Patents Issued in January 2, 2001
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Patent number: 6168412Abstract: The present invention relates to a casting apparatus for formation of a resin-made membrane, which comprises a temperature adjusting unit (a temperature sensor, a heating wire type heater and a temperature controller) whereby an inner wall surface temperature of a suction chamber can be set to a desired temperature. Thus, if a design is made to prevent the temperature of the inner wall surface of the suction chamber from dropping, no contamination of the inner wall of the suction chamber by a volatile matter occurs, so that it is possible to prevent the volatile matter from dropping onto a cooling roll to make a membrane dirty.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Kometani, Toshio Miki, Masahiro Bessho, Yoshitomo Sakakibara, Daisuke Ooi, Noritaka Hasegawa
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Patent number: 6168413Abstract: A hermetically sealed container is provided with a dispensing nozzle terminating in an aperture surrounded by locking lugs. A removable closure portion unitary with the dispensing nozzle and delineated by a frangible web that circumscribes the opening is provided as well so that the closure portion may be severed from the cap portion at the frangible web. An apparatus for fabricating such container is provided which includes a main mold assembly for molding the container body and dual seal mold assemblies for molding the container cap portion and container closure. The main seal mold assembly includes a top surface having a knife edge and an annular cavity. After the main seal mold assembly is closed during the molding process, a forming assembly including a mandrel is extended through the parison into abutting contact with the parison over the top surface of the main seal mold assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Automatic Liquid Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Gerhard H. Weiler, Arjun Ramrakhyani
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Patent number: 6168414Abstract: A cryogenic stretch blow molding apparatus including a stretching rod mounted to a blow mold rod seal assembly for sliding movement therethrough, into and longitudinally stretching a plastic parison, the stretching rod including a cooling fluid tube defining a cooling fluid inlet port for connection to a source of a cooling fluid and a cooling fluid outlet port to introduce the cooling fluid within the container, and a heater disposed in a cavity defined in the blow mold rod seal assembly for heating the blow mold rod seal assembly so that at least a portion of the stretching rod is maintained at a temperature above a preselected level to prevent accumulation thereon of ice sublimated from water vapor present in the blow air and portions of seals of the blow mold rod seal assembly are maintained at a temperature above a predetermined level to prevent seal failure.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Electra Form, Inc.Inventor: David C. Oas
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Patent number: 6168415Abstract: A mold insert for an injection molding machine has a circumferential liquid conduit groove and a plurality of liquid-receiving bores extending inwardly from the groove. Baffles are removably inserted into the liquid-receiving bores and have heads located in locking engagement with the sidewalls, including the undercut portions thereof, to retain the baffles in their respective liquid-receiving bores. Each baffle has a blade that fits snugly within a liquid-receiving bore to separate the liquid-receiving bore into a liquid inlet passageway and a liquid outlet passageway. Fins project outwardly from opposite faces of the blade to create turbulence in liquid flowing into and out of the liquid-receiving bore, which enhances cooling (or heating) of the mold insert. The baffle is also useful with other solid components having a liquid conduit for cooling purposes and a transverse liquid-receiving bore intersecting the liquid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Pleasant Precision, Inc.Inventors: Ronald E. Pleasant, H. Eugene Lafferty
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Patent number: 6168416Abstract: A rotatable turret block is mounted on an index molding machine. The turret block includes at least one mold core for forming molded articles thereon at least one face of the rotatable turret block. The molded articles are transferred from the mold cores to spaced track members for retention and cooling thereon, and the cooled molded articles removed from the track members.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.Inventor: John Galt
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Patent number: 6168417Abstract: A vertical molding machine vertically provided with a pre-plastication injection unit where an injection unit and a plastication unit are mounted side by side. The tips of these units are linked by a connecting pipe to transfer resin plasticated by the plastication unit to the injection unit therethrough. The injection unit and the plastication unit are individually supported by respective pairs of supports standing upright above a clamping device. The injection unit has an arm member on either side thereof and a spring member is provided on the top of the arm member. The plastication unit is held on the arm member through the spring member, where the supports for the plastication unit are inserted through the arm member and the spring member.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Nissei Plastics Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobusuke Takahashi
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Patent number: 6168418Abstract: An ignition system for a gas appliance comprises an ignitor for igniting gas, a gas valve which controls the flow of gas to the ignitor, and a delay switch which delays the opening of the gas valve. The delay switch comprises a piston and a cylinder which define a chamber. The piston moves between a first position and a second position in the cylinder. The piston is coupled to the gas valve such that when the piston reaches the second position, the gas valve is opened. The chamber includes a large aperture and a small aperture which influence the rate at which the piston moves. The large aperture includes a sealing member which seals the large aperture when the piston moves from the first position to the second position to resist the motion of the piston. The large aperture is opened when the piston moves in the other direction. The delay switch is connected to the ignitor such that when the ignitor is turned on, the piston moves against air resistance and delays the opening of the gas valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Lionel Monty Levinson
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Patent number: 6168419Abstract: The invention relates to a flame monitor for blue-burning flames having a photosensor whose output signal is evaluated in such a manner that the fuel supply is switched off not only when the flame is extinguished but also when its color moves too far into the yellow band.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Giersch GmbHInventor: Kurt-Henry Mindermann
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Patent number: 6168420Abstract: A safety mechanism of a utility lighter. In a first preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a safety button and a cam mechanism having a fuel release lever, a cam lever, and a return spring. When the cam mechanism is in the locked position, the cam lever engages the stopper tab of the trigger to impede depression of the trigger, and the fuel release lever closes the fuel release valve. The cam mechanism is actuated by depressing the safety button. As the safety button is depressed, the cam lever is disengaged out of alignment with the stopper tab to permit depression of the trigger, the hub rotates, and the fuel release lever is actuated to open the fuel-release valve. As the safety button is released, the return spring urges the cam mechanism into the locked position. In a second preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a lever spring and the cam mechanism having the fuel release lever and the safety button.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2000Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
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Patent number: 6168421Abstract: A safety lighter with a safety strike wheel assembly including a center strike wheel, two side turning wheels which are fixedly mounted with the center strike wheel, and two driving wheels which are respectively and loosely mounted to the two side turning wheels. Each side turning wheel has an external toothed surface adapted to be inserted into the strike wheel to secure the two turning wheels to the strike wheel. To operate the safety lighter, a user must press on the driving wheels to have them frictional engage with the two side turning wheels to turn the strike wheel to create a spark.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Easton Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Ron Shaorong Hsieh
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Patent number: 6168422Abstract: There is provided a gas incinerator having a combustion chamber above a lower chamber and communicating therewith. Combustion air flows into the lower chamber, thence upwardly toward the combustion chamber. Vanes are provided in the lower chamber, to impart a rotational movement to the air as it rises toward the combustion chamber. Nozzles are located toward the bottom of the combustion chamber for injecting the fuel, in the form of gas, into the combustion chamber so as to cause the injected gas to rotate oppositely to the air rotation, in order to provide substantial turbulence and mixing. The injection direction of the gas also lies substantially parallel with a hypothetical plane transverse to the axis of the cyclonic movement of air, thus avoiding an axial component in the injection direction of the gas, and therefore minimizing the expulsion of gas, air and combustion products from the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Questor Technology, Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Motyka, John K. S. Loh
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Patent number: 6168423Abstract: A BBQ or fireplace lighter, including a child resistant device to prevent operation by children, and in particular, small children. In one embodiment, the device is in the form of a pivotally mounted lever having a notch engaging a plate in the trigger, locking the trigger from operation. The trigger release mechanism includes a button extending out of the lighter housing immediately behind the trigger guard for operation by a finger while the trigger is operated by the index or another finger. A second embodiment is comprised of a trigger guard plate having a thumb tab extending out of the top of the housing mounted on a rotatable hub. The guard plate engages and obstructs operation of the trigger. A spring biases the guard plate against the trigger to prevent operation, but can be rotated out of the way by rotating the thumb tab to a stop position moving trigger guard plate out of engagement of the trigger, allowing operation of the BBQ or fireplace lighter.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Aman Chung Kai Man
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Patent number: 6168424Abstract: An installation for quick thermal treatment of suspended powder substances, in particular for flash calcining of mineral substances, comprises modules advantageously arranged in mobile units including elements for supplying powder substances, a combustion chamber wherein the substances are introduced suspended in a hot air flux and a cooling assembly where the calcined substances are recuperated to pre-heat the combustion air. The substances are pneumatically transported in the heated air downstream of the supplying elements, via a pre-heating device up to the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Demeter TechnologiesInventors: Gilbert Raynaud, Olivier Pons, Pierre Valmalette, Sylvain Salvador
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Patent number: 6168425Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating solid wastes such as refuse-derived fuel or biomass wastes by pyrolysis gasification in a fluidized-bed gasification furnace 1, and then high-temperature combustion in a melting furnace 9. A primary combustion in a fluidized-bed 4 of the gasification furnace is carried out at a temperature of 600±50° C., a secondary combustion in a freeboard 3 of the gasification furnace is carried out at a temperature of 725±75° C., and a tertiary combustion in the melting furnace 9 is carried out at a temperature higher than a fusion temperature of ashes by 50 to 100° C. An oxygen ratio (a ratio of an amount of oxygen supplied for combustion to a theoretical amount of oxygen for combustion) in the primary combustion is in the range of 0.1 to 0.3, an oxygen ratio in the secondary combustion is in the range of 0.05 to 0.1, an oxygen ratio in the tertiary combustion is in the range of 0.9 to 1.1, and a total oxygen ratio is about 1.3.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Shosaku Fujinami, Kazuo Takano, Masaaki Irie, Tetsuhisa Hirose, Takahiro Oshita
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Patent number: 6168426Abstract: A novel batch-type kiln and a method of use thereof are provided. The kiln comprises a kiln body and a heating chamber disposed within the kiln body, which has a heater disposed therein. A table is disposed at the bottom of the heating chamber, the table having a peripheral portion and an upper surface for supporting an object to be treated. The peripheral portion of the table and a portion of the kiln body define a gap therebetween. This gap forms a gas-introducing path for introducing a gas into the heating chamber. The batch-type kiln is capable of preventing accumulation of a binder component in the gap between the table and the kiln wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshitsugu Yamada
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Patent number: 6168427Abstract: A processing chamber tube used in a semiconductor furnace is guided during its removal from the furnace by a plurality of circumferentially spaced guides. The guides are mounted for adjustable radial movement on a ring-shaped plate. The plate is secured on the base of the furnace. The guides are preferably in the form of rollers which engage and guide the tube during its removal from the furnace.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., LtdInventors: Guey-Shyung Cho, Yi-Jen Chen
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Patent number: 6168428Abstract: In one embodiment, a pre-engaging orthodontic bracket includes a body having a lingual surface for attachment to a tooth, a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings. The gingival and occlusal tie wings project from a labial surface of the body. An archwire slot extends mesiodistally across the body and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides of the body to accomodate an archwire. A shutter is moveable between an open position in which placement and removal of an archwire is facilitated, and a closed position in which placement and removal of an archwire is inhibited.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: John C. Voudouris
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Patent number: 6168429Abstract: An insert for generic or custom preadjusted edgewise brackets. The device is formed of metallic material or synthetic material, or resilient elastomeric material. The device will capture and retain the orthodontic archwire into the archwire slot of the orthodontic edgewise bracket. The device includes a region aligned with the archwire slot in the edgewise bracket to position, but not frictionally interfere with the archwire, because it does not put pressure on the archwire, but creates a tunnel for the archwire to easily slide through. The crescent shaped horizontal anchors defined on the device cooperate with the underside of the tiewings on the edgewise bracket to maintain the device in position. The crescent shape provides room for other ancillary devices to be placed on the bracket and secured behind the tiewings when the device is in place.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Jelaga IncorporatedInventor: William Burns Terrell Brown
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Patent number: 6168430Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is adapted for treating overjet in a patient having an upper jaw, a lower jaw, lower teeth in the lower jaw and upper teeth in the upper jaw which are abnormally forward of the lower teeth. The teeth have lingual sides and labial sides. The appliance includes an upper attachment device which is configured to be secured to at least one of the upper teeth on each side of the upper jaw. A lower attachment device has a pair of lower connectors. Each lower connector is configured to be secured to at least one of the lower teeth of the patient on each side of the lower jaw. A rigid, wire-like lingual bow is extendable between the lower connectors about the lingual sides of the lower teeth. A rigid, wire-like labial bow is extendable between the lower connectors about the labial sides of the lower teeth. The bows are connected to the lower connectors. A bite jumping device interconnects each side of the upper attachment device to a corresponding side of the lower attachment device.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Duncan Higgins
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Patent number: 6168431Abstract: A method of polymerizing a photo-polymerizable dental composition with the use of a light-curing apparatus including a light source (1) for emitting a laser beam and an optical fiber (2) optically coupled with the light source (1) and having a light emitting element (5) opposite to the light source (1). The photo-polymerizable dental composition (M) is filled in a dental cavity (H), and the light emitting element (5) of the optical fiber (2) is subsequently introduced in the filled photo-polymerizable dental composition (M) to a position adjacent a bottom of the dental cavity (H). Thereafter, the filled photo-polymerizable dental composition (M) is irradiated with the laser beam of 350 to 500 mm in wavelength at 10 to 100 mW, to cause the filled photo-polymerizable dental composite (M) to initiate polymerization progressively from a portion thereof adjacent the bottom of the dental cavity (H) towards a surface portion thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignees: Kuraray Co., Ltd., Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Hideaki Narusawa, Kenichi Hino, Fumihiko Ohtani, Masahiro Ihara
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Patent number: 6168432Abstract: A hollow jointless needle formed from a single piece of conductive metal for injecting thermoplastic material into a dental cavity includes a flange for securing the needle to an injection device. The flange extends transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the needle. A first needle portion having a first diameter extends from the flange along the longitudinal axis. A second needle portion extending along the longitudinal axis is connected to the first needle portion by a first transition region. The second needle portion has a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter of the first needle portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Jay Marlin
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Patent number: 6168433Abstract: A dental prophy angle adapted to be engaged with a dental handpiece having a nose cone and a low-speed rotary driver within the nose cone. The prophy angle has a proximal end adapted to releasably engage with said nose cone, and a distal end having an implement-mounting member rotatable therein. A flexible shaft extends from the nose cone through the angle to the mounting member and has a diameter which is substantially smaller than the interior wall of the prophy angle. The shaft has a coupling member with a free axial end adapted to engage the rotary driver in the nose cone to be rotated upon rotation of said driver, and an opposite captive end connected to said shaft with a shoulder surrounding said flexible shaft and facing away from said free end to confront an abutment limiting axial displacement of said coupling member within the prophy angle.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: David A. Hamlin
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Patent number: 6168434Abstract: An oral hygiene appliance has a spring-elastic working piece, comprising a stamped element made from foam, on the head of an handle. The stamped element is made from closed-cell foam, and only the cells located on the stamping face are opened by the stamping process.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Bernd Böhm-Van Diggelen
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Patent number: 6168435Abstract: A support post for use with a dental implant comprising a ceramic portion, a screw, and a metal portion. The ceramic portion is adapted to support a prosthesis thereon. The ceramic portion has a supragingival region for protruding beyond the gingiva and a subgingival end for extending into the gingiva. The ceramic portion has a passageway extending therethrough. According to one embodiment, the passageway narrows to form a shoulder that is made entirely of ceramic. The screw is adapted to engage an internally threaded bore in the implant and be insertable through the passageway. The screw comprises a bead and a threaded section. The head of the screw seats entirely on the shoulder. The metal portion comprises a lower section and an upper section extending into the passageway. The metal portion abuts the subgingival end of the ceramic portion. The lower section is adapted to receive and engage the corresponding boss of the dental implant. The metal portion has an opening to provide access to the screw.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Implant Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Beaty, Gale R. Brown, Richard J. Lazzara, Stephan S. Porter
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Patent number: 6168436Abstract: A universal dental implant abutment system is provided which includes an abutment collar and a fixation screw. The abutment collar has a proximal end portion adapted for fixation to a dental prosthesis and a distal end portion adapted for coupling with an implant body. The fixation screw is disposed within a longitudinal bore of the abutment collar and has a threaded distal end for securement to the implant body. The fixation screw has a head portion formed on a proximal end thereof, the head portion having a longitudinally directed bore formed therein. The longitudinal bore of the head of the fixation screw is formed with two longitudinally spaced sections. One section has a non-circular cross-sectional contour adapted for receiving a driving tool therein. The other section has internal threads formed therein adapted for threaded engagement with a retention fastener of a prosthesis.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Gary O'Brien
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Patent number: 6168437Abstract: A method for whitening teeth with a neat finishing, and a considerable durability can be provided at a low cost. Further, a method for easily making up nails can be provided. An apparatus of the present invention comprises a lower mold base for placing a male mold of a tooth form or a nail form to be attached with the seal, a sheet base for positioning a high polymer material sheet above the lower base, a holder portion for holding a female mold corresponding to the male mold, and a press mechanism for compressing the male mold, the high polymer material sheet placed on the sheet base, and the female mold with each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Shunsuke Hayashi
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Patent number: 6168438Abstract: A method of creating vivid life-like paintings using a clear or translucent canvas is provided. The method includes placing the canvas atop an image to be reproduced and tracing outline and highlight colors from the image onto the front side of the canvas. The canvas is then turned over and field colors and background colors are applied to the back side of the canvas. As a final step, a clear coating can be applied to the front side of the canvas. The result is a surprisingly vivid and life-like rendering of the image when the canvas is viewed from its front side. The rendering results from the combination of outlines and highlights on the front of the canvas and field and background colors visible through the canvas from the back side thereof, all enhanced by the clear coating.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventors: Suzanne A. Leonard, Wendy Dyer
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Patent number: 6168439Abstract: A word game for entertaining players and improving their vocabularies. The method of playing the word game comprises the steps of providing a plurality of tiles each with a front and a back. The front and back of each of the tiles has a unique letter of the alphabet imprinted thereon. A timer is provided. The timer expires after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. A card is provided for each player, each having a plurality of columns and a series of rows. All players simultaneously participate. One player shakes all the tiles in a tumbler and lets one tile fall out. The front and the back of the tile are viewed and the timer is started. Players write two series of words on the card they are holding. Each of the series is written in a unique row of the card. Words in the first series begin with one of the letters of the tile. Words in the second series begin with the other of the letters of the tile. Each of the words written in the first of the columns is of one syllable.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Fay Anderson
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Patent number: 6168440Abstract: A method and system for increasing the speed at which test answers are processed. The method and system receives electronic representations of test answers and organizes the test answers into separate groupings. Next a particular grouping of test answers are displayed to a test resolver so that the resolver can score the test answers. In displaying the answers, the method and system uses a matrix of cells and displays one test answer in each of the cells. The test resolver can thus simultaneously view multiple test answers, which facilitates efficient scoring of the answers.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: National Computer Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Jr., Judith Moyer
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Patent number: 6168441Abstract: A contact element for insertion and fastening in a through-contacted borehole provided in a carrier, for example, a printed circuit board, is disclosed. The contact element has a fastening region provided for insertion into the borehole, a connection region lying opposite the fastening region for connecting a plug, and a base region lying between the fastening and connection regions. The fastening region includes a pin having a collar at a distance from base region. The collar forms an application surface on the carrier, and the pin has a slot-shaped cutout extending over its entire length proceeding from base region of contact element up to its free end.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: FCT Electronic GmbHInventor: Peter Buchart
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Patent number: 6168442Abstract: An anisotropic conductivity sheet is formed with a conductive portion, in which conductive material is linked in a thickness direction within an insulator, and a positioning portion, which is formed of an insulator having elasticity at a portion other than the conductive portion. A metal plate for positioning is provided in a peripheral portion of the anisotropic conductivity sheet.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: JSR CorporationInventor: Masaya Naoi
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Patent number: 6168443Abstract: A conductor bridge for holding a plurality of electrically conductive elements includes a monolithic body formed from an electrically non-conductive material. Retainer means are provided for retaining the electrically conductive elements in the body such that they are electrically insulated relative to each other. The retainer means has an open position, in which the conductor elements can be placed in the retainer means, and a closed position, in which the conductor elements can be held in place within the body.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Heyco Products, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Mullen, Jr., William J. Coyle, Jr.
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Patent number: 6168444Abstract: A pick-up device is mountable to an electrical connector for facilitating pneumatic handling thereof. The connector has a receiving slot defined by two side walls and a bottom wall connecting therebetween. The pick-up device includes a base plate having a substantially flat top face engageable by a suction cup and a bottom face positioned on top edges of the side walls of the connector. A post extends from the bottom face of the base plate and is inserted into the receiving slot with a free end thereof received in and interferentially engaging with a bore defined in the bottom wall of the connector thereby securing the pick-up device to the connector. The pick-up device may further include two resilient arms extending from the bottom face of the base plate on opposite sides of the post. Each resilient arm has a J-shaped free end for engaging with a corresponding hole defined in the bottom wall of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ming- Chuan Wu, Ching-Ho Lai
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Patent number: 6168445Abstract: An electrical connector (10) comprising a first part (12) including a housing (16) having opposed side walls (18,20) each having an upper wall (24) and a lower wall (26) defining opposed slide surfaces (28) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a mating axis (X), first and second spaced apertures (34,36) in the upper wall, a pair of spaced apertures (38) in the lower wall, and a longitudinally extending slot (66) in the upper wall; a slider (30,31) positioned adjacent each side wall, each slider having an upper edge (54) and a lower edge (50) making a sliding engagement with the slide surfaces of the upper wall and the lower wall, a pair of inclined cam surfaces (46) having openings (48) in the lower edge alignable with the apertures in the lower wall, and a resilient tab (52) in the upper edge for making a snap fit in the first aperture in the upper wall in a fully unmated position, or in the second aperture in a fully mated position; a substantially U-shaped lever (58) having a pair of armType: GrantFiled: January 27, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Roman Seutschniker, Peter Schekalla
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Patent number: 6168446Abstract: An electronic card connector adapted to mount to a circuit board and receive and electrically connect an electronic card to the circuit board includes an insulative header having a board facing side. Long and short contact terminals are received and retained in the header with tail ends thereof extending beyond the board facing side to electrically engage with the circuit board. The board facing side of the header has a recess defined therein corresponding to each of the long contact terminals. The recess has a depth sufficient to accommodate the difference of length between the long and short contact terminals thereby reducing the overall dimension of the connector. The electronic card connector includes a card release mechanism for ejecting the electronic card from the connector. The card release mechanism includes a card release bar that is movable with respect to the header to pivot an actuator which in turn drives the electronic card out of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shun-Chi Tung
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Patent number: 6168447Abstract: Loadbreak connectors which are modified to reduce the probability of flashover upon disassembly operation of a loadbreak bushing insert from a power cable elbow connector. The loadbreak bushing insert and power cable elbow connector are mated with an interference fit between an elbow cuff and a transition shoulder portion of the loadbreak bushing insert. The bushing insert is provided with vents to vent a cavity formed between the elbow cuff and the transition shoulder portion of the bushing insert with ambient air to avoid a decrease in pressure within the connection region and avoid a decrease in the dielectric strength of the air therein thus preventing flashover. Preferably, the vents are provided on an elbow seating indicator band formed of a bright contrasting color on the bushing insert which, in addition to venting the cavity, serves to indicate whether the loadbreak connector is improperly assembled.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Frank M. Stepniak, Larry N. Siebens
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Patent number: 6168448Abstract: An audio jack connector comprises an insulative housing defining a receiving space for receiving signal contacts and other elements therein. A columnar projection extends from a front mating surface of the housing and a metal bushing is received in the columnar projection. Opposite the columnar projection, a recessed space is formed at the rear side of the housing for receiving a capacitor to filter interference noise from signals transmitted through the connector. Signal contacts and a pair of springs are all received in the receiving space of the housing. A grounding contact is mounted at a front side of the receiving space and makes electrical contact with the bushing. All contacts have soldering elements extending through a bottom of the housing for soldering to a circuit board. A grounding clip comprises a fixing portion received in a corresponding fixing slot in the housing, a connecting portion interconnecting the fixing portion and a resilient arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yao-Hao Chang
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Patent number: 6168449Abstract: A test socket for an integrated circuit includes a frame body, a number of electrical contacts, two sliding plates, a mechanism for slidingly moving the sliding plates in a horizontal direction, and two elastic elements. When applying a force to the mechanism, the sliding plates slide away from each other to make each ball contact of a ball grid array integrated circuit move downwardly into an associated through-hole of the sliding plate. When the force is removed, returning forces provided by the elastic elements return the sliding plates to their close contact status, and each ball contact is born against by an associated electrical contact and thus retained in the associated through-hole of the sliding plate such that signals from the ball contacts can be outputted via the electrical contacts.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Hsiang-Yu Huang, Ta-Chou Huang, Yuh-Wen Huang, Gau-Ching Day, Rong-Fang Horng
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Patent number: 6168450Abstract: Retention systems for use with processor modules (20) on circuit boards upon mating with connectors (12). Such systems utilize end blocks (44) at ends (36) of the connector, having retention members (54) for securing the processor module in its mated position with the connector, stabilizing the module and relieving stress from the connector. Resilient members (80) are compressed by a leading end (26) of the module at sides (32) thereof upon full insertion into the retention members (54), maintaining sufficient pressure on the latching system (34,60) to remove looseness from the assembly and stabilize the module against the effects of vibration and other movement.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventors: Wayne Samuel Davis, Robert Neil Whiteman, Jr.
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Patent number: 6168451Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for connecting a chipset to a printed circuit board comprises a dielectric housing having a number of terminal-receiving passageways defined between a top mating face and a bottom terminating face thereof. Two connecting protrusions are respectively formed on opposite sides of the housing. A number of terminals are received in the passageways of the housing. Each terminal has a contact portion and a tail portion extending from the contact portion. A fastening piece is attached to the housing, and includes a body and two legs extending substantially perpendicular from opposite ends of the body. Each leg defines a mating groove on an inner face thereof for mating with the corresponding connecting protrusion of the housing. When the fastening piece is mounted to the housing, the chipset is securely sandwiched between the fastening piece and the housing, and when the fastening piece is removed from the housing, the chipset can be easily detached from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nick Lin, Shih-Tsang Yang
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Patent number: 6168452Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a base receiving a number of contacts therein, a cover movably attached to the base, a frame defining a square central chamber for accommodating the base and the cover therein, and a driving mechanism disposed at a selected corner of the frame. The driving mechanism comprises a slider and a driver engaged together. The slider is generally L-shaped and defines a through slot at a corner thereof. The driver comprises a handle and an elliptical cam. The elliptical cam is disposed in the slider via the through slot thereof. When the driver is rotated in a predetermined direction, the cam pushes the slider to move along a diagonal direction of the frame, whereby the cover is moved relative to the base along the diagonal direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ching-Ho Lai, Shih-Tsang Yang
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Patent number: 6168453Abstract: A latch mechanism for firmly engaging a first connector and a second connector includes a fixing plate with a linking portion perpendicularly extending therefrom, a pair of extending portions perpendicular to the fixing plate, and a locking portion downwardly extending from the linking portion. Grasp arms downwardly extend from ends of the extending portions for engaging the first connector. The locking portion is firmly inserted into the first connector to form a reliable connection therewith. The fixing plate is securely retained in the second connector whereby the first and second connectors are firmly engaged.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Peter Kuo
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Patent number: 6168454Abstract: A removable pin stabilizer for stabilizing carrier pins of an integrated circuit chip carrier before and during placement of the pins into sockets of a circuit board. The removable pin stabilizer includes a non-dissolvable plate, the non-dissolvable plate having parallel dissolvable sections traversing the plate, the parallel dissolvable sections being through the plate and having holes through the plate for receiving the carrier pins, the holes encompassing the parallel dissolvable sections, wherein the parallel dissolvable sections can be dissolved by a solvent after the chip carrier is mounted and positioned correctly to the circuit board. The resultant additional space created by such removal will allow an increased flow of air between the integrated circuit chip carrier and the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Luke Dzwonczyk
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Patent number: 6168455Abstract: An in-line connector for coaxial cable connectors, which enables two flush cut cables of two different diameters to be spliced together without further cutting of the cable's insulator or outer conductor jacket. A longitudinal connector has an internal concentrically mounted conductor member which contacts the inner wire conductor of each cable to be spliced. A pair of metallic sleeves extend from the conductor and are inserted into each cable to make contact with the woven metallic sheath of each cable. Each of said sleeves comprises two sections having two different internal diameters to accommodate differently sized cables. A collapsible sleeve is concentrically mounted to each end of the connector and engages the connector to inhibit relative rotation. A lock nut threadably engages each of the collapsible sleeves to cover the connection and secure each cable to the connector.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Rally Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Saied Hussaini
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Patent number: 6168456Abstract: An electrical connection box includes a casing having an upper casing (10) and a lower casing (11). Terminal holes (19, 20) are formed on the outer wall of the casing. An insulating plate (12), mounted in the casing, has a several of wiring grooves (13) formed on at least one of its opposite faces (12a, 12b). Terminal driving portions (24 and 25), obtained by increasing a width of the wiring grooves (13), are provided at predetermined locations in the wiring grooves (13). Wires (14, 15) having first and second diameters are inserted into and held in the wiring grooves (13). Pressing contact terminals (16, 17) includes a pressing contact portion (16a, 17a) and an input-output terminal portion (16b, 17b) formed at its opposite ends, respectively. The pressing contact portions (16a, 17a) are driven into the terminal driving portions (24, 25) to connect through pressing contact to the wires (14, 15) held in the wiring grooves.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Yuuji Saka, Takahiro Onizuka, Yoshito Oka, Makoto Kobayashi, Nori Inoue, Jun Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 6168457Abstract: A electric wire connecting structure including a first wire connector which taps into electric current flowing through a first electric wire, a second wire connector connected to a second wire, and a bridge integrally connecting the first wire connector and the second wire connector, such that electric current is transmitted from the first wire to the second wire.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Yoengseog Kim
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Patent number: 6168458Abstract: A communications cabling system adapted for being installed adjacent a first side of a structure having a port communicating with a second side of the structure includes a plurality of unique cable assemblies. Each cable assembly includes a plurality of wires having first and second ends, a first connector having a first plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to each of the plurality of wires at the first end, a second connector having a second plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to a first unique subset of the plurality of wires at the second end and a third connector having a third plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to a second unique subset of the plurality of wires at the second end. At least one of the first, second and third connectors is configured for being supported proximate the port. At least one of the first, second and third connectors includes a portion accessible from the second side.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventor: James L. Kraft
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Patent number: 6168459Abstract: A flex circuit support and apparatus (148) for a disc drive (100) comprising a flex circuit (150) with a conductor portion (154), a rigid dielectric support bracket (156), and a compressible, deformable resilient dielectric gasket seal (174), and extends through a connector aperture (162) of a basedeck (104). The support bracket (156) has a base portion (158) and a connector portion (160) vertically extending bi-directionally from the base portion (158). The gasket seal (174) is secured between the basedeck 104 and the support bracket (156). The connector portion 160 supports the conductor portion (154) of the flex circuit (150) and extends through the connector aperture (162). The support bracket (156) and the attached flex circuit (150) is secured to the basedeck (104) in a conventional manner through the use of fasteners (161).Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Alvin E. Cox, Steven S. Eckerd, Housan Dakroub
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Patent number: 6168460Abstract: A terminal block configured to be used with self contained and transformer rated electricity meters includes at least one first cavity having at least one rib. The terminal block also includes a top having a plurality of current terminal extension members and a plurality of potential terminal extension members. A back of the terminal block includes at least one slot in communication with at least one second cavity. The second cavity is also in communication with at least one opening. The self contained meters utilize a terminal block assembly that includes the terminal block, a plurality of current terminals, a plurality of test link springs, and a plurality of actuator screws. The test link spring is positioned, at least partially, within the test link spring cavity and is configured to connect a potential wire to one of the current terminals.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Patrick Joseph Horan, Wayne Alfrede Therrien
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Patent number: 6168461Abstract: A module jack arrangement, which includes multiple module jacks coupled into a row, and at least one clip respectively installed in each two adjacent module jacks to secure the module jacks in position, each module jack including a housing, a terminal holder fastened to the housing and holding a set of terminals, wherein the housing has two coupling tongues and two coupling flanges disposed at two opposite sides at different elevations for enabling the housings two module jacks to be coupled together, and two coupling grooves at two opposite sides for receiving the respective clip; the terminal holder has two vertical coupling flanges bilaterally disposed in reversed directions for enabling the terminal holder of one module jack to be coupled to the terminal holder of another, and a hooked flange for engagement with a hooked flange in the housing of the respective module jack.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Teckon Electronics Corp.Inventor: Chih-Kai Chang