to the lower end of the leg portion 6. With the configuration as above, the arc electrode 3 is welded to a dented portion r of a sheet metal while the seat portion 7 is in contact with the sheet metal surface R, and the operation shaft 1 is tilted in that state, while the seat portion 7 is pressed against the sheet metal surface R.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Sunaga, Yoshitake Fukushima
  • Patent number: 5918502
    Abstract: An article of performance enhancing footwear having a piezoelectric spring apparatus in the sole member. Walking or running applies a first force deforming a piezoelectric actuator, thereby generating electrical energy. An energy storage circuit stores electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric actuator. Sensing means is provided to sense the release of a second force greater than the first force, which triggers the release of stored electrical energy back into the piezoelectric actuator. The resulting deformation of the piezoelectric actuator imparts a force into the bottom contact surface of the sole member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Face International Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Patten Bishop
  • Patent number: 5918503
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a transmission for the distribution of power from a rotating shaft, which shaft is supported between a pair of housing segments, which housing segments are connectedly joined to one another, including a rotatable shaft having a power source at one end thereof, for rotation of the shaft; a first housing enclosing at least a portion of the rotatable shaft, the housing having a first end with a plurality of spaced apart longitudinally directed holes therein; a flange having at least one radially directed projection thereon, the projection having a cammed surface which sweeps across the holes on the first end of the first housing; a second housing having a first end with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart longitudinally directed holes therein; a plurality of reciprocally moveable pins disposed within the holes in the first and the second housing; and a cam arranged within the second housing, so as to effectuate longitudinal movement of the pins within the second housing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Paul D. Cavanagh
  • Patent number: 5918504
    Abstract: A motion converting and transmitting mechanism included a reciprocal motion receiver, rotatable pinned to reciprocating arm. Rotatable pinned by a first pin to a first crank arm, and rotatable pinned by a second pin to a second crank arm. The first pin is spaced from the second pin. The first crank arm rotates about a first crank axis. The second crank arm rotates about a second crank axis. First crank axis is spaced from the second crank axis. At least one crank rotates on a journal for transmitting rotary motion to a power take-off point. Mechanism is driven by the reciprocating arm and motion is converted from reciprocating to rotary. Mechanism is driven by one of the crank axis and motion is converted by rotary to reciprocating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Hikmet Selcuk Baskaynak
  • Patent number: 5918505
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes a driven spindle (10) of metal having a nut (12) of polymeric material which further is connected to the expelling rod (14) of the actuator. The nut and expelling rod are joined to each other by intermeshing embossing mate for contemporary transfer of axial forces and torques. With a polymeric nut a number of advantages are obtained such as low friction, lifetime lubrication, low noise level, low production and maintenance costs. Furthermore, a possibility is provided for in a simple manner to provide the actuator with a safety nut connected to the main nut (12) with breakable entrainment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventor: Bent Jensen
  • Patent number: 5918506
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer device for generating a regular, linear transfer movement especially for reading an image plate used in X-raying. The transfer device comprises a fixed housing, a rotatable threaded bar (5), a slide (6) moving linearly on the bar, slide guides (9, 10) for controlling the linear movement of the slide, and members for transforming the rotational movement of the bar into the linear movement of the slide. In accordance with the invention, these members consist of two followers (8) elastically articulated in the slide (6) and placed on opposite sides of the threaded bar (5), each of which is provided with a tongue (15) elastically stressed in the threaded groove (7) of the bar, the stressing member consisting of a pull device (19, 21) fitted between the followers and interconnecting the followers elastically in the transverse direction of the threaded bar. The pull device may consist of a magnet (19) and its counterpart (21), or optionally of a draw-spring between the followers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Orion-Yhtyma Oy
    Inventor: Matti Rantanen
  • Patent number: 5918507
    Abstract: A micromanipulator fine control apparatus is operated with a mouse. As the mouse is moved to the front, rear, left and right, a control handle is tilted to the front, rear, left and right, respectively, and a fore and aft fine control slider and a left-right fine control slider are moved in the corresponding directions. A liquid amount contained in a first liquid-operated cylinder is varied by a fore and aft fine control liquid-operated arrangement responsive to the fore and aft fine control slider, and a liquid amount of a second liquid-operated cylinder is varied by left-right fine control liquid-operated arrangement responsive to the left-right fine control slider. Accordingly, the micromanipulator is finely moved in the same direction as the mouse is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Narishige Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 5918508
    Abstract: A strain wave gearing is provided with tooth profiles formed taking into account tooth inclination and change in the movement locus of the origin of the tooth profile coordinates, thereby obtaining proper meshing over a wide range. Specifically, a tooth module is denoted as m; the number of teeth of the rigid internal gear as z.sub.C ; the number of teeth, the deddendum, the thickness of the tooth bottom rim and the radius of the neutral circle of the rim of the flexible external gear as z.sub.F, h.sub.fF, t and r.sub.n, respectively; the coefficient of tooth thickness increase of the rigid internal gear and the coefficient of tooth thickness decrease of the flexible external gear both as .tau.; and an auxiliary angle variable .eta.. The basic addendum profiles of both gears are formed according to two equations, taking an x-axis on a datum line and a y-axis on the tooth center line and taking .+-. of the first equation as positive for the flexible external gear and as negative for the rigid internal gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shoichi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5918509
    Abstract: A powershift reversing transmission (1) having a hydrodynamic torque converter and at least two clutches (17, 18) for shifting to the forward and reverse driving directions. The clutches are designed as negative clutches. A reservoir (33), from which pressurized medium flows through an aperture (37), is provided to modulate the pressure when reversing the transmission. A throttle (39), with a variable cross section, is provided for inching. A back pressure may be applied to the clutches (17 or 18) through the throttle (39). This reversing transmission is particularly useful for driving lift trucks or as an entry unit for a multi-speed reversing transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Eduard Heilig, Jurgen Legner, Egon Mann, Helmut Eymuller
  • Patent number: 5918510
    Abstract: A rotary indexing apparatus includes a base, a table rotatably supported on the base, a drive unit for rotating the table, and a clamp ring fixed to the base to surround the table. Interference fit is established between the clamp ring and the table in order to clamp the table. There is also provided a mechanism for deflecting the clamp ring in order to unclamp the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoru Uemura, Hidekazu Hirano
  • Patent number: 5918511
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable socket for a socket wrench. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable socket comprises a base plate and a collar plate rotatably attached to the base plate. The collar plate has a central opening formed by a plurality of internal sidewalls and there are movably positioned inside the central opening a plurality of gripping members. Each of the gripping members has a contacting surface which cumulatively define a gripping region. Furthermore, each of the gripping members is connected to the base plate and has a first end adapted to engage one of the internal sidewalls such that relative rotation of the base plate and the collar plate adjusts the gripping region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
    Inventors: Mehdy Sabbaghian, Bryan Hivnor, Gerard Soignet, Brian Mayeaux, Wyndham Payne
  • Patent number: 5918512
    Abstract: An improved screwdriver in which a replacement bit is removably secured to a mandrel by the bit being axially slidable in an axial socket in the end of the mandrel. The bit is movable from a position coaxially aligned with the socket to a position out of alignment therefrom, to assist in the engagement and driving of misaligned screws. A resilient split-ring which serves to retain the bit in the socket is carried by and replaceable with the bit. With each new bit a new split-ring is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: G. Lyle Habermehl
    Inventors: G. Lyle Habermehl, Paul Towsend Scherer
  • Patent number: 5918513
    Abstract: A screwdriver handle includes a main body having an end releasably engaged with a screwdriver tip. The main body includes two opposite lateral sides each having a compartment defined therein. Two pivotal covers are pivotally connected to the main body to cover the compartments, respectively. Each pivotal cover includes a holder plate formed on an inner side thereof and having a number of holes for holding screwdriver tips and a number of semi-circle recesses for holding sockets. When a push pin is pushed, two hooks of the pivotal covers are disengaged with two latches of an engaging member that is moved by the push pin such that the pivotal covers pivot outwardly under the action of two elastic members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Howard Ho
  • Patent number: 5918514
    Abstract: A multi-spindle CNC lathe (50) comprises a frame assembly (104) mounted on a base (52) and including spaced apart, rigidly interconnected subframes (106, 108) defining spaced, parallel alignment surfaces (120, 122, 124, 126). A plurality of spindles (430) each includes a collet (450) for rotating a stock about a spindle axis. An indexing mechanism (640) positions the spindles (430) in alignment with work stations located at equally spaced intervals about a central axis. Identical internal ram tool slides (220) mounted on the alignment surface (110) of one of the subframes (106) each comprises a servo mechanism (224) for advancing and retracting a cutting tool along a work station axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Crudgington Machine Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Crudgington, Graham J. Crudgington
  • Patent number: 5918515
    Abstract: A reference stop for use in a lathe having a movable chuck and a draw tube adjacent to the chuck. A movable backstop is provided for rectilinear movement within a sleeve. The sleeve is inserted through the chuck of the lathe and extends into the draw tube. A threaded rod is attached to the backstop and extends outwardly from the sleeve, into the draw tube, and in a direction away from the chuck. The threaded rod is turned by a wrench and driver combination, and turning of the threaded rod causes corresponding rectilinear movement of the backstop in the sleeve, thereby allowing for a workpiece reference stop which is adjustable with respect to the chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald L. Hinson
  • Patent number: 5918516
    Abstract: A method of cutting input/output columns on an electronic component includes the steps of: providing a shear plate which has a thickness that is less than the length of the columns and which has respective holes for receiving all of the columns; inserting the columns into the holes until a portion of the columns extend past the shear plate; placing a blade, with a cutting edge, at an acute angle against the shear plate such that only the cutting edge of the blade touches the shear plate; and, sliding the cutting edge of the blade against shear plate and through the portion of the columns which extend past the shear plate, while keeping the blade at the acute angle. With this method, crater-like voids and burrs on the cut ends of the columns are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Allen Norell, Kenneth Walter Economy
  • Patent number: 5918517
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting any one of blocks and panels of cellular plastics into various shapes. The cellular plastic is held on a stationary platform around which a movable frame is affixed to two slides. The movable frame moves on two horizontal rails to effect cutting in the x-direction. Cutting is done with a hot wire affixed to two slides which move together vertically on vertical rails along the moveable frame to effect cutting in the y-direction. Stepping motors are driven by a computer to provide for displacement of the hot wire. Each motor includes a pinion which is mounted on a shaft directly engaging gear-racks parallel to the rails, to effect cutting of various shapes defined by the equation y=f(x).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Croma
    Inventors: Philippe Malapert, Jacques Crouet
  • Patent number: 5918518
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a web with a rotary cutter 31 includes a cutter drum 42, which has an air suction chamber 58 and air discharge chambers 59A and 59B, these chambers being formed in its inside, as well is having first air jet holes 71, second air jet holes 72, and third air jet holes 73, these air jet holes 71 to 73 being open in its outer periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Kobayashi, Manish Sharma
  • Patent number: 5918519
    Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of sheets of corrugated web of variable size comprises a margin cutting arrangement, which is disposed--in the conveying direction--downstream of, and separated from, longitudinal cutting arrangements and which is provided with cutting devices for cutting margins, which are permanently in engagement with the web of corrugated board. In the case of changes of format width accompanied by changes of the width of the margins to be cut off, this makes it possible that the latter can be cut continuously, which helps avoid malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: BHS Corrugated Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Schnabel, Karl Waldeck, Edmund Bradatsch
  • Patent number: 5918520
    Abstract: A straight line saw guide is provided including a base slidable along a table saw. A movable top is slidably situated on a top face of the base and further adapted to be fixed with respect thereto. The movable top is adapted to move in a direction perpendicular with respect to the movement of the base. Further, the movable top serves to abut a piece of wood situated on the base. Finally, at least one clamp assembly is included for maintaining the piece of wood fixed with respect to the base and movable top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Robert W. Whitcomb
  • Patent number: 5918521
    Abstract: A bifurcated holdown shoe for radial arm saw mounted to the saw guard of the radial arm saw such that the lower surface of the holdown shoe is mounted at a distance above the radial arm saw saw table corresponding to the height of a work piece to pass underneath the holdown shoe and be cut by the radial arm saw. The holdown shoe includes an arm portion which is bifurcated into two arms separated by a channel. A portion of the saw blade is held within the channel. The holdown shoe holds a work piece vertically steady against the saw table immediately adjacent the saw blade during a rip-cut, thus reducing the occurrence of kick-back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: James A. Sartori, Michael J. Sartori
  • Patent number: 5918522
    Abstract: A radial arm saw is provided with pairs of outside and inside lower blade guards which normally extend outwardly beyond the cutting blade of the saw. The lower blade guards are normally locked in covering relationship relative to the saw blade unless released by the operation of a safety lock assembly including a pair of pivotable stop members which are engageable with the lower blade guards. The safety lock assembly includes a handle for pivoting and releasing the stop members when the radial arm saw is used in a crosscutting mode and a separate release rod which extends from the forward end of the saw assembly to the rear end thereof and which is operable to release the stop members when the saw is utilized in a rip cut mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Benedict Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Benedict, Douglas A. Newcomer, Gregory W. Hatcher, Timothy M. Cheek, Douglas R. Stahl
  • Patent number: 5918523
    Abstract: A system for guiding a cutting tool utilizing a beam generator and a platten having a surface which is capable of presenting a pattern. The beam impinging on the platten is discernable. The beam generator is aligned with the cutting portion of the cutting tool such that the beam on the surface of the platten represents the position of the part of the cutting tool relative to a work piece. An operator may cut a pattern in the work piece by following the pattern on the platten with the beam image on the platten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Jack Cutter
  • Patent number: 5918524
    Abstract: A guide for supporting a template in a spaced relationship relative to a blade during cutting of work piece. The device includes an adjustable mounting assembly securable to a portion of a saw. An engaging assembly extends from the mounting assembly for supporting a guide pin laterally adjacent to blade of the saw so as to guide a template and associated work piece relative to the saw blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Charles E. Kirby
  • Patent number: 5918525
    Abstract: A reciprocating saw blade moved in opposite directions parallel to a longitudinal axis is formed with at least one row of longitudinally succeeding teeth having tips all lying on a common tip line parallel to the longitudinal axis and including even teeth all oriented in one direction parallel to the axis and odd teeth alternating with the even teeth and all oriented in the opposite direction parallel to the axis. Each even tooth forms with one of the adjacent odd teeth a double tooth and the tips of the teeth of each double tooth are set laterally of the blade to one side with the lateral set by an offset that alternates longitudinally from double tooth to double tooth to opposite sides of a center blade plane. The offset is the same for all teeth. Each tooth has a relatively steep leading edge and a relatively shallow trailing edge, relative of course to the respective longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Wilh. Putsch OHG
    Inventor: Norbert Schramm
  • Patent number: 5918526
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a method in a pneumatic oscillating device for observing an obstacle within the length of the work stroke and continuing the oscillating movement after this. The oscillating device includes a double-acting operating cylinder (1), a principal operating valve (6) controlling this, and a reversing valve (4), by which the principal operating valve (6) is controlled. A resistance to the flow on whichever return line (1.31, 1.41) of the operating cylinder (1) is in use, is arranged in order to maintain the return side pressure of the operating cylinder (1) at a level that is clearly higher than the ambient pressure during a work stroke in a normal situation, and sensing the pressure of the return side and, if it drops below a set limit, which is indicated by the movement of the pressure slowing or stopping completely, giving a command to the reversing valve (4) to change direction on the basis of this.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Lauri Jauhola
  • Patent number: 5918527
    Abstract: A locus control system of hydraulic excavators whereby a target locus for a front device is set beforehand. A control unit calculates a position and posture of the front device based on signals from angle sensors, and calculates a target speed vector of the front device based on signals from control lever devices. Through this calculation process, the control unit maintains the target speed vector as it is when the front device is not near the target locus, and modifies the target speed vector to a vector pointing to a second point on the target locus advanced in the excavating direction by a second distance from a first point located on the target locus at a minimum distance from a tip of the front device, when the front device is near the target locus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Haga, Hiroshi Watanabe, Kazuo Fujishima
  • Patent number: 5918528
    Abstract: A fluid flow control for controlling the speed of a piston in a fluid power cylinder is disclosed in which the flow control is located within the confines of the cylinder and includes a rotatable disk having tearshaped slots for communication of the exhaust fluid through the disk and out of the cylinder through discharge ports. Rotation of the disk to selectively position greater or lesser width portions of the tearshaped slot relative to an exhaust discharge opening in the cylinder permits selective, variable adjustment and throttling of the exhaust fluid to control the speed of movement of the piston in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Bimba Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: E. Wayne Hays
  • Patent number: 5918529
    Abstract: A hydrostatic axial piston machine with a swash plate achieves a high power with a compact and simple construction. Two cylinder drums are at some axial distance from one another and are in synchronous rotation. Each drum contains a group of concentric cylindrical borings, between which, and at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the axial piston machine there is a rotationally locked circular ring-shaped eccentric disc. The pistons are guided against the disc so that they can move longitudinally in the cylinder bores. Each piston consists of two piston segments having the same diameter oriented coaxially to one another and at some distance from one another. The segments are inserted in cylinder bores which are located opposite one another and are connected to one another by a bridge segment. Two support bodies, one on either side of the eccentric disc, are provided for movement on the eccentric disc along a track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Franz Forster
  • Patent number: 5918530
    Abstract: A hydraulic torque motor comprising a cylindrical housing (1), a piston (30) which can only be moved axially in the housing (1) and a rotor (20) which can only be rotated and which extends through the piston (39). The rotor (20) has a spiral groove (21) and the piston (30) has an engagement element (39) which extends radially inward in the groove (21). The piston (30) has a cylindrical section (31), each end of which has a circular end flange (34, 35), which abuts sealingly and slidingly against the housing's (1) boring. The housing (1) has a center flange (5) which projects radially inwards between the end flanges (34, 35) and is arranged to abut slidingly against the cylindrical piston section (31). The end flanges (34, 35) and the center flange (5) and those sections of the housing's (1) boring which are located between the flanged (5, 34, 35) define two cylinder spaces (37, 38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Scana Skarpenord AS
    Inventors: Fred Kanton, .O slashed.ystein Klonteig
  • Patent number: 5918531
    Abstract: Connecting rod and piston coupling structure of a compressor by which the working efficiency is increased by simplification of assembling operation and abrasion is reduced between a piston and a cylinder bore, the structure comprising a plane section of the piston to refrain the connecting rod from being protruded out of the piston and to get a small diameter part of the connecting rod to be placed thereon, and a round-shaped protruded circulating shaft perpendicularly extended from the plane section of the piston and formed to be inserted into a small diameter part hole of the connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Il-Kyo Oh
  • Patent number: 5918532
    Abstract: A toaster comprises a housing (1) enclosing a carriage (4) movable between an ejection position and a toasting position to which it can be brought by a handle (6) connected to one end (7) of the carriage (4) by a driver (8) secured to a finger (11) adapted to actuate a control switch (12) for the electrical supply of a heater (3). The driver (8) is movably mounted on the end (7) of the carriage (4) for movement along a vertical path (l) so as to permit the finger (11) to free the switch (12) when the carriage remains blocked in its toasting position after unlocking a retaining device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Moulinex S.A.
    Inventors: Julian Arnedo, Antonio San Juan Basora
  • Patent number: 5918533
    Abstract: A system for making tortillas includes a sheeter, a roller/heater, and an oven. Tortillas are die cut into an oblong shape in the sheeter. The roller/heater rolls the tortillas into a round shape and conductively heats the tortillas simultaneously on the top and bottom surfaces, gelatinizing the food product and sealing in moisture. The tortillas are then baked in an oven. Slot marks on the tortillas are avoided as the roller/heater has upper and lower belts have continuous surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Lawrence Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Lawrence, Mark Lawrence, Eric C. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5918534
    Abstract: A cooking spit including a heat transfer arrangement for the cooking or roasting of foods, especially such as fowl or other types of meats, wherein the cooking spit is adapted to be rotated as a component of a rotisserie. More particularly, there is provided a heat transfer fluid medium incorporated into the hollow interior of the cooking spit and which is adapted to provide a source of convective heat for assisting in internally cooking the food, and also a coolant upon cooling of the spit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Henry Medina