Patents Issued in July 4, 2000
  • Patent number: 6082132
    Abstract: An apparatus having a refrigeration cycle using a flammable refrigerant, comprises an oil-free compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator, wherein an amount of lubricant in the oil-free compressor is equal to or smaller than 3 cc. With this structure, the charging amount of the flammable refrigerant into the refrigeration cycle can be reduced, and the safety of the apparatus having a refrigeration cycle can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironao Numoto, Hitoshi Motegi, Kiyoshi Sawai
  • Patent number: 6082133
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating CO.sub.2 from a mixture of gases includes CO.sub.2 and a second gas, the apparatus includes an active heat exchanger and a regenerating heat exchanger. The active heat exchanger includes a heat exchange surface in contact with the mixture of gases. The mixture of gases is present in the active heat exchanger at a predetermined pressure which is chosen such that CO.sub.2 freezes on the heat exchange surface when the surface is cooled by a refrigerant having a temperature below that at which CO.sub.2 freezes at the predetermined pressure. The regenerating heat exchanger includes a heat exchange surface in contact with the refrigerant and also in contact with a layer of frozen CO.sub.2. The refrigerant enters the regenerating heat exchanger at a temperature above that at which the CO.sub.2 in the frozen layer of CO.sub.2 sublimates. The sublimation of the solid CO.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Cryo Fuel Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Michael A. Barclay, Thomas C. Brook, John A. Barclay, Raymond R. Tison
  • Patent number: 6082134
    Abstract: Hydrogen (4), and carbon monoxide (21) are separated from a gaseous mixture thereof, typically a mixture of essentially hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane (1) using liquid methane (3) to dissolve carbon monoxide in a methane wash column (2), removing (8) residual hydrogen (15) from the loaded methane wash (6,9), and separating (18) the residual loaded methane into carbon monoxide and methane fractions (21,22). The residual hydrogen (15) is removed in a hydrogen stripping column (8), said column being refluxed with a methane rich scrubbing liquid stream (13) withdrawn from an intermediate location of the methane wash column (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Alfred McNeil, Alan Geoffrey Truscott
  • Patent number: 6082135
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating out is used to produce an oxygen product in which an air stream after having been compressed and purified is introduced into a bottom reblower located in a bottom region of the distillation column to produce boil up in such distillation column. The resultant air stream liquefies to produce a liquid air stream. The liquid air stream after having been valve expanded is stripped within the distillation column to produce a column bottoms which can be extracted as a product stream that is vaporized within a main heat exchanger. Product stream can be pressurized by being pumped to atmospheric a pressure hence liquefying a further compressed air stream to produce further liquid air is also stripped within the distillation column. The distillation column operates at near atmospheric pressures that is pressures between 1 and 1.3 bar absolute. Refrigeration is introduced into the plant by injecting liquid preferably liquid oxygen into a bottom region of the distillation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Duke, Joseph P. Naumovitz, Charles Brooks
  • Patent number: 6082136
    Abstract: There are included a fractionating tower for liquefying and separating the compressed air cooled by heat exchangers to an ultralow temperature, a liquid oxygen takeout path for guiding the liquid oxygen in the above-mentioned fractionating tower to the above-mentioned heat exchangers to gasify so as to become a gasified oxygen, and a product oxygen gas takeout path which extends from the front end of the above-mentioned liquid oxygen takeout path and increases the temperature of the above-mentioned gasified oxygen so as to obtain a product oxygen gas, the above-mentioned liquid oxygen takeout path being provided with an oxygen gas pressurizing pump, and the above-mentioned product oxygen gas takeout path on the side upstream the above-mentioned heat exchangers being provided with an expansion turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Daido Hoxan Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Yoshino
  • Patent number: 6082137
    Abstract: A double rectification column air separation method and apparatus in which a stream of oxygen-enriched liquid air from a higher pressure rectification column is at least partially vaporized in indirect heat exchange with a stream of purified, compressed, gaseous air. The stream of purified, compressed air is condensed and a stream of the resulting vapor after having been warmed is expanded in a turbine with the performance of external work. After expansion, the resulting vapor is introduced into the lower pressure rectification column and a stream of the resulting condensed air is introduced into the higher pressure column at an intermediate mass exchange level thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventor: Paul Higginbotham
  • Patent number: 6082138
    Abstract: An ornamentation part and an ornament positioning part are fabricated as a unit to provide a body ornament to be received by and positioned upon a body part; particularly a breast nipple. The positioning part includes a pair of concave spaced arms which form therebetween a body part receiving space of a size and configuration to receive and embrace a body part. The ornamentation part may be an enclosed figure such as a multi-point star, leaf, heart, butterfly, or the like. Further decorations such as feathers, flowers, jewelry, chain links, etc. may be carried by the body ornament as well as loops upon which other decorations may be disposed or from which other decorations may be carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Theresa Meehan
  • Patent number: 6082139
    Abstract: A jewelry article, such as a charm or pendant, includes a hollow body having plural generally spherical bearing recesses for receiving bearing parts of plural appendages which are secured to the body by respective retaining pins having truncated spherical head portions and shank portions which project from the bearing part to the interior of the body. The pin shank portions are soldered to the body from within the interior cavity to provide rotatable hidden joint connections between the body and the appendages, respectively. Each appendage has an additional elongated part which is secured to the bearing part after the bearing part is secured to the body. The body is cast as a two part hollow structure, one of the body parts having the plural recesses and a hemispherical boss for supporting the bearing parts of the appendages and for supporting a further appendage by a retaining pin extending from within the one body part through the further appendage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Andre Davidziak
  • Patent number: 6082140
    Abstract: An improved vacuum fusion bonding structure and process for aligned bonding of large area glass plates, patterned with microchannels and access holes and slots, for elevated glass fusion temperatures. Vacuum pumpout of all the components is through the bottom platform which yields an untouched, defect free top surface which greatly improves optical access through this smooth surface. Also, a completely non-adherent interlayer, such as graphite, with alignment and location features is located between the main steel platform and the glass plate pair, which makes large improvements in quality, yield, and ease of use, and enables aligned bonding of very large glass structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Harold D. Ackler, Stefan P. Swierkowski, Lisa A. Tarte, Randall K. Hicks
  • Patent number: 6082141
    Abstract: Glass sheets are bent in stages into the final shape in a horizontal position in two successive bending stations. The glass sheets heated to bending temperature are laid on a fabric carrier arranged resiliently on a rigid support frame. The glass sheets are conveyed stepwise with the fabric carrier and the support frame through the bending system, and are bent together with the fabric carrier which adapts to the shape of the glass sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventor: Hans-Werner Kuster
  • Patent number: 6082142
    Abstract: A control plate (17) for selecting and controlling knitting movements of tools in a knitting machine driven by the relative movements of the plate support (11) and a cam support (12), in which the control plate can be forced into an engagement position of a drive output foot (61) of the control plate with an output drive edge of an output drive component (73) to transmit the deflection drive by the action of a minimum pre-tension of an extended rod-shaped control spring (37), the free end of which is supported to slide on the base of a guide groove (16) accepting the control plate, is constructed as a one-piece spring steel component to simplify manufacture and increase its wear resistance, in which its width (h) measured perpendicularly to the neutral elastic line (54) of the control spring (37) at the base side of the spring at which it bears on the basic body (18) of the plate is greater than at the free end (48) of the spring by which the spring is supported on the base (25) of its guide groove (16), wher
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Hans Ruster GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Claus Kowitz
  • Patent number: 6082143
    Abstract: A circular knitting machine. The apparatus includes a generally conventional circular knitting element for forming a tubular knit fabric. A tension-controlled roll take-up assembly is located downstream from the circular knitting element for receiving the tubular knit fabric and forming a fabric roll from the tubular knit fabric while, at the same time, maintaining substantially constant tension on the tubular knit fabric being formed by the circular knitting element. This allows very large fabric rolls to be formed. In the preferred embodiment, the circular knitting machine includes a tension-controlled umbrella storage feed mounting ring adjacent to the circular knitting element for supplying a plurality of yarn ends to the circular knitting element for forming the tubular knitted fabric. The umbrella storage feed mounting ring permits an operator to attend to most machine functions without the need for a ladder or catwalk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: George Stephen Noonkester, James Moore Schenck
  • Patent number: 6082144
    Abstract: A packing material is constructed with an inner core and an outer circular sheath having compressible and extendible filler yarns which help reduce keystoning of the packing material when bent around corners or curved surfaces. More specifically, the sheath is formed from a plurality of base yarns and a plurality of filler yarns, wherein the yarns are either knit by a circular warp-knitting method or braided. The filler yarns are positioned at predetermined locations within the sheath structure and configured in their construction so as to give the sheath a predetermined geometric configuration when knitted. In the preferred construction, four filler yarns are arranged in a square configuration to give the packing material a generally square configuration. The key feature of the present invention is that the filler yarns comprise yarns which are extendible and compressible in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: New England Overseas Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew D. Jencks, Vladimir Akopian
  • Patent number: 6082145
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing knitted items, particularly for manufacturing items of underwear, with a passage for the insertion of support wires or other insertion elements, in circular knitting machines, and an item obtained with the method. The method consists in forming the passage for the insertion of the wire or other insertion element in an intermediate production step during the knitting of the item, by knitting additional row portions with a preset number of needles alternated with needles excluded from knitting during the formation of the additional rows. In this manner, on one side of the item, a tunnel is obtained which is part of the item and inside which it is possible to insert a support wire or other insertion elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Santoni S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Lonati, Ettore Lonati, Fausto Lonati, Tiberio Lonati
  • Patent number: 6082146
    Abstract: An improved sock wherein moisture distribution, wicking, evaporation and other phases of control are all managed by the sock construction. The moisture management sock has a toe portion knit of predominantly of hydrophilic yarn; a heel portion knit of predominantly of hydrophilic yarn; and alternating rings of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarn located between said toe portion and said heel portion. Moisture absorbed from the wearer's foot by the hydrophilic yarn is transferred by wicking action into the hydrophobic rings and then to the leg portion to be evaporated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Ray E. Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 6082147
    Abstract: A raised surface fabric knit on a conventional terry knitting machine is provided. The process utilizes yarns of different color or dyeability in alternating courses; by way of example, yarn A (undyed) is used for course 1, yarn B (dyed) is used for course 2, yarn A is used for course 3, yarn B for course 4, etc. Yarn A has a low shrinkability, while yarn B has a high shrinkability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe Rock, William K. Lie, Edward P. Dionne
  • Patent number: 6082148
    Abstract: The present invention provides a warp-knit tape for a slide fastener which can well follow stretch and contraction of highly elastic cloth and is suitable for use in a state where the tape is sewn onto the highly elastic cloth, as a chain split and a puckering phenomenon are not generated. The warp-knit tape includes a coupling element mounting portion which is inelastic in a warp direction and a tape main body portion which is highly elastic in the warp direction. A buffer area including only weft in-laid yarns, for example, for intercepting influence of acts of the coupling element mounting portion and the main body portion on each other is defined between the mounting portion and the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsumi Wakai, Sadaji Okeya
  • Patent number: 6082149
    Abstract: A chemical washing system is presented including a chemical dispensing system. The chemical dispensing system includes a container for storing a liquid chemical, a dispensing unit coupled to the container for dispensing the liquid chemical, and a conduit for conveying the liquid chemical from the dispensing unit to a receptacle of a machine which uses the liquid chemical during normal operation. The container, the dispensing unit, and the receptacle may be enclosed within one or more service areas separate from a "user interface area" containing a portion of the machine with which a user interfaces during normal operation. In order to prevent airborne particulates and other contaminants within the one or more service areas from entering the user interface area, a positive air pressure differential is maintained between the user interface area and the one or more service areas. The chemical washing system includes a textile laundering appliance (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Woods
  • Patent number: 6082150
    Abstract: Method and system of rejuvenating pressurized fluid solvents used for cleaning a substrate in a pressurized vessel. A primary flow of the pressurized fluid solvent is continuously cycled from the pressurized vessel through a series of filters to remove insoluble and soluble contaminants, and then returned to the pressurized vessel. A secondary flow of the pressurized fluid solvent, preferably equivalent to less than about 40% of the primary flow, is directed either continuously or intermittently during the cleaning operation to an evaporator to evaporate the pressurized fluid solvent of the secondary flow into a vapor and to separate contaminants therefrom. The vapor from the evaporator is then either liquified by a compressor or condenser to create rejuvenated pressurized fluid solvent and redirected to the pressurized vessel for further use, or vented to atmosphere and replaced by new pressurized fluid solvent from a supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: R.R. Street & Co. Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Stucker
  • Patent number: 6082151
    Abstract: A speed dependent response control balancing device of the present invention provides control of vibrations in a rotatable member such as a rotatable basket of a washing machine. The balancing device has two compartments including an annular ball race and a reservoir. A plurality of balls are positioned within the annular ball race and move within the ball race to counteract the imbalance of the basket. A varying amount of viscous fluid is delivered from the reservoir into the ball race depending on a rotational speed of the balancing device. Accordingly, the reaction or "quickness" of the response of the balls within the ball race changes with the rotational speed of the balancing device to provide quick response during a start-up period and slower response at high rotational speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: ETI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Wierzba, Weijia Cao
  • Patent number: 6082152
    Abstract: A washing machine pumps a washing liquid towards an upper portion of a spin tub while a washing cycle is being executed. The washing machine has a pumping unit disposed at an underside of an outer tub so as to pump the washing liquid from a bottom wall of the outer tub to upper portions of the spin tub and the outer tub. The pumping unit has a receptacle which is fixed to the underside of the outer tub, a disc member which is reciprocated in upward and downward directions within the receptacle, a wire having a first end fixed to a center of an underside of the disc member, a synchronous motor connected to a second end of the wire for pulling the disc member downward, and a compression spring installed in the receptacle for upwardly biasing the disc member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jang-Yun Im
  • Patent number: 6082153
    Abstract: An anti-tamper locking assembly for locking a position of a block, such as a locking bolt in an electronic lock, electrically moves a pin to engage or dis-engage the block. When dis-engaged, the block can be moved and access or the like can be made. The pin is selectively moved electronically in order to allow access, entry or the like. The pin can be moved with, e.g., a solenoid. The pin has an overhanging portion, or a head portion. In order to prevent an individual from forcing the pin into an un-locked position, the head portion operates in conjunction with at least one spring-arm member and a blocker which are fixed to the block to prevent a user from being able to strike the device with a hammer or the like to "temporarily" move the pin to a position allowing the block to be moved and access or the like to be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance G. Schoell, Matthew O. Schroeder, Barton B. Cregger
  • Patent number: 6082154
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device used as a security locking device for surfboards 12. The present invention discloses a U-shaped member 14 having parallel leg members which effectively encircle the surfboard 12 with the leg members being slightly wider than the thickness of a surfboard and slightly longer than the width of a surfboard which operates by sliding a surfboard 12 into and between the parallel legs of the U-shaped member 14 and thereafter, placing a locking member 30 that connects the two parallel legs of the device about the surfboard 12. There is also a cable member 24 which can be used to then attach the locking member 30 to any object or structure which will thereby prevent movement of the surfboard 12 beyond the length of the cable 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6082155
    Abstract: A pad lock includes a casing including a hook extended outwards therefrom and several number wheels rotatably mounted in the casing. Each number wheel is partially exposed outside the casing for manual turning. Each number wheel includes a code wheel releasably engaged thereto to rotate therewith. A locking device is mounted in the casing and movable between a first position that retains the code wheels in place to allow free rotational movements of the number wheels for code number changing and a second position that disengages from the code wheels such that each code wheel is engaged with an associated number wheel to rotate therewith. An unlocking device includes a pivotal end pivotally mounted in the casing, a press end located outside the casing for manual pressing, an actuating end located in the casing and engaged with the locking device to move therewith, and a latch end located outside the casing and releasably engaged with the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Shun-Chang Su
  • Patent number: 6082156
    Abstract: An antitheft case for preventing packed compact discs from being stolen is disclosed. The antitheft case has a base part. A lock part slidably engages with the base part, thus forming a box-shaped and openable body in cooperation with the base part. A lock assembly selectively locks or unlocks the position of the slidable lock part relative to the base part. The antitheft case of this invention has a simple and compact construction, thus allowing manufacturers to easily produce such cases at low cost and allowing disc sellers to easily and effectively lay out the discs for sale within a limited area. The case is also reliably locked, so that it effectively prevents the packed compact discs from being stolen by any unauthorized persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Jee Tae Kim
    Inventor: Im Ok Bin
  • Patent number: 6082157
    Abstract: A combination safe and umbrella stand for securely storing valuables and other items therein and vertically supporting a beach umbrella. The combination safe and umbrella stand includes a container with a top opening therein. A lid substantially closes the top opening of the container. A rod is extended through the holes in the lid and container to prevent removal of the lid from the container without removal of the rod. One of the ends of the rod has a stop coupled thereto. The rod has a transverse bore therethrough adjacent the other of the ends of the rod. An auger is downwardly extended from the bottom wall of the container. A pair of spaced apart brackets for supporting a pole of an umbrella are outwardly extended from the perimeter side wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Stuart T. Boyce
  • Patent number: 6082158
    Abstract: A lock device, in particular for doors of motor vehicles, has lock elements such as at least a rotary latch and a pawl, wherein at least one lock element (a pawl) can be connected via connecting elements with at least one handle or such connection can be eliminated. An actuator device has a cam disk of the lock device, the connection being made or eliminated as a function of the cam disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Torsten Wegner
  • Patent number: 6082159
    Abstract: A compact lock pick assembly constructed and configured to be carried in a shirt pocket comprising the combination of a lock pick tool that is retractable into a generally tubular handle and a tension tool mounted on the tubular handle to act as a pocket clip is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Ernest F. Larsen
  • Patent number: 6082160
    Abstract: A reminder device attachable to a key ring and engageable with a key shaft to prevent the utilization of the key and thus remind the user of a task to be performed. The device is designed from a single piece of clear flexible plastic, which can be repeatedly stretched. At one end of the clear flexible plastic is a tube (10). The tube (10) has a inner opening (12) and a outer opening (14). At the other end of the clear flexible plastic is a ring terminal (16), which has a hole (18) at the center. At the middle of the clear flexible plastic is a thin bridge (20), which connects tube (10) to the ring terminal (16). The ring terminal (16) attaches to the key ring and the tube (10) is selectively engageable with a key shaft of a key on the key ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Russell W. Martyniak
  • Patent number: 6082161
    Abstract: In a stabilization control of rolling, proportional differential control of snake motion of a to-be-rolled material caused during a rolling process, is achieved on the basis of a lateral deviation of loads which are detected by load sensors disposed on a rolling mill, an instruction value for lateral deviation leveling is calculated from the lateral deviation and given to a draft device, and a roll gap is adjusted on the basis of the instruction value to stabilize the snake motion of the to-be-rolled material. A stabilization low-pass filter having a pole time constant substantially equal to a zero-point time constant of operation frequency characteristics of the rolling mill is employed in the proportional control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Marushita, Hidetoshi Ikeda, Kentaro Yano, Makoto Tsukiyama
  • Patent number: 6082162
    Abstract: An extruding press has a housing defining an axis, an end frame displaceable axially on the housing, and a plurality of cylinders on the housing. Respective pistons having axially oppositely directed front and rear faces subdivide the cylinders into front and rear compartments and respective piston rods extend from the pistons axially forward through the respective rear compartments out of the respective cylinders and are connected to the end frame. A tool is fixed on the housing so that a workpiece positioned between the tool and the end frame can be extruded through the tool when the front compartments are pressurized to axially rearwardly displace the end frame and press the workpiece rearward against the tool. Respective fluid-powered actuators braced between the housing and the pistons can be pressurized to displace the end frame forward away from the tool. Passages extending between the compartments and controllable valves in the passages permit free fluid flow between the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: SMS Eumuco GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Muschalik, Karl Hermann Claasen
  • Patent number: 6082163
    Abstract: In a multiple slip type wet-drawing process using plural drawing pass stages each comprised of a die and a capstan drawing a wire rod passed through the die, an average slip rate in each drawing pass stage other than a final stage is set to a range of 5.about.80 m/min, whereby the wire drawing is carried out without causing problems such as damage of wire rod surface, wire breakage, premature wearing of die and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Hisakatsu Hara
  • Patent number: 6082164
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting and adjusting the position of a workpiece in relation to a machine are disclosed. The apparatus includes an edge guide against which an edge of the workpiece is placed; and a swinging support structure for (1) supporting the edge guide for swinging movement in a plane to adjust the edge guide's distance from the machine, and for (2) maintaining the edge guide in a generally parallel orientation relative to the machine as the edge guide is swung to and from the machine. The method includes placing the edge of the workpiece against the edge guide so that the workpiece is in the parallel orientation relative to the machine; and swinging the edge guide to adjust its distance from the machine so that the workpiece will be in a desired position relative to the machine when the workpiece's edge is against the edge guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Steven E. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6082165
    Abstract: A collar hole die for forming a hole in brass headers used in radiators with a collar around the periphery of the hole. The collar hole die includes a body with top and bottom faces, and an outer side. The body has a center bore extending therethrough between the top and bottom faces of the body. The top face of the body has an annular extent upwardly extending therefrom around the outer periphery of the center bore. The annular extent has an upper, inner and outer portions. The inner portion of the annular extent has an annular inner recess therearound adjacent the upper portion of the annular extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Narciso Ortiz
  • Patent number: 6082166
    Abstract: A drawing and coining die for manufacturing metal containers and the like, comprising: a matrix, which is connected to a lower base adapted to be associated with a footing of a press and is provided with a device for centering a disk that constitutes the material to be processed; and a male element, which is connected to an upper base adapted to be associated with a movable slider of the press and is shaped so as to make contact with an edge of the resulting container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Attrezzeria M.V. di Marin Visino e C. S.n.c.
    Inventor: Visino Marin
  • Patent number: 6082167
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a ceiling. The method comprises the steps of setting a tool for a desired length of crimp of a tee or main by adjusting a plate in a slot of the tool. Then the tee or main is cut to a desired length. An end of tee or main is inserted into a slot in the tool to a desired length. Then the crimping tee or main is rotated about 90.degree. with the tool without removing any length from the tee or main. The tool is separated from the tee or main. The present invention also relates to a tool to crimp a tee or main. The tool comprises a housing having an end, with a first slot disposed in the end. Additionally, the tool comprises a plate disposed in the first slot of the housing. The plate is adjustable in regard to position in the first slot so the tee or main can be inserted into the first slot a desired distance defined by where the plate is disposed in the first slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Gary Lovas
  • Patent number: 6082168
    Abstract: A rotator is disclosed for precisely rotating a horizontally disposed, cylindrical workpiece comprising first and second workpiece rotator members which are vertically disposed and horizontally spaced-apart. Each of the workpiece rotator members has a gear rack provided at its lower inner end which is in mesh with a driven gear or shaft so that rotation of the shaft in one direction causes the first workpiece rotator member to move upwardly with the second workpiece rotator member being moved downwardly in a corresponding and equal amount. When the driven shaft or gear is moved in a direction opposite to that described, the first workpiece rotator member is moved downwardly while the second workpiece rotator member is moved upwardly. The workpiece is positioned between the workpiece rotator members and precisely rotated in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions so that the proper bends may be imparted to the workpiece after the workpiece has been rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Fremont Machine & Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: Delmar D. Kosch
  • Patent number: 6082169
    Abstract: A method for detecting water meter malfunction and calculating the duration thereof, includes measuring the average flow rate for each volume unit detected after the preceding volume unit, comparing this average flow rate with two limit flow rates which are a first flow rate corresponding to the minimal flow rate when the meter is operating normally and a second flow rate corresponding to the minimal flow rate when the meter is operating defectively, calculating, when an average flow rate is found to be higher than the first flow rate, the relation between the sum of recorded volume units between the two flow rates and the sum to which is added the sum of volume units recorded at flow rates higher than the second flow rate, starting a clock when this relation is lower than a defectiveness threshold and stopping it when the relation is once more higher than the said threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme de Production de Procedes de Comptage de l'Eau et Autres Liquides, SAPPEL
    Inventor: Guy Bach
  • Patent number: 6082170
    Abstract: A gage mechanism for a blood pressure measuring device or other similar apparatus includes a supported shaft member having one end in contact with an inflatable bellows. A pointer is attached at an opposite end of the shaft and a helically wound spring is attached to the shaft and a supporting structure. As the bellows inflates, the shaft is axially displaced and causes rotation due to the constraint of the helical ribbon spring, causing a corresponding angular deflection of the attached pointer relative to an indicating scale. The mechanism includes a first adjustment member for allowing the pointer to be preset to a zero or calibrated position, and a second adjustment mechanism that controls the amount of angular rotation of the shaft and pointer for a displacement of the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Lia, Robert Vivenzio, Scott S. Stearns, Dominic Danna, Timothy J. Smith, Allan I. Krauter, Edward W. Wright, Edward A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6082171
    Abstract: A steering angle sensor device (1) for motor vehicles has a steering angle sensor (3) by means of which the angular position of a motor vehicle steering wheel can be detected in relation to a full revolution (360.degree.) and a counter unit (4) via which the number and direction of passages of the steering wheel through zero can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Wiggenhagen
  • Patent number: 6082172
    Abstract: A system and a method are used for checking the quality of a hammering operation to provide an interference fit of a component relative to a seat. A load cell and a linear transducer provides signals indicative of a hammering force applied to the component and the linear displacement of the component. A derivative signal is provided of the hammering force with respect to time. The derivative signal is analysed as a function of the linear displacement to check the quality of the hammering operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Comau, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alessandro Zadra
  • Patent number: 6082173
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the load-bearing of a pile comprising (a) constructing a scaled-down model pile apparatus which has been reduced to a size that may be accommodated within an indoors facility according to a calculated scaled-down ratio; (b) subjecting said model pile apparatus to impact load tests to obtain dynamic measurements; and (c) correlating the dynamic measurements from said tests to said pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Yee Kong Wai
  • Patent number: 6082174
    Abstract: An entrapped gas measuring apparatus includes a reservoir housing with a reservoir which is adapted to receive a material sample and to expand according to an expansion of the material sample when a negative pressure is applied externally to the reservoir. A parameter indicating the change in volume of the reservoir during the expansion, such as the actual change of volume of the reservoir or a change in position of a moveable wall which at least in part defines the reservoir, is detected by a detector. A processor coupled to the detector is used to determine the amount of entrapped gas based upon the detected parameter. The amount of entrapped gas determined by the processor may be the percent volume of the entrapped gas in relation to the overall volume of the sample, or may be the actual volume of the entrapped gas in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Benchtop Machine and Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Lee, John D. Della-Santina
  • Patent number: 6082175
    Abstract: This discloses an electronic component of a miniature size to be used as e.g. automobile engine peripheral components, such as an exhaust gas oxygen sensor, a heat sensor, and a heater. More specifically, the invention provides an electronic component integral with a heat resistant terminal that is pressure-fitting or shrink-fitted on a ceramic element of the electronic component. This electronic components shows great mechanical and electrical performance, withstanding the high temperature environment over 400 and up to 800.degree. C. to which the ceramic element of the component required expose.The terminal incorporated in this high temperature electronic component comprises a plurality of metal wire leads that electrically connect to a surface of a bar-like ceramic element, at least two ceramic insulators that surround the leads, and a thermal resistant metal ring that shrink-fits or pressure-fits around the ceramic insulators so that the metal leads press in a radial direction holding the element firmly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaya Yoshikawa, Katsuhisa Yabuta, Masaya Ito, Hisaharu Nishino
  • Patent number: 6082176
    Abstract: An NOx-concentration detecting apparatus is disclosed which enables a user to readily know a record of operating conditions of an NOx sensor. The apparatus includes an NOx sensor, pumping-current control means, constant-voltage application means, NOx-concentration detecting means, a heater and writing means for writing to a recorder variation of at least one parameter selected from a first pumping current value, a second pumping current value, the concentration of oxygen contained in the measurement gas and the concentration of NOx in the measurement gas. Also disclosed is an NOx-concentration detecting apparatus capable of determining the concentration of NOx at a high resolution even when different NOx sensors are used. The NOx-concentration detecting apparatus detects the first pumping current I.sub.P1, and the second pumping current I.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriaki Kondo, Hiroshi Inagaki
  • Patent number: 6082177
    Abstract: An exhaust emissions analyzer for an automotive internal combustion engine has sensors for detecting constituents of the exhaust emissions, including a nitric oxide cell which receives the emissions and outputs an electrical signal indicative of nitric oxide in the emissions. An R-C circuit is interposed between the output of the nitric oxide cell and processing circuitry for enhancing the response time of the nitric oxide cell, reducing the rise and fall times of the cell output of signal. A temperature-responsive switching circuit disconnects the R-C enhancement circuit above a predetermined ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Snap-on Tools Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Niazy, Christiaan Hoede, Robert J. Capiga
  • Patent number: 6082178
    Abstract: A photoacoustic detector including a chamber (1) for receiving the gas, a path for pulsed or modulated IR radiation (2) into, through and out of the chamber, and a pressure sensor (3A-B) adapted to measure pressure changes in the chamber caused by the applied IR radiation. The chamber is formed by joining together at least two major semiconductor elements, in particular, silicon or quartz elements (4A-B) made in planar technology. At least a first element from a major surface (9A-B) has an etched recess which constitutes a substantial proportion of the volume of the chamber. At least one of the elements is provided with a membrane for the pressure sensor, and the space (7) in front of the membrane communicates with the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Leiv Eiriksson Nyfotek AS
    Inventors: Ralph Bernstein, Per A. hlckers, Alain Ferber
  • Patent number: 6082179
    Abstract: A particle measurer used in a semiconductor clean room includes a funnel-shaped collector for facilitating the measurement of a particle level of an air sample in the clean room. The particle measurer is arranged so that a narrow end part of the funnel-shaped collector is connected to an intake of the particle measurer. A wide end of the funnel-shaped connector receives the air sample through a sample air pipe. A pump is used for suctioning the air sample through the intake of said particle counter and for discharging the air sample through an exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Kang Jeon, Joung Sun Lee, Jae Heung Choi, Dong Young Kim
  • Patent number: 6082180
    Abstract: The present invention is an ultrasonic fluid densitometer that uses at least one pair of transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals internally reflected within a material wedge. A temperature sensor is provided to monitor the temperature of the wedge material. Density of a fluid is determined by immersing the wedge into the fluid and measuring reflection of ultrasound at the wedge-fluid interface and comparing a transducer voltage and wedge material temperature to a tabulation as a function of density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Margaret S. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 6082181
    Abstract: The present invention is an ultrasonic liquid densitometer that uses a material wedge having two sections, one with a liquid/wedge interface and another with a gas/wedge interface. It is preferred that the wedge have an acoustic impedance that is near the acoustic impedance of the liquid, specifically less than a factor of 11 greater than the acoustic impedance of the liquid. Ultrasonic signals are internally reflected within the material wedge. Density of a liquid is determined by immersing the wedge into the liquid and measuring reflections of ultrasound at the liquid/wedge interface and at the gas/wedge interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Margaret S. Greenwood