Patents Issued in March 7, 2000
  • Patent number: 6032307
    Abstract: A bedding product comprising a collapsible spring assembly, a pad covering the spring assembly and a fabric covering encasing the padded spring assembly. The spring assembly comprises a plurality of collapsible spring modules connected to a plurality of spaced parallel helical lacing wires and locking means to hold the assembly in an expanded condition and prevent its collapse. Each of the spring modules comprises four individual wires joined together with helical lacing wire wrapped around a center section of each of the wires. Upon the collapse of the assembly, each of the spring modules collapses. The assembly is held in an expanded condition by a plurality of locking rods, pieces of plastic mesh or other locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Joe C. Workman
  • Patent number: 6032308
    Abstract: A protective comforter cover bag includes a rectangular bag body having a first cover sheet and a second cover sheet peripherally connected together to define an interior comforter cavity therebetween. The first cover sheet has an inlet access for placing at least a comforter piece into the comforter cavity of the cover bag. The inlet access is an U-shape opening extending along a first side, a second side and a third side of the first cover sheet of the bag body. The protective comforter cover bag further comprises a securing means and an mounting means. The securing means is positioned along the U-shape opening for shutting the inlet access. The mounting means comprises a plurality of busteners affixed to at least four corners of the bag body for firmly attaching with at least four corners of the comforter piece placed within the bag body so as to mount the comforter piece evenly spread in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Henry Chuang
  • Patent number: 6032309
    Abstract: The adjustable surgical frame of the present invention comprises two side frame members made from rectangular rods forming closed loop, disposed in parallel and spaced apart relationship that provides the surgical frame with the predominate portion of its structural integrity. The configuration of the side frame members is such that the base portion of each side frame member is substantially narrower than the base portions of the surgical frames of the past. The reduced width of the base portion permits the surgical frame of the present invention to be placed closer to the end of the operating table without diminishing the strength and stability of the surgical frame. The side frame members are configured so as not to interfere with the area near the wound and permit the placement of peripheral surgical equipment, such as an instrument stand, adjacent to the wound site and level with the patient's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Gary Karlin Michelson
  • Patent number: 6032310
    Abstract: A wall-mounted station for changing the diapers of a baby comprises a base configured for being vertically mounted to a wall and defining a base plane and a baby platform hingedly mounted to the base and defining a platform plane. The baby platform is operable for being movable between an opened position wherein the platform plane is disposed generally perpendicular to the base plane for the platform to receive a baby and a closed position wherein the platform plane is generally parallel to the base plane. A stop mechanism secures the platform generally perpendicular to the base in the opened position. A flange positioned around a periphery of the base is configured for engaging a wall when the base is inset therein for covering an exposed edge of the wall and stabilizing the base in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: John A. Helmsderfer
    Inventors: John A. Helmsderfer, David Memke
  • Patent number: 6032311
    Abstract: A warm water supply spot is located near a top end of an egg conveyance device and the degree of slope for the device is increased in the region from the water supply spot to the top end, so that the water dammed by the egg moving up the egg conveyance device does not overflow at the top end. The water is used efficiently without waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Nambu Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kunio Nambu
  • Patent number: 6032312
    Abstract: An object cleaning device for cleaning objects such as golf balls is disclosed. The device comprises a cleaning element including an inlet end for receiving objects and an outlet end for discharging objects, the cleaning element further comprising a rotatable body including at least a first interior object cleaning surface, and a stationary track interior of the rotatable body. The stationary track defines a path of travel for objects between the inlet and outlet ends of the cleaning element. A drive mechanism rotates the rotatable body relative to the stationary track such that rotation of the rotatable body relative to said stationary track causes the movement of objects from the inlet end to the outlet end of the cleaning element along the stationary track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Ball-O-Matic, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Hope, Charles E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6032313
    Abstract: A household appliance of the type in which a cleaning, polishing, or massaging effect is obtained by a rotating head or tool is improved by splitting the cleaning, polishing, or massaging head or tool into concentric or parallel multiple heads or tools arranged for coaxial or side-by-side differential motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Koon Keung Tsang
  • Patent number: 6032314
    Abstract: A cleaning arrangement intended especially for cleaning drinks glasses includes an open-topped cylindrical container (11) in which is mounted a foamed plastics material cleaning member (18) which has protrusions (24) from its upper face between which an upturned drinks glass may be wiped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: D & B Products Ltd
    Inventor: Denise Bowd
  • Patent number: 6032315
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a tongue in the form of an elongated member including a head portion having a generally rectangular shape in plan view. A plurality of bristles extend from a lower surface of the head portion wherein a total of a length of the bristles plus a thickness of said head portion is less than about 1/2 inch. An elongated, arcuate handle portion extends from the head portion and is aligned such that a longitudinal axis of the handle portion is transverse with a longitudinal axis of the head portion. The device may also include a lip downwardly depending from the front of the head portion to retain accumulated debris as the device is pulled along the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Gary M. Liebel
  • Patent number: 6032316
    Abstract: A stowable brush assembly includes a support body having a brush retainer pivotably affixed to it so that the brush retainer can be moved from a storage position in which it overlies, and is generally parallel to the support body to a use position in which it is disposed at an angle relative to the support body. An operating lever engages the brush retainer and pivots it from the storage position to the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: PVM Enterprises, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Charles D. Peake, Kenneth Hyotlaine
  • Patent number: 6032317
    Abstract: A device for cleaning surfaces, especially curved or irregular surfaces. The cleaning device includes a base including a generally flat plate possessing a plurality of holes and a conical projection extending away from one side of the plate. The distal end of the conical projection is adapted to receive a longitudinal end of a hollow rod or pole. The device also includes a pillow filled with polystyrene pellets which is glued to the flat base, adjacent to the holes. A cleaning fluid may be delivered under pressure through the hollow rod, into the cavity of the conical projection, and through the holes of the plate to the pillow. Alternatively, a vacuum suction source may be applied to the interior of the hollow rod, whereby liquid in the pillow is sucked through the holes and into the cavity. Alternatively, a generally rectangular cover may selectively surround the pillow, with the corners of the cover being selectively crimped in serrated slits in the peripheral edge of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Wiley
  • Patent number: 6032318
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying a hard floor comprises a frame and first and second rollers mounted in the frame for rotation about substantially parallel axes. The first roller has a continuous roll of absorbent sheet material mounted thereon whose free end is attached to the second roller such that the sheet material may be drawn from the first roller to become wound on the second roller. A part of the sheet material at the periphery of each roll is exposed for contact with the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventors: Hugh Rogers McLaughlin, Oliver Hood, John Callaghan
  • Patent number: 6032319
    Abstract: The bath sponge (10) is formed of net made of threads of polyethylene material to which at least one substance such as a fragrance, an aroma, a perfume or the like is added. The threads are preferably produced by the extrusion of a mass of polyethylene material incorporating the perfumed substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Carla Garello
  • Patent number: 6032320
    Abstract: A trowel and related method of manufacture in which residual stresses are intentionally imposed upon the bottom working surface and/or the top mounting surface of a trowel blade. Stresses can be imposed, for example, by glass bead peening, shot peening, rolling, and/or brushing the metal trowel blade. Stresses are built up to a working stress level that remains substantially constant with further use of the trowel against abrasive, spreadable surfaces. Imposed stresses on the top and bottom surfaces can also be used to vary the resulting curvature of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Marshalltown Trowel Company
    Inventors: Larry J. McComber, Jack D. Murders
  • Patent number: 6032321
    Abstract: A new washing tool for reaching high and remote surfaces of a structure such as a vehicle while washing. The inventive device includes a handle, a shaft and a washing head. The shaft has an extension portion and an adjustable portion. The extension portion of the shaft is inserted into an opening in one end of the handle. The adjustable portion of the shaft has a pair of opposite ends and a plurality of elongate segments. One of the ends of adjustable portion of the shaft is coupled to the extension portion of the shaft. Each segment of the adjustable portion is pivotally coupled to the adjacent segments of the adjustable portion to permit adjustable positioning of the segments of the adjustable portion with respect to the longitudinal axis of the extension portion of the shaft. The washing head has a contact portion and an attachment portion which is pivotally coupled to the other end of the adjustable portion of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventors: William Shirey, Jacqueline Schultz-Shirey
  • Patent number: 6032322
    Abstract: A silicone paint brush artist's tool includes a handle and a novel painting tip. The painting tip is made of a resilient silicone. In one embodiment, the painting tip has a series of longitudinal slits defined in the tip. In another embodiment, the painting tip has a durometer hardness value of between 20 Shore A to 70 Shore A. In a further embodiment, the painting tip has a generally three-dimensional working surface that includes a concave surface. In still another embodiment, the painting tip has a peripheral, sharp edge for removal of paint. In a still further embodiment, the painting tip has a concave surface for manipulation of paint. The tip is preferably attached to the handle using a ferrule and expansively locking the tip into a cavity of the ferrule by insertion of an insert. The insert may be a common screw or a barbed, fluted extension of the handle. The tips may include an insert cavity and have various shapes and hardnesses and may be optionally color coded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Sovereign, Ltd
    Inventor: Ladd B. Forsline
  • Patent number: 6032323
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly is provided for use on a vehicle which includes a rearview mirror, a wiper assembly and adjusters for the mirror. The wiper assembly includes a wiper arm base located behind the mirror assembly extending over the top of the mirror to attach to a resilient wiper arm having a wiper blade. The wiper arm base is attached to a threaded rod which, upon bi-directional rotation of the rod, causes the wiper arm base to laterally traverse across the mirror assembly, which in turn drives the wiper blade across the mirror. The adjusters are used to adjust the angular position of the mirror, or the entire mirror assembly, by utilizing spirally threaded rods which rotate bi-directionally to push or pull the mirror about certain pivot points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventors: Darrel L. Smith, Donnie Knight
  • Patent number: 6032324
    Abstract: A windshield wiper system for an automotive vehicle is disclosed in which the windshield wiper washer fluid is heated and delivered to the windshield through the rubber wiping element. In one embodiment, the windshield wiper fluid is heated to a substantial level of temperature and pressure within a sealed reservoir by the heat from the engine coolant system. In another embodiment, a tubular electrical high intensity heating element with turbulent counter flow is used to instantly heat the windshield wiper fluid, and the heating element is automatically electrically energized in response to fluid flow through the tubular heating element. In another embodiment electrical direct current vehicle power or selectively alternating current external power is used to heat fluid to a substantial level of temperature and pressure within a sealed insulated reservoir. A novel windshield wiper blade is also disclosed in which the wiper blade has a longitudinally elongated fluid chamber formed along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Jere Rask Lansinger
  • Patent number: 6032325
    Abstract: This invention is a portable device for cleaning air ducts, other parts of ventilation systems, and similar spaces. The device prevents motor burn-out by providing an adjustable slipping means in the transmission connecting the motor's shaft to a cleaning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: David A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6032326
    Abstract: The vacuum nozzles in a rotary surface cleaning appliance are skewed with respect to the path of travel of the nozzles to enable the nozzles to glide smoothly over the surface being cleaned. A flexible mount for each nozzle on a rigid, radial vacuum duct permits the nozzle to accommodate irregular and different textured surfaces being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Professional Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Roden, Steven S. Wickert
  • Patent number: 6032327
    Abstract: A rotating brush including a hollow cylindrical rotor having through holes in its peripheral wall and bristles on its peripheral surface is provided in a nozzle of an upright electric vacuum cleaner. A reflux passage connecting a fan chamber in the cleaner body and an end of the rotor is provided so that a slip stream of an electric fan for producing a suction stream jets out into the nozzle from the rotor through the holes. A fan for sucking air outside the nozzle is provided at the other end of the rotor so that the sucked air also jets out into the nozzle through the holes. In another electric vacuum cleaner, the rotor of the rotating brush is not provided with through holes but the slip stream of the electric fan is caused to blow the peripheral surface of the rotating brush from its end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Oka, Katsuhiko Umeda
  • Patent number: 6032328
    Abstract: A crevice cleaning tool having an elongated hollow body portion extending between a first end configured for attachment to a wand of a vacuum cleaner and a second end providing an opening for passage of vacuum cleaning air. The body portion has a base section slidably coupled to an extension section for movement between a retracted and extended position and a locking mechanism selectively locks the extension section to the base section in each of the retracted and extended positions. The body portion includes a first air channel for providing passage of vacuum cleaning air through the body and a second air channel adjacent the body portion extending to the opening of the second end to provide a secondary air inlet into the body portion. A passageway passes between the first and second air channels for providing fluid communication therebetween and to prevent blockage of vacuum cleaning air through the opening of the second end into the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Rexair, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Grant Harmon, Steve Wood
  • Patent number: 6032329
    Abstract: A device (10) designed to be placed between a gate (12) and a powered actuator (16) to permit release on command and free movement of the gate with respect to the actuator. The device comprises a first plate (11) designed to be fastened to the gate and a second plate (17) designed to be connected kinetically to the actuator. A first and a second plate are supported to rotate freely around a common rotation axis (13) designed to coincide with the gate rotation axis. Means of bolt engagement (18) are arranged to engage between them a first and a second plate to make them integral. Two operating levers (19,20) each arranged on one side of the device and having cam surfaces (31,32) to cause independent backing of the bolt (24) of the engagement means (18) against the thrust of elastic means (25) to move it towards a disengagement position upon movement of one of the two operating levers from a rest position to an operating position. Locks (22,23) can be provided to prevent inappropriate operation of the levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Automatica Casali s.r.l.
    Inventor: Celestino Casali
  • Patent number: 6032330
    Abstract: A locating structure of an oil pressure door closer is composed of a locating plate, a main body of the door closer, and a plurality of fastening pins. The locating plate is fastened with a door and provided with a plurality of fastening holes. The main body is provided in one longitudinal side thereof with two longitudinal edges parallel to each other and forming therebetween a longitudinal space for accommodating the locating plate. The two longitudinal edges are provided with a plurality of through holes corresponding in location to the fastening holes of the locating plate. The fastening pins are received in the through holes and the fastening holes for fastening the main body with the locating plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Sha-Na Chen
  • Patent number: 6032331
    Abstract: An improved mechanism (22) for checking reciprocating operative devices (10) to include door systems, by means of an improved rocker-washer mechanism (22) adapted to pivot (24) and frictionally engage the device (10) comprising at least one rod (16) that reciprocatively functions from within a body (12) having a biasing operative means (11), that upon extension of said rod (16) from said body (12), the bias 11-A and 11-B acting to control the reciprocation of said rod (16); the mechanism (22) including a central structure (34) forming an aperture configuration (26) which is mountable and disposable axially (17) upon the surface of the rod (16), said aperture (26) bounding two opposing loci (26-A) and (26-B) relationally composed upon a common axis of symmetry (32) which is realized when mounted upon a cross-section of the rod (16); each locus (26-A) and (26-B) comprising at least one metallic point (28) for creating a substantial friction pressure torsionally applied onto said rod (16) to engage said mechanis
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Ricardo Alonso
  • Patent number: 6032332
    Abstract: A tool handle includes a housing having a chamber and a slot communicating with the chamber. A rod is rotatably receiving in the chamber and has a number of channels for receiving tool bits. A lid is engaged with the slot of the housing and biased to engage with the housing and may be depressed inward of the housing. The rod may be rotated to align the required tool bit with the lid for allowing the tool bit to be tilted by the lid and to be easily fetched by the user. A control ferrule is secured to the rod for rotating the rod and for aligning the tool bit with the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Hua Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 6032333
    Abstract: A hinge to mounted door on an article of furniture includes a base plate to be mounted on the article of furniture. An intermediate member is mounted on the base plate by a spring mechanism in the form of a tilting lever mounted on the intermediate member by a pivot and a spring biasing the tilting lever to pivot in a direction to lock the intermediate member on the base plate. A hinge arm is connected to the intermediate member for adjustment relative thereto. A mechanism to selectively adjust the hinge arm relative to the intermediate member in a direction longitudinally of the intermediate member includes plural projections on the intermediate member, the projections being spaced longitudinally of the intermediate member. Such mechanism further includes a disk rotatively mounted on the hinge arm and having an upper side to be engaged by an adjusting tool and a lower side having a cam in the form of a spiral web in engagement with the projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Klaus Brustle
  • Patent number: 6032334
    Abstract: A handle apparatus includes a spring member formed of a wire rod is bent in an approximately U-shape. Both tip end portions of the spring member formed in the approximately U-shape are bent approximately at a right angle and are shaft portions for rotating the approximately U-shaped portions. Both the shaft portions are set such that the axial lines of the shaft portions are not in conformity with each other. Both the shaft portions are made to be members for generating a biasing force in accordance with rotating positions. The spring member 3 is used as a member for generating the biasing force for performing a pop-up operation. A base member 4 and a handle grip member 2 are connected to each other through a pair of spring members 3. The handle grip member is held on a side of the base member against the biasing of the spring members by a lock mechanism 50 arranged on the base member side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Asahi Corporation
    Inventors: Shin Iima, Ryuzoh Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6032335
    Abstract: The invention relates device for drawing an elongated textile intermediate product (2), such as a staple fiber fleece or sliver, into a receiving element (3) of a textile machine station. In order to be able to take in, transport onwards and twist elongated textile intermediate products, there is to be provided a guide (1) for the intermediate product. This has a guide face (13) and nozzles (7, 8) for injecting a fluid, e.g. compressed air, along axes (10, 11) which are inclined in relation to the axis (12) of the guide face. The exit apertures of the nozzles are at a distance from the intermediate product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Zellweger Luwa AG
    Inventors: Isidor Harzenmoser, Hans Baumann
  • Patent number: 6032336
    Abstract: When a roller cylinder of a top roller is installed, it may collide against an outer bearing and damage it. Since the roller cylinder is loosened, when drafting is executed at a high speed, the roller cylinder may vibrate, causing non-uniform drafting. A pre-loading spring 30 is installed between an inner bearing 20 and an outer bearing 21 and on the inner circumferential side. Due to the elastic force of the pressurizing spring 30, inner rings 20b and 21b of the bearings rotate integrally with a shaft 10. When the roller cylinder 12 is installed, if it collides against the outer bearing 21, the pre-loading spring 30 acts as a buffer to prevent damage to the bearings. O-rings 31 and 32 installed between outer rings 20a and 21a of the bearings 20 and 21 fill the gap to prevent the roller cylinder 12 from loosening. As a result, uniform drafting can be executed at a high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Michiaki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 6032337
    Abstract: A belt clip assembly (100) attaches to a communication device (103) to be worn by a user. The belt clip assembly (100) includes an attachment base (104) and a spring loaded cantilever slide (106). The attachment base (104) includes a bracket (116) having first (123) and second (124) opposed retaining ends integrally connected to a slim strip (122). The first opposed retaining end has a hook (123) and the second opposed retaining end has a receptacle (128) for receiving the spring loaded cantilever slide (106). The cantilever slide (106) is comprised of a fulcrum (108) that has a pair of teeth (110) integrally attached to the fulcrum (108) for forming a protruding cover (111) for the receptacle and slidably positioned on top of the slide casing wall (112). The fulcrum (108) supported teeth (110) attaches to a communication device housing (101) via a pair of receiving slots (120) while the hook end (123) of the bracket wraps around the other end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Rankin, Jr., Garry R. Ardizzone, Jr., Bassam Abi Faraj
  • Patent number: 6032338
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swaging method and apparatus for swaging flemish eye splices. In particular, the invention concerns the production of swaged joints in which, by virtue of providing ferrules (5) and swage blocks (16, 17) of a particular construction, during a swaging operation displaced material of the ferrule (5) is channeled into the swage blocks, rather than out of them, and hence ovality of the swaged ferrule is avoided. In this manner, the swage blocks (16, 17) can be brought fully home in a single operation until top and bottom flats (10e, 10f) of the ferrule (5) are in contact with top and bottom flats of the swage blocks (16, 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: CCL Systems Limited
    Inventor: Cedric Gwilliam Birks
  • Patent number: 6032339
    Abstract: A fastener for fastening a strap to an article having an end pin attached thereto, the fastener having a retention portion and an engagement portion defining a fastener aperture where movement of the engagement portion relative to the retention portion acts to close the fastener aperture about a reduced diameter portion of the end pin. A locking mechanism restricts movement of the engagement portion thereby maintaining the fastener aperture in its engagement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Innovative Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: James D'Addario
  • Patent number: 6032340
    Abstract: A method for pretreating a staple-fiber carpet yarn (5) before it is processed to make a carpet, in order to reduce the hairiness and fuzz accumulation associated with such yarns. The surface of the carpet yarn (5) is exposed for a brief time to the action of a temperature which is very high relative to the characteristic temperatures of the carpet yarn material. This can be carried out in a singe burner (100) through which the carpet-yarn threads (5) are guided in their lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Kusters Zittauer Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Steffen Greif, Heinz Gruber, Peter Pfeiffer, Arne Wussing, Ingo Lison
  • Patent number: 6032341
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to: a non-interlacing expirating yarn bulker comprising a body having an enclosed yarn passage extending therethrough. The yarn passage includes an inlet region, a throat region and an expanding region. A single pressurized fluid channel extends through the body and intersects with the yarn passage in the throat region. Cross sectional areas at certain defined locations in the yarn passage exhibit predetermined relationships. In addition, the inlet region and the pressurized fluid channel both are symmetrical about a common reference plane of symmetry;a replaceable wear member insertable into a body of a jet having a yarn passage with an inlet region and a throat region. The wear member has an upstream face, a downstream face, and a channel extending therebetween. The intersection of the channel and the downstream face of the member defines a wear edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Terry Robin Cain, Dennis Leslie Frost, Melvin Harry Johnson, Maurice Cornelius Todd
  • Patent number: 6032342
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method of producing a high-quality multi-filament spread sheet by spreading the filaments in such a manner that they are orderly disposed in parallel to each other without the quality deterioration and an apparatus used in the same as well as a multi-filament spread sheet produced in the same. The method and apparatus embodied in the present invention are intended to spread the filaments widthwise by subjecting a multi-filament oversupplied by a certain amount under a feeding control mechanism from a yarn supply section to a yarn winding section to air blowing crosswise with the multi-filament so as to transform the filaments into a multi-filament spread sheet. With this method and apparatus, it becomes possible to obtain various types of multi-filament spread sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Fukui Prefecture
    Inventors: Kazumasa Kawabe, Shigeru Tomoda
  • Patent number: 6032343
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to improvements in an Automated Swage Wind and Packaging Machine that is particularly adapted to assist in the automated singulation of surgical needles to enable subsequent automated handling of the needle, automatic swaging of the suture into a receiving end of the needle, automatic pull testing of the combined needle and suture, and automated packaging of the pull tested combined needle and suture into a tray having a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Blanch, David D. Demarest, Robert A. Daniele, Anthony Esteves, William F. Smith, Michael G. Hodulik, Teresa M. Shaw, George Horst Reinemuth, Richard Paul Branco, Matthew Cafone
  • Patent number: 6032344
    Abstract: A system for operation of pneumatic tooling has a plurality of pneumatically operable tools (2). A servo-controller (21) is switchable to actuate any of the plurality of tools, to move that tool to a desired position. A position transducer (4) includes an element (9, 10) which is displaced from a home position by such actuation of any one of the tools. The position transducer sends a position feedback signal to indicate to the servo-controller when the desired tool position has been reached. The servo-controller is switchable by virtue of having its output connected to a number of valves (22), i.e. one valve per tool, where preferably only one valve is energized at a time. When a valve is at rest, the pneumatic circuit is such that the tool is held in its home position. When energized, the servo-controller outputs are routed to the tool to operate the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Peltier, Joseph A. Aikins
  • Patent number: 6032345
    Abstract: The apparatus has a structure with two frames which can move towards each other and between which the mattress is locked. The frames support a plurality of devices for applying the quilting braces. Each device comprises a needle, to which a quilting brace is coupled; the needle is driven through the mattress. On the other side of the mattress there is provided a unit which applies a tuft to the quilting brace guided by the needle. During this operation, the mattress is compressed so that once it is released it expands and tensions the applied quilting braces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Resta S.r.l.
    Inventor: Roberto Resta
  • Patent number: 6032346
    Abstract: A bleacher seat cap installation tool is provided that has a first guide surface that slides along an edge of the seat board of the bleacher seat to be retrofit, and a second guide surface that guides a free end of a bleacher seat cap into position. The tool enables a single installer to install a bleacher seat cap quickly and easily, while avoiding injury or marring of the exterior surface of the bleacher seat cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Robert L. Holland
  • Patent number: 6032347
    Abstract: In a manufacturing method for a tank with an opening and with a device for damping a splashing movement, porous filler bodies which fit through the opening are introduced as a damping device into the tank until the tank is completely filled with them. Accordingly, a tank with an opening and a device for damping a splashing movement is characterized in that the device for damping comprises porous filler bodies which fit through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Max Rhodius GmbH
    Inventors: Willibald Behr, Andreas Hambach
  • Patent number: 6032348
    Abstract: The invention resides in a method of forming an adjustable holding fixture comprising the steps of providing a frame, providing a plurality of elongated beam modules each containing a plurality of translating members which are arranged at uniformed spacing between one another on each beam module and connecting said plurality of elongated beam modules with one another on said frame to combine the effect of each module into a single fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin Gerard Haas, Edward Valentine Sullivan, Robert Charles Schwarz, John M. Papazian
  • Patent number: 6032349
    Abstract: An alignment coupling and method of joining an extensible member of a linear actuator to an actuated member for moving a load utilize an enlarged coupler (A) carried by the extensible member within a receptacle in the actuated member formed by a transverse surface (B) and a longitudinal surface (C). A floating alignment is provided by a compressible resilient retaining member (D) permitting limited axial and radial adjustment of the extensible member. The receptacle has an open passageway for insertion of the coupler to facilitate assembly of the components thus providing a foreshortened alignment coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Compact Air Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Valerie J. Wagner, Marvin Raymond Hart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6032350
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a plurality of longitudinally extending slots in the bore of a component (1). One example of such a component is the sleeve element of an automotive power steering rotary valve. More particularly the invention is directed towards a method of minimising burring of the slot edges of the sleeve component. The method comprises the steps of gripping the component (1) in a gripping mechanism (2) of a workholding device, performing a first cutting operation (5) in which the slot is cut in the bore by a series of progressively deeper cutting stroke of a cutting tool (5), further machining (30) the bore of the component, the machining of the bore being carried out while the component remains gripped in the gripping mechanism, characterized in that while the component remains gripped in the gripping mechanism the slot undergoes a second cutting operation (5) similar to the first operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Bishop Steering Pty Limited
    Inventor: Klaus Juergen Roeske
  • Patent number: 6032351
    Abstract: A machine for removing stringers from pallets includes a table assembly that establishes a working surface upon which a pallet can be placed and a carrier assembly that is movable relative to the pallet. The carrier assembly includes a pair of spaced, parallel, elongate cutter rails, the cutter rails being spaced a distance greater than the width of a stringer and adapted to receive a stringer therebetween. A cutting assembly is connected to the cutter rails toward the ends thereof, the cutting assembly including rotatable upper and lower disks connected to the cutter rails. The disks are positioned side-by-side such that the edges thereof are in contact with each other. The upper disks are spaced closer to the ends of the cutter rails than the lower disks. As the cutting assembly is advanced through a pallet, the upper and lower disks shear the nails that hold the stringer in place within the pallet. Severed stringers are collected in a trough and are removed automatically by a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Pallet Recycling, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Beane
  • Patent number: 6032352
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rigid disk drive of the dynamic head loading type which includes a rotary actuator, and a load beam having a lift tab which cooperates with a cam surface of a cam assembly to load and unload a read/write recording element with respect to a surface of a disk. The method includes positioning the left tab so that it extends along an axis which is displaced with respect to a center line of the load beam. The method also includes providing the cam surface with a detent. The method of manufacturing further includes providing a portion of said lift tab with a cylindrical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Mobile Storage Technology Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Furay, James H. Morehouse, Bruce D. Emo, Robert A. Alt
  • Patent number: 6032353
    Abstract: A magnetic head includes pole tips with aligned sidewalls and a low head profile. The aligned sidewalls are formed by depositing a stack of pole tip layers on a substrate. The stack of layers are etched through a common overlying mask. The stack of layers is covered over and around with a protective layer which is then planarized such that the stack of layers is exposed. The protective layer is etched to a predetermined thickness above the substrate, which is thinner than the thickness of the stack of layers. An inductive coil layer is deposited on the etched protective layer and covered with an overlying magnetic yoke layer which is dielectrically separated from the coil layer. The yoke layer thus formed assumes a low profile curvature due to the thin structure of the protective layer on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Read-Rite Corporation
    Inventors: Hugh C. Hiner, Billy Wayne Crue, William D. Jensen, Lein-Chang Wang, Durga P. Ravipati
  • Patent number: 6032354
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing a rotor for an electric machine, for example, a permanent-magnet excited rotor for a high-speed a.c. machine, the rotor including an inner part constituting a rotor body and an outer part including a capsule tube which, when the rotor is completed, surrounds the rotor body with a shrinkage fit, the device including a counter-support (6) for fixing one of the first and second parts of the rotor in the vertical direction, and a guide channel (7) through which the other of the two parts moves due to gravity against the fixed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AB
    Inventors: Peter Chudi, .ANG.ke Jonsson, Leif nger
  • Patent number: 6032355
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermal conductive structure on a printed circuit board comprises the steps of forming a thermal conductive layer having an embossed pattern on its surface, and then forming an adhesive glue layer over the thermal conductive layer. Next, a surface metallic layer is attached to the thermal conductive layer and the glue layer, wherein a portion of the surface metallic layer corresponding to the embossed portion of the heat spreader is in direct contact or almost direct contact with the thermal conductive layer. Furthermore, an additional external heat sink can be attached to thermal conductive structure for increasing the efficiency of heat dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: World Wiser Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Tzyy-Jang Tseng, David C. H. Cheng
  • Patent number: 6032356
    Abstract: Resilient contact structures are mounted directly to bond pads on semiconductor dies, prior to the dies being singulated (separated) from a semiconductor wafer. This enables the semiconductor dies to be exercised (e.g., tested and/or burned-in) in) by connecting to the semiconductor dies with a circuit board or the like having a plurality of terminals disposed on a surface thereof. Subsequently, the semiconductor dies may be singulated from the semiconductor wafer, whereupon the same resilient contact structures can be used to effect interconnections between the semiconductor dies and other electronic components (such as wiring substrates, semiconductor packages, etc.). Using the all-metallic composite interconnection elements of the present invention as the resilient contact structures, burn-in can be performed at temperatures of at least 150.degree. C., and can be completed in less than 60 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: FormFactor. Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin N. Eldridge, Gary W. Grube, Igor Y. Khandros, Gaetan L. Mathieu