Patents Issued in December 14, 1999
  • Patent number: 6000210
    Abstract: A turboprop engine having an oil cooler which is disposed in the engine pod and upon which cooling air acts. The oil cooler is disposed in a flow duct which at the rear opens into the environment and at the front can be connected alternately to an air-inlet opening or to the feed duct of the compressor of the aircraft gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: BMW Rolls Royce GmbH
    Inventor: Dimitrie Negulescu
  • Patent number: 6000211
    Abstract: Combustion turbine power plants and methods of operating the same are provided in which air is cooled using solar energy and supplied to an air inlet of the power plant to support combustion. Also, combustion turbine power plants and methods of operating the same are provided in which steam is produced using solar energy and injected into a turbine of the power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: York Research Corporation
    Inventors: Alphonse H. Bellac, Ronald Destefanis
  • Patent number: 6000212
    Abstract: A catalytic combustion chamber is provided with at least two catalytic combustion zones arranged in flow series. In a first mode of operation fuel is supplied from first fuel injectors, positioned upstream of the first catalytic combustion zone, into the catalytic combustion chamber and is burnt in the first catalytic combustion zone in order to preheat the subsequent catalytic combustion zones. In the second mode of operation the supply of fuel to the first fuel injectors is reduced and fuel is supplied from second fuel injectors positioned between the first catalytic combustion zone and the second catalytic combustion zone into the space between the first catalytic combustion zone and the second catalytic combustion zone. This prevents the first catalytic zone becoming overheated, and reduces the possibility of the second and third catalytic combustion zones becoming overheated and allows the optimum catalyst to be selected for the first catalytic combustion zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Stanislaw I. Kolaczkowski, Serpil Awdry, John L. Scott-Scott
  • Patent number: 6000213
    Abstract: A combined cycle power plant comprises a gas turbine system and a steam cycle system having a steam turbine to be driven by the steam generated by the waste heat of the exhaust gas of the gas turbine system, wherein the steam from the steam cycle system flows through a gas turbine cooling system of the gas turbine to cool the gas turbine blades and other elements of the gas turbine system to be cooled and the waste heat of the gas turbine system is effectively collected. The gas turbine cooling system has two or more than two coolooling ducts formed in two or more than two elements of the gas turbine system to be cooled such as the gas turbine blades and the combustor of the gas turbine system so that steam is made to flow through the cooling ducts of these two or more than two elements to be cooled to effectively and maximally exploit the cooling potential and the waste heat collecting potential of the steam and hence improve the overall thermal efficiency of the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Yuji Nakata, Yoshitaka Fukuyama, Asako Inomata, Sachio Shibuya, Akinori Koga, Junji Ishii, Shoko Ito, Hironobu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6000214
    Abstract: A detonation cycle gas turbine engine includes a turbine rotor contained within a housing. Exhaust ports of respective valveless combustion chambers on opposite sides of the rotor direct combustion gases toward the turbine. The chambers are connected by a valveless manifold fed with fuel and oxidizer. When combustible gases are detonated by an igniter in one of the combustion chambers, the back pressure from the detonation shuts off the fuel and oxidizer flow to that chamber and redirects the fuel and oxidizer to the opposite chamber, where detonation occurs, the process repeats cyclically. Power is taken off the rotor shaft mechanically or electrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Robert L. Scragg
  • Patent number: 6000215
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of maintaining fan airflow at 100% for throttle transients from 100% military power to 30% thereof by increasing exhaust nozzle area as the fuel flow the engine decreases until the exhaust nozzle reaches its fully open position. Subsequent reductions in fuel flow produce a commensurate reduction fan airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: William C. Roberts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6000216
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for a turbojet engine having a cowling with a longitudinal axis, the cowling having an inner surface forming an outer boundary of a gas flow duct and a reverse thrust opening. The thrust reverser has a panel movable with respect to the cowling, the panel being movable between a forward thrust position in which it covers the reverse thrust opening in the cowling and reverse thrust position wherein the opening is uncovered. Thrust reversing cascades are located in the reverse thrust opening of the cowling to direct gases passing through the opening in a reverse thrust direction. A cowling frame is connected through the cowling by a flange engaging a groove on the cowling structure, the flange and the groove having mutually engaging surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano Suiza
    Inventor: Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6000217
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment method for an exhaust system that includes a hydrocarbon trap (16) disposed upstream of a downstream catalyst zone comprising a catalyst effective at least for the oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons, in which air is added to the exhaust gas stream in an amount that provides a stoichiometric air/fuel balance in the exhaust gas entering the downstream catalyst zone. The air may be added at any point upstream of the downstream catalyst zone, but optimum results are obtained when air is added between the trap (16) and the downstream catalyst zone. The addition of air can be controlled by the output of a sensor (26) that measures the air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gas, disposed downstream of the trap (16), or by the output of a thermocouple (18) disposed upstream of the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventor: John K. Hochmuth
  • Patent number: 6000218
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the operatibility of catalytic converters and/or lambda probes in exhaust gas detoxification systems. It is characterised in that a pollutant sensor is placed downstream of (in relation to the exhaust gas stream) or in the catalytic converter, in that the lambda value and/or oxygen content of the exhaust gas are altered by a specific amount either by the engine or by a device, and in that the electrical output signal from the pollutant sensor is compared in a comparator circuit to a value curve stored in a storage unit and corresponding to the defined alteration of the lambda value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Edelbert Hafele
  • Patent number: 6000219
    Abstract: A load valve apparatus having a control valve which can be connected to a pump and an accumulator and which in a first position connects the pump to the accumulator and in a second position isolates the pump from the accumulator, and the pump and the accumulator are isolated from one another when the accumulator pressure exceeds a certain value, and a connected consuming device is isolated from the accumulator in such a way that the load pressure of the consuming device does not affect the accumulator. The pressure of the pump and/or of the accumulator is used to regulate the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Mannessmann Rexroth GmbH
    Inventor: Hubertus Mies
  • Patent number: 6000220
    Abstract: A tandem hydraulic master cylinder having body (1) pierced with a bore having first (2a) and second (2b) inlets for receiving hydraulic fluid at low pressure. A primary piston (3) and a secondary piston (4) respectively slide in first (S1) and second (S2) length sections of the bore of body (1). A primary pressure chamber (5) is located in the bore between the primary piston (3) and the secondary piston (4) and a secondary chamber (6) is located between the secondary piston a bottom of the bore. First and second upstream and downstream sealing cups (91a,91b) and 92a,92b) respective seal the bore and the primary chamber (5) and the secondary chamber (6). The primary chamber (5) has a first re-supply duct (21) and a first outlet orifice (41) and the secondary chamber (6) has a second re-supply duct (22) and a second outlet orifice (42) for receiving and communicating hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Bosch Sistemas de Frenado S.L.
    Inventor: Juan Simon Bacardit
  • Patent number: 6000221
    Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a variable geometry turbocharger includes a turbocharger sensor having an output indicative of a current turbocharger geometry. Turbocharger geometry is varied by a controllable actuator. Control logic determines a desired turbocharger geometry based on the current engine conditions. Control logic determines an error signal by comparing the current turbocharger geometry to the desired turbocharger geometry. The actuator is controlled based on the error signal to change the current turbocharger geometry so as to track the desired turbocharger geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Peter D. Church, Christopher M. Rieflin
  • Patent number: 6000222
    Abstract: A turbocharger is provided with an integral exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) chamber and valve contained within the turbine housing casting in conjunction with a conventional exhaust gas bypass or wastegate system. An exhaust gas back pressure control valve is also provided integral to the exhaust gas outlet for EGR flow control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Allied Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Brian G. Regnier
  • Patent number: 6000223
    Abstract: A method and device for producing heat and magnetic field through photon or particle infusion. The device includes a sealed cylinder including a side wall having a mirrored inner side and a recess extending through and tangentially to said side wall providing access to the inner side. An induction tube is connected to and extends from the side wall providing a passageway for a stream of particles to the recess. A lens is positioned at an end of the induction tube opposite the connection with the cylinder and source of the stream of particles is positioned outside and aligned with the induction tube. When the source is activated to direct the stream of photons or particles through the induction tube and recess into the cylinder, the source of particles is reflected off the mirrored inner side causing the particles in said stream to infuse and release heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Michael S. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6000224
    Abstract: A heated and cooled beverage container is provided including a housing with a base having a peripheral side wall integrally coupled to a periphery of the base and extending upwardly therefrom for defining an interior space and an upper peripheral edge. Also included is a heating and cooling mechanism situated in communication with the housing and having a first mode for generating heat for heating contents of the housing and a second mode for absorbing heat for cooling the contents of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Matthew R. Foye
  • Patent number: 6000225
    Abstract: A system for efficiently transferring heat from a cold sink to a hot source utilizing thermoelectric cooling effects is disclosed. A plurality of thermoelectric elements are coupled in a series configuration with a power source. The plurality of thermoelectric elements are coupled in a parallel configuration with the cold sink and the hot source. The surface area of the hot source is greater than the surface area of the cold sink such that the plurality of thermoelectric elements can effectively transfer heat from the cold sink to the hot source in response to the power source. The plurality of thermoelectric can be fabricated on an integrated circuit with analog or digital circuity and effectively cool hot spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Uttam Shyamalindu Ghoshal
  • Patent number: 6000226
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and dispensing a liquid consisting of an oxygen containing mixture so that the liquid will not contain any more than a predetermined concentration of the oxygen at a predetermined pressure. In accordance with the invention, the mixture is introduced into the container at a specified initial concentration. A hypothetical volume of the saturated state of the liquid having the initial concentration is computed that when expanded into the total volume of the container, the resulting liquid would have the maximum enrichment. The liquid is dispensed from a bottom region of the container and dispensing is prevented when the liquid remaining within the container could possibly have the maximum enrichment computed at a particular dispensing pressure. Pressure relief methods are employed that avoid head space vapor being vented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron C. Lee, Mark Thomas Grace
  • Patent number: 6000227
    Abstract: A vacuum processing system has a wafer cooling system disposed on a lid of a transfer chamber so that heated wafers are cooled inside the transfer chamber. The wafer cooling system has a wafer lift assembly and a wafer cooler. The wafer cooler has a cooling plate and a coolant tank disposed through the transfer chamber lid. The wafer lift assembly has a lift actuator disposed on the top of the transfer chamber lid, guide rods to translate the lifting motion through the lid, and wafer supports inside the lid to raise the wafer to a position proximate to the cooling plate. The wafer cools by radiating heat up to the cooling plate, and the coolant tank transfers the heat from the cooling plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony R. Kroeker
  • Patent number: 6000228
    Abstract: A reverse cycle defrost or water defrost type ice-maker refrigeration system includes a programmable controller which initiates a freezing cycle in which water is pumped for application to the chilled surface of an evaporator for freezing. All water that fails to be frozen absorbs minerals from the frozen water and is returned to the sump. The programmable controller terminates replenishment of water removed from the sump substantially prior to completion of the freezing cycle so that the sump level falls and the mineral content of water in the sump increases substantially. The ice is harvested at the end of the freezing cycle by hot refrigerant gas from the compressor directed to the evaporator or warm water while the sump is being drained and subsequently refilled prior to the initiation of a subsequent cycle of operation. The operation is energy efficient since water is saved and a reduced amount of water is used and a reduced amount of previously refrigerated water is disposed of by drainage of the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Morris & Associates
    Inventors: D. Wayne Johnson, William F. Morris, Jr., Chris D. Wright
  • Patent number: 6000229
    Abstract: A cryogenic processor for liquid feed preparation of a free-flowing frozen product incorporates a gas diffusion chamber that inhibits freezing of a droplet producing feed assembly and pre-cools liquid droplets during the production of the free-flowing frozen product. This is accomplished by providing a regulated flow of ambient air about the feed assembly in conjunction with a vacuum assembly which is used to remove excess refrigerant vapor from the gas diffusion chamber. The vacuum assembly is incorporated into the gas diffusion chamber between the feed assembly and a freezing chamber. The gas diffusion chamber also provides additional physical separation between the feed assembly and the freezing chamber to allow for pre-cooling of the falling liquid composition droplets prior to contacting liquid refrigerant in the freezing chamber therebelow. Additionally, the shape of the processor has been adapted to reduce refrigerant requirements and improve overall production efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Milford D. Jones, Stanley O. Jones
  • Patent number: 6000230
    Abstract: A method for dividing and charging of a non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant filled in at least one refrigerant tank, comprising:a step of successively dividing and charging the non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant filled in the refrigerant tank into a plurality of receivers while maintaining a vapor phase or a liquid phase of the refrigerant in the refrigerant tank in communication with a vapor phase of an adjustor refrigerant in at least one adjustor refrigerant container filled with the adjustor refrigerant having a composition substantially equivalent to that of the non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Kiyomitsu Kanno, Toshio Haga
  • Patent number: 6000231
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for defrosting an evaporator in a closed loop refrigeration system are provided. In one embodiment, liquid is circulated from a receiver containing refrigerant through an evaporator in a reverse direction to normal flow and then to another evaporator in the system. Hot gas from a compressor may be used to displace the liquid to the evaporator being defrosted. Alternatively, gas from the top of the receiver may be used for displacement of the liquid. Steps are taken to insure that cold gas from the evaporator that is input to the compressor does not contain liquid. Apparatus making possible flow of liquid in reverse direction through an evaporator selected for defrosting and then to another evaporator is provided, along with apparatus for controlling the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Richard H. Alsenz
  • Patent number: 6000232
    Abstract: A refrigeration system is disclosed in which temperature regulation and energy efficiency are improved. Each compartment to be cooled is provided with a variable speed fan, the speed of which is controlled dependent on that compartment's temperature, the temperature required of that compartment, and the difference between required and actual temperatures for any other compartments. The temperatures are monitored continually and fan speeds altered so that the compartment furthest from its required temperature receives the most cooling (highest fan speed). An alternative embodiment is also disclosed wherein the speed of one compartment's fan is fixed and the other varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Witten-Hannah, David Andrew Thomas, Nicholas David Hayes
  • Patent number: 6000233
    Abstract: In a CO.sub.2 refrigerant cycle, a lubricating oil for a compressor has a compatibility relative to CO.sub.2 refrigerant, and the compatibility of the lubricating oil relative to the CO.sub.2 refrigerant at a pressure lower than a critical pressure of the CO.sub.2 refrigerant is lower than that at a pressure higher than the critical pressure of the CO.sub.2 refrigerant. Thus, in a low-pressure side such as an accumulator of the CO.sub.2 refrigerant cycle, because a liquid lubricating oil is separated with a liquid CO.sub.2 refrigerant, only the lubricating oil can be readily introduced into a suction side of the compressor, and it can prevent the liquid CO.sub.2 refrigerant from being sucked into the compressor. As a result, it can prevent a damage to the compressor while preventing deterioration of coefficient of performance of the CO.sub.2 refrigerant cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shin Nishida, Hisayoshi Sakakibara, Yasutaka Kuroda
  • Patent number: 6000234
    Abstract: A ventilating device of a window type air conditioner, which includes: a ventilating hole formed in a partition that connects the room portion with the outdoor portion of the air conditioner; a first lever which moves forward and backward in the discharge grill and the room portion; a lever guide portion that prevents the first lever from being deviated when the first lever is moved forward and backward, maintaining the horizontal state of the first lever; a damper on the back end portion of the first lever that opens and closes the ventilating hole with the forward/backward movement of the first lever; and a second lever which is formed on the front end of the first lever and is received in the room portion of the body during the shipment of the product, but is rotated in a straight line with the first lever, by an artificial force, to be exposed to the exterior of a front panel in the front end portion thereof, after installation of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Kyun Baek
  • Patent number: 6000235
    Abstract: A reversible flow valve, a corresponding method of fluid flow control and a Generator-Absorber-Heat Exchanger (GAX) system utilizing such a reversible flow valve and method of fluid flow control are provided. The flow valve includes a shaft rotatable relative to the valve housing to place valve seals mounted onto the shaft in a closing and sealing relationship with selected of the flow ports in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Donald Kuhlenschmidt
  • Patent number: 6000236
    Abstract: A refrigerated food pan assembly is disclosed which includes food pans which rest within an inner channel through a mounting lip. The assembly includes an outer channel separated from the inner channel by insulation. Refrigeration coils are in thermal conduction with the inner channel to cool food kept within the food pans. A cold air plenum with outlet vents extends along the inner channel to blow cold air between the food pans. Fan arrangements draw cold air through louvers from within the inner channel and direct the cold air into the plenum. An upper refrigeration coil provides additional cooling to the top surface of food in the food pans, and a warming coil prevents the rim or lip of the outer channel from accumulating frost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Omnitemp Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Haasis
  • Patent number: 6000237
    Abstract: A pastry rolling board, comprising an upper sheet, and a lower sheet with a space defined there between, and a freezable coolant material accommodated in the space to provide a chilled surface for rolling pastry dough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Bonnie K. Sjoberg
  • Patent number: 6000238
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for delivering solid carbon dioxide flakes to a substrate in which a housing is provided with at least one passageway having operatively connected thereto a solid carbon dioxide generator. The tubes are heated to an extent sufficient to substantially prevent the solid carbon dioxide flakes from adhering to the walls of the tubes so as to maintain continuous operation and to provide a uniform flow of solid carbon dioxide flakes to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Hollingshead
  • Patent number: 6000239
    Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system wherein a portion of the feed air is compressed to a very high pressure, bypasses the primary heat exchanger, and is turboexpanded to a low pressure to supply refrigeration in one step from the warm end temperature to the cryogenic temperature of the cryogenic air separation plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dante Patrick Bonaquist, Nancy Jean Lynch
  • Patent number: 6000240
    Abstract: A tooth or teeth jewels comprising highly clear gems such as diamond, zirconia, quartz, white sapphire or the like fixed as partially buried in a concavity formed in a live or artificial tooth or teeth, the tooth or teeth jewels being secured to the tooth or teeth by means of a gem retainer made of a high-reflectance metal or resin which provides a golden, silver or platinum color and/or brilliance, or by means of a combination of the gem retainer and a colored reflective film
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Satoshi Noda
  • Patent number: 6000241
    Abstract: A precursor solution composition is provided for making highly pure, fine barium-containing silicate glass powders and specifically barium aluminoborosilicate (BABS) glass powders. An atomized precursor solution containing colloidal silica, a water soluble source of barium, boric acid, and aluminum nitrate is used to make the powders. After mixing, the liquid precursor solution is formed into fine droplets, classified for size, and pyrolyzed into fine powders. The resulting spherical particles of the BABS glass is in the 0.1 to 10 micrometer size range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Particle Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhav B. Ranade, Rohitha K. Wijayatilleke, M. Kamal Akhtar, Geoffrey J. Varga
  • Patent number: 6000242
    Abstract: Molten matte or slag is water granulated by feeding molten matte or slag through a launder to a granulator tank. The tank includes sloping walls and is equipped with adjustable overflow weirs and one or more of spray nozzles. These nozzles are positioned such that the water that they emit impacts on substantially all of the molten matte or slag that is fed to the granulator tank. The granulation tank is optionally coated with a polymeric material to reduce the potential for phreatic explosions. The granulator is also optionally equipped with a gas offtake which can be connected directly to a quench tower which in turn can be connected to an induced ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Kennecott Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: David B. George, Jesus A. Sepulveda, Anthony J. Weddick, Anthony G. Storey, David Arana
  • Patent number: 6000243
    Abstract: A process for effectively bonding arbitrary size or shape substrates. The process incorporates vacuum pull down techniques to ensure uniform surface contact during the bonding process. The essence of the process for bonding substrates, such as glass, plastic, or alloys, etc., which have a moderate melting point with a gradual softening point curve, involves the application of an active vacuum source to evacuate interstices between the substrates while at the same time providing a positive force to hold the parts to be bonded in contact. This enables increasing the temperature of the bonding process to ensure that the softening point has been reached and small void areas are filled and come in contact with the opposing substrate. The process is most effective where at least one of the two plates or substrates contain channels or grooves that can be used to apply vacuum between the plates or substrates during the thermal bonding cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: James C. Davidson, Joseph W. Balch
  • Patent number: 6000244
    Abstract: A mold assembly for forming a glass sheet includes a mold block having a surface for holding a glass sheet and a fibrous metal liner for covering the surface of the mold block to prevent marking of the glass sheet when held against the mold block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Premakaran T. Boaz
  • Patent number: 6000245
    Abstract: The invention relates to a yarn changer for knitting machines, with swinging yarn fingers (22c, 22d), which comprise finger bodies and guide bodies (66c, 66d) having cutting and clamping elements (69, 71) slidable on the finger bodies, and with an opener (121) and closer (122) both associated with all yarn fingers in common. In order to reduce the number of moving parts and the noise occurring in operation of the yarn changer, the opener (121) and closer (122) are in such operative connection through a reverse-coupling mechanism (114-120) that they can be actuated in common by an associated cam track (102) acting on a control member (114). The control member (114) is preferably only in the working range of the cam track (102) when a yarn change is to be effected. The invention moreover concerns a knitting machine equipped with the yarn changer, especially a rib circular knitting machine, in which a yarn catcher cooperating with the yarn changer is built into the dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: SIPRA Patententwicklugs-und Beteiligungsgesellschaft
    Inventors: Ernst-Dieter Plath, Harald Rehmann
  • Patent number: 6000246
    Abstract: A cloth take-up device for a circular knitting machine includes first and second vertical side panels, a cloth-transfer cylinder connected between the vertical side panels adjacent a top side of the vertical side panels, and two impression cylinders connected in parallel between the vertical side panels and peripherally disposed in contact with the cloth-transfer cylinder at two opposite sides for guiding a finished piece of knitted fabric over the cloth-transfer cylinder. Two parallel support arms are respectively pivoted to the vertical side panels. A cloth take-up cylinder is connected between the support arms. A transmission shaft is coupled to a main bevel gear by an auxiliary bevel gear. A gear train is coupled to the main bevel gear by another auxiliary bevel gear, and a belt transmission mechanism is mounted on the second vertical side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventors: Wen-Bin Hsieh, Kuo-Hsin Su
  • Patent number: 6000247
    Abstract: A hosiery, whose shape is quite similar to that of a foot of a man and which never presses the big toe, the hosiery includes a cylindrical section; a toe section being forwardly extended from a front end of the cylindrical section, wherein a front tip point of the toe section is located on a big toe side with respect to a center line of the hosiery; and an additional section being formed in the toe section, wherein thickness of the toe section including the additional section is thicker than that of other parts of the toe section and the additional section is located on the big toe side with respect to the center line of the hosiery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Takeda Leg Wear, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Takeda, Tsutomu Harada
  • Patent number: 6000248
    Abstract: The door vent of the present invention includes an elongated tube mounted in a lower wall of the door of a horizontal axis washing machine, providing fluid communication between the interior chamber of the door and the interior of the tub, when the door is in a closed position. The tube projects upwardly within the door to form a standpipe, to prevent water from entering and becoming trapped within the door. A fine mesh screen is mounted in the vent to prevent suds from entering the door. A fan may be mounted to a compartment on the detergent receptacle on the washing machine housing, to draw air through the fluid dispensing system and out into the housing of the washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Erickson, William A. Jensen, Evan R. Vande Haar
  • Patent number: 6000249
    Abstract: A prisoner restraint device is provided having a belt with a tongue attached to a handcuff cover with two plates with inner and outer faces, lateral edges, longitudinal edges and slots. A channel to receive a portion of a pair of handcuffs extends across each of the inner faces of the plates from one lateral edge to the other lateral edge. The plates may be secured together with locking mechanisms and/or by using a sleeve containing slots corresponding to the slots of the plates and inserting a tongue through the slots. One end of the tongue is attached to a belt, further restricting the prisoner's ability to move his hands relative to his body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel G. Wilber
  • Patent number: 6000250
    Abstract: A security override system for a padlockable structure comprising a hasp portion mounted to the structure and extending through an opening in an outer surface of the structure; a bracket mounted to the outer surface, the bracket having a latching end and being movable between an open position wherein the latching end is outside the opening in the structure and a closed position wherein the latching end extends through the opening; the bracket mating with the hasp portion when in a closed position for forming a padlock receiving portion; the latching end engaging a retention plate slideably moveably mounted within the structure proximate the opening, the retention plate slideably movable between an extended position wherein the retention plate engages the latching end when the bracket is in the closed position and a retracted position wherein the retention plate does not engage the latching end when the bracket is in the closed position; a security screw extending through an opening in the outer door and conne
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 6000251
    Abstract: An apparatus which inhibits the theft of equipment such as personal computers is disclosed. The equipment must have an external wall provided with a specially designed, approximately rectangular slot having preselected dimensions. An attachment mechanism includes a housing for a spindle having a first portion rotatable within the housing, a shaft extending outwardly from the housing, and a crossmember at the end of the shaft having peripheral dimensions closely conforming to the internal dimensions of the slot. An abutment mechanism also emanates from the housing, and is located on opposite sides of the shaft intermediate the housing and the crossmember. The peripheral cross-sectional dimensions of the abutment mechanism and the shaft in combination closely conform to the dimensions of the slot. The length of the shaft from the housing to the crossmember is approximately equal to the thickness of the external wall of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: ACCO Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Murray, Jr., Stewart R. Carl, Arthur H. Zarnowitz
  • Patent number: 6000252
    Abstract: An apparatus which inhibits the theft of equipment such as personal computers is disclosed. The equipment must have an external wall provided with a specially designed, approximately rectangular slot having preselected dimensions. An attachment mechanism includes a housing for a spindle having a first portion rotatable within the housing, a shaft extending outwardly from the housing, and a crossmember at the end of the shaft having peripheral dimensions closely conforming to the internal dimensions of the slot. An abutment mechanism also emanates from the housing, and is located on opposite sides of the shaft intermediate the housing and the crossmember. The peripheral cross-sectional dimensions of the abutment mechanism and the shaft in combination closely conform to the dimensions of the slot. The length of the shaft from the housing to the crossmember is approximately equal to the thickness of the external wall of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: ACCO Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Murray, Jr., Stewart R. Carl, Arthur H. Zarnowitz
  • Patent number: 6000253
    Abstract: A security override system for a locked box comprising a first hasp portion mounted within a box and extending through an outer door of the box; a second hasp portion connected to a bracket; the bracket slideably mounted within the box such that the second hasp portion extends through an opening in the outer door; the bracket being movable between a closed position wherein the second hasp portion mates with the first hasp portion to form a padlock receiving section and an open position wherein the second hasp portion does not mate with the first hasp portion; and wherein the outer door can be opened by moving the bracket into the open position and removing a locked padlock inserted in the padlock receiving section without first unlocking the padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 6000254
    Abstract: The present invention provides new pushbutton door locks, particularly pushbutton paddle locks, for use in controlling access through doors. The pushbutton door lock has a combination chamber which has a plurality of pushbuttons for entering an unlocking combination. An operator actuatable button and an outside paddle are provided to actuate an unlocking mechanism after the correct unlocking code has been entered into the combination chamber. The outside paddle has a single motion which unlatches the door latch and opens the door. An inside paddle may also be provided to unlatch and open the door without restricting access through the door. A hold open feature may also be provided on the inside of the door lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Ilco Unican Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Raybary
  • Patent number: 6000255
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for all-terrain vehicles comprising a hollow frame upon which the front or rear wheels of a vehicle rest, said frame being secured to a stable surface, locking structure substantially embedded within the frame, two slidable members engaged with the locking structure, and two wheel engaging end members affixed to the exposed end of said slidable members, which wheel engaging end members press against the wheel hubs of a vehicle thereby prohibiting removal of the vehicle from the stable surface when the locking structure is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Terry Lee Lester
  • Patent number: 6000256
    Abstract: An automatic transmission shift lock device is provided including a lower portion dimensioned for positioning within a housing for a shift lever, whereby a cut-out pattern on the lower portion aligns with the shift pattern of the shift lever. Also included is an upper portion dimensioned for engagement with the lower portion for lockable engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Kioumars Pornaghdi
  • Patent number: 6000257
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle electric door latch mechanism includes a striker, a catch, a pawl, a key actuatable lock cylinder lever, an electrically driven output gear, and a manually actuatable release lever. The catch has a striker receiving surface and a pawl engaging surface. The pawl has a pin projecting therefrom, a catch engaging surface, and a cam contacting surface, the pawl being pivotally movable from a biased, catch engaging position to a catch disengaging position. The key actuatable lock cylinder lever has a pin striking surface and is pivotally movable between a biased, neutral position and a pin striking, pawl pivoting, catch disengaging position. The electrically driven output gear has at least one cam that is electrically movable between a neutral position and a pawl contacting, pawl pivoting, catch disengaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Patrick Thomas
  • Patent number: 6000258
    Abstract: A key 10 and lock 20 are disclosed for use and can be identified by knocking-out area 17 or breaking of tab 14 for identification of what numbered, lettered or Braille key goes with what lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph John Lesko
  • Patent number: 6000259
    Abstract: A finishing train for continuously cast strip material and a method of operating the finiching train, wherein an edging stand is arranged in front of the finishing train for preventing strip material cracks occurring during the reduction of the strip thickness at the strip edges, wherein position control circuits are arranged in front of the adjusting device of the edging stand. The arrangement includes a superimposed pressure control circuit (edging degree monitoring circuit) which responds to the adjusting force of the edging stand and the position thereof, and a load limiting control unit which responds to adjusting forces of the grooved rolls of the edging stand exceeding permissible values and/or to loads of the drive motors of the grooved rolls exceeding permissible values, for increasing the predetermined gap width and/or reducing the desired pressure of the adjusting device of the edging stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hermann Wolters, Wolfgang Spies