Patents Issued in August 22, 2000
  • Patent number: 6105428
    Abstract: A sensor has an electrode (120) that is movable along three mutually perpendicular axes (10, 11, 12). The sensor also has stationary over-travel limiting structures that restrict the movement of the electrode (120) along the three axes (10, 11, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Schmiesing, Guang X. Li, Juergen A. Foerstner, Muh-Ling Ger, Paul L. Bergstrom, Frank A. Shemansky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6105429
    Abstract: An acoustic test assembly for testing an underwater vehicle includes a high pressure source joined by a high pressure pipe which extends into a fluid filled testing structure. A vibration shielding flange is joined to the sting structure wall where the flange supports the high pressure pipe. At least one acoustic barrier is positioned around the pipe inside the testing structure to isolate vibrations from the high pressure pipe. In further detail, the high pressure pipe is a pipe surrounded by thermal insulation and a sleeve preventing fluid from affecting the insulation. The acoustic barrier has a barrier joined by spacer means to the sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Neil J. Dubois
  • Patent number: 6105430
    Abstract: An acoustic travel time tomography system enables determining of physical properties of a dam, or a like concrete mass. The system includes a plurality of acoustic sensors, positioned on the dam at a plurality of spaced sensor locations which are known relative to each other, for producing output data responsive to the detection thereby of acoustic waves generated in the dam. An impact source produces an impact at an impact location which is known relative to the sensor locations so as to generate acoustic waves in the dam for detection by the sensors. A data processing unit acquires output data from the sensors produced responsive to acoustic waves generated by the impact source and analyzes this output data, together with data related to the relative locations of the sensors and the impact source, to determine physical properties of the dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventors: William F. Kepler, Leonard J. Bond
  • Patent number: 6105431
    Abstract: A plate (12) or pipe wall is inspected by coupling an ultrasonic transducer (14, 16) to its surface so as to generate a compression wave or lateral wave (26) along the surface and a shear wave or head wave (28) along the surface and a shear wave or head wave (28) at the shear-compression critical angle (.theta..sub.c) The same transducer (14, 16), or an additional transducer (15, 16) also coupled to the surface, detects a series of ultrasonic peaks corresponding to each generated ultrasonic pulse. Each such detected peak corresponds to ultrasonic energy traveling, partly as lateral waves (26, 32) on one surface or the other, and partly as head waves (28, 30) crossing a certain number of times between the surfaces. The transducers (14, 15) may be over 0.5 m apart, and substantially all the intervening parts of the plate (12) are inspected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Aea Technology PLC
    Inventors: Colin Duffill, Maurice Geoffrey Silk
  • Patent number: 6105432
    Abstract: The contact tester of the present invention includes: a holding mechanism for holding a disk and rotating integrally with the disk, an arm driving for driving an arm which supports a slider, the slider is provided with a head for recording/reproducing information on/from the disk. In addition, a first vibration detection element for detecting contact between the slider and the disk is provided. Furthermore, a signal transmission for transmitting an output signal of the first vibration detection element and a signal analysis for analyzing the output signal transmitted via the signal transmission are provided, where the first vibration detection element is mounted at a position where a vibration of the arm is not detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Taniguchi, Yoshihiro Ueno, Kaoru Matsuoka, Masaru Nakakita
  • Patent number: 6105433
    Abstract: A shaker table assembly for a test chamber is provided. The shaker table assembly comprises a table mechanism having a first side for mounting a product to be tested and a second side substantially opposite the first side. A first vibration mechanism is mounted to the second side of the table mechanism and a second vibration mechanism is mounted to the second side of the table mechanism wherein the first vibration mechanism is constructed differently from the second vibration mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Qualmark Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Hess
  • Patent number: 6105434
    Abstract: The invention is an acceleration-compensated pressure transducer having only one signal crystal array joined by two masses and connecting elements to an inner part having a flange. The installation housing of the pressure transducer is joined to the flange and touches the inner part of the pressure transducer at no other point. Hence, the inner part constitutes a freely vibrating element, which with the masses and the stiffnesses optimized, measures only the pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: K.K. Holding AG
    Inventor: Paul Engeler
  • Patent number: 6105435
    Abstract: An improved door closure indicator is provided. The indicator operates on pressure levels read within a pressurized chamber rather than from proximity switches coupled between the chamber and the door. If the door seals to the chamber, pressure within the chamber will quickly change, and the change will be read on a pressure sensor indicative of the door closure. According to one example, the chamber can comprise a vacuum chamber and the pressure sensor can be a vacuum monitor. Once vacuum is detected, it is determined with more absolutism that the door is actually closed rather than having to rely upon switch operation and/or alignment of the door activation mechanism to proximity switches arranged on the chamber housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: Norman L. French, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6105436
    Abstract: The disclosed pressure transducer assembly includes a body, a diaphragm, an insulating member, a conductor, a compressed member, and a support member. The body defines an interior cavity. The diaphragm is mounted in the body and divides the interior cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. A portion of the diaphragm moves in a first direction in response to a pressure in the first chamber being greater than a pressure in the second chamber, and that portion of the diaphragm moves in a second direction opposite the first direction in response to the pressure in the second chamber being greater than the pressure in the first chamber. The conductor is disposed on the insulating member. The insulating member is disposed within the first chamber so that the conductor and the diaphragm form plates of a capacitor. The compressed member is disposed in the first chamber and generates a force that biases the insulating member towards the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Jeffrey Lischer, Steven D. Blankenship
  • Patent number: 6105437
    Abstract: The pressure transducer comprises a pressure connection (2) and a tube-shaped housing (22) that is securely attached at its lower end section (24) to the pressure connection. Arranged in the interior of the housing (22) are a pressure sensor (6) carried by the pressure connection (2) and a circuit arrangement (8). An interface module (18) is attached at the upper end section (26) of the housing (22), the connection between the interface module (18) and the upper end section (26) being effected by means of a locking ring (32) that is locked to the housing (22) and that is either integral with the interface module (18) or that carries a union nut (46) that secures the interface module (18) to the locking ring (32). During manufacture of the pressure transformer, the housing (22) is attached to the pressure connection (2) before the interface module (18) is brought into electrical contact with the circuit arrangement (8) and before it is connected mechanically to the housing (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Wika Alexander Wiegand GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Arno Klug, Joachim Ciba
  • Patent number: 6105438
    Abstract: A force measurement device that includes a lower support platform. An upper support platform is positioned in spaced relation above the lower support platform. A plurality of members also connects the lower support platform and the upper support platform. On each connecting member there is a load cell, which indicates changes in stress in the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gieseke
  • Patent number: 6105439
    Abstract: The axial thrust exerted on a rotating shaft, such as the shaft of a turbomachine rotor, is measured by a device comprising a resilient washer sandwiched between two flange members disposed around the shaft so that the axial thrust will cause axial compression of the washer between the two flange members, and displacement-measurement probes secured to a fixed structure for measuring the displacements of the flange members so that the axial thrust can be determined from the difference between the displacements and corresponding to the change in thickness of the resilient washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Hispano Suiza
    Inventor: Christian Marie Michel Roger
  • Patent number: 6105440
    Abstract: Portable air sampling systems and methods are provided for intermittently sampling air in the breathing zone of a person over extended periods of time. Air sampling system performance can be continuously measured and recorded within a data logger. In addition, physical activity levels of a person wearing a portable air sampling system can be continuously monitored and recorded within the data logger. Air sampling system performance monitoring includes measuring pressure drop across a filter and measuring temperature of air flowing through the filter. Physical activity levels of a person can be monitored easily and non-intrusively by measuring changes in electrical capacitance of a transducer maintained in close proximity to the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Research Triangle Institute
    Inventor: Philip A. Lawless
  • Patent number: 6105441
    Abstract: A sampler assembly and a method of collecting a sample of a process are disclosed. The sampler assembly includes a lid subassembly and a housing body subassembly. The housing body subassembly includes a housing body that accommodates different sizes and shapes of collection bottles. The housing body includes lateral and axial adjustment devices with bottle engaging pads with surfaces that contact and support the collection bottle. The adjustment devices may be either manually or automatically adjusting components, and may be adjusted for any type of collection bottle. The lid subassembly includes a lid, a bracket coupled to the lid for supporting the sampler assembly, a plug disposed in the lid, a supply line and a vent line. The housing body subassembly includes a housing body releasable coupled to the lid, lateral and axial adjustment devices, and a shield to protect the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: David B. Conner, Antonio M. Mendez, Greg T. Slemons, Calvin W. Whiddon
  • Patent number: 6105442
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering fluids at a precisely controlled rate which comprises a fluid dispensing component having a fluid reservoir for containing the fluids to be delivered and a reservoir fill component which can be removably interconnected with the fluid dispensing component. The dispensing component can be used for the precise infusion of pharmaceutical fluids to an ambulatory patient at controlled rates. The reservoir fill assembly is uniquely designed to accept a vial component of conventional construction which is partially received within a novel adapter subassembly that can readily be removably interconnected with the fluid dispensing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Science Incorporated
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Steven M. Arnold, James Garrison, Farhad Kazemzadeh
  • Patent number: 6105443
    Abstract: There is provided a method for measuring a sound absorption power of a theater chair with a human being seated thereon. The method includes steps of disposing a theater chair which is an object of measurement in a measuring environment; disposing a dummy sound absorber in the theater chair, the dummy sound absorber having a shape in which it is in contact with the theater chair, a sound absorption power and a chair pressing force in such a manner that the dummy sound absorber simulates a human being seated on the theater chair; causing changes in the theater chair which changes are substantially equivalent to a change in the state of the theater chair caused when a human being gets seated on the chair and a change in the sound absorption power of the theater chair caused by seating of the human being thereon; and measuring the sound absorption power of the theater chair. There is also provided a dummy sound absorber used for carrying out this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Sakai, Kawakami Fukushi
  • Patent number: 6105444
    Abstract: A noise tester for testing an operating noise level of an indoor air conditioner includes a casing which is installed between an assembly line for assembling the air conditioner unit, and a packing line for packing the assembled unit. The casing includes a bottom section and a cover removably mounted on the bottom section for opening the casing and permitting a unit to be introduced therein. A receiving part is disposed in the bottom section for receiving a unit from the assembly line when the cover is open, and for transferring the unit to the packing line after the testing has been performed. A test mechanism is provided for testing and operating noise level of a unit disposed in the casing with the cover closed. The test mechanism includes a microphone disposed within the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-jin Cha, Doo-nam Myung
  • Patent number: 6105445
    Abstract: In a method of obtaining an error signal (15) in a positioning device (1), with which a tool (4) is positioned relative to target object (3), the tool's (4) acceleration in the direction of at least one of the tool's motion components is recorded with at least one sensor (10), and the target object's (3) acceleration in the direction of at least one of the target object's motion components, in which the tool's (4) acceleration is also recorded, is also recorded with at least one sensor (12). A differential signal is formed from the accelerations of the tool (4) and the target object (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum fur Luftund Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventor: Lucio Flavio Campanile
  • Patent number: 6105446
    Abstract: For the measuring of saw blades there is created a measuring device which has a receptacle for the turnable bearing of a saw blade as well as a measuring spindle which, with respect to the saw blade, is held adjustable and is born swingably about an axis parallel to the saw blade axis. On the measuring spindle there are arranged two measuring edges which together enclose an angle and are emplaceable on the cutting surface and on the release surface of a tooth. The measuring spindle has a low inertia moment and a friction-free bearing. This arrangement of components permits a simple and dependable execution of the measurement, even by inexperienced personnel, and the measurements of saw blades with different tooth sizes or states of wearing-down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Walter AG
    Inventor: Harry Rein
  • Patent number: 6105447
    Abstract: The invention provides an eccentric wherein the amplitude of reciprocation, or throw, is continuously variable, during operation, from zero to a maximum. This represents an improvement over adjustable eccentric devices in the prior art insofar as the conventional devices needed to be shut down and physically reconfigured to adjust the throw of the reciprocating arm. The invention will be of use in many functions, including precision farming applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Orville J. Linn
  • Patent number: 6105448
    Abstract: An actuating device for automatically actuating a manual transmission, which has an output element that can be driven in a first direction by a first drive and in a second direction by a second drive. Each drive is assigned a sensor which displays an actuating movement and detects a movement if the output element and whose signals are fed to a control device. In the case of a movement of the output element the sensors output to the control device signals assigned to this movement, the signals specifying the respective magnitude of the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Udo Borschert, Mario Buhner, Lutz Leimbach, Jens Dorfschmid
  • Patent number: 6105449
    Abstract: A control for enhanced manual shifting in a computer-assisted (48) vehicular splitter-type compound transmission (16) having a synchronized main section (16A) shifted by a manually operated shift lever (31) and a controller (42). The splitter section (16B) is located at the input end of the transmission, is provided with a three-position (L, H, N) actuator (46), and is commanded to a splitter-neutral position upon sensing an intent for a main section shift to neutral and remains in splitter neutral until the main section is reengaged to reduce the forces required to synchronize the main section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Genise, Paul J. Mason, Thomas R. Bockelmann
  • Patent number: 6105450
    Abstract: A speed change device, preferably for a power tool, may include a first drive gear and a second drive gear mounted on a drive shaft, and may include a first driven gear and a second driven gear mounted on a driven shaft. When the second drive gear is in a first position, a first gear portion of the second drive gear engages the second driven gear, so that the rotational energy of the drive shaft is transmitted to the driven shaft via a first transmission path through the second drive gear and the second driven gear. When the second drive gear is in a second position, a second gear portion of the second drive gear engages the first drive gear, so that the rotational energy of the drive shaft is transmitted to the driven shaft via a second transmission path through the second drive gear, the first drive gear and the first driven gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Sasaki, Yukihiko Yamada
  • Patent number: 6105451
    Abstract: A hollow cylinder is fastened at its outer circumference when the cylindrical interior jacket is to be utilized for a treatment process. To produce this fastening, provision is made according to the invention for surrounding the end of the hollow cylinder by an elastic ring, said ring being pressed against the outer circumference of the hollow cylinder by a clamping disk that is annular and surrounds the hollow cylinder, said disk in turn being nonrotatably connected with the drive unit. The drive unit can then consist exclusively of a bearing ring connected by a gear at its outer circumference with a drive pinion of a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Fleissner GmbH & Co., Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Gerold Fleissner
  • Patent number: 6105452
    Abstract: A locking assembly for a selector lever of an automatic gearbox. A the locking device acts upon a transmission member situated between the selector lever and the automatic gearbox. The selector lever is connected in a first gear-shift gate to the transmission member, and the locking device then acts upon the transmission member and secures it in its current position when the selector lever has left the first gear-shift gate and is no longer connected to the transmission member. In addition, a longitudinal locking assembly, which holds the selector lever in pre-set positions during its longitudinal movement in the first gear shift gate, is provided for the selector lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.f. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Ernesto Bravo
  • Patent number: 6105453
    Abstract: A control system for an automatic vehicle transmission having a parking lever provided at a position close to the vehicle operator seat of the vehicle to be manipulated by the vehicle operator and mechanically connected to a parking mechanism connected to the transmission output shaft, for enabling to operate the parking mechanism to lock the output shaft such that a parking range is established, and a range selector comprising an electric switch provided at a position close to the vehicle operator and electrically connected to a hydraulic mechanism of the automatic transmission such that any of the other gear ranges can be selected by the vehicle operator, thereby enlarging free space around the vehicle operator seat by removing the console-type range selector, without needing an actuator such as an electric motor for moving the manual valve or the parking mechanism so as to eliminate the problem when the on-board battery is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Ooyama, Takamichi Shimada
  • Patent number: 6105454
    Abstract: A robot arm system (8) includes a multiple link robot arm mechanism (10) mounted at a shoulder axis (16) to a torso link (12) that is capable of 360-degree rotation about a torso axis (14). The robot arm mechanism couples an upper arm (15) and a forearm (22) to a hand (30) that is capable of linear or radial motion relative to the shoulder axis. The robot arm system minimizes its moment of inertia by arranging first (50), second (52), and third (92) motors triaxially about the torso axis to permit rapid movement of the hand. The first motor is coupled through endless belts (55, 68) to rotate the forearm about an elbow axis (24), the second motor is coupled through an endless belt (74) to rotate the upper arm about the shoulder axis, and the third motor rotates the torso link about the torso axis. A motor controller (100) operates in at least three operational states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Kensington Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bacchi, Paul S. Filipski
  • Patent number: 6105455
    Abstract: A controlled relative motion system comprising a base support, a pivot holder and a plurality of pivoting links with the pivoting links rotatably coupled to both the base support and to members of the pivot holder to rotate about axes which extend in different directions for each of these rotatable couplings in a link, typically in accord with specific geometrical arrangements, and in different directions from similar axes in another of such links. Such systems can incorporate a variety of force imparting members to control movements of various ones of the pivoting links or pivot holder members. The pivoting links can be bent, and the pivot holder members can be hinged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Ross-Hime Designs, Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark E. Rosheim
  • Patent number: 6105456
    Abstract: A steering intermediate shaft has an inner shaft member and an outer tube member so engaged with each other as to be capable of transmitting rotation and to be slidable in an axial direction. The outer tube member includes slits so formed at one end as to extend in the axial direction. An annular fastening member is provided at a portion of the outer tube member formed with the slits to exert a fastening action inwards in a radial direction. The fastening member includes a disengagement preventing member for preventing the outer tube member from disengaging from the inner shaft member against an axial force within a predetermined value by engaging with the inner shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoharu Higashino, Sakae Matsumoto, Shinichi Fuchigami, Shoji Oka
  • Patent number: 6105457
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a self-adjusting device that equalizes the length for pull ropes which activate parts of motor vehicles, particularly for locking latches of motor vehicle seats, with a spring-loaded tension element. The spring-loaded tension element is formed by a pivoting lever which is guided on a support, so that its longitudinal position may be shifted and so as to be capable of being pivoted, which exhibits two terminal areas that are entwined by the pull rope. Due to the use of a tension spring, one terminal area abuts a stop, from which it may be lifted up as the force of the tension spring is overcome, and swiveled to make contact with an opposing stop, when tractile force is applied to the pull rope. The stop and opposing stop exhibit contact surfaces that run parallel to one another, and which extend across the pathway of longitudinal shift. Between the two entwined terminal areas of the pivoting lever, provision is made for an area of entwinement in a fixed location on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Sitztechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Strasser
  • Patent number: 6105458
    Abstract: This terminal can be attached to an open cavity (27) of a dividing wall (60) by fixing one sheath end (26) of a control cable formed of a sheathed steel cable (7). The terminal includes a fixing body (1), a terminal body (6) and a retaining body (3) which can be attached to each other coaxially. In order to fix the terminal to the open cavity (27) the terminal further includes a stem (44), a spring (49) and a retaining pin (52) which can be moved by the user and has two working positions: a first position in which the stem (44) can slide in both directions in a fixing cavity (34); and a second position in which the stem (44) is immobilized once its free end (48) is fitted in a fixing orifice (61) of the dividing wall (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Fico Cables, S.A.
    Inventors: Jordi Casas Gomila, Ramon Morera Milan
  • Patent number: 6105459
    Abstract: A cable lock and release apparatus significantly reduces release efforts in cable lock mechanisms, as used in parking brake systems of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a cable actuator (20) rotatably disposed on a cable actuator shaft (26) and having a cable (22) attached to it. The cable actuator (20) includes a sector (28) having a plurality of sector teeth (30). A pawl member (32) includes a slotted pawl aperture (36) allowing rotation and translation of the pawl member about a pawl member shaft (31). A pawl tooth (34) is disposed on the pawl member for engagement with the plurality of sector teeth. A release means is provided for maintaining the pawl tooth in an engaged relationship with the plurality of sector teeth with the cable in the high tension position and releasing the pawl tooth from the engaged relationship with the plurality of sector teeth allowing the cable to return to the low tension position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Thomas Jackson Troiano
  • Patent number: 6105460
    Abstract: A handgrip is adapted to be sleeved on a tubular end of a handlebar of a bicycle, and includes a plastic elongated molded grip body. The grip body has an outer circumferential wall with a metacarpal portion and a proximate phalangeal portion respectively corresponding to anatomically contact areas of a human hand when the hand grips the grip body. The metacarpal portion has a cutout portion proximate to the proximate phalangeal portion. The cutout portion is elongated in the axial direction, and extends radially to communicate with an inner circumferential wall of the grip body. An annular shoulder portion is disposed inwardly from the cutout portion and radially toward the outer circumferential wall so as to define an annular insertion groove. A hollow flexible pad member includes a pad body which is inserted retainingly into the cutout portion. The pad body has an upper portion protruding outwardly of the outer circumferential wall to provide comfort to the metacarpal portion of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Cheng-Tao Li
  • Patent number: 6105461
    Abstract: A control unit for adjusting heating, air conditioning, and/or ventilation equipment in motor vehicles has turning knobs (5, 6) and the cam wheels (13, 14) which are connected together. There are adjusting levers (10, 11, 12), with each being mounted by means of two bearing pins (15, 16) in a base part (3), and each adjusting arm (10, 11, 12) being structured as a two-armed lever with one lever arm (17, 18, 19) engaging in a three-dimensional cam plate (20, 21, 22) of the cam wheel (13, 14) in a swivel plane E. Between the lever arm (17, 18, 19) and the three-dimensional cam plate (20, 21, 22), a barrel-shaped or spherical follower element (23) is positioned that cooperates with radial motion-causing walls (24, 25) of the three-dimensional cam plate (20, 21, 22). A control unit of this invention is structured to be space saving, easier and less expensive to produce, and to function in an improved manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Bauer, Joachim Storath, Walter Voll
  • Patent number: 6105462
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly is provided for attaching a shoe thereto via a cleat. The bicycle pedal has a pedal body rotatably coupled to the second end of the pedal shaft for supporting a cyclist's foot. The pedal body preferably has a pair clamping members pivotally coupled thereto. Each of the clamping members has a front cleat engagement portion and a rear cleat engagement portion for engaging the cleat. A biasing member is coupled between the pedal body and each of the clamping members. The front cleat engagement portion of each of the clamping members is designed to hold to cleat above the upper support surface of the pedal body. The rear cleat engagement portion of each clamping member is designed to pivot rearwardly upon a twisting movement between the cleat and the pedal body. The rear cleat engagement portion of each clamping member has a central portion and two side portions. The side portions have cleat guide surfaces that engage complimentary cleat guide surfaces of the cleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yutaka Ueda
  • Patent number: 6105463
    Abstract: A casing adapted for use in carrying a transmission or transaxle assembly. The casing includes a main casing section having an opening and a cap disposed over the opening wherein the cap and the main casing section are adapted for snap fit engagement. In a first embodiment, the main casing section has a first lip formed around the perimeter of the opening and the cap has a second lip wherein the first and second lips are adapted for snap fit engagement. In a second embodiment, the main casing section has a lip formed around the perimeter of the opening and the cap comprises a plurality of clips wherein the lip and the plurality of clips are adapted for snap fit engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Ronald Sporrer
  • Patent number: 6105464
    Abstract: A housing for an axle driving apparatus which is partitioned therein through an inner wall into a first chamber for housing therein a hydrostatic transmission and a second chamber for housing therein a drive train for transmitting power outputted from the hydrostatic transmission to axles. An oil filter is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are filled with oil which can flow between the first chamber and the second chamber through an oil filter, whereby the volume of oil, which varies as the temperature of the oil in the first chamber rises or lowers, can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6105465
    Abstract: Positive acting differentials of the type having toothed drivers and couplers which automatically connect the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet releases one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. In assemblies of the type wherein the axles are retained in the assembly by a C clip, at least one driver is slotted so as to provide space for the insertion of C clip during assembly. This allows selection of the driver and coupler thicknesses without being restricted by the possible positions of the C clip groove in the axles during assembly, and reduces wear in the driver and coupler teeth by eliminating asymmetry between the engaging drivers and couplers. Preferred and some alternate embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Vehicular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Tyson, Valentine Cucu, Peter A. Dickey
  • Patent number: 6105466
    Abstract: A band saw blade tensioning machine with a tensioning station for rolling tension into the band saw blade and a measuring station disposed above the saw blade for recording the curvature across the band saw blade while this is travelling freely from an elevated point to the measuring site. Rollers are disposed opposite each other with curved surfaces and a device for simultaneously pressing the rollers against the upper and lower side of the band saw blade to roll tension into the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Walter Oppliger
  • Patent number: 6105467
    Abstract: A method of increasing the length of time a tool maintains sharp cutting edges utilizes the steps of manufacturing the tool with the cutting edges ground sharp and then partially dulling, to a lighter or heavier extent, those previously ground sharp cutting edges. Often the partial dulling is accomplished by means of applying a brush wheel to the selected cutting edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: David A. Baker
  • Patent number: 6105468
    Abstract: A multi-purpose closure opener for use with a variety of containers including twist-top bottles, vacuum-sealed jars and tab-top cans. A rigid elongated main body supports a twist-top opening section, a jar lid opening section and a tab-top can closure opening section for convenient opening of a selected one of these several containers in a single unitary construction. The twist-top opening section allows engagement of at least two bottle cap types, while the tab-top can closure opening section is designed to engage a variety of different sized and shaped tabs. The jar lid opening section permits easy jar lid seal-breaking convenience on the same opener. A magnet secured to the elongated body allows the opener to be mounted for storage on a kitchen appliance, such as a refrigerator, having a metal surface, or other suitable metal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: The Pampered Chef, Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott R. Fohrman, Kevin M. Hess
  • Patent number: 6105469
    Abstract: An elongated handle has a grip at a first end thereof, and a head at a second end thereof. The head comprises a plate having a leading edge and a trailing edge. Teeth for ripping building material are provided at the leading edge. The plate is planar except for the teeth which have tapered ends. A wedge-shaped wing is disposed along each of the side edges, extending outwardly from a second side of the plate and forming a perpendicular angle with the plate. A fulcrum for leverage is formed by ears which extend through a plane of the plate, and which connect to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Mark S. Gracy
  • Patent number: 6105470
    Abstract: A motorized shingle removing hand tool comprising a blade assembly shiftable between a normal extended position and a retracted position. The blade assembly is biased to its normal extended position and is shifted to its retracted position by a motor driven cam which thereafter allows the blade assembly to be driven to its extended position by the biasing mechanism. The tool comprises a base on which the motor is mounted. The blade assembly comprises a blade and its support mechanism which is mounted in bushing blocks affixed to the base. The base is provided with an openable cover to keep the motor, the cam, the blade support mechanism, the biasing elements and the bushings free from dirt and foreign material. The tool includes an adjustable handle and an actuating trigger with an associated variable speed control switch, and a carrying strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Robert J. Hutchins
  • Patent number: 6105471
    Abstract: Provided is bolt attaching and detaching device for fastening and loosening bolt by heating the bolt by bolt heater inserted into central hole of the bolt by which fastening and loosening of the bolt can be done automatically without need of operator to watch or attend always. Bolt heater (9) is inserted into bolt hole (3) of bolt (4) for fastening flanges (1, 2) together. Upper nut (5) in thread engagement with the bolt (4) is given rotational force by nut rotating device (11) via drive belt (13). Measured value of elongation indicator (10) for measuring thermal elongation of the bolt (4) and rotating angle detecting signal of the nut rotating device (11) as well as predetermined elongation amount of the bolt (4) and predetermined rotating angle of the upper nut (5) from condition setting unit (18 are given to control unit (17). The control unit (17) controls bolt heater power source (16) as well as controls the nut rotating device (11) so that the upper nut (5) rotates in the predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kawano Takayuki, Shimamoto Takijiro
  • Patent number: 6105472
    Abstract: A fluid-operated tool has a link provided with an engaging element for engaging and turning a threaded connector and turnable about a pivot axis of the engaging element, a housing, a fluid-operated drive including a cylinder-piston unit with a cylinder formed in the housing, a piston reciprocatingly movable in the cylinder and a piston rod connected with the piston, the piston rod being also connected with the link, so that when the drive is actuated by a pressure fluid the piston rod is displaced and turn the link about the pivot axis, the housing being connected with the link exclusively by the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: John K. Junkers
  • Patent number: 6105473
    Abstract: A tool includes a driving head pivotally coupled to a tool member at a pivotal coupler, and a barrel slidably engaged on the tool member and slidable to engage onto the driving head and to lock the driving head to the tool member and to prevent the driving head from rotating relative to the tool member about the pivotal coupler. The driving head may be rotated relative to the tool member about the pivotal coupler when the barrel is disengaged from the driving head. A pin is rotatably engaged through a channel of the pivotal coupler which is extended from the tool member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Li Shiu Huang
  • Patent number: 6105474
    Abstract: A driver bit tool having an elongate handle that has a central channel through which a predetermined length portion of the bit driver can be inserted. The driver bit is retained within the handle by any suitable means and one or more relatively thin magnets having high energy products are arranged on the side of the handle in close proximity to the driver bit receiving channel for generating a magnetic field which is substantially normal to the handle axis, the field created by the magnet being coupled to the driver bit. The position of the magnets and annular sleeves of magnetizable material are preferably used to optimize coupling of the field to the driver bit to optimize the amount of magnetic field that passes through the accessible operative tip of the driver bit so as to effectively magnetize the exposed driver tip of the bit driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 6105475
    Abstract: A device for tightening a plurality of threaded members at the same time with proper torque without necessitating a cumbersome procedure of rotating the members one by one through a specified small angle at a time and without unequivalent tightening of the members, the tightening device (1) comprises two rotary shafts (6) each provided at a forward end thereof with a wrench portion (8) fittable to the threaded member (44), motors (3) for individually driving the rotary shafts (6) and a control unit (9) for detecting the tightening torque of each threaded member (44) and controlling the motor (3) based on the detected value to ensure proper tightening, the control unit (9) checking the tightening torque of each threaded member (44) as to whether the torque is within a predetermined range and whether the difference in tightening torque between the threaded members (44) is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Eiji Ideta, Hiroyuki Fukuda, Keiji Hirao, Tsutomu Shinohara, Michio Yamaji, Hiroshi Morokoshi, Tetsuya Kojima
  • Patent number: 6105476
    Abstract: A toolholder apparatus includes a head, a cutting tool mounting fixture attached to the head for holding the cutting tool, and a floating roller assembly pivotally mounted relative to the head. These components are arranged and constructed so that during the cutting of a workpiece with the cutting tool the floating roller assembly can pivot about a pivotal axis relative to the head to allow the floating roller assembly to align with the workpiece. A mechanism is also provided for accomplishing the initial adjustment of alignment of the cutting tool with the rotating workpiece. This mechanism includes a cylindrical shaft extending from the head, and having an eccentric cam follower lug extending transversely from the shaft. A mounting block has a cylindrical bore disposed therethrough, and the shaft is received through the bore of the mounting block. A cam piece is slideably disposed within the mounting block to rotate the shaft as the cam piece slides relative to the mounting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Peterson Tool Company
    Inventors: John L. Peterson, Mark G. Charleton, Lawrence A. Ballew, Fred E. Chaffin
  • Patent number: 6105477
    Abstract: A portable sawmill is described that preferably includes a frame-mounted, elongate tub for surrounding a log, the frame mounting adjacent the base of the tub a lateral chain conveyor for rolling the log or advancing it laterally on a frame-mounted lift mechanism for elevating the log as it is ripped by an overhead set of circular saws. The circular saws are double-carriage mounted, with the carriages being a fixed elevation on the frame and with the main and secondary carriages being reciprocally positionable, respectively, along the length and width of the tub above the log. The circular saws preferably include one vertical-swath blade and two vertically separately elevation-adjustable horizontal-swath blades. To one side of the tub, and along the substantial length of the frame, are a plurality of retractable support arms mounted on the frame at a height approximately equal to the elevation of the lateral conveyor at the highest elevation of the lift mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Garry G. Olson