Patents Issued in August 15, 2000
  • Patent number: 6102270
    Abstract: A fuel system is provided for a combustion-powered tool having a self-contained internal combustion power source with a combustion chamber, and constructed and arranged for driving a drive blade to impact a fastener and drive it into a workpiece. The tool includes a housing having a main chamber enclosing the power source and having a first end adjacent a nosepiece wherein the fasteners are positioned prior to driving, and a second end opposite the first end and adjacent the combustion chamber. A fuel cell chamber is in communication with the main chamber and has a first chamber end corresponding to the first end of the main chamber and a second chamber end corresponding to the second end of the main chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventor: James W Robinson
  • Patent number: 6102271
    Abstract: A circular sapling instrument for the removal of hemorrhoids has a stapling end effector having a casing, a hollow staple driver within the casing, an annular blade having an open distal end is located within the staple driver, and a elongated interior drive shaft is reciprocable within the staple driver and the annular blade. A first inner chamber is defined between the staple driver and the interior drive shaft, and a second inner chamber is defined between the annular blade and the drive shaft. The first chamber communicates with the second chamber. The casing has an exterior surface and a substantially unobstructed passageway extends within the casing surface, into the first inner chamber, into the second inner chamber, and through the open distal end of the second inner chamber for insertion and withdrawal of a surgical instrument therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio Longo, John R. Bittner, Randall L. Hacker, Federico Bilotti
  • Patent number: 6102272
    Abstract: The reciprocally movable parts of a friction welding apparatus for performing a linear bonding process are connected to a rocking member arrangement including a torsion bar arrangement the elastic properties of which are used to store and return energy alternately to the reciprocating system in succeeding half cycles of the linear reciprocal movement. The total work input required from the oscillator driving the welding apparatus, once the system is set in motion, is thus reduced to the work needed to produce the friction bond and to overcome the internal friction of the machine. In a preferred arrangement the reciprocating parts, including the welding tooling, are dynamically balanced by two counterbalance weights spaced symmetrically about a centreline of the apparatus, and each counterweight is coupled through a respective torsion bar mounted rocking member to the reciprocating parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: John Gilbert Searle, deceased, by Stephen Howard Searle, executor
  • Patent number: 6102273
    Abstract: In a die bonding apparatus, above a work placing table shrouded in the atmosphere of an inert gas, there are provided a pair of gas injecting heads which can be separated from each other to enlarge the opening to the degree that the largest semiconductor package can be inserted through the opening and which can reduce the opening to the degree that a bonding head can be inserted through the opening. The pair of gas injecting heads form at least two layers of gas curtain by injecting an inert gas from the inner wall of the opening, so that the inert gas atmosphere is ensured within a space, so as to maintain the oxygen concentration at a low level thereby to prevent generation of an oxide film. Thus, the oxide film is prevented from generating at a surface of a bonding agent when the bonding agent is molten at the time of a die bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoko Satoh
  • Patent number: 6102274
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a golf club head comprising the steps of abutting a joining end surface of a hosel to a joining end surface of a ball-striking member, rotating the hosel while the ball-striking member and the hosel are under pressing contact, thus heating the joining end surfaces of the two members by the heat of friction generated between the joining end surfaces, stopping the rotation of the hosel, and then applying a further, stronger pressure to the joining end surfaces, thus joining them together so as to form the ball-striking member and the hosel into an integral, single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Yamada Corporation
    Inventor: Itsushi Nagamoto
  • Patent number: 6102275
    Abstract: A bond head is provided for a wire bonding machine having a linear axis frame, a rotary axis frame, a bond tool and a wire clamp. The linear axis frame is vertically linearly displacable along a linear axis, while the rotary axis frame is rotationally displacable along a rotary axis. A pivotal connector is provided which pivotally connects the rotary axis frame to the linear axis frame, enabling the rotary axis frame to rotate independent of linear displacement of the linear axis frame. The bond tool is connected to the rotary axis frame and is vertically linearly displacable in response to vertical linear displacement of the linear axis frame and rotationally displacable in response to rotational displacement of the rotary axis frame. The wire clamp is connected to the linear axis frame and is vertically linearly displacable in response to vertical linear displacement of the linear axis frame, while the wire clamp is maintained rotationally stationary during rotational displacement of the rotary axis frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Palomar Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Hill, John B. Gabaldon, Daniel D. Evans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6102276
    Abstract: Electric wires of a double-sided solderless connector are pressure-welded. The method of the pressure-welding includes the steps of: locating a pressure welding blade and support blade on both sides of a double-sided solderless connector, in a face to face relationship, so as to be movable in vertical direction; supporting one side of said double-sided solderless connector with said support blade; and pressure-welding respective electric wires to terminals at the other side of said double-sided solderless connector with said pressure welding blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Takada
  • Patent number: 6102277
    Abstract: A reducible cereal box packaging for reducing the height of the cereal box as more and more cereal contained therein is consumed. The reducible cereal box packaging includes a box with a separation line extending therearound dividing the box into upper and lower portions. The box is separable along the separation line to permit separation of the upper and lower portions of the box and to define a lower opening in the upper portion of the box and a upper opening in the lower portion of the box. The upper edge of the lower portion is slidably insertable into the lower opening of the upper portion when the upper and lower portions are separated along the separation line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Robert J. Krapohl, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6102278
    Abstract: A foldable pan for receiving dirt and debris is initially formed as a relatively flat sheet member and thereafter folded into shape has a first body member and a second body member which are joined by a first side member that is foldably attached to each body member. A second side member foldably attaches to the first body member, while a third side member foldably attaches to the second body member. A first flap is connected to the first body member by a connection member that is foldably attached to each. A second flap and a third flap are each foldably attached to the connection means. The second body member is folded such that it is essentially parallel to the first body member with the first side member acting as a side wall of the pan. The second side member and the third side member are each folded up such that the second side member overlaps the third side member--these two side members acting as a second side wall of the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: William J. Rothas
  • Patent number: 6102279
    Abstract: This invention provides a collapsible box made of corrugated plastic, which has improved hinge line/score line configurations between walls and panels and improved hand holds. A plastic box of this invention preferably has an automatically lockable bottom to facilitate erection of the box, and can be easily collapsed for return shipment and reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Technology Container Corporation
    Inventor: Fred Dowd
  • Patent number: 6102280
    Abstract: This invention provides a collapsible box made of corrugated plastic, which has improved hinge line/score line configurations between walls and panels and improved hand holds. A plastic box of this invention preferably has an automatically lockable bottom to facilitate erection of the box, and can be easily collapsed for return shipment and reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Technology Container Corporation
    Inventor: Fred Dowd
  • Patent number: 6102281
    Abstract: A partially-shielded paperboard tray for heating food in a microwave oven is made from a unitary blank having two sections hingedly joined at a common edge. One section, which forms the bottom stratum of the tray, has a layer of aluminum foil for shielding food along the peripheral wall of the tray from microwave radiation, but the section also has a large aperture to allow the radiation to heat the center of food placed over the aperture. The other section of the blank, which forms the top stratum of the tray, is transparent to microwave radiation and provides an imperforate food-contact surface for retaining food in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Terrence P. Lafferty, James L. Capo, Michael P. Kessel
  • Patent number: 6102282
    Abstract: A coin box unit used in a coin-box apparatus, for example, a coin-box telephone, which includes a base having an oblique plate, an actuating board pivoted to the oblique plate. and a switch hook, wherein the oblique plate has a coin inlet at the top, a through hole in the middle, a coin-return passageway and a coin-receiving passageway at the bottom, the coin-return passageway having an elongated top opening obliquely and downwardly extended to the coin-receiving passageway; the actuating board has a sloping bottom edge, and a rail disposed at the backside along the sloping bottom edge, which defines with the oblique plate and the actuating board a coin guide way extending toward the coin-return passageway and the coin-receiving passageway when the actuating board is closed on the oblique plate; the switch hook is pivoted to the oblique plate and forced to open the actuating board from the oblique plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Shou Tsai Chuang
  • Patent number: 6102283
    Abstract: A refuse container includes a plurality of walls defining an interior for containing refuse and a discharge opening and a refuse discharge guide adjacent the discharge opening. The refuse discharge guide moves between a first position in which the guide extends away from the opening into the interior for loading refuse and a second position in which the guide extends away from the opening underneath the interior for funneling refuse during unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Dirk C. Kann
  • Patent number: 6102284
    Abstract: A cradle for holding a wireless terminal. The cradle includes a lower spring-loaded leveling tray and an upper bracket including two spaced-apart retainers that allow one-handed access to the wireless terminal using an ergonomically safe push-down-and-tilt motion. Easy removal is enhanced by using an optical communication link between the cradle and the wireless terminal. The optical communication link allows an optional articulating keyboard to communicate with the wireless terminal when the wireless terminal is in the cradle. A battery charging terminal in the leveling tray charges the battery in the wireless terminal. The leveling tray is automatically locked when the wireless terminal is installed in the cradle. When the wireless terminal is in the cradle, a solenoid may be activated to open the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: LXE Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Myers, Charles A. Moore, Steven J. Meister, William Sims
  • Patent number: 6102285
    Abstract: A parking metering system where the metering device is maintained within the vehicle for external inspection by a parking control person, the metering device in one embodiment having a display screen and light keys for visually displaying parking rate information by zone and remaining time, the metering device accounting for monies by use of a prepurchased debit card or account settlement by service centers, and in another embodiment the metering device includes a radio transmitter for short distance transmission of rate data and time data to a parking control officer equipped with a pager-like receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Josef Elias
  • Patent number: 6102286
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for access control is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a keypad unit, proximity sensor, a card reader interface circuit, and a control circuit. The keypad unit displays a plurality of randomly generated symbols on a keyface which includes a plurality of keys. The keypad unit generates a signal representing one of the plurality of randomly generated symbols when a corresponding key on the keyface is activated. The proximity sensor senses the information encoded in a card held near the keypad unit. The proximity sensor is hidden within the keypad unit. The card reader interface circuit is coupled to the proximity sensor for reading the encoded information from the card. The control circuit is coupled to the keypad unit and the card reader interface circuit to convert the signal or the encoded information into an identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Hirsch Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald E. Hammond
  • Patent number: 6102287
    Abstract: An electronic payment system in which a buyer purchases a product by sending an electronic payment order to a seller is enhanced to provide product survey information. An additional entity, an evaluator, collects product survey information from buyers that have previously purchased products from the seller and provides product survey information to prospective buyers upon request. Various schemes are disclosed for allowing the evaluator to verify that a buyer providing product survey information has actually purchased the product from the seller. In one verification scheme, the buyer generates an authentication code as a one-way function of a randomly generated secret value and includes the authentication code in the payment order. When the buyer later provides survey information to the evaluator, it includes the secret value along with the survey information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen M. Matyas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6102288
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pledge lock for shopping trolleys and luggage trolleys, to be releasably attached to one another, the lock having a casing 1 attached to the first trolley and formed with an opening 1b for a pledge and an opening 1a for a coupling member, which is attached to the second trolley and kept locked by a closure bolt until the pledge has been inserted, the pledge being a card which during insertion moves a control member 3 which moves the closure bolt 4 out of the locking and into the unlocked position, the card having at least a first zone which can be bent out of the plane of the card in relation to the remaining, second card zone by a lock projection 14 extending into the card insertion path, said first zone when in the bent-out state impinging directly or via an intermediate member against a stop 3d of the control member, in order to move the control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Vendoret Holding S. A.
    Inventor: Horst Merchel
  • Patent number: 6102289
    Abstract: An easily findable 2-dimensional bar code is disclosed comprising a 2-dimensional bar code; and, a 1-dimensional bar code directly associated with the 2-dimensional bar code at a known distance and orientation with respect to a starting location of the 2-dimensional bar code whereby the 1-dimensional bar code acts as a locator for the 2-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the 1-dimensional bar code is incorporated as part of the 2-dimensional bar code into a hybrid bar code. The 1-dimensional bar code may contain information defining decoding of the 2-dimensional bar code. The 2-dimensional bar code may contain information supplemental to information in the 1-dimensional bar code. The 2-dimensional bar code may also contain information redundant to information in said 1-dimensional bar code. Further, the 1-dimensional bar code contains information required for decoding of the 2-dimensional bar code whereby a greater percentage of the 2-dimensional bar code is available to contain data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventor: Donn E. Gabrielson
  • Patent number: 6102290
    Abstract: A self-check apparatus is provided for processing a sales transaction of an article having an attached surveillance tag, each attached surveillance tag bearing a coded indicia such as a bar code. The self-checkout apparatus stores an indication of the articles which have been selected for purchase. When the surveillance tag is presented to the apparatus for deactivation, the bar code on the tag is scanned, and a check is made to verify that the surveillance tag is attached to an article which has been selected for purchase, and provided such verification is made, the surveillance tag is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Swartz, William Tracy
  • Patent number: 6102291
    Abstract: The apparatus of the invention consists of an ordinary laser scanner (such as for example those used for the reading of optical codes) in which the data obtained from the scanning are processed, for detecting the presence and the position, on a supply plane, of objects having heights even very different among themselves. The detection of the presence of an object, and its position, is carried out taking advantage of the luminous contrast between the surface of the same object and the bearing surface of the supply plane. The detection of the presence and the position of the object can be combined with the reading of an optical code positioned on the object. Furthermore, the use of a modulated light laser scanner, allows the implementation of the above mentioned operations with the measurement of the distance of the object from the same scanner, in this way calculating the overall encumbrance of the same object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Datalogic, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Mazzone
  • Patent number: 6102292
    Abstract: A method of compensating the edge positions of a signal generated by scanning elements of a bar code, the method including the steps of lighting the code and determining the light diffused by the code to generate in response a signal having a substantially alternating waveform defined by a sequence of high-amplitude portions separated by and joined to low-amplitude portions by steeply sloping edges of the waveform. A number of local minimum and maximum points of the waveform are determined to determine coordinates defining approximate edge positions. The coordinates are then corrected to generate modified coordinates, each relative to a corrected position of the edge compensating for any shift in the edge induced by blurring of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Datalogic S.p.A.
    Inventors: Rinaldo Zocca, Marco Bottazzi, Francesco Caselli, Claudio Saporetti
  • Patent number: 6102293
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an optical system for and a method of reading bar code symbols on a target by moving a laser beam directed toward the target in a scan across the symbol during a scan period that commences and ends at opposite scan end-limiting positions, respectively, of the scan. Power usage of the system is minimized by intermittently operating and energizing a light source during the scan period over a duty cycle prior to reading the symbol, to emit the laser beam for a working time period which is less than, and a fraction of, the scan period. The intermittent and cyclical nature of energizing the light source produces multiple images of the light beam on the symbol to visually enhance the aiming of a hand-held scanner at the symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Barkan, Paul Dvorkis
  • Patent number: 6102294
    Abstract: A light scanning system formed on a common substrate comprises a light scanner and a sensor. The light scanner scans light across a target. The sensor detects light reflected from the target and creates a signal representative of the detected light. The light scanner may include a light source and a deflector, such as a micro-machined scan module. The micro-machined scan module may comprise an electrode, a support mounted on the electrode, and a mirror element mounted at one end of the support, wherein a voltage applied between the electrode and mirror element bends the mirror element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies
    Inventors: Jerome Swartz, Miklos Stern, Joseph Katz, Yajun Li
  • Patent number: 6102295
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading optical symbols is disclosed, which employs defined erasure zones for grading symbols, and for permitting soft decisions to be made with respect to further processing of the symbols. The erasure zones are defined between nominal values within the range of nominal values for the measurable characteristics of the symbol elements which comprise the symbol. The measured actual values of the measurable characteristic are compared to the erasure zones. The number of symbol elements having measured actual values within any one of the erasure zones is used to determine the appropriate steps for further processing of the optical symbol. Measurable characteristics can include dimensions such as width, length, area, volume, as well as other optical characteristics such as color or hue, and shade or depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventor: Kenneth Yuji Ogami
  • Patent number: 6102296
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an integrated switch pad-aspirated sensor shroud for a vehicle climate control system, including: a switch pad including a base member; an opening defined through the base member through which opening ambient air may be drawn to flow across a temperature sensing element; a hinge member formed of one piece with the base member and extending therefrom; a sensor shroud formed of one piece with the hinge member, the sensor shroud being configured to provide a flow path for the ambient air; and the sensor shroud being attachable to a first element of the vehicle climate control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Chris Ralph Snider
  • Patent number: 6102297
    Abstract: An automatic modulating regulator device and method of operation for use with a non-electrical hot water heat source supplied by a pressurized water supply. The hot water heat source has a hot water circuit to pump hot water to heat exchange elements. The regulator device comprises a valve which when a power failure occurs changes to a normally open state. The regulator device is adapted to be connected to a hot water return conduit of the hot water circuit. A self-powered thermostatic valve is responsive to a temperature sensor and modulates the flow of hot water returned through the regulator device. A flow restrictor is connected downstream of the regulator device for releasing controlled quantities of water from the return hot water conduit to a drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Centre des technologies du gaz naturel
    Inventors: Henry Nachaj, Alain Hebert
  • Patent number: 6102298
    Abstract: An ultrasonic atomizer is provided including an ultrasonic vibrator, a reservoir, and a heat exchanger. The ultrasonic vibrator is connected to an amplifying section. The amplifying section has an exterior surface and a tip thereon. The amplifying section can be elongated and the amplifying section can be inclined at an angle that is preferably between about 5.degree. to 10.degree. from horizontal. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the exterior surface of the amplifying section. The reservoir contains a liquid. A pump can be located between the reservoir and the exterior surface of the amplifying section in order to assure a liquid flow rate of between about 10 to about 30 ml/min. The heat exchanger is provided in order to control the temperature and viscosity of the liquid. The liquid is directed to flow from the reservoir and over the exterior surface of the amplifying section to the tip. A feed tube having a dispensing end can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stephan Gary Bush, Robert Edward Stahley
  • Patent number: 6102299
    Abstract: An improved atomization fuel injector for an internal combustion engine includes an armature assembly including an injector needle reciprocable between a closed position and an open position; a needle seat for receiving the injector needle in the closed position, the needle seat including a central opening therethrough; an exit orifice disk disposed downstream of the needle seat; and an impinging jet atomizer disposed upstream of the exit orifice disk. A method of improving atomization of fuel in fuel injectors includes providing a fuel injector; adding fuel to the fuel injector; passing the fuel through a central opening in a seat of the fuel injector; separating the fuel into at least two channels; and directing at least two channels of fuel towards one another such that the channels of fuel collide with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Pace, Vernon R. Warner
  • Patent number: 6102300
    Abstract: A pocket size aromatherapy scent dispenser includes a flat casing defining a narrow cavity, a lid formed by an upper portion of the casing and a living hinge extending across the casing below the upper portion and pivotally connecting the lid to a remainder portion of the casing such that the lid can pivot about the living hinge between opened and closed positions relative to the remainder portion of the casing. The lid in the opened position is pivoted away from the remainder portion of the casing and opens an upper portion of the narrow cavity above the living hinge to an external environment. The lid in the closed position is disposed adjacent to the remainder portion of the casing and closes the upper portion of the cavity to the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Tony A. Bruckner, James V. Bruckner, Robert F. Gurnsey
  • Patent number: 6102301
    Abstract: A scent-handling device for attracting wild game includes a plug that snugly fits into either end of a receptacle to selectively place the scent-handling device in a sealed mode for tightly containing a scent inside the receptacle and a wide-open aerating mode for releasing the scent. The device includes several well thought out features that allow it to be inexpensively manufactured by way of a straightforward plastic injection molding process. A resilient clip extending sideways from the receptacle allows the clip and the receptacle to be injection molded together as a unitary piece without having to resort to a complicated mold having expensive side-action pulls. The clip includes several teeth that allow both the receptacle and the plug to be firmly fixed to various size branches or other items, thereby avoiding the problem of startling skittish animals with something dangling from the branch, or dangling while in transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Larry E. Tiedemann
  • Patent number: 6102302
    Abstract: A fuel injector (1) including a nozzle body (3) and a needle valve (4) liftably received in a nozzle body hole (21, 34) such that fuel flows to injection openings (16) of the nozzle body through a clearance between the nozzle body hole and needle valve. The clearance includes a larger clearance portion (37) and a smaller clearance portion (38) in series in a fuel flowing direction. The needle valve (4) has a collar (20) to almost plug the larger clearance portion (37) and a throttled fuel passage (22) is formed in the collar (20). Since the collar transversely extends in the larger clearance segment, it has a relatively large area subjected to the fuel pressure. Fuel pressure acts on this large area so that a large pressure difference is obtained across the collar during needle valve opening. Thus, it is possible to close the needle valve at a high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Terukazu Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6102303
    Abstract: A fuel injector has an internal heater energized during cold starting to reduce emissions, the heater being a ceramic hollow cylinder disposed within a valve body just upstream of a valve seat where fuel is injected through an orifice into the engine. Conductors for energizing the heater extend into the valve body and are sealed against the escape of pressurized fuel. In one version, the conductors extend through an O-ring to be sealed. In another version the conductors include pins extending through the valve body sidewall with glass seals fused to the valve body and the pins. The conductors may comprise flat foil strips clamped between the O-ring and an elastomeric washer. The conductors also may be molded into the magnetic coil bobbin and sealed where the conductors emerge into the fuel cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Bright, Jerry E. Nines, Michael J. Frick, Frank Zimmermann, Christoph Kendlbacher, John F. Nally, Jr., Wei-Min Ren
  • Patent number: 6102304
    Abstract: The plural component striping spray system and method involves mixing two spray components by pumping them under pressure from heated supply systems and converting them into a fine spray within a spray gun where they mix by impingement before being blown out through a common spray tip orifice. The initiation and termination of spray from the spray tip is controlled by a shutoff needle, and the design of the mixing chamber, needle and spray tip are such that no mixed material is allowed to stay in the spray gun to cure and freeze up the gun. When the components are a resin and a catalyst, pure catalyst is the first and last material sprayed from the spray gun.The system includes a recirculation system which can become operative when the operation of the spray gun is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Mark Rite Lines of Montana, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gonitzke, David E. Graves
  • Patent number: 6102305
    Abstract: Wheeled applicators for marking lines on various surfaces are detailed. Each applicator may include a head adapted to receive an aerosol dispenser containing line-marking fluid and a spray nozzle with a normally-closed valve. The head and dispenser further may be disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Chapman, Richard Edwards, Catherine J. Ripley, Roger John Peach, Barrington Hares
  • Patent number: 6102306
    Abstract: A nozzle for spraying deicing liquid onto surfaces lies flush with surfaces to prevent obstruction of surface treatment. The nozzles may be integral nozzles formed with the surface and may have relief channels designed to spread spray into a stream or a flatter pattern by adsorption of the streaming spray to the relief channel. The nozzles may be adapted for mounting and have an alignment base. An integral check valve and a flow switch are provided in the system. Additionally, either combined with the movement of the nozzle assembly or independently, a pump is regulated to vary the substance flow and pressure to get the desired spray distance and droplet size. Different programs may drive the nozzle and pump assembly depending on the target surface and rheology of the substance under the conditions to be sprayed. The nozzle may be of composite material, stainless or other metal, cast or molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Odin Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Ask, Tom Ask
  • Patent number: 6102307
    Abstract: A load strut for divergent master petals of variable geometry nozzles, of the type which exhibit a control system constituted by three ring-like pieces, the external ring piece being divided into two half-rings, which joins the two half-rings and the corresponding divergent master petal, and which may comprise two bars joined at one end by means of spherical or universal joints to the external ring, and joined to one another, by means of a cylindrical joint, substantially perpendicular to the plane which contains the center lines of both bars and by a divergent master petal-binding transition piece, joined to the two bars by means of cylindrical joints, with sufficient clearance to allow the changes in distance between the ends of the two bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Industria de Turbo Propulsores, S.A.
    Inventors: Javier Elorriaga, Luis Martin, Daniel Ikaza
  • Patent number: 6102308
    Abstract: A firefighting nozzle has a low-turbulence liquid flow channel that is directed outwardly by a baffle. Surrounding the flow channel is an annular concentrate chamber. The concentrate chamber leads from a concentrate inlet to a concentrate entry port on a rearward wall opposed to the baffle. Liquid flowing past the baffle draws concentrate through the concentrate entry port into the flow. The concentrate and liquid subsequently mix to produce fire-fighting foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Task Force Tips, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Steingass, David Kolacz
  • Patent number: 6102309
    Abstract: A method and a device for gentle continuous mixing of a droplet dispersion with a liquid are described, wherein the liquid is injected into the droplet dispersion in the form of a plurality of fine liquid jets, such that the kinetic energy of the liquid jets is dissipated at a short distance from the injection point and further mixing is effected by circulating flow generated in the vessel and exhibiting shear rates of less than 20/s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesselschaft
    Inventors: Christine Maul, Matthias Stenger, Jorg Tofahrn, Michael Van Teeffelen
  • Patent number: 6102310
    Abstract: An in-line grinder has been developed which can be configured to perform in a variety of applications through the use of an adjustable rotor/stator assembly, removable shear bar, and a variety of interchangeable stator-rotor configurations. A unique drive system utilizing a mechanical seal cartridge provides maximum sealing with a minimum of shaft deflection and run-out, thereby improving performance. These improvements collectively allow the grinder to be configured for optimum sizing of solids to a predetermined particle size for a broad range of materials. It has been demonstrated that a class of in-line grinders such as that described herein is applicable for sizing drill cuttings for injection into a subsurface formation by way of an annular space formed in a wellbore. The cuttings are removed from the drilling fluid, conveyed to a shearing and grinding system that converts the cuttings into a viscous slurry with the addition of water and viscosity enhancing polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Ricky W. Davenport
  • Patent number: 6102311
    Abstract: A waste substance is crushed and separated into a crushed waste metallic substance and a crushed waste non-metallic substance by the crushing in the fine adjustment in mm unit and striking by hammers, and then discharged out of a shredder through box-shaped spaces having an inclined plane of an inclined upper shredder damper rocking by the fine adjustment in mm unit of the shredder. Thereby the waste substance is crushed and separated securely and efficiently, and the crushed waste metallic substance in 2-5 mm unit and the crushed waste non-metallic substance can be manufactured in the state that they are valuable as articles of commerce and can be effectively utilized as resources. When the crushed waste metallic substance is supplied to a furnace, the melting speed can be improved and the fuel cost necessary for the melting can be saved. Also the invention contributes to prevention of abuses such as environmental pollution by soot and smoke and the contamination of the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Fujikawa Kinzoku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 6102312
    Abstract: A rotary hammer mill for breaking, cutting and crushing frangible or fracturable solid materials. The hammer is formed by a shaft rotatable about a horizontal, longitudinal axis. A plurality of swinging hammers are aligned along the shaft and each is positioned in a separate vertical plane for partial swinging movement about its own pivot axis parallel to and spaced from the shaft axis. The hammer mill is adapted for mounting on a self-propelled, dirigible vehicle and is capable of breaking, cutting and crushing a wide variety of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: David H. Aberle
  • Patent number: 6102313
    Abstract: A roll of sheet material, such as plastic film wrap, having an inner layer wound at low tension and an outer layer wound under greater tension provides a coreless roll. Eliminating the need for a core reduces the cost of producing rolls of sheet material, and reduces the weight and outer dimensions of the roll with a consequent reduction in shipping and storage costs. An apparatus and method for producing such a roll, from a pre-wound master roll or as part of a production line for forming the sheet material, involves varying the longitudinal tension applied to sheet material as it is wound onto an expandable mandrel. After the roll has cured, the mandrel is collapsed and disengaged from the roll to provide a coreless roll. The mater roll can be prestretched prior to forming the coreless roll, if desired, and can be prestretched as a step in the formation of the coreless roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Saltech Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Salzsauler, Edward R. Salzsauler, Richard G. Salzsauler
  • Patent number: 6102314
    Abstract: A fishing reel front section includes a support shaft extending along an axis and configured for reciprocal movement along the axis, a spool supported by the support shaft and a drum rotatably supported about the spool. The spool includes a peripheral groove configured to store fishing line, a front flange on a first side of the groove, a rear flange on a second opposite side of the groove and a rear skirt extending from the rear flange and terminating at a rear edge. The drum includes a body, first and second diametrically opposed retrieval arms extending forward from the body and a bail arm coupled to ends of the first and second retrieval arms. Each retrieval arm has a base proximate the body and an opposite end. The first and second retrieval arms define a fishing line retrieval side and a fishing line casting side on opposite sides of a plane parallel to the axis and intersecting the first and second retrieval arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Mitchell Sports
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Marlot, Alain Plestan
  • Patent number: 6102315
    Abstract: A master gear 11 for a spinning reel transmits a rotational torque of a handle assembly 1 to a rotor 3 via a pinion gear 12. The master gear 11 includes a master gear shaft 10, a gear attachment portion 11a, and a gear member 11b. The master gear shaft 10 is rotatably supported by a reel main body 2 at both ends thereof, and has a first female screw portion 10b and a second female screw portion 10d formed on both end surfaces thereof. The gear attachment portion 11a includes a flange portion 11d which is formed on an inward position with respect to a portion of the gear attachment portion 11a at which rotation of the master gear shaft 10 is supported. The gear member 11b includes a disk portion 11e and a face gear portion 11f. The disk portion 11e is non-rotatably coupled to the flange portion 11d of the gear attachment portion 11a. The face gear portion 11f is formed on an outer peripheral portion of the disk portion 11b, and is adapted to couple with the pinion gear 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Sato
  • Patent number: 6102316
    Abstract: A dual speed fishing reel having a housing with a spool on a spool shaft, a driven gear on the spool shaft and having a low speed pinion and a high speed pinion, a drive shaft, a low speed drive gear for engaging the low speed pinion and a high speed drive gear for engaging the high speed pinion, with the drive gears carried on the drive shaft, with one of the drive gears fixed to the drive shaft for rotation by the drive shaft and with the other of the drive gears riding on the drive shaft independent of rotation of the drive shaft, with the high speed drive gear engageable with the low speed drive gear, and a gear shift for moving the low speed drive gear into and out of engagement with the high speed drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: David C. Nilsen
    Inventor: Douglas H. Nilsen
  • Patent number: 6102317
    Abstract: A fishing reel comprises a rigid housing, made from the assembly of several parts, and covered with a waterproof flexible casing, except for the openings for access for mechanical parts and the foot. A cover pinches the casing around the front opening for access for the main reel shaft. The foot pinches the casing around a fastening tenon for the foot. Some plugs ensure waterproofing by pinching the casing around the openings for access for the crank shaft. Therefore, the housing provides effective waterproofing by protecting the gear mechanism in the cavity of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Mitchell Sports
    Inventors: Jean Bernard, Alain Plestan
  • Patent number: 6102318
    Abstract: The magnetic tape cassette (20) wherein a closing lid unit (27) which covers a front side of the cassette main body (24) consists of three lid plates, an outer lid (29), a top lid (30) and an inner lid (31) has a structure wherein top ends of the inner lid guide grooves (35) open wide to an upper surface of the cassette main body (24) so that the inner lid slide pins (31c) of the inner lid (31) can be fitted in the inner lid guide grooves (35) from the upper side of the cassette main body (24). Slits (40a) and (40b) are provided at both ends of the top lid plate (30a) of the top lid (30) so as to facilitate flexibility of the outer lid linking portions (30b) and arm portions (30c) to be bent outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoo Morita, Katsuki Asano, Kazuo Hiraguchi
  • Patent number: 6102319
    Abstract: A fishing line removal device and method is shown with two frustoconical spool portions, each having a larger diameter end and a smaller diameter end, and being arranged on a rod with the smaller diameter ends of the two spool portions contacting each other. A free end of a fishing line is trapped between the smaller diameter ends of the two frustoconical spool portions, and the spool portions are then locked in position on the rod. When the rod is rotated as a unit with the two frustoconical spool portions and the free end of the fishing line trapped between the smaller diameter ends of the two spool portions, a neat, compact and donut-shaped bundle of fishing line is formed around the tapered outer peripheral surfaces of the two frustoconical spool portions. Removal of one of the spool portions from the rod allows removal of the donut-shaped bundle of fishing line for reuse or recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Annabel, Beverly Annabel