Patents Issued in January 2, 2001
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Patent number: 6167611Abstract: A process for producing a vertical magnetic head for reading information from a magnetic media. The head includes a substrate on which is mounted an amagnetic spacer extending perpendicular to the face of the substrate. A first magnetic material is deposited in vapor phase thin film formed on either side of the spacer. A second magnetic material is deposited on the first by electrolytic growth.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Pierre Gaud, Henri Sibuet, Christine Louis, Nathalie Vallet
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Patent number: 6167612Abstract: An apparatus for the making and breaking of a plug and socket connection within a hazardous environment by remote handling means includes at least one receiving bracket adapted to receive a positioning and retaining plate. The positioning and retaining plate has one of a plug and a socket fixed thereto in a predetermined orientation to permit making or breaking of a connection with the other of a plug and a socket. The at least one receiving bracket and the fixed plug or socket are movable in a direction parallel to the axis of the fixed plug or socket on slider means. The apparatus includes means for moving the at least one receiving bracket and the fixed plug or socket relative to the other of a plug and a socket which is fixed in a co-operating axial and rotational orientation thereto so as to make or break the connection. The at least one receiving bracket has means to permit the fixed plug or socket to be placed in or removed from the at least one receiving bracket by the remote handling means.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels plcInventor: David Frank Cunliffe
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Patent number: 6167613Abstract: A device is disclosed herein for engaging and disengaging electrical connector halves, particularly electrical connector halves mounted on printed assembly boards that are to be electrically connected to a back plane. The device provides a drive train mechanism comprised of a plurality of gears and racks that, when attached, act to reduce the insertion force required to make the electrical connector halves disposed on the printed board assemblies and the back plane. A further aspect of the present invention involves the method of attaching a back plane to at least one stationary printed board assembly by actuation of a drive train.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Brian S. Jarrett, Ronald C. Flamm, Sanjay Pai, George Daskalakis, Craig Jahne, Paul A. Cole, Neal E. Broadbent, Stephen R. Brown
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Patent number: 6167614Abstract: A method of manufacturing and testing an electronic circuit, the method comprising forming a plurality of conductive traces on a substrate and providing a gap in one of the conductive traces; attaching a circuit component to the substrate and coupling the circuit component to at least one of the conductive traces; supporting a battery on the substrate, and coupling the battery to at least one of the conductive traces, wherein a completed circuit would be defined, including the traces, circuit component, and battery, but for the gap; verifying electrical connections by performing an in circuit test, after the circuit component is attached and the battery is supported; and employing a jumper to electrically close the gap, and complete the circuit, after verifying electrical connections.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark E. Tuttle, Rickie C. Lake, Curtis M. Medlen
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Patent number: 6167615Abstract: Where an electrical connection is needed between an electric circuit on a substrate and a component with very finely spaced leads, pads are formed on the substrate at points where such connections to the circuit are to be made. A solder paste is deposited using a particular, described stencil having a thickness and apertures with specific tolerances. The component is positioned so that its leads to be attached are contiguous with corresponding pads, and the electrical connections are completed by reflowing the solder paste forming consistent and reliable electrical joints of solder alloy.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Bao-Tong Ma, Amit Kumar Sarkhel, Ping Kwong Seto
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Patent number: 6167616Abstract: A connection method is proceeded by: placing a covered electric wire (18) on a terminal (17); applying an ultrasonic vibration in a state of pressing the covered electric wire (18) against the terminal (17) so as to melt and remove a covering portion (26); arranging a plurality of core wires on the terminal (17) in parallel; and pressing the arranged core wires (25) against the terminal (17) so that the core wires (25) and the terminal (17) conductively contact with each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Akira Shinchi
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Patent number: 6167617Abstract: A unique electrical connector for power and signal connections from an I/O cabinet of a control system to a block I/O assembly mounted in the cabinet to allow a blind fit of power and signal connection of power and signal connections insuring that power will be provided to the block I/O assembly before any application of signals thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Elsag International N.V.Inventors: Donald L. Oros, Arthur Rousmaniere
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Patent number: 6167618Abstract: A method of repairing a crack in a boiling water reactor shroud with a clamp having pins eccentrically mounted on disks connected by a structural member includes inserting the pins into openings formed in the shroud on opposite sides of the weld and turning the disks to rotate the pins toward the weld such that edges of the holes are engaged by the pins to transmit loads from the shroud to the structural member rather than the weld. A locking mechanism using set screws can be used to lock the disks in a desired rotational position relative to the clamp.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: MPR Associates, Inc.Inventors: Sterling J. Weems, William E. Sylvester
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Patent number: 6167619Abstract: A method of assembling a heat exchanger unit (12) that involves an expansion technique for securing a heat exchanger tube (18) to a number of fins (24) without physical intrusion into the tube passage. The method includes forming the tube (18) to have substantially parallel tube portions (26). Pairs of tubes portions (26) may be connected by a bend or an elbow (28) to yield a serpentine tube configuration. Each of the fins (24) is formed to include one or more apertures that are sized to receive the tube portions (26). The fins (24) are then arranged to form a fin pack (22), so that their apertures are aligned to form an aggregate passage through the fin pack (22). The tube portions (26) are then inserted into the aggregate passage, such that the elbow (28) (if present) and/or the ends of the tube (18) remain outside the fin pack (22).Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Blissfield Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Gerald R. Beagle
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Patent number: 6167620Abstract: A method for transporting heat exchanger fins and forming a core subassembly for a heat exchanger uses a universal fin tray for all subassemblies instead of different tray sizes for different core subassemblies. The method includes indexing core plates forward under a stationary fin stuffing box, loading fins into the universal fin tray, indexing the loaded fins forward one at a time corresponding to the number of fins required, pushing required fins into the fin stuffing box when indexing reaches number required for the core subassembly, and pushing fins out of the fin stuffing box into the plates forming the core subassembly. A universal fin tray size, a stationary fin box, and a stationary cut off are used for all core sizes.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Gerald Joseph Selm, Kevin Bennett Wise, Carl Eckardt Schornhorst
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Patent number: 6167621Abstract: A cold plate includes two flow-wise isolated coolant (or refrigerant) passages (or sets of passages) originating at the center of the cold plate and terminating at an edge for use in conjunction with separate refrigeration systems. The cold plate passages are centrally fed by the refrigeration system to create a cooling gradient radiating from the center of the cold plate to its edges. The center-fed cold plate provides a more even temperature gradient across the thermal source. The cold plate passages do not permit flow communication between distinct coolant (or refrigerant) paths. This permits two distinct cooling systems to operate either dually or in a redundant manner. Nonetheless, flow isolation is achieved while still maintaining tight thermal coupling between each path and the object, such as an electronic computer processor module, to be cooled.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gary F. Goth, John J. Loparco
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Patent number: 6167622Abstract: A flexible connector apparatus for decoupling vibrations, for example, along the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. The flexible connector apparatus is provided for connecting first and second components in the exhaust system, and includes a bellows for accommodating relative movement between the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus includes an attachment construction which enables weldless, gasketless connection of the bellows to at least one of the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus may include a liner tube structure having inlet and outlet liner tubes. An alternative construction incorporates a multi-ply bellows in the absence of a liner structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Senior Investments AGInventor: Scott Cwik
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Patent number: 6167623Abstract: A press roll for a paper or board machine, a method for manufacturing a roll for a paper or board machine and a coating composition for a roll which enable the roll to endure difficult corrosion conditions. An adhesion/corrosion-protection layer having a thickness of from about 150 &mgr;m to about 300 &mgr;m is applied onto the frame part of the roll by a high-velocity flame spraying technique. The adhesion/corrosion-protection layer contains a nickel-chromium alloy. A tight-ceramic layer having a thickness from about 50 &mgr;m to about 150 &mgr;m is applied onto the adhesion/corrosion-protection layer by a high-velocity flame spraying technique and includes from about 50% to about 100% of Al2O3 and optionally includes up to about 50% of TiO2 and/or any amount of Al2TiO5. A porous ceramic layer is applied onto the tight ceramic layer. The tight-ceramic layer may include only Al2TiO5 instead of Al2O3, with or without TiO2.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Valmet CorporationInventors: Kari Niemi, Juha Wahlroos, Pentti Lehtonen
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Patent number: 6167624Abstract: A method for producing a polymeric foamed material panel including the steps of providing a polymeric foamed material; and cutting (e.g. hot wire cutting) the polymeric foamed material until reaching a preconfiguration cut point. The method further includes cutting subsequently from the preconfiguration cut point a brace-receiving configuration in the polymeric foamed material; and sliding a brace member into the brace-receiving configuration to produce a polymeric foamed material panel. A method for forming a structure comprising engaging together a pair of polymeric foamed material panels produced in accordance with the method for producing a polymeric foamed material panel. A polymeric foamed material panel comprising a panel consisting of a polymeric foamed material, and a brace-receiving-configured slot disposed in the polymeric foamed material of the panel. A brace member is disposed in the brace-receiving-configured slot in the polymeric foamed material of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: QB Technologies, L.C.Inventors: Kenneth P. Lanahan, Thomas G. Durham, Stephen C. Foreman
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Patent number: 6167625Abstract: A shaving implement, such as a disposable cartridge or razor, comprises a shaving head which includes a skin-contacting element in the form of a series of cavities and projections. The projections are arranged in the cavities in order to provide a unique sensation to the user during shaving. The cavities are arranged so as to meter the amount of shaving cream which is on the surface being shaved.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Warner-Lambert CompanyInventors: Brian F. King, David C. Coffin, Michael P. O'Malley, Andrew J. Pennella
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Patent number: 6167626Abstract: A dust collection port for a circular saw is formed on the upper rear end of a blade guard. A spring biased door pivotally moved between a closed position and an open position is provided over the port. The guard includes exit ribs and return ribs in the region of the port where the ribs direct the flow of the dust formed by the saw blade. The door includes ribs on the underside surface to secure a hose in the port when the door is in the open position. When the door is in the open position, dust flows through cavity formed by the guard into the exit ribs and into a hose inserted into the port. In the closed position, the dust flows through the exit ribs and into the return ribs to exit through the open lower end of the guard.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: S-B Power Tool CompanyInventors: Robert Doumani, Dennis Powell
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Patent number: 6167627Abstract: A device for computing the heading of an airplane in the outbound leg of a holding pattern, and the bearing to a VOR or NDB station at which the airplane should begin turning inbound at the end of the outbound leg, given the bearing of the outbound leg, the speed and bearing of the wind, and the true airspeed of the plane, but without requiring the user to keep track of the time. In a first preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a slide rule with upper, middle and lower disks attached at their centers by a pivot, and a straight rule movably retained in a groove in an upper disk. There is a logarithmic scale for true airspeed on the straight rule, and a parallel and adjacent logarithmic scale for wind speed on the upper disk. The lower and middle disks each have degree markings, and the middle disk also has figures for heading and bearing corrections, to which arrows on the straight rule point.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventors: Bruce Gary Wilder, Otto Charles Wilke
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Patent number: 6167628Abstract: A carpenter's gauge for use as a marking gauge or a compass includes a compass bar, a pin carrier, and a marking instrument holder. The compass bar is an elongated bar having a slot formed along its center. The pin carrier slides along the compass bar and includes a pin holder and a knob located opposite the pin holder along the compass bar. The pin holder includes a reference surface that lies substantially in line with a pin held by the pin holder. The knob allows the pin holder to be rotated between a first position where the reference surface lies parallel to the compass bar, and a second position where the reference surface lies perpendicular to the compass bar. When the reference surface lies perpendicular to the compass bar, the gauge may be used as a marking gauge or a compass by inserting a marking instrument into the marking instrument holder. Etched markings along the compass bar indicate the distance between the reference surface or pin and the marking instrument.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.Inventors: Steve K. Jones, Mark Summers
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Patent number: 6167629Abstract: A leveling rod for an electronic level has a plurality of bar-shaped marks disposed adjacent each other in a longitudinal direction along the leveling rod in parallel with each other and perpendicular to a length of the leveling rod. The marks are arranged at a constant pitch. The width dimensions of the marks in the longitudinal direction of the leveling rod are represented by a plurality of integers. A permutation of predetermined number of values chosen from a sequence of numbers made up of a sequential array of the ratios of the width dimensions is arranged to be different from a permutation chosen from any other portion of the sequence of numbers.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Sokkia Co. Ltd.Inventor: Minoru Chiba
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Patent number: 6167630Abstract: A combined laser beam level and square apparatus includes a level having slots or openings along a common side so that the slots or openings may receive a rule or square device that is pivotally mounted thereon so as to be selectively placed in coextensive slots or openings of the level. The coextensive slots include shoulder guides which align the rule into a particular angular orientation such as a 90 degree position with respect to the level or 45 degree orientation or position with respect to the level. Releasable securement means are provided for retaining the level and a base, if used, in a fixed position and other retaining means are provided for holding the rule fixed to the level while in a selected coextensive slot or opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: James Webb
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Patent number: 6167631Abstract: A plummet level for checking the horizontal state of a surface and locating two vertically spaced points generally required by wood working in most interior decorative works. The plummet level includes a rectangular main body divided into front and rear compartments for balance beam and weight-loaded swing link, respectively, to mount therein on a central pivot shaft. Two long clear windows are separately provided on walls of the main body facing the balance beam and the swing link. A plurality of spaced and parallel check lines horizontally extend a full length of the windows. A user may visually overlap one of the check lines on the windows and a reference level/vertical line on the balance beam/swing link to check a working surface for its horizontal or vertical state.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Wen Chin Lin
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Patent number: 6167632Abstract: A dual chalk line device for marking straight lines in construction applications. The dual chalk line device includes a housing with a pair of separable sections and a pair of openings. Each of the sections has a sidewall, a pair of opposite ends, and a pair of side edges extending between the ends. A divider panel is positioned between the sections of the housing to separate the housing into a pair of compartments. A first spool is rotatably disposed in one of the compartments of the housing. A second spool is rotatably disposed in another of the compartments of the housing. Each of the spools has a quantity of line wrapped therearound. A pair of handles are mounted to the spools and positioned outside the housing. The handles permit external rotation of the spools.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Ron Shor
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Patent number: 6167633Abstract: A curve forming device has a first elongated, flexible member with a plurality of equal-length projections extending perpendicularly from one side. The projections have end faces aligned parallel to the first elongated, flexible member. One portion of a hook-and-loop fastener is affixed to the end face of each projection. A second elongated flexible member has a complementary portion of the hook-and-loop fastener affixed along its entire length. To form a curve, one of the flexible members is pre-shaped into the desired curve. The, the other flexible member is attached by engaging the hook-and-loop fasteners on the projections to the fastener on the other flexible member. The curve forming device is then locked in place. Pressure sensitive adhesive can also be employed.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: CLC Associates Inc.Inventor: Thomas P. Amara
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Patent number: 6167634Abstract: A measurement and compensation system for thermal errors in a machine tool is disclosed. A module is provided to compensate thermal errors of the machine tool. The module comprises an operating part, a data bank, an analog to digital converter, a counter and a digital input/output part. The data bank stores in all the coefficients applied to a thermal error modeling equation which governs a relation between temperatures and thermal errors at various operating conditions. The operating part determines all the coefficients of the thermal error modeling equation which are stored in the data bank and calculates the thermal errors corresponding to the temperatures of a plurality of the thermocouples by the temperatures of a plurality of thermocouples inputted from the A/D converter and the positional coordinates of the bed inputted from the counter.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: SNU Precision Co., Ltd.Inventors: Heui Jae Pahk, Suk Won Lee
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Patent number: 6167635Abstract: A pushing suspending device of a measuring tape has a housing, a rule and a suspending device, with the rule curled within the housing, and protecting disk covers installed on the two sides of the rule. The suspending device includes a contacting pressing piece and a suspending switch. One end of the contacting pressing piece is embedded within the housing, and another end of which is formed with a cambered contacting plate. A pushing key is projected upwards from the center of the plate. An opening is located on the lower end of the housing to accommodate the suspending switch. The front end of suspending switch has a through hole for the rule, while the two sides have resisting portions for resisting against the protecting disk covers. When the rule is pulled, if the suspending switch is pushed, then the movement of the rule may be suspended effectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd.Inventor: Henry Lin
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Patent number: 6167636Abstract: In a process for thermally utilizing wet spent grains (1), the wet spent grains (1) are mechanically predried in a first drying stage (2), thermally dried in a further drying stage (4) and finally thermally utilized by burning or gasification. In order to be able to realize a process of this kind economically, the mechanically dehydrated spent grains (15) in the further drying stage (4) are heated by the aid of a smoke gas occurring within the energy system of a brewery.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Brau-Union {umlaut over (O)}sterreich AktiengesselschaftInventors: Leopold Werner Kepplinger, Dieter Pelz, Gerald Zanker
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Patent number: 6167637Abstract: The hydroextractor disclosed has a dehydration chamber, a pressurization chamber defined by a flexible diaphragm in isolation from the dehydration chamber, and a crushing member disposed in the dehydration chamber. A pipe member extends through the pressurization chamber and the diaphragm, and a rotary shaft extends sealingly through the pipe member into the dehydration chamber. The crushing member is mounted to the rotary shaft and is driven by a drive apparatus connected to the opposite end of the shaft. The hydroextractor feeds moist material and pours cooling water into the dehydration chamber and introduces pressurized water into the pressurization chamber. The hot material fed in the dehydration chamber is pressure-dehydrated into a cake with the diaphragm of the pressurization chamber. The dehydrated cake is poured with cooling water, and at the same time the crushing member crushes the dehydrated cake and mixes it with the cooling water.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yuuji Nagase, Hyosuke Nagase, Kazuo Kobayashi, Norio Masumoto
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Patent number: 6167638Abstract: Very dry air is made for drying grain and other particulates. The air is dried by first cooling under pressure to remove moisture, then contacted with a drying device such as a vessel containing desiccant, then heated and released into a bed of particulates.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Clearwater, Inc.Inventors: Matthew E. Vavro, Wayne Mueller
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Patent number: 6167639Abstract: An improved sole or insole for providing puncture resistance in boots and other types of shoes includes multiple layers of a tightly woven, puncture resistant fabric, formed from high tensile strength synthetic or polymeric fibers, such as Kevlar®, a polyaramid. The layers of puncture resistant fabric generally are not bonded together or adhered together by adhesives or the like. The layers of puncture resistant fabric may be secured together along the outer peripheries thereof, or they may be secured within a pocket formed from a covering material, such as foam, or in a pocket formed between an inner and outer sole of the boot or shoe.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: George Ventura
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Patent number: 6167640Abstract: An athletic shoe, such as a soccer shoe, has an upper defining a toe region, an insole connected to the upper, and an outsole secured to the insole. A vamp in the toe region is joined to the insole. The vamp is a full-grain leather composed of a grain layer and a leather fiber layer joined to the grain layer. An elastomeric coating is disposed on and partway penetrates into the leather fiber layer in a region where the fiber layer is joined to the insole. The coating has a thickness above the surface of the leather fiber layer of at least 0.1 mm. The coating may also be disposed in a region adjoining the region where the fiber layer is joined to said insole. The coating may also be reinforced with an embedded reinforcement.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Adidas International B.V.Inventor: Philipp Schaefer
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Patent number: 6167641Abstract: A cleat provides traction in golf shoes (and shoes for other turf sports) without adversely affecting turf, while providing a desired level of traction under as many different conditions as possible, is resistant to being worn down on hard surfaces. The cleat has a hub with an attachment stud for attaching to a receptacle in a shoe sole, and at least one traction element extending substantially laterally from the flange to engage grass blades to provide traction without damaging turf. The traction element is deflectably attached to the hub, preferably by a resilient arm having a turf-engaging portion at the end thereof. The traction element is preferably cantilevered out of the plane of the hub, and in any event preferably deflects when a hard surface is encountered, to protect the turf-engaging portion from abrasion.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
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Patent number: 6167642Abstract: A loader bucket extender is attached to a preexisting loader bucket so as to extend the load-carrying capacity of that loader bucket by a large amount, on the order of fourfold and even more. A tractor or similar vehicle to which the preexisting loader bucket is attached moves the preexisting loader bucket into a suitable position relative to the loader bucket extender, at which point the loader bucket extender and preexisting loader bucket are attached and secured to one another using several engagement, attachment, and securing members.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Mark A. Nardini
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Patent number: 6167643Abstract: A steam pressing iron having a sole plate 11 provided with steam outlet holes 12 communicating with an evaporation chamber 14, the sole plate 11 and the evaporation chamber 14 being in thermal communication with a heating device, the evaporation chamber 14 communicating with a reservoir 15 via an orifice 16 capable of being blocked by a valve 17 disposed in a housing 52. The valve 17 includes a rod 5 capable of blocking the orifice 16, the rod having a shoulder 19 capable of resting on a support 3 that is fixed to a bellows 4 forming at least one part of a water tight conduit 31 between the reservoir 15 and the evaporation chamber 14, the support 3 being capable of being actuated by a bimetallic strip 1 mounted on a wall in thermal communication with the evaporation chamber 14.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: SEB S.A.,Inventors: Phillippe Dodier, Jean-Louis Brandolini
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Patent number: 6167644Abstract: A display standard for displaying advertising away from a mounting surface comprises a planar piece of flexible material, which has a base member with top and bottom retaining flaps mateable with opposing channels of the mounting surface for securing the standard to the mounting surface. The flexible material further includes a display region for supporting advertising away from the mounting surface and opposing folding tabs to move the display region from a first position in which the display standard is substantially flat to a second position in which the display region is moved outwardly away from the mounting surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Andrew C. Fox
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Patent number: 6167645Abstract: A license plate bracket includes a pair of resilient hooks for hooking the bracket to the grille of a vehicle. The hooks, in part, replace conventional hardware such as screws and bolts which are incompatible with the thin plastic ribs found on modern vehicle front grilles. The entire bracket, including the hooks, can be formed as a one-piece plastic molding.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: David J. Gasko, Paul A. Martin, Michael N. Fisher
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Patent number: 6167646Abstract: View box apparatus is provided for illuminating a film containing a medical diagnostic image for radiologic observation and study. A light source is contained within the view box, at one end thereof, and a transparent plate is positioned at the other end for supporting the imaging film. A panel of material is positioned in the box between the light source and the transparent plate to diffuse light from the source, and one or more layers of a microprism film is positioned between the diffuser panel and the imaging film. The microprism film layer reflects light rays which are incident thereon at an angle less than a critical angle back into the view box, so that such light rays do not pass through the microprism film to illuminate the imaging film. Light rays incident upon the microprism film which are greater than the critical angle are refracted by the microprism film, to provide light for illuminating the imaging film having a solid angle which is much less than the solid angle of light from the diffuser.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: William R. Brauer
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Patent number: 6167647Abstract: A double-directional rotary water ball structure in which a music bell is disposed in a base seat of the water ball and a transmission shaft extends from the music bell for outputting rotational power. A driving gear is fitted with the transmission shaft for transmitting the power respectively to a central driven gear and an inner gear disposed on inner circumference of a rotary tray. Accordingly, the rotary tray and a transmission claw connected to the driven gear are respectively driven to rotate in reverse directions, whereby the internal view of the water ball and the external view disposed on the rotary tray are rotated in reverse directions so as to create a double-directional rotation visual effect.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Ya Yung Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
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Patent number: 6167648Abstract: An illuminatable sign includes a number of lighting modules arranged on an electrical circuit such that they are individually disconnectable, removable and adjustable in position between conductors. Preferably the lighting modules are slidable on the conductors while remaining in electrical contact to provide illumination where it is specifically required. Connections between the modules and the conductors may be such that the modules slide on the conductors. Such connectors may be snap on connectors or may be prongs insertable into helical springs about the conductors such that compression of the springs increases the diameter of the springs to allow them to slide on the conductors and lack of compression allows the springs to grip the prongs tightly.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Frederick Dimmick
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Patent number: 6167649Abstract: An information display system, mountable on planar surfaces such as the walls of buildings or the sides of semi-trailers, includes a frame and a polygonal flexible sheet perimetricly anchored to the frame. The system includes at least one anchoring bracket rigidly attached to the planar surface at each of the sheet's apices or corner locations. Other anchoring brackets may be rigidly attached to the planar surface at various locations along the sign's edges. The sign may be a sheet of flexible polymeric material which may be optionally fiber-reinforced. Alternatively, the sign may be cloth made from tightly woven natural or synthetic fibers. An advertising message or other graphic information is printed on the sign, which is hemmed along its perimetric edges to create a sleeve surrounding the sheet. At least one retaining device is inserted through the perimetric sleeve, and the sheet is secured by tensioning means attached to the anchoring brackets which act on the retaining device(s).Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Richard P. Palmeri
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Patent number: 6167650Abstract: A fly fishing line having an acrylic resin bonded polytetrafluorethylene coating is described. A process for creating this coating including application of the coating and layers with removal of the carrier between layer application steps and a final cure step in which all layers are cured into a unitary structure is also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: The Orvis Company, Inc.Inventor: Earl Duback
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Patent number: 6167651Abstract: A device for watering a Christmas tree at its base with a fluid such as water. The device comprises a unitary, molded, generally spherical receptacle having a top pole and an opposing bottom pole, and comprising an open-top, hollow, half spherical bottom having a top lip, the bottom comprising a reservoir for receiving fluid, and having a drainage outlet substantially at the bottom pole, and a half spherical lid having a lower perimeter that matches the top lip of the bottom, the lid hinged to the bottom by a molded, living hinge. The lid may be closed against the bottom so that the lid completely covers the open top of the bottom. There is a molded structure at the top pole, for removably attaching the device to one or more of the tree branches, and a conduit for transferring fluid said fluid from the reservoir to the tree base.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Ryan P. Luddy
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Patent number: 6167652Abstract: Application of a water-soluble salt of chitosan to the foliage of growing plants increases the yield of vegetables, tubers, cereal grains, fruits and blossoms. Plants so treated are healthier, sturdier, more resistant to drought and many varieties enjoy an extended period of production. The plants may be effectively and conveniently treated by spraying the foliage with a solution containing 0.01-1.5% wt. chitosan salt using conventional agricultural equipment and techniques.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: DCV, Inc.Inventors: George E. Heinsohn, August S. Bjornson
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Patent number: 6167653Abstract: A rigid, hollow, bottomless container for transporting and displaying a seed ball which includes a sleeve extending about the container that allows printed indicia to be located on the exterior of the container. The container is comprised of a number of side walls integrally or separately formed and connected to form the container. Each side wall contains an upper and lower ridge on opposite ends of a central panel which define a channel extending around the exterior of the container. The sleeve is formed of a resilient material and is positioned about the container within the channel and allows an individual to display printed material on the exterior of the container, by printing directly on the sleeve, or by placing preprinted cards between the sleeve and the side wall that rest on the lower ridge of the side walls of the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Jan M. Van den Kieboom
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Patent number: 6167654Abstract: A device for automatically closing a closure installation (such as a window or a door) includes a drive device, a traction mechanism, a spring, an actuating device and a locking device. The closure installation is mounted in a frame supported by a building. The traction mechanism is located between the closure installation and the frame, and is driven by the drive device to close the closure installation. The spring is tensioned when the closure installation is placed in the open position, and supplies the energy to the drive device which is required to close the closure installation. The actuating device is used to initially place the closure installation in the open position. The actuating device tensions the spring when the closure installation is placed in the open position. The locking device is initially released to permit the closure installation to be placed in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Michael Wolf
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Patent number: 6167655Abstract: A stop device comprising a rectangular elongated member having an attaching member adapted to attach the elongated member within a jamb liner of a window jamb. The elongated member having first and second interconnecting sections telescopingly connected to provide an adjustment in length of the elongated member. The elongated member having an elongated slot having a base and two sides. A support member extending perpendicularly from one side of the elongated member. The support member having a protrusion extending from one end of the thereof which slidably engages the base and two sides of the slot to fixedly attach the support member to the elongated member. The other end of the support member includes a threaded bore which receives a threaded member.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Edward A. Carwin
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Patent number: 6167656Abstract: “A security window assembly comprising a frame having four members and a pane member securable within the frame. The bottom member of the frame contains a milled groove. The top member of the frame contains a stepped groove having a first groove of a first depth and a second groove of a second and deeper depth. The pane is installed by sliding it into the second depth groove to allow it clearance to then be installed in the bottom member groove. The pane can only be removed by sliding it into the second depth groove which removes the pane from the bottom member groove. When in place in the window, the pane is positioned within the bottom member groove and within the first depth groove of the top member. Clamps hold the pane in place.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Fortress Security Windows Inc.Inventors: Anthony Devlin, Mark J. DiNoto
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Patent number: 6167657Abstract: An extrusion product or profile is formed by extrusion of a cellular compound to form a base and then subsequent extrusion of a non-cellular compound to form an attached flexible strip. The final product or profile is used as a garage door weatherstrip in which the cellular base is mounted against the door jamb and the strip of flexible non-cellular material extends out from the cellular base to prevent the flow of air through openings between doors and adjacent jambs or frames. The process for forming such a product involves sequential extrusion of the two portions of the product. First, a cellular base is extruded through a die and vacuum sizer and allowed to cool. Next, a saddle die is used to apply the flexible non-cellular strip to a portion of the cellular base.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Marley Mouldings, Inc.Inventors: Gary Burge, Robert Pauley
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Patent number: 6167658Abstract: A weather cover for a boat comprises a fabric cover that completely covers the boat while floating in the water. The cover is gathered tight above the waterline. An air-duct fan inside the cover draws in clean dry air from outside through a filtered vent and a connecting flexible air duct. Such fan runs on electricity provided by shore power, the boats electrical system, or solar panels. The exhaust air is directed through another vent through the cover. The intake cover vent is filled with a replaceable filter foam material. In both vents, a louver opening is directed downward to prevent rain or water spray from entering. The fan need only keep the air inside the boat dry over the long term. The fan therefore may run continuously, or as power is available, e.g., during daylight when the sun is shining.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: William J. Weiner
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Patent number: 6167659Abstract: A roof hatch safety railing for increasing a person's safety as he or she climbs onto a roof or platform of a building from a roof or access hatch is disclosed. The safety railing includes two poles where one pole is attached to the right side of a roof hatch and the other pole is attached to the left side of the hatch. A person may grab the poles as he or she climbs from the roof or access hatch ladder, through the hatch, and onto the roof or platform. The poles are also spaced away from the hatch, thereby allowing enough clearance for a lid of the hatch to close and cover the hatch. The railing may be modified to accommodate various types and sizes of roof or access hatches.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Nesea Construction, IncorporatedInventor: Harold L. Swindell, III
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Patent number: 6167660Abstract: A counter flashing system is provided for protecting a termination end of a roofing material and providing an asthetic cover. An anchor has a first end attached to a wall and a second end defining a mounting slot for receiving a counter flashing. A mounting end of the counter flashing is inserted into the slot and fastened. The slot and the mounting end of the counter flashing both include a plurality of teeth which engage each other to prohibit movement of the counter flashing. A free end of the counter flashing extends out from the mounting end and covers a portion of the wall which includes a roofing seal. The anchor and counter flashing protect the roofing seal from exposure to weather and sunlight as well as providing as aesthetically pleasing appearance. With the present invention, the components can be easily assembled, disassembled, or replaced.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Tremco IncorporatedInventor: Joseph A. Sama