Patents Issued in January 18, 2000
  • Patent number: 6014876
    Abstract: A tamper-proof locking mechanism for a vehicular engine compartment, the compartment having a (a) hood closure member with a striker secured within the compartment to the hood; (b) a latch mechanism having a movable latch for catching and holding the striker when such striker is brought into a predetermined position relative to compartment; (c) a bracket secured or connected to the other closure member having (i) walls secured to the latch mechanism for fixing such mechanism in a desired spatial position for receiving the striker, (ii) a saddle with spaced walls defining a track closed at one end by the saddle; and (d) a lock having a housing provided with (i) a tumbler body slidable in and along the track and nestable on the saddle for being secured in an operative position, (ii) housing flanges at opposite regions of the body that overlap the edges of both of the spaced saddle walls, each flange contacting the edges of the side walls at one end of the body to ride thereon and fit flush thereagainst as well
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Michael Taylor
  • Patent number: 6014877
    Abstract: An outside handle assembly includes comprises a spindle, a knob connected to the spindle to rotate therewith, and a core retainer. The spindle includes an upper slot and a lower slot, thereby defining two lateral walls. Each lateral wall includes an upper cut defined in an upper side thereof and a lower cut defined in an underside thereof. The knob includes an end wall having an opening defined therein and a projection formed in a periphery that defines the opening. The core retainer is mounted in the spindle and includes a cylindrical main body including a first end with a flange formed on an outer periphery thereof and a second end. The flange includes an outer end face that bears against the end wall of the knob. Two retainer lips are formed on the outer end face of the flange and include a cut therebetween for fittingly receiving the projection of the knob to thereby prevent rotational movement of the knob relative to the core retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Mu-Lin Shen
  • Patent number: 6014878
    Abstract: An outside handle assembly of a lock includes an outside lever handle, an outside handle spindle secured to the outside lever handle to rotate therewith and including a first slot defined in a periphery thereof, and an actuating spindle mounted in the outside handle spindle and operably connected to a retractor. The actuating spindle includes a second slot aligned with the first slot of the outside handle spindle. A catch is mounted in the actuating spindle and has a first end pivoted to the actuating spindle and a second end. A tapping plate is slidably mounted in the actuating spindle and connected to the tail piece to move therewith. When the lock is in an unlocked status, the outside handle spindle and the actuating spindle rotate synchronously, as the second end of the catch extends through the second slot of the actuating spindle into the first slot of the outside handle spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Mu-Lin Shen
  • Patent number: 6014879
    Abstract: An apparatus for hydroforming a tubular metal blank comprises a die structure, a hydroforming fluid source, a hydraulically driven tube-end engaging structure, a hydraulically driven pressure intensifying structure, and a single hydraulic power source. The tube-end engaging structure seals opposite ends of the tubular metal blank in said die cavity and is movable to longitudinally compress the tubular metal blank. The tube-end engaging structure receives hydroforming fluid from said hydroforming fluid source and has a hydroforming fluid supplying outlet through which hydroforming fluid can be provided to the tubular metal blank. The hydraulically driven pressure intensifying structure is movable to pressurize the hydroforming fluid provided to the interior of the tubular metal blank and thereby expand a diameter of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Cosma International Inc.
    Inventors: Fred G. Jaekel, Frank A. Horton, Arthur L. Lee
  • Patent number: 6014880
    Abstract: The invention provides a siding machine for making metal siding having a formed top edge, a formed bottom edge, and a formed middle portion, from a coil of sheet metal which feeds between upper and lower rolls. The machine comprises a flat board former section having a fixed position bottom edge former, a plurality of fixed position driven upper and lower drive roll sets for feeding the sheet metal through the machine and an adjustable top edge former. The top edge former is adjustable from a minimum width closest to the bottom edge former to a maximum width. A transformer section receives a flat formed board from the flat board former section for forming a decorative profile in the middle portion of the board. Transformer rolls are mounted on an adjustable frame adjustable, within pre-set limits, perpendicular to the direction of travel of the board such that the transformer rolls may contact and form the board at a chosen location on its face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: North American Machine Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Lorne MacDonald, Don Pockrandt
  • Patent number: 6014881
    Abstract: Controlling the roll diameter distribution across the axial direction of a rolling mill roll. A device to measure or predict the roll diameter of each section, control position by control position, into which the roll is divided in the axial direction. A temperature management device, provided at every section into which the roll is divided, and includes a cooling device that cools the corresponding section or heating device that heats the corresponding section. A roll profile control device control the temperature management device so that the respective measured or predicted roll diameters follow desired values at every section into which the roll is divided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Imanari
  • Patent number: 6014882
    Abstract: A method of rolling out the ends of a coiled strip in a reversing rolling mill having reels disposed on both sides thereof minimizes a length of strip at the strip ends having a non-conforming thickness. A start of the strip is introduced into the roll gap without inlet side strip tension and without rolling force at the start of each reduction pass. The rolling force is then gradually increased. The inlet side strip tension is subsequently reduced substantially to zero at the end of each reduction pass while the strip end still connected to the uncoiling reel, such that the strip end passes tension-free completely through the rolling gap and is consequently reduced in thickness. An apparatus for carrying out the method on a reversing mill includes a control system which selectively controls, via regulating and adjusting devices, the inlet and outlet strip tensions and the rolling force in a manner dependent upon respective locations of the start and end of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Sundwiger Eisenhutte Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Berger, Franz Bruggen
  • Patent number: 6014883
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming cup-shaped metal members from a flat metal sheet in a press having a ram which moves a cut edge, draw horn and draw pad towards a base holding a blank and draw die. The draw pad is formed with an annular outer rib which engages an opposed clamping surface of the die upon the peripheral edge of a disc blank moving around an inner radius of the die and into a cup forming cavity to maintain a space between the clamping surfaces of the draw pad and die of between 50% and 95% the thickness of the metal sheet to reduce excess pinching of the peripheral edge of the disk blank as it moves around the die radius as the draw horn draws the disk blank into the cup-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Can Industry Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. McClung
  • Patent number: 6014884
    Abstract: A method for bending metal tubing which minimizes the collapse of a tube wall through lowering material stress achieved by reducing the rate of bending. The method includes the steps of selecting a bend radius less than a standard bend radius, determining a rate of bending of a length of tubing so as to minimize material stress, and bending the tubing at the selected determined rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 6014885
    Abstract: A tool apparatus and method of use for repairing dents in sheet metal. The tool contains two elongated arms that extend out of a common housing. The two arms terminate generally in the same plane a predetermined distance from the housing. One of the elongated arms terminates with an interchangeable anvil head. The other elongated arm terminates with an impact head. The impact head is placed below a dent in a sheet metal structure. The anvil head is supported in the exterior of the sheet metal structure over the dent. A motor is disposed within the common housing. The motor moves at least one of the elongated arms and causes the impact head and the anvil head to strike one another. When a dent in sheet metal is placed in between the impact head and the anvil head, the dent is deformed and is forced into the shape of the anvil head, thereby repairing the dent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Gerald J Griffaton
  • Patent number: 6014886
    Abstract: A gauge block holder that greatly reduces measurement error in calibrating wafer thickness test equipment is described. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gauge block holder is compatible with present thickness measurement equipment and provides a central region specially configured for holding a prior art gauge block in a manner that ensures precise, parallel alignment thereof with the equipment and thus precise perpendicular alignment with the equipment's opposing contact pins. Preferably a gauge block-sized and shaped recess and aperture are provided centrally in the holder such that the gauge block rests immobile on and parallel with the precision-machined, planar upper surface of a metal plate of the thickness tester while the thickness tester is being calibrated for a given wafer thickness measurement. The recess and aperture in accordance with their preferred embodiment are rectangular, and the invented gauge block preferably is securely fastened to the metal plate, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: SEH America, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Anderson, Jason D. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6014887
    Abstract: A high speed camera takes an image in the vicinity of a ball 3 and a club head 12, while a high speed camera 5 takes an image in the vicinity of the top of the swing of a golfer 1, and the images are recorded in a high speed video tape recorder 6. The recorded images are reproduced, swing time, a swing speed and a head speed are detected using a personal computer 15, and a shaft with an optimum flex for the golfer is selected based on the swing time, the swing speed, the swing time and the head speed, or the swing speed and the head speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Mizuno Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Naruo, Takeshi Saito, Shuichi Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6014888
    Abstract: An environmental air is sucked by the pump with control unit, and organic solvent contained in the environmental air is collected by the absorbent. Organic solvent having passed through the absorbent is detected by the semiconductor gas sensor. If passage of a material to be measured is detected by the semiconductor gas sensor, operation of the pump with control unit is stopped, and the operation for collecting the material is terminated. Then the absorbent is taken out from the collecting tube, the material collected is quantified by means of gas chromatography, and the density is measured. With this configuration, measurement of a density of a material to be measured in a working environment can be executed accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Noritake, Hisako Murobushi, Hajime Hori
  • Patent number: 6014889
    Abstract: A gas analyzer has a test chamber for a gas sample, an inlet for the gas sample and a gas sensor sensitive to gas movement, for determining the concentration of a constituent gas in the gas sample. The inlet is adapted to be connected to an inspiration line of a respirator. A shield is arranged so it covers the inlet of the test chamber, causing the gas sample to remain relatively still inside the test chamber during the analysis, regardless of the main flow of the gas to be analyzed. The gas analyzer can accordingly be devised for direct connection to the gas to be analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Elema AB
    Inventor: Rolf Castor
  • Patent number: 6014890
    Abstract: An airway humidity sensor incorporating a small, dry thermocouple and small, wet thermocouple to measure cyclical humidity in inspiration and expiration by the psychrometric principle, the psychrometric component incorporating dialysis micro-tubing in contact with the wet-bulb thermocouple junction, the thermocouples being offset from one another across the cross-sectional plane of the airway in a direction normal to the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Peter H. Breen
  • Patent number: 6014891
    Abstract: A container end leak testing device used for testing a container end. The container end having a score line defining an opening in the container end and a pull tab. The pull tab used for creating the opening therein. The leak testing device includes a pressure transducer disposed directly above a top of the container end to be tested. The pressure transducer, under computer control, is able to test for small volumes of air pressure leaks, ie. 0.1 cubic centimeters and less. The leak testing device also includes a tester housing, an upper housing member, a lower housing member and a container end test pocket disposed between the two housing members. The upper housing member includes the pressure transducer mounted thereon and having an air passage communicating with the test pocket. Also, the upper housing member includes two downwardly extending guide pins and an air actuated stop pin for centering the container end inside the test pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Conal Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly Kirks
  • Patent number: 6014892
    Abstract: A tracer gas leak detector that analyzes a test gas for presence of a tracer gas therein, including at least one gas analyzer, a secondary pump whose suction inlet is connected to the gas analyzer, a primary pump connected to the secondary pump outlet via a first pipe fitted with a first valve, and a second pipe connecting the first pipe from a point situated between the first valve and the primary pump to an inlet of the detector for connection to an enclosure via a pre-evacuated flow and said gas analyzer receiving said test gas from a part of said pre-evacuated flow, the second pipe being fitted with a second valve, the primary pump serving to pre-evacuate the enclosure, wherein a sampling member for sampling the flow travelling along the second pipe is situated directly on the wall of the second pipe in direct contact with the flow and is connected via a duct directly to the analyzer, the sampling member having flow conductance enabling the pressure in the duct to be compatible with operation of the gas a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Gilles Baret, Roland Gevaud, Alain Devance
  • Patent number: 6014893
    Abstract: A test fixture to test for possible leakage past a seal between adjacent portions of two test panels. The test panels are supported on a housing in edge-to-edge relation across the open front of a chamber in a housing. The panels are moved toward the open front of the chamber so that the panels seal against the open front. The housing is supported in a cabinet. Liquid is discharged into the cabinet and directed against the seal. The housing has a rear wall which is visible through the cabinet and is constructed to enable viewing into the chamber to see whether the seal has leaked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Reed, Mark Cooper, Kenneth E. Rosink, Henry J. Ziaja
  • Patent number: 6014894
    Abstract: A sensor system for detecting the presence of water in a sealed oil chamber of a marine engine, and for providing a warning signal in response thereto. A sensor assembly surrounds the propeller shaft and includes a pair of conductive rings separated by a central insulative ring, preferably with outer insulative rings completing the assembly. Electrical wires connected to the conductive rings are part of an alarm circuit. The conductive rings each have radially inwardly extending sensor probes located in the center of the rings and a radially outwardly extending sensor probe located on its lower periphery, the probes extending beyond the central insulative ring to provide gaps which normally break the alarm circuit. The distal ends of the outwardly extending probes are juxtaposed to the lowermost portion of the oil chamber casing to detect the presence of any water in the oil chamber that settles to the bottom of the chamber when the engine is not running and conductively bridge the gap between these probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Bobby Joe Herron
  • Patent number: 6014895
    Abstract: Apparatus to measure gravity comprising means to measure density variations in a material. Apparatus to measure gravity comprising means to measure the distribution of masses in a material. The material may be a gas comprised of one molecular species, a gaseous mixture having at least two gaseous species, liquids, or other material. Laser light is absorbed by the materials, and the re-emmitted light is measured to determine gravity in one method of measurement. Other optical processes to measure gravity are described. Other physical parameters are measured to determine gravity. Density variations measured by microwave processes and nuclear processes are also described. Apparatus are described to provide sufficiently accurate measurements of gravity to be useful for routine measurements of gravity from within a borehole in the earth to locate and quantitatively identify the amount of gas present in a hydrocarbon reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: William Banning Vail III
  • Patent number: 6014896
    Abstract: An acoustic rotor monitor that is an autonomous self-powered measurement instrument which can detect embedded and hidden fatigue cracks in remotely inaccessible devices such as helicopter rotor system components. A predictive maintenance-related problem for rotor craft is the detection of fatigue cracks as a continuous real-time monitoring process under dynamic rotor system loading conditions. The rotor monitor focuses on the embedding an acoustic emission-based smart sensor directly into the rotor system to measure the high frequency stress waves indicating that a structural crack has propagated as a "self-powered" measurement without reducing structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey N. Schoess
  • Patent number: 6014897
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enhancing the side-lobe performance of a sparse ultrasonic transducer array using harmonic imaging to reduce all beam sidelobe (including grating lobe) levels. Harmonic imaging consists of using the active transducer elements to transmit an ultrasound signal (wideband or narrowband) of center frequency f.sub.0 and receive at one or more harmonic frequencies nf.sub.0, where n.gtoreq.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Larry Y. L. Mo
  • Patent number: 6014898
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer array having a plurality of transducer elements aligned along an array axis in an imaging plane. Each transducer element includes a piezoelectric layer and one or more acoustic matching layers. The piezoelectric layer has a concave front surface overlayed by a front electrode and a rear surface overlayed by a rear electrode. The shape of each transducer element is selected such that it is mechanically focused into the imaging plane. A backing support holds the plurality of transducer elements in a predetermined relationship along the array axis such that each element is mechanically focused in the imaging plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Parallel Design, Inc.
    Inventors: P. Michael Finsterwald, Stephen Joseph Douglas, Ricky Gail Just
  • Patent number: 6014899
    Abstract: The vibration damping properties of brake rotors and drums can be represented accurately and repeatably by a single factor obtained from a curve fitting based on an eighth order sine function. A series of test points is used to measure resonant frequencies and vibration decay times around the periphery of a part. This data is then used to determine Q-factors which are found to vary sinusoidally around an annular brake part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert P. Uhlig, Cheryl A. Fry
  • Patent number: 6014900
    Abstract: A test system for performing a test of strain gauge resistors used on a pointing stick. The test system has a mechanical load applicator that holds the resistor and applies a mechanical force to the resistor. An electrical contactor makes and breaks an electrical connection with the resistor. An electrical tester is connected to the electrical contactor to measure electrical parameters of the resistor with and without the mechanical force. A calculator is connected to the tester and calculates several resistor parameters. The resistor parameters are indicative of the operation of the pointing stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Vandenboom, David L. Poole, Steven L. Steinbrunner, Lewis L. Seffernick
  • Patent number: 6014901
    Abstract: An extraction force tester which measures the force necessary to remove header pins from the sockets of a cable connector in a steady straight line motion, the extraction force tester includes: a base, a tensile force gauge slidably mounted to the base and a pin assembly slidably mounted in relation to the base such that the pin assembly may slide independently of the tensile force gauge. The pin assembly has a specified number of pins, e.g., twelve, for engaging the sockets of a connector. The extraction force tester further excludes a coupler for coupling the pin assembly to the tensile force gauge such that the force gauge may push the pin assembly in a first direction, to allow the pins of the pin assembly to engage the sockets of the connector, and pull the pin assembly in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to disengage the pins from the sockets, thereby allowing the force gauge to measure the extraction force necessary to disengage the pins from the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig L. Boe
  • Patent number: 6014902
    Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter has a tube for supporting fluid flow including a circuit for indicating when the tube is empty to prevent an erroneous flow signal from being provided by the flowmeter, as well as a diagnostic circuit indicating when electrodes in the flowmeter are partially fouled. The circuits include an amplifier connected to two electrodes in the tube and a variable resistor. In a normally operating mode, the amplifier produces an oscillating signal when the tube is empty, and in a diagnostic mode, the amplifier produces an oscillating signal when the electrodes are partially fouled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventors: Peter B. Lewis, Norman Fonteneau
  • Patent number: 6014903
    Abstract: A forage harvester is equipped with a device for measuring the mass flow rate of the crop material processed by the machine. The device comprises a sensor member having a curved surface which is mounted for pivotment in an aperture in the spout of the harvester. The moment resulting from the mass flow is measured by a transducer. A resilient sealing is provided between the sensor member and the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert J. I. Strubbe, Bart M. A. Missotten
  • Patent number: 6014904
    Abstract: A method for automatically classifying multi-parameter data into cluster groups for the purpose of defining different populations of particles in a sample by automatically defining a position of at least one variable position, geometric boundary surface on a two-dimensional scatter plot so as to enclose a group of the displayed particles in a data cluster; with the boundary surface having a polygonal shape defined by a plurality of vertices about at least one cell cluster created by building at least one histogram from cross sections of the two-dimensional scatter plot. Preferably, each cross section of the geometric boundary includes a rectangular, two dimensional gate. The method is particularly useful in the field of cellular analysis using, for example, flow cytometers wherein multi-parameter data is recorded for each cell that passes through an illumination and sensing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Michael D. Lock
  • Patent number: 6014905
    Abstract: A display unit, connected to a measuring head, has a substantially right parallelepipedon shaped casing, considerably smaller in width with respect to length and depth, with a front face having dimensions corresponding to length and width, on which there are two display devices, substantially one analog and the other digital, placed adjacent to and arranged along the length of the front face. A programming and control keyboard is arranged at a base of the casing, and a device is associated with the casing for coupling the display unit, particularly small in overall dimensions in relation with functionality, to an external support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Marposs Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Stefano Possati, Luciano Ventura, Giovanni Gurrieri
  • Patent number: 6014906
    Abstract: A ball screw and nut actuator assembly comprising an elongate ball screw supported for rotation while restrained from moving axially; a ball nut formed to provide a ball raceway with said screw incorporating load bearing balls therein; partible, normally closed jaw members with opposed curvilinear surfaces for virtually encircling and supporting the screw land interjacent the ends of the ball screw, the jaw members having projecting support legs; a mount system swingably mounting said legs for movement in opposed directions from a first position in which the curvilinear surfaces embrace the land to a removed second spread apart position; and spreaders on each end of the ball nut in position to interact with and spread the jaw members upon axial engagement therewith to permit axial passage of the nut past the jaw members. The methods of constructing and operating the assembly are also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Thomson Saginaw Ball Screw Company, LLC
    Inventor: Edward L. Stump
  • Patent number: 6014907
    Abstract: An adjusting device for the fine adjustment of the angle of rotation between two rotary elements (1, 2), which are driving and driven, respectively, comprises first and second gear units (6, 17). The second gear unit (17) comprises two eccentric gear components (20, 20') which are internally connected via a coupling (21) that permits each component separately to perform eccentric translation movements. The sleeve components have external gear rings (22, 22') which cooperate with internal gear rings (23, 23'), that are co-rotatively connected with output and input rotary members (8, 9), respectively, of the first gear unit (6). The external gear ring (22, 22') of the individual eccentric gear component has a smaller diameter and fewer teeth than each internal gear ring (23, 23') and is eccentric relative to the same. By the fact that the second gear unit in one and the same step gives a large gear change, a relative rotary motion of, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Scandrive Control AB
    Inventor: Ulf Rilbe
  • Patent number: 6014908
    Abstract: A manual shift lever connection mechanism for connecting a shift handle to the stub shaft of a transmission. The connection mechanism has a sleeve portion disposed about said stub shaft and an insert member for engaging the stub shaft disposed within said sleeve portion. The insert member further has an engagement mechanism for engaging a disassembly tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew E. Klais
  • Patent number: 6014909
    Abstract: There is described a wrist for an industrial robot, comprising three wrist elements rotatably supported relative to each other around respective rotation axes which are coplanar and mutually inclined, which leave a space inside thereof free for passage of supply cables which are to be connected to the tool secured to the robot wrist. The latter has a front flange for coupling the tool and a plurality of radial outlets for the above mentioned supply cables, so as to allow for the use of a tool coupling flange having a simplified structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Comau S.p.A.
    Inventor: Aldo Fiora
  • Patent number: 6014910
    Abstract: A cap is provided for fitting to a bicycle control cable of the type having an inner cable slidingly disposed within an outer casing where the outer casing terminates for exposing a portion of the inner cable. The cap has a first section defining a first section opening for fitting the outer casing therein. A protective cover extends along the exposed portion of the inner cable and has a first end disposed over the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiromi Oda, Shinpei Okajima, Masanori Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 6014911
    Abstract: A high energy storage flywheel having a rotor and annular disk which are of a composite material. A metal hub is secured to a shaft and joined to the disk at a hoop. The hub has opposite sections which are of a generally double conical shaft. A concentric rim extends around each hub section and upon rotation the hub sections expansivity deform about the rim to apply a compressive force to the disk to maintain a substantially stress free condition at the rotor and disk interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Dwight W. Swett
  • Patent number: 6014912
    Abstract: A flywheel arrangement with a drive-side transmission element and a driven-side transmission element which is rotatable relative to the drive-side transmission element includes at least one annular added mass fastened to at least one of the transmission elements. In order to produce the added mass, a blank formed from strip material is shaped in its longitudinal direction to form a ring, so that the corresponding ends of the blank are directed toward one another with a predetermined intermediate gap and are fixed in this position relative to one another by a retaining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Cora Carlson
  • Patent number: 6014913
    Abstract: A crank spindle unit includes a crank spindle having an outer peripheral surface defining a first end, a second end and a hollow central portion. A plurality of first serrations are formed on the first end of the crank spindle, and a plurality of second serrations are formed on the second end of the crank spindle. A first guide surface having a first guide surface diameter is formed on the outer peripheral surface continuously with and inwardly from the plurality of first serrations, and a second guide surface having a second guide surface diameter is formed on the outer peripheral surface continuously with and inwardly from the plurality of second serrations. A first track groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface in proximity to the first end of the crank spindle, wherein a lowermost surface of the first track groove has a first track groove diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Yamanaka Masahiro
  • Patent number: 6014914
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly is provided for attaching a shoe thereto via a cleat. The bicycle pedal has a pedal body rotatably coupled to the second end of the pedal shaft for supporting a cyclist's foot. The pedal body preferably has a pair of clamping members pivotally coupled thereto. A biasing member is coupled between the pedal body and each of the clamping members. An adjustment mechanism is provided for each clamping member to vary the biasing force of the respective biasing member. A cover is coupled to each of the clamping members to substantially enclose the biasing members between the clamping members and the covers. A gap adjustment mechanism is provided to control the gap between the sole of the shoe and the upper support surface of the pedal body. The front cleat engagement surface of each of the clamping members is designed to hold the cleat above the upper support surface of the pedal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yutaka Ueda
  • Patent number: 6014915
    Abstract: A gear housing for use in a worm gear drive mechanism having an output shaft, has an integral backwall adapted to support the shaft. The backwall has a cylindrical central portion for receiving one end of the output shaft. A plurality of equal pie shaped segments extend radially from the central portion providing support for the central portion in compression. Each segment has a narrow end, a wide end, and sides. The narrow end of adjacent segments alternately form an integral part of the central portion above and below a plane orthogonal to a central axis of the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Precision Products Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Dale M Evans
  • Patent number: 6014916
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a differential assembly which includes a two part pinion pin that allows the pinion pin to be removed for parts service and/or replacement without removing the differential case and ring gear from the differential housing. In differentials in which the ring gear interferes with the removal of the pinion pin, the two part pinion pin allows removal of the pinion pin in two pieces, each being rotated about its axis for insertion or removal to provide the best position for clearance with the ring gear. The two part pinion pin may be advantageously used with differentials of various kinds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Vehicular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark V. Tyson
  • Patent number: 6014917
    Abstract: Self adjusting pliers for grasping a workpiece include first and second plier members each including a handle portion, a jaw portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The self-adjusting pliers include a first pivot pin about which the first and second plier members pivot permitting the jaw portions to converge on a workpiece and grasp the workpiece in response to initial movement of the handle portions toward each other. The self adjusting pliers further include a second pivot pin about which the pliers pivot once pivoting has been terminated about the first pivot pin so as to permit a further grasping force to be applied to the workpiece in response to continued movement of the handle portions toward each other. The second pivot pin is closer to the jaw portions than the first pivot pin to allow for a greater mechanical advantage to be obtained. The self adjusting pliers also include a biasing spring for biasing the handle portions away from each other and the jaw portions away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: B!G Ventures, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Alexander Bally, Eric R. Colburn
  • Patent number: 6014918
    Abstract: A transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator wet shave razor system. The razor cartridge of this system contains at least two electrodes, preferably the blades, and the system contains sufficient electronics to generate an electrical signal. The electrodes are adjacent to electrical contacts within the razor cartridge and the contacts are connected, via wires, to a signal generation circuit which is connected to one or more batteries. The battery produces a voltage which is to generate a waveform by the signal processing unit. The signal is transmitted to the electrodes and produces an electrical stimulation which affects the skin when it comes into contact with the electrodes. The resulting effect on the skin is a reduction in any discomfort or pain as well as an enhanced tactile experience during the shaving process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Warner & Lambert Company
    Inventor: Glennis J. Orloff
  • Patent number: 6014919
    Abstract: A catheter, guidewire or other cylindrical object cutting device which includes a base, at least one circular saw blade mounted on a spindle member, and a clamp for manipulating the object to be cut. The at least one circular saw blade is rotatably mounted on the spindle member. The spindle member is free to move vertically and horizontally with respect to the base to thereby control the location, size and depth of the cuts in a cylindrical object disposed adjacent thereto. The clamp is able to hold the object to be cut, as well as rotate it to expose the entire circumference of the object to the saw blade. By releasing the clamp, a pinch roller can advance the object before the clamp is re-engaged to securely hold the object for cutting. Sensors are also provided to enable detection of wear of the saw blade so as to signal needed replacement or adjustment of the saw blade to compensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Precision Vascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Clark Davis
  • Patent number: 6014920
    Abstract: In a paper-punching device for use in an image-forming apparatus, the rear edge of a sheet of paper that is being transported through a transport guide is detected by the photosensor. After a predetermined time has passed since the detection, a punching device is activated. At this time, a punching member is depressed downward, and a punching blade attached to its top penetrates through the sheet of paper, thereby forming a punch hole. Even during the punching operation, transport rollers continue to rotate. Therefore, when the sheet of paper is caught by the punching blade, the transport rollers are allowed to slip predetermined amount with respect to the paper. For this reason, at least one of the transport rollers is made of a foamed material. With this arrangement, since the punching operation is carried out on the rear side of the sheet of paper, it becomes possible to reduce the occurrence of paper jams even if sheets of paper are transported in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuji Yamauchi, Toshio Yamanaka, Masafumi Okumura, Masashi Hirai, Kyousuke Taka, Kinji Uno, Yoshiharu Yoneda, Hirokazu Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 6014921
    Abstract: A cutting mechanism having a movable carriage and two cutters. Each cutter has an anvil that opposes a blade, and one of these is a roller that rolls against the other for progressively biasing material against the blades, producing cuts through the material. The rollers are rotatably mounted to the carriage, which is mounted to a lead screw that controls the position of the carriage. As the carriage moves across the material, the rollers roll, and the material is cut. The space between the anvil and the blade of at least one of the cutters can be varied to disengage that cutter so that the rolling of the roller will not cut the material. The engagement and disengagement of the cutter is dependent on the position of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Esselte N.V.
    Inventors: Clive Graham Angel, Clive Lawrence Ayling, Graham Scott Gutsell
  • Patent number: 6014922
    Abstract: A intermediate range/short range laser defense system (10) for use against chemical and biological submunitions (36). The system includes a source (12) of a high power laser beam (14) which is directed by a beam steering device (16). The beam steering device (16) is controlled by a processor (20) which generates control signals (22) for orienting the beam steering device (16) to the control the laser beam (18). The processor (20) operates in a LACROSST mode which enables detection of the submunitions (36). The processor (20) receives tracking information from a detector (26) and tracker (24). The processor directs the laser beam (18) towards a centroid (40) of a dispersion pattern or cloud (38). The laser beam (18) is then directed in an outward, spiral path (42) from centroid (40). When the laser beam (18) encounters a submunition (36), the laser beam locks onto the submunition (36) in order to heat the submunition (36), thereby denaturing or destroying the submunition (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Livingston
  • Patent number: 6014923
    Abstract: A shoulder-launched multi-purpose assault weapon having a modified spotting rifle with a top-mounted rocket launcher tube is provided. The spotting rifle forms the base structure of the weapon and all weapon controls are located on the rifle. The rifle has several dual-function mechanisms which perform the combined functions of assembly and safing, bolt-locking back and cartridge ejecting, simultaneous adjustment of both open and optical sights, firing, selectively, of both the spotting round and the rocket round. The combination of these dual-firing mechanisms provides a lighter weight, better-balanced and smaller weapon. The reduction in parts count improves reliability and lowers cost. Other improved features include an adjustable spotting rifle barrel used to match the boresight of the rocket tube and an improved locking mechanism. A dual function trigger assembly operated two sears from a single trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael M. Canaday, Fred W. Watson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6014924
    Abstract: A slide drive device has a principal housing, in which at least one actuating element able to be driven linearly is arranged. Externally on the principal housing there is a slide kinetically coupled with the actuating element. Two stroke limiting means render possible a variable preset of the two end positions of the slide and each comprise an adjustable arranged on the one part and a counter-abutment arranged opposite to same on the other part. The one adjustable abutment is arranged on the slide and the other adjustable abutment is located on the principal housing. Both abutments are provided in end regions facing in the same axial direction, on the slide and, respectively, on the principal housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Kurt Stoll, Uwe Modinger, Dieter Waldmann
  • Patent number: 6014925
    Abstract: A toaster comprises a housing (1) enclosing a toasting chamber (2) in which is movably mounted a bread carrier (4) between an ejection position and a toasting position in which it is retained by an electromagnetic actuating device (5) comprising a control winding (6) with a hollow support (7) which is secured to a plate (20) carrying electrical connection members (22), and which surrounds a magnetic core (8), as well as a movable armature (9) adapted to retain the bread carrier (4) in its toasting position. The magnetic core (8) is mechanically mounted independently of the support (7) of the winding (6) and of the plate (20), and is secured to a member (24) on the housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Moulinex S.A.
    Inventors: Sanjuan Antonio Basora, Julian Arnedo