Patents Issued in January 2, 2001
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Patent number: 6168212Abstract: A twist-lock connector for adjustably connecting interlocking telescopic tubular members includes a camming surface on the interior surface of a rotatable member which cooperates with the camming member of a seating member attached to a first tubular member. The twist-lock connector is employed by inserting the male end of a second tubular member inside the female end of a first tubular member to which the seating member is attached, and rotating the rotatable member in a first direction until the camming action causes the engaging surface of the seating member to lock by frictionally engaging the outer surface of the second tubular member. Disconnection of the tubular members is effected by reversing the order of the steps for connection. The twist-lock connector also includes an overtightening protection feature. When the rotatable member is rotated in the first direction relative to the seating member by approximately 180°, the lock is released, but without breakage of the twist-lock connector.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: The United Electric Company of OhioInventor: Richard O. Finley
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Patent number: 6168213Abstract: A connector having a stinger and a receiver. The receiver is cocked by applying counter-acting torques to separate sections of the receiver. The counteracting torques compress a spring member. In the cocked position, the stinger is inserted into the receiver. When the counter-acting torques are released, the spring decompresses and locks the stinger in the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Laurent E. Muller
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Patent number: 6168214Abstract: A latch assembly for latching two components comprising a support member arranged to be attached, in use, to a first component to be latched. A lever member is pivotally attached to the support member at a first pivot point, and an engaging member is pivotally attached to the support member at a second pivot point. The engaging member is arranged to be moved, by movement of the lever member, from a position in which it urges a second component out of engagement with the first component to a position in which it engages with a second component to be latched to draw the second component into engagement with the first component and latch the components.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: MCKechnie UK LimitedInventor: Anthony Lambert
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Patent number: 6168215Abstract: The vehicular door lock device includes a casing fixed to a door and having a bulged portion defining an ingress passage receiving a striker on a vehicle body. A latch is supported on the casing for engagement with the striker for turning movement. A ratchet on the casing is for engagement and disengagement with and from the latch. An open lever is turnable on the casing and receives an operating force for releasing a locking state having the ratchet engaged with the latch. An internal operating-force inputting device transmits to the open lever a door opening operation force depending on the door opening operation within the vehicle. A locked-state switch-over device has an open link connected at one end to the open lever and switches over to an unlocked state to operate the ratchet from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to the open lever turning, and a locked state inhibiting the ratchet from going to the disengaged position, irrespective of the turning movement of the open lever.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda LockInventors: Naoki Kodama, Takahiro Kumamoto, Takeshi Taniguchi, Toshihiko Sonoda, Yuichi Usuzaki, Tsutomu Kurita
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Patent number: 6168216Abstract: The present vehicle door latch device comprises a latch unit for keeping a door in a closed state, and a powered closing unit for supplying the power for fully closing the door, to the latch unit. A motor of the closing unit is connected to a wire lever of the latch unit through a power wire, and an opening lever of the latch unit is connected to a canceling lever of the closing unit through a safety wire. The latch unit has a one-motion door opening mechanism. An inner lever connected to an inside opening handle is engageable with the opening lever. A switch which detects the rotational position of a latch of the latch unit is arranged in such a position as not to be overlapped onto the wire lever.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Manabu Nakajima, Kazuhito Yokomori, Hiroshi Ishigaki
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Patent number: 6168217Abstract: Mating closure part for a tailgate lock or door lock comprising a closure part with latch or the like and a mating closure part interacting therewith, having a closure member (2), in particular in the form of a closure block or closure bracket, which can be gripped by the latch and which, in order to generate a starting torque in closure direction (X), can be displaced from an open position (FIG. 3) into a closed position. The displacement of the closure member (2) is derived from the displacement of a threaded engagement part (spindle nut 3, 4) engaging in the thread of a rotationally driven spindle (5, 6).Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Ewald Witte GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Norbert Kr{umlaut over (u)}ger, Andreas Nickel
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Patent number: 6168218Abstract: A method of providing an implement for removing debris from a transport track of an article processing machine. The method includes providing a strip of non-conductive material, such as polycarbonate resin sheet material. The strip has a generally rectangular configuration and includes a plurality of corners. The strip is adapted to define a hook-shaped structure at each one of the corners, and the hook-shaped structure includes a hook-point that coincides with the corner of the strip at which the hook-shaped structure is located. The strip is modified to define a concavity proximate each of the corners, the hook-point being defined by an exterior edge of the strip and an interior edge of the strip defining the concavity. The hook-point as provided on the strip is suitable for engaging the debris and urging it along the transport track.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Unisys CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Raupp, J. Michael Spall, Kimberly A. Gearns
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Patent number: 6168219Abstract: A grapple includes a ferrous body with a plurality of tines pivotally connected thereto. A magnetic coil is disposed within the ferrous body. When the magnetic coil is energized, it creates a magnetic field within the area defined by the tines. The tines are also magnetized by the field. Additional magnetic coils may be added to one or more of the tines.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignees: David M. Futa, Carlton G. Smith, Lance E. Long, Steven B. Begyn, Jack LongInventor: David Futa
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Patent number: 6168220Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum manipulation device having a lifter hose, which can be connected to a vacuum-generating device, and a suction gripper device, which can be placed on an object to be manipulated and with which the object can be drawn up by suction and lifted by contracting the lifter hose, the suction gripper device has a prestressed regulating member on its suction side, which is actuated by placing the suction gripper device on the object and which thereby unblocks a flow cross-section, so that the object can be drawn up by suction. To prevent the abrupt upward acceleration of the suction gripper device, the regulating member can be arrested in its actuated position, so that in case of the release of a drawn-up object from the suction side of the suction gripper device the flow cross-section is not again blocked, and in this way the abrupt upward acceleration of the suction gripper device is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: J. Schmalz GmbHInventors: Kurt Schmalz, Wolfgang Schmalz
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Patent number: 6168221Abstract: A magnetic carrier includes a housing having an interior ledge. First and second levers are pivotally mounted within the housing such that the ledge limits the angular position of the levers with respect to the housing. First and second permanent magnets are connected with the respective first and second levers for attracting a workpiece. A pneumatic piston actuator is provided on the housing for pivoting the levers with respect to the housing to selectively pivot the magnets into and out of magnetic engagement with the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Cary Carruth, Ronald P. Modrak
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Patent number: 6168222Abstract: A method and apparatus for shipping a bundle containing elongated articles comprises a stretch film wrapping a plurality of elongated articles and at least one lift strap. Looped ends of the lift straps are routed though holes cut in the stretch film. An overhead crane lifts the bundle with or without a spreader bar. Support blocks, attached by adhesive strips to the bottom of the bundle, support the bundle above the load surface to allow insertion of a lift device such as a lift fork below the bundle. Edge protectors may be used with the lift straps at the edges of the bundle.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Stephen Gould Paper Co., Inc.Inventor: Curtis R. Lacy, III
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Patent number: 6168223Abstract: A windshield wiper arrangement for vehicles, particularly for motor vehicles, is described which makes possible a non-screw type mounting and thus a mounting which is to be carried out in a simple and rapid manner. For this purpose, the windshield wiper arrangement has a support structure (3) which carries the one windshield wiper drive device (4). At the support structure (3), a first number of attachment members (14), (15) are provided which protrude in a first direction (17) from the support structure (3) and a second number of attachment members (16) which protrude in a second direction (19) from the support structure (3), wherein the second direction (19) extends at an angle between 45° and 135° with respect to the first direction (17), preferably at an angle of approximately 90°.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Bruno Egner-Walter
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Patent number: 6168224Abstract: A top storage compartment lid for a motor vehicle is associated with a rear receiving area for accommodating a stored top, and can be moved by means of a drive device from a closed position into a raised open position. The top storage compartment lid can be secured in the closed position by means of at least one releasable locking device on the fixed body. The drive device for the positioning movement of the top storage compartment lid is mechanically coupled with the locking device, and thus serves for both locking and unlocking the top storage compartment lid.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventors: Uwe Henn, Dominik Beierl
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Patent number: 6168225Abstract: A apparatus for covering automobile windshields includes a housing adapted to be secured to an automobile roof and a canopy movable between a retracted position substantially aligned with the housing and an extended position substantially aligned with the windshield.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventors: David Deng, Dai Lei
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Patent number: 6168226Abstract: A laminate support beam includes an outer structural member which has a channel shape with a longitudinal rigid inner member precoated with structural foam to form a drop-in insert unit which is dropped into the channel of the outer structural member when the structural foam is heat expandable to intimately bond to the inner surface of the outer member and provide a lightweight reinforcement for the outer member.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Henkel CorporationInventor: Joseph S Wycech
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Patent number: 6168227Abstract: A camper stand including a pair of elongated frame members mounted in parallel to the bottom of a camper. A pair of leg assemblies are pivotally supported intermediate the elongated frame members. Each leg assembly includes a crossbar, a pair of outer sleeves attached to the crossbar, and a pair of telescoping members with each telescoping member being positioned at least in part within a respective one of the outer sleeves. Each telescoping member has a plurality of holes, a selected one of which is engaged by a pin passing through the respective outer sleeve to fix the length of each leg. Each leg assembly is fixed in the extended position by a pair of detachable braces. The leg assemblies are folded to lie flat against the bottom of the camper to permit the camper to be mounted on the bed of a truck.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Edward T. Lofting
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Patent number: 6168228Abstract: A passenger compartment for a passenger car has one B-column on each vehicle body side which leads into a side member situated below the B-column for increasing the transverse stiffness of the passenger compartment in the event of side impact loads. A transversely stiffening tube construction is composed of two laterally exterior upright reinforcing tubes and a tube-shaped stiffening element which extends over the width of the vehicle body. In order to achieve a more favorable introduction of force in the event of a side impact load, each upright reinforcing tube is linked to an adjoining connection plate with a lower edge area which is supported on the exterior side of the side member. An inwardly projecting supporting tube leads away from each reinforcing tube above the elevation of the side member. This supporting tube is rigidly connected in the area of the passenger compartment with one of the outer ends of the transversely extending, tube-shaped stiffening element.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventors: Martin Heinz, Constantin Brin, Franc Praznik, Rolf Remensperger, Matthias Herntier, Roberto Oggianu
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Patent number: 6168229Abstract: A cab suspension for a vehicle having a chassis supporting a cab with the cab being supported on the chassis at a forward location and at a rearward location so as to permit vertical movement of the rearward end of the cab relative to the chassis. Conventional forward support structures connect the forward end of the cab to the chassis. A rearward support structure or suspension unit connects the cab to the chassis at the rearward end of the cab to provide relative vertical movement therebetween. The structure comprises an elongated metal tube having its longitudinal axis disposed transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the chassis with the tube being secured to the chassis. The tube has an elongated, resilient rubber or elastomeric cartridge positioned therein which has an elongated torsion bar extending therethrough which is in engagement therewith so that the cartridge restricts rotational movement of the torsion bar with respect to the tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Link Mfg., Ltd.Inventors: David S. Vander Kooi, Richard R. Schwanke
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Patent number: 6168230Abstract: An engagement portion to be engaged with a vehicle body is formed on the lower surface of the front end of a joined portion of a defroster duct. The engagement portion is engaged with a fitting hole of a cowl panel. The joined portion of the defroster duct has a curve portion formed thereon, in which a rib of an instrument panel abuts against a duct portion of the defroster duct. When the duct portion is pressed forward of the vehicle, the curve portion elastically deforms so as to keep a blow port of the defroster duct aligned with a blow port of the instrument panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masahiro Ono
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Patent number: 6168231Abstract: A two piece vehicle panel construction is provided. The first and second piece of the vehicle panel are made by injection molding. The first and second piece cooperate to provide proper aesthetics, structural integrity, and increased sun load resistance. The proper positioning and alignment of the two piece construction is facilitated by at least two alignment fixtures that are nested within the first and second pieces.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Russell C. Fielding, Del C. Schroeder, John D. Burns, Bernhard U. Hoffmann
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Patent number: 6168232Abstract: A motion furniture article is disclosed that includes arm frames and false showy feet connected to a stationary base of the article, as opposed to a movable seat unit of the article. As a consequence, during movement of the movable seat of the article between fully erect and reclining positions, the false showy feet remain stationary.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Action Industries Inc.Inventor: Teddy J. May
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Patent number: 6168233Abstract: A four legged or sled chair having a reclinable seat comprising a frame structure, a seat mounted within the frame structure for pivoting about a transverse torsion bar(s) axis, and elastic stops defining said seat position of maximum rearward pivoting and the position of maximum forward pivoting in relation thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Isidoro Natalio Markus
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Patent number: 6168234Abstract: A seat assembly including a vehicle seat and a system for rotating a vehicle seat are provided wherein the system is designed to carry integrated seat restraint loads. The seat includes a base having a lower base section and an upper base section which supports the vehicle seat on an upper surface thereof. A reversible DC motor and a transmission including a drive screw are supported on the lower base section. A flexible cable couples an output shaft of the DC motor to the drive screw which rotates about a horizontal axis upon actuation of the DC motor. The transmission also includes a drive nut threadedly mounted on the drive screw to move along the substantially horizontal axis upon actuation of the motor. The transmission further includes a link coupled to the upper base section and the drive nut to transmit linear motion of the drive nut to rotary motion of the upper base section.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Ian D. Haynes, John A. Quoziente, Michelle A. Girolamo, Gregg A. Gibbons, Richard D. Sanders
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Patent number: 6168235Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat bottom and a seat back supported for pivotal movement relative to the seat bottom such that seat back position can be adjusted to a variety of reclined positions with respect to the seat bottom. The seat includes a manual or electrical actuator which provides input to a control assembly that pivots the seat back with respect to the seat bottom. The control assembly includes an epicycloide gear mechanism with a first gear supported on the first seat member and a second gear supported on the second seat member. The second gear has a plurality of gear teeth that selectively mesh with a plurality of gear teeth on the first gear. The first gear teeth have a non-epicycloide tooth profile and the second gear teeth have an epicycloide tooth profile. An input member defines an axis of rotation and provides rotational input to the second gear. The input member is an eccentric input shaft having a geometric center that is spaced apart from the axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Dura Global Technologies Inc.Inventor: Roger Freund
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Patent number: 6168236Abstract: An armrest includes a lower cover with a number of retainer rings and an upper cover mounted on top of the lower cover. A number of metal nut fasteners are mounted in the retainer rings, respectively. Each nut fastener has a screw hole to allow the armrest to be mounted to a base by screws. A number of engaging plates are provided for securely engaging the upper cover with the lower cover. The metal nut fasteners can be easily removed by breaking the retainer rings.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Su-Jan Chen
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Patent number: 6168237Abstract: An armrest construction for chairs includes an armrest support having a lower end constructed for attachment to a chair, an upper end, and a mounting block attached to the upper end. A pivot block is pivoted to the mounting block at a main pivot, the pivot block having an upwardly-extending follower. First and second gears are each pivoted to the pivot block, the gears having intermeshing teeth at an inner end such that rotation of the first gear causes the second gear to simultaneously rotate in an opposite direction, the first and second gears further having outer ends. A support plate having pivot/slide members engages the outer ends of the first and second gears, and further has a guide operably engaging the follower to guide lateral movement of the support plate along a predetermined path.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Michel A. Lamart, Arnold B. Dammermann, Glenn A. Knoblock, Robert S. Grooters, Larry DeKraker, John Hanna J. Hasbany
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Patent number: 6168238Abstract: A chair, particularly a wheelchair (1), has a detachable active calf support (4), which has a plurality of inflatable cushion members (A, B, C, D) providing a calf support surface for a person in the chair. The cushion members are parallel transverse tubes forming an array extending away from the chair seat (3). The chair has a control for inflating and deflating the tubes in a predetermined sequence.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Pegasus Egerton LimitedInventor: Angus Patrick Douglas Hannagan
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Patent number: 6168239Abstract: A plastic contoured seat back includes an inner and an outer shell affixed together. The inner shell includes a three dimensionally curved front surface and a two dimensionally curved back surface. The inner shell may include an internal rib adjacent the top of the shell that is shaped differently from the top edge of the inner shell. The internal rib is adapted to allow the inner shell to be cut adjacent the internal rib so that the inner shell can be varied in shape. The shell may also include indentations on the back side of the shell adjacent the corners of the inner shell. The indentations are dimensioned to receive overlapping fabric that is pulled around the corners such that the fabric on the back of the shell adjacent the corners does not project outwardly more than the fabric elsewhere, despite the over lapping of the fabric at the corners.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Irwin Seating CompanyInventors: John P. Conner, Steven E. Finney, Richard A. Thalen, Robert L. Russell, Tim Coffield
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Patent number: 6168240Abstract: An atmospheric detection system for use in a mine that includes a continuous miner used in highwall applications. The continuous miner includes a rotary cutter head attached to a frame and one or more motors for driving the rotary cutter head. A methane sensor adapted to detect an atmospheric condition is mounted to the continuous miner and positioned in close proximity to the rotary cutter head. A display is coupled to the methane sensor for displaying the atmospheric condition of the mine at a location remote of the methane sensor. A tramming conveyor and a load-out vehicle can be coupled to the continuous miner. The atmospheric detection system is adapted to be used in an underground mine where the continuous miner is positioned in a portion of the mine having an unsupported roof. The atmospheric detection system can be used in wing mining applications as well as highwall mining applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Archveyor Pty Ltd.Inventors: Danny L. Stickel, Patrick E. Retzer
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Patent number: 6168241Abstract: A cleaning device and method of manufacture comprising (1) a cleaning tape element comprising a plurality of individual filaments such as bristles or fibers, the plurality of individual filaments each having (i) a cleaning tip disposed at a first end of the filament, and (ii) a second end, and (iii) means for maintaining the plurality of individual filaments in at least one, single filament-wide row, thereby forming a tape and (2) a base portion, the plurality of individual filaments coupled to the base portion adjacent their respective base ends.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Edgardo G. Zapanta
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Patent number: 6168242Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating comprising a polymeric layer deposited on the surface of the article, a zirconium compound or titanium compound layer deposited on the polymeric layer, and a polyurethane layer deposited on the zirconium compound or titanium compound layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: MascoTech, Inc.Inventor: Subrata Mokerji
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Patent number: 6168243Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a wheel cover locking device which includes a flexible cable 18 having one end attached to the wheel cover 12 of a car 14 and the other end of the cable 18 attached to and around the wheel lug 24 of the wheel 30 of the car 14. The end of the cable which is attached to the wheel lug 24 includes an annular fitting 20 for being bolted onto the lug bolt 24 by the lug nut 22. The other end of the cable 18 passes through and is attached to the wheel cover 12 by means 16 which secure it to the hubcap. This prevents the wheel cover 12 from being removed from the car 14 without totally destroying the wheel cover 12 or, at the minimum, making a large and noticeable hole in the wheel cover 12 which would detract from its street value and thereby discourage theft of the wheel cover 12.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Paul McWhinnie Abrahams
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Patent number: 6168244Abstract: A park brake release apparatus includes a service brake valve assembly operably connected to a service brake piston. A one-way valve is operably connected between the service brake piston and a park brake piston to allow fluid to flow from the service brake circuit to the park brake piston to release a park brake.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Case CorporationInventor: Jeffery D. Maske
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Patent number: 6168245Abstract: The brake system has at least one brake circuit (I), in which a high-pressure pump is disposed. A self-aspirating charge pump is also provided, which is connected at least indirectly to the intake side of the high-pressure pump by an intake line of a supply container for brake fluid and by a pressure line. In the event of an inadequate supply of brake fluid by the charge pump, the pumping of air into the brake circuit (I) is intended to be precluded. To that end, a siphon is disposed in the intake line of the charge pump. Air aspirated by the siphon suddenly prevents pumping by the charge pump. The brake system is intended for use in motor vehicles with slip control or for automatic brakes.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Heinz Siegel, Arnold Pahl, Rolf Hummel, Guenter Krenz, Erika Mank, Rolf Stotz
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Patent number: 6168246Abstract: In an article providing apparatus, a storage rack (1) has a front face through which articles are loaded in the storage rack. The front face of the storage rack is covered by a covering member having a sample showcase (4) for showing a sample. The sample showcase is displaceable to enable the front face of the storage rack be exposed.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Sanden Corp.Inventor: Toshihiko Kurihara
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Patent number: 6168247Abstract: A file drawer is disclosed where two opposed top edges of the file drawer include pivoting rails which are movable to one of the two positions. The rails in one position are spaced for supporting letter size file jackets and in the other position support metric A4 size file jackets. This arrangement allows the manufacture of common size file drawers which can easily be adjusted for either filing application.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Teknion Furniture Systems LimitedInventors: Ulf Stahmer, Christine Dominik, Geoffrey Milligan, Lorie Marangoni
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Patent number: 6168248Abstract: A containment system for a packaged air conditioning unit is disclosed comprising a base pan, a first unit wrapper, a second unit wrapper, a compressor compartment partition, a condenser compartment partition, and a top cover having an indoor section and an outdoor section. The unit wrappers and the compartment partitions are guided into position during installation by engaging a notch formed on the wrapper or partition with a positioning cleat formed on the base pan. Because the unit wrappers and the partitions firmly abut the base ban throughout their length, these components help to laterally stiffen the base pan.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1996Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: William P. Timmons, Joe W. Dark, John W. Schedel, Thomas P. Bruce, Bradley L. Kersh, Ronald J. Duppert, Eugene D. Daddis, Jr.
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Patent number: 6168249Abstract: A computer mainframe housing for computer test purpose, which includes a rack formed by using four-way connectors to connect vertical frame bars and horizontal frame bars into a rectangular frame structure, a top board, an intermediate board and a bottom board respectively supported on the horizontal frame bar at different elevations for holding computer parts including a computer main board, a power supply device, floppy and hard diskdrives and a CD-ROM player, a plurality of clamping devices respectively symmetrically fastened to the vertical frame bars at different elevations, and four cover panels respectively fastened to the clamping devices and covered on the rack at four sides, the cover panels each having a plurality of coupling members respectively fastened to the clamping devices at the vertical frame bars, and openings for the passing of power cables and signal lines.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Chuan-Fu Chien
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Patent number: 6168250Abstract: A flat panel monitor mounting assembly including a frame for holding a monitor including facilities for allowing the monitor to be rotated from a horizontal position to a vertical position. The assembly includes facilities for allowing the monitor to be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the monitor so that the monitor can be viewed in either a horizontal viewing position or, alternatively a vertical viewing position. The assembly also includes facilities for tilting the flat panel monitor so that the panel can easily be viewed from any position. The assembly also includes facilities for locking the monitor in either the horizontal viewing position or vertical viewing position.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: ZMicrosystemsInventor: Vladymir J. Rogov
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Patent number: 6168251Abstract: Provided are a recording head, recording apparatus, recording method, and recording head which are cartridge using the recording head, capable of correcting the offset of recording dot position in the direction of movement of the recording head, with a simple structure. A plurality of columns of image data corresponding to the plurality of recording devices relating to recording is held and image data corresponding to the column to be recorded is selected from this held image data and recording is thus performed, so that the driving column and recording column can be changed for each nozzle. Consequently, positional offset of dots can be adjusted for each nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiyuki Imanaka, Ichiro Saito, Teruo Ozaki, Toshimori Miyakoshi, Muga Mochizuki
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Patent number: 6168252Abstract: An ink jet printer has a printhead formed of a piezoelectric element having an electrical capacitance with a known temperature characteristic. A memory stores a reference temperature Tref and a reference capacitance Cref of the printhead measured at the reference temperature. A capacitance measuring section measures a capacitance Cm of the printhead at a temperature Te when the printer is in use. A temperature computing section computes the temperature Te on the basis of the reference capacitance Cref, the measured capacitance value Cm, and the reference temperature Tref. A table lists various values of the temperatures and corresponding values of the drive voltages. An optimum value is selected from among the values of the drive voltage listed in the table and is used for driving the printhead at the selected temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventor: Masao Yaji
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Patent number: 6168253Abstract: The present invention provides an ink-jet head and an ink-jet apparatus using the ink-jet head. The liquid-ink-contacting sections of the ink-jet head are sealed with a moisture-curing sealant essentially consisting of a silicone-modified organic polymer compound. In the molecular structure, the silicone-modified organic polymer compound has carbon atoms modified with alkoxysilane. The moisture-curing sealant contains an organo-tin or organo-titanium catalyst having the alkoxy and/or carboxyl groups, the alkyl chain of the alkoxy group has 5 or fewer carbon atoms, and the alkyl chain of the carboxyl group has 6 or fewer carbon atoms.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1996Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masashi Miyagawa, Masahiko Higuma
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Patent number: 6168254Abstract: An ink jet recording head includes a plurality of ink ejection outlets, a first member having a plurality of grooves in fluid communication with the ejection outlets, respectively, a second member having a plurality of energy generating elements for producing energy for ejecting ink in the grooves through the ejection outlets, and a clamping unit for clamping the first member with the second member to constitute ink passages with the grooves, wherein the clamping unit has a plurality of pressure regulating mechanism pressure regulating mechanisms, which are independently operable.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Seiichiro Karita, Masaki Inaba, Yutaka Koizumi, Tsuyoshi Orikasa, Toshio Kashino, Shuji Koyama, Haruhiko Terai, Kimiyuki Hayasaki, Akira Goto, Kouichi Omata, Takayuki Ono, Kiyomi Aono, Hiroki Tajima
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Patent number: 6168255Abstract: The present invention relates to an ink jet head for changing the volume in a pressure chamber by deformation of a laminate piezoelectric device and for jetting ink filled in the pressure chamber from the front openings of the pressure chamber through nozzle holes, and particularly to an ink jet head which is characterized by an adhesive layer interposed between the front end surface of the main body forming the pressure chamber and a nozzle plate. The nozzle plate is bonded to the front end surface of the main body via an adhesive layer formed by an adhesive. The adhesive layer is divided into a nozzle seal layer encompassing the nozzle holes and the periphery of the front openings of the pressure chamber, an outer periphery hermetic layer formed annularly around the outer periphery of a region in which the main body and the nozzle plate oppose each other, and a reinforcing layer distributed in an intermediate portion between the nozzle seal layer and the outer periphery hermetic layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mitsuyoshi Nagashima
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Patent number: 6168256Abstract: Self-cleaning printer with reverse fluid flow and method of assembling the printer. The printer comprises a print head defining a plurality of ink channels therein, each ink channel terminating in an ink ejection orifice. The print head also has a surface thereon surrounding all the orifices. Contaminant may reside on the surface and also may completely or partially obstruct the orifice. Therefore, a cleaning assembly is disposed relative to the surface and/or orifice for directing a flow of fluid along the surface and/or across the orifice to clean the contaminant from the surface and/or orifice. The cleaning assembly includes an oscillatable septum disposed opposite the surface or orifice for defining a gap therebetween. Presence of the oscillatable septum accelerates the flow of fluid through the gap to induce a hydrodynamic shearing force in the fluid. This shearing force acts against the contaminant to clean the contaminant from the surface and/or orifice.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ravi Sharma, John A. Quenin, Christopher N. Delametter, Michael E. Meichle, Klaus-Dieter Bier, Walter S. Stevens
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Patent number: 6168257Abstract: An ink jet printer has a maintenance station in which a movable sled starts from a known position due to a diagonally disposed return spring. A cam profile near the uppermost portion of vertical movement of a movable sled is produced in accordance with a quadratic equation. This quadratic designed equation profile reduces the force required to move the movable sled up the cam profile to its uppermost position. The return spring, which holds the movable sled in the known position by urging a front wall of the movable sled against a front wall of a support housing, also absorbs energy to decrease the noise level of the printer.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventor: Charles Stanley Aldrich
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Patent number: 6168258Abstract: A translational inkjet printhead servicing station for an inkjet printing mechanism, particularly one having imaging printheads for creating photographic quality images, includes a collapsible spittoon having a mouth that collapses during a portion of the servicing routine to save space. Spit ledges extend into the spittoon mouth to capture ink droplets and ink aerosol by-products, with the captured ink draining from the ledges into a catch basin below. The service station includes a printhead wiper blade having a tip that removes ink residue from the printhead. A dual-direction wiper cleaning system removes liquid components of the ink residue from the wiping tip in two opposing directions. In one direction, the liquid ink residue is pulled away from the wiper tip under capillary forces created by a series of grooves formed on the surface of the wiper blade, while in the opposite direction, the liquid components are absorbed off the tip by a wiper scraper.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Damon Lou, Diane R. Wagner, Kyle Halkola
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Patent number: 6168259Abstract: A printer for forming a full-width image on a receiver exclusive of a transverse side of the receiver, and method of assembling the printer. The printer comprises an ink jet print head adapted to eject a plurality of ink droplets onto a receiver sheet for forming an image that extends a full-width of the receiver sheet. To achieve this result, the print head commences ejection of ink droplets beginning at a predetermined distance from a transverse side of the receiver sheet. A reservoir is disposed adjacent the transverse side and along the predetermined distance for collecting ink droplets ejected along the predetermined distance, so that none of the ink droplets are inadvertently deposited onto the transverse side or onto components housed in the printer. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reservoir is an absorbent material that absorbs the ink droplets ejected along the predetermined distance.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Robert G. Capurso
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Patent number: 6168260Abstract: A recording apparatus for performing recording on a recording medium by use of a recording head, the recording apparatus comprises a carriage for reciprocal scanning of the recording head for recording on the recording medium, a guide for guiding the carriage in directions of the reciprocal scanning, and a positioning member and a press member located opposite to each other with the guide in between on the carriage, wherein the press member is not pressed against the guide in a region except for a predetermined region in a reciprocal scan region of the carriage and the press member is pressed against the guide in the predetermined region.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Haruyuki Yanagi, Hideaki Kawakami
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Patent number: 6168261Abstract: A predetermined pattern is printed on a recording sheet 9 for monitoring by using a recording head, and read by a reading device 11 so that abnormal recording elements are detected. Thus, a non-defective image is obtained in such a way that based on this detection result, image data to be supplied to the abnormal recording element is moved to image data of other recording elements to complement the recording. Despite the occurrence of abnormal recording elements, a desired non-defective image can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Miyake, Kazuyoshi Takahashi