Patents Issued in January 9, 2001
  • Patent number: 6170635
    Abstract: A device for handling objects or articles capable of receiving at its input a substantially continuous flow of single or multiple articles to be assorted into groups intended to be discharged from the output side in a phased or intermittent manner. The device includes a conveyor for transferring the articles that is provided with appropriate reception seatings for the said articles. The transfer conveyor has an associated expulsion unit capable of acting simultaneously on a group of the said articles contained in the appropriate seatings of the said transfer conveyor maintained in a condition of standstill or substantial standstill. The device also includes an input conveyor that receives a flow of the articles at its upstream end and distributes them into the reception seatings of the said transfer conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Fameccania.Data S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guido Rommelli
  • Patent number: 6170636
    Abstract: The invention relates to an application drum for use in the production of absorbent articles. The application drum has a longitudinal axis of rotation and comprises material engagement means on the outside thereof for both collecting and delivering a material component. In order to be able to use only a single drum and still be able to place material components more to one or the, other side of the center-line of a conveyor belt, the material engagement means is arranged for reciprocal movement with respect to the drum in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Hans Een, Lennart Nilsson, Jan-Erik Hallin, Kent Edgren
  • Patent number: 6170637
    Abstract: The invention relates to an article feeding apparatus for arraying and feeding articles having nearly spherical shape or nearly elliptical shape such as fruits and balls for sports, and more particularly to an article feeding apparatus comprising support rollers arranged in a conveying direction, with the support rollers being arranged at an angle of a nearly V form large in the opening angle as seen from the plane toward said conveying direction, and rotating means for rotating the support rollers in an article transferring direction, in which the articles are centered in the central part of the conveying route, the articles conveyed in overlaid or gathered state are dispersed back and forth, a transfer force is applied in a direction moving toward the central part of the conveying route, and the articles are transferred to next process accurately and securely one by one while maintaining the centered state of the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Toru Ishii
  • Patent number: 6170638
    Abstract: A conveyor which includes one or more pocket assemblies which are adapted to be transported in a closed path. The assembly includes a pocket having two walls which are hinged to each other. In the closed position, the walls retain the product (newspaper) between them and, in their open position, they are spaced apart and can receive the product inserted therein. There is a pair of aligners mounted on the pocket which move from a retracted position to a forward position. If the product is misaligned in either direction transverse to the path of the pocket, one of the other of the aligners will contact the nearest edge of the product and push it into a central position in the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Graphic Management Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Davenport
  • Patent number: 6170639
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing a variety of fast and slow operations including mounting operations upon workpieces affixed to workpiece carriers in which the slow operations are carried out at one station and the fast operations are carried out at another. The linear transfer device of the fast station operates at a stroke rate which is greater by a whole number than the stroke rate at the slow operation station, the workpiece carriers are fed in groups equal to this whole number to the slow operation units simultaneously and the slow operation units perform the same slow operation at each of a number of these units equal to that whole number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Sim Automation GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Otto Diederich
  • Patent number: 6170640
    Abstract: A carrying system for carrying a lead frame of a semiconductor device includes first and second carriers located on the same side of a carrier line, one carrier located above the other carrier. The first and second carriers are movable from along the carrier line, from a start point to a processing area and to an end point. The first and second carriers each include a holder for holding the lead frame on a specific end of the lead frame. By holding the lead frame on the same side of the carrier line and at a specific end of the lead frame, holding position deviation is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Yukio Takayama
  • Patent number: 6170641
    Abstract: In an apparatus for transporting thin boards, in particular coated printed circuit boards, comprising rows of spaced-apart grippers (2) which lie opposite one another and are arranged on a rod (3), in order to prevent the thin boards from sagging when transported, tension is applied to a rod (3), at least on one side of the printed circuit board (1), by an elastic device (15, 20), in order to tension the printed circuit board which has been gripped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Vantico, Inc.
    Inventor: Kaspar Kuster
  • Patent number: 6170642
    Abstract: An aerial system is formed by a main closed circuit with diverse stations on both sides of the circuit, along which the production units move hanging on carriages having means of identification, control cards for the status and the main circuit. The main circuit includes a series of identical strips, articulated on primary supports that have a holding part and a trigger to support the carriages with hanging lightweight components. The carriages have a cylindrical holder on the top to hang the primary supports on the wheel triggers. The carriages enter the lowest point at the stations, move up to the main circuit by means of a hoist mechanism which includes a carriage presence detector at the lowest point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Investronica Sistemas S.A.
    Inventors: Mario Andrada Galan, Juan Carlos Cristos, Javier Fernandez Juarez
  • Patent number: 6170643
    Abstract: A dining table top conveyor having a flat base of rectangular/oval shape and flat endless belt guided over two flanged pulleys. One pulley is electrically driven by a variable speed geared motor and other is an idler and belt tensioning pulley. The flat belt has special steel hooks riveted into it, and it engages with a steel bracket on serving bowl holder plates. These plates are made of heat resistant material like cork or heat resistant plastic and move around on top of the table following the belt. On top of these plates are placed the serving bowls containing food items. As the serving bowls/pots go around the table, diners serve themselves as the bowl passes in front of them. Also at each end of the conveyor are two beverage dispensers which can swivel 330 degrees and extend in and out to self serve beverages. Under the table is a beverage container pressurized by a mini-air compressor and a small motor control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Uday N Shah
  • Patent number: 6170644
    Abstract: An endless belt rotates between a tail pulley and a head pulley. The belt is floated in a tubular belt support by blowing air out of air blowing bores of the belt support, and runs from the tail pulley to the head pulley. A ultra-high molecular polyethylene layer is applied on the inner circumferential surface of the belt support, opposing to the belt, thereby assuring smooth running of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Nakaegawa, Shinichi Sumino, Akihiko Yokozi, Motohiro Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 6170645
    Abstract: A conveyor system comprises a pulley provided with a bearing. The bearing includes an outer bearing race with an outer surface. The conveyor system further comprises a frame with a side plate having a top end defining a first cut-out. At least a portion of the outer surface of the outer bearing race is engaged with the first cut-out. The side plate also defines a second cut-out providing an opening into the first cut-out. The second cut-out facilitates insertion of the bearing into the first cut-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Charles L. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6170646
    Abstract: A conveyor belt that uses cleats to more effectively transfer materials through a curvilinear structure into a deposit receptacle. The cleats are either in the form of a notched cleat or slit cleat. In both forms, the cleat is adaptable to conforming from a flat conveyor belt to a curved conveyor belt within the curvilinear structure. The resulting cleat on the conveyor belt provides increased support for the prevention of backflow of materials during transportation of the materials through the curvilinear structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Todd Kaeb, Les Kaeb
  • Patent number: 6170647
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyer comprising: a pair of conveyer belts movable in the direction of transportation of an article by rollers; and a pair of article-supporting belts for supporting an article, the article-supporting belts being positioned between and interlocked with the conveyer belts, wherein upper portions of the conveyer belts are positioned above the article-supporting belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takeo Miura
  • Patent number: 6170648
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an angle station 3 for lateral angular displacement of an endless conveyor belt 2 in a conveyor system. The angle station 3 comprises a belt guide in the form of a multiplicity of guide rollers 22 mounted on a roller support. The guide rollers 22 are arranged in an axially and laterally extending array, so as to define a generally continuously curved support for a conveyor belt 2 in use of the angle station 3. The roller support comprise an elongate support member 24 provided with a plurality of roller support elements 26 mounting roller mounting members 28 which are arranged along a plurality of axially spaced substantially helical pathways C, D, E, F. The roller support elements 26 project from the elongate support member 24 and the elongate support member 24 is laterally offset and spaced from a common longitudinal axis of the helical pathways for the roller mounting members 28 so that the space radially inwards of the helical pathway is substantially unobstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Continental Conveyor Ltd.
    Inventors: Alan Coxon, Norman Charles Hadley, John Pattison
  • Patent number: 6170649
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor frame assembly that does not require the use of conventional fasteners and/or welded joints in order to be assembled. The frame assembly includes a base having a slot and a support having a tab extending through the slot. The tab is plastically deformed toward the base in order to couple the support to the base. The invention also relates to a method of assembling a conveyor frame. The method includes inserting a tab on a support into a slot on a base and then coupling the support to the base by plastically deforming the tab toward the base. The invention also relates to a tool for assembling a conveyor frame that includes a base and a support. The tool includes a head that is adapted to be inserted into a slot in the base after a tab on the support has been inserted into the slot. The base and the support are coupled together by impacting the tool further through the slot until an angled surface on the tool plastically deforms the tab toward the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Arrowhead Systems LLC
    Inventors: Randel L. Radandt, Charles E. Leher, Keith J. Knepfel
  • Patent number: 6170650
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a drive carrier and a driven carrier movably supported by guide rails via guide rollers rotatably mounted thereon. The drive carrier is connected in driven relation to a conveyor chain. A load-support member composed of a flatbed truck has front and rear engagement plugs removably received in a socket of the driven carrier and a socket of the drive carrier, respectively. The flatbed truck is conveyed in the same direction as the movable carrier while the overall weight of the flatbed truck is supported by the drive and driven carriers. At a curved portion of the conveyance path, the driven carrier is caused to move relative to the drive carrier to cancel out a difference between the length of a part of the curved conveyance path portion between the engagement plugs and the distance of a straight-line between the engagement plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Akira Morikiyo, Mitsuo Anzai
  • Patent number: 6170651
    Abstract: A multi-purpose eyeglass holding and cleaning kit capable of storing a pair of eyeglasses and including a body with an outer shell constructed of a durable material, the body having a selected length, width and thickness which defines a generally elongate article with a first end and a second end and defining, in combination, a hollow interior suitable for receiving in inserting fashion the pair of the eyeglasses eyeglasses. A hingedly secured portion is secured to the body at a desired location and is actuated from a closed position to an open position in order to reveal an interior of the shell interior and to permit the insertion or removal of the pair of eyeglasses. A volume of a glass lens cleaning solution is contained within the shell at a first selected location, the cleaning solution further including a dispensing pump incorporated within the body. A plurality of tissues is contained within the shell and is accessible from a second selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: David M. Taormina
  • Patent number: 6170652
    Abstract: This invention relates to a package of a plurality of containers unitized with a flexible carrier. The carrier is constructed from a plastic planar sheet having a plurality of container receiving openings arranged in longitudinal rows and transverse ranks. A panel extends from a longitudinal edge of the planar sheet that is arranged to either remain flat and tight with respect to the package or, alternatively, follow an external contour of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Olsen
  • Patent number: 6170653
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-phase layer system with packaging, characterized in that a first layer (3) which forms an outer wall, a second layer (11) which forms a separating layer and a third layer (14) forming another outer wall are provided. A moist layer (4) is placed between the first (3) and the second layer (11) and a dry layer (13) is placed between the second (11) and the third (14) layer. All directly adjacent layers have a common, interconnected preferably soldered area. In addition, the sides of the second (11) and third (14) layer which face the inner area surrounded by the first (3) and second (11) layers are air-tight and moisture-proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Barbara Panzner
  • Patent number: 6170654
    Abstract: A closure cap having therein a blister pack in which an additive, which may be a tablet, is retained to be released into the liquid contents of an associated bottle simultaneously upon opening of the closure cap and the rupturing of said blister pack by part of a closure member and forming part of the closure cap, whereafter the contents of the container may be dispensed either through the closure cap or after removal of the closure cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Bradley Francis Gartner, Rickard Darrell Hansen
  • Patent number: 6170655
    Abstract: A smoking container system has an exterior face and an interior face and an upper end and a lower end; a rectangular rear panel with lateral tabs and fold lines there between; a rectangular front panel with lateral tabs and parallel score lines there between; a small rectangular bottom with closely spaced parallel fold lines coupling the front panel and the rear panel; an upper end tab coupled to the upper end of the front panel and with transverse score lines there between; a rectangular closure panel; a small rectangular top formed with closely spaced transverse fold lines coupling the rear panel and the flap panel; a rectangular tear away panel formed with transverse parallel perforations; and a small rectangular spacer formed with closely spaced transverse fold lines coupling the tear away panel and the closure panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Chrisjon Hill
  • Patent number: 6170656
    Abstract: The invention relates to a case having a bottom wall (1) with a cylindrical protuberance (2) on the upper face (2a) of which is formed a button (3) with holding teeth (5) for nesting and releasing a DVD type disc through its central orifice. Flexible side branches (4) are provided between said button (3) and the upper surface (2a). According to the invention, each flexible branch has a first portion (4a) at right angle and second portion (4b) which extends slightly inclined and forming an angle (B) with said upper surface (2a) which does not exceed 30°; the first portion (4a) has U-shaped notch (4c) at the vicinity of the button (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Magnetic Imatge, S.A.
    Inventors: Gustavo Cerda-Vilaplana, Ruben Cerda-Torres
  • Patent number: 6170657
    Abstract: A portable storage container (20) for storing substantially planar media is provided. The storage container includes first and second shell halves (22) and (24), wherein each shell half has an exterior, an interior, and a perimeter rim portion. A hinge connector (26) extends between a portion of the first and second shell halves to foldably couple the first and second shell half, such that the first and second shell halves are selectably foldable between a closed position, wherein the interiors of the first and second shell halves oppose each other, and an open position. The storage container also includes an alignment assembly (54) disposed on the portable storage container to facilitate alignment of the perimeter rim portions of the first and second shell halves in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Allsop, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Allsop, Eivind Clausen
  • Patent number: 6170658
    Abstract: A data disc holder for electronic data discs or so-called CDs includes two opposed, generally arcuate cover members which are joined to an intermediate member along opposite sides of the intermediate member by living hinges. Each cover member includes a recess cooperating with the intermediate member to form opposed disc storage compartments. The cover members include circular bores which are engageable with cooperating opposed bosses formed on the intermediate member and projecting centrally from the disc storage compartments through the bores to the exterior planar surfaces of the opposed cover members, respectively, to provide for securing the cover members in engagement with the intermediate member in the closed positions of the storage compartments. The disc holder may be formed of injection molded relatively lightweight and transparent or translucent plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: 30G, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. Dering
  • Patent number: 6170659
    Abstract: A spacing device (20), having a compressible body (22) with an upper surface (24) and a lower surface (26), is utilized to inhibit movement of a vehicle (32) stored in a container (34) having a plurality of compartments (78). The upper surface (24) is convexly curved, and the lower surface (26) is concavely curved. An alternate spacing device (60) has a generally non-compressible and transparent body (62) with an inclined upper surface (66) having a recess (68) for receiving the vehicle (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Edward T. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6170660
    Abstract: A video cassette storage container formed as a one-piece member of polypropylene where the container has a smooth outer contour and configured sidewalls and hinge area to provide an extremely aesthetically pleasing and efficient storage container. The container further has square feet on one end thereof for endwise standing of the video storage container. The container also has a recessed front for easy opening where the recessed front is also arcuate or scalloped so as to extend inward into the container to assist in holding and centering video cassette tapes. The container also has ribs on the inner surface thereof which automatically centers the video cassette and its associated literature into the storage container during manual insertion of a cassette therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Alpha Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Sankey, Ronald M. Marsilio, James T. Weisburn, Ronald K. Burdett, Christopher G. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 6170661
    Abstract: A device for protecting bows on gift-wrapped packages and the like. The device consists of two main components: a cup and a shield. The cup is of a type otherwise useful for drinking or eating ice cream from that has had its bottom portion cut into a number of pie-shaped segments all pointing to the center. The pie segments are flexible so that one can push the cup, bottom-first, over the bow to be protected, without harming the bow. Similarly, when the bow is to be displayed, the cup can be pulled back over the bow gently. The shield component extends across the otherwise open top of the cup, so as to provide protection against rain and other assaults on the bow from above. Operating together, the cup and the shield, when the device is slipped down over a decorative bow can protect the bow from becoming soiled or crushed, with special application to providing such protection when the package bearing the bow is wrapped for transportation, either across town or from one city to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Mary Anne Royal
  • Patent number: 6170662
    Abstract: By providing a prize awarding system which is secretly incorporated into a multi-packed product or assembly, a unique prize delivery system is realized. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the prize award system incorporates a separate, independent housing constructed for being inserted into the void zone or open area which exists between the adjacent product holding containers forming a multi-pack assembly. Although the present invention is employable with any multi-pack product or assembly, products retained in cans, bottles, or similar vessels typically benefit most extensively from the present invention. In the present invention, the prize awarding system incorporates the actual prize or incorporates means for informing lucky consumers that a prize has been won, either in an audible or visual message delivery system, on certificates, vouchers, or similar printed materials, or in an electronic chip assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: James P. Howes
  • Patent number: 6170663
    Abstract: A clamshell package for holding and displaying a product including first and second clamshell members and an insert positioned within at least one of the first and second clamshell members. The insert includes a front panel, a pair of side panels and a bottom panel to not only obscure a portion or portions of the product from frontal view, but also to obscure view of the product or portions thereof from the sides and bottom of the package. In one alternative embodiment, a rear panel of the insert can obscure at least a portion of the product from rear view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics
    Inventor: Ellen Tave Glassman
  • Patent number: 6170664
    Abstract: Contact lens holders including a pair of oval contact lens receiving-cups, each having a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension smaller than the longitudinal dimension, and covers for engaging and covering the cup. The oval shape of the cups facilitates easy removal of contact lens from the cups since a greater portion of a contact lens wearer's finger may be inserted into the interior of the cups in the longitudinal direction. In one embodiment, the housing is a molded body member made of plastic and defines the oval cups therein. The covers are pivotally mounted to the body member. In another embodiment, the housing includes a tubular, outer housing part defining an interior space and an inner housing part slidable into the interior space of the outer housing part through an open end thereof. The cups are arranged on the inner housing part and covered by the covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: ID Studios
    Inventor: Irit Dar
  • Patent number: 6170665
    Abstract: A combination greeting card box and gift tie has several unique point of sale features. The concept has a shipping box that doubles as a point of sale display for the box and the gift tie it is designed to contain. The box has an open position where it functions as a hanging point of sale display and a closed position where it functions as a shipper for the gift tie. In the open position an integral cardboard tab serves to hold the shipper and gift tie on display. A second integral tab holds the tie. Once purchased the customer will fold up the shipper box using integral living hinges and closes the shipper box using integral locks. The concept is shown using a tie as the gift item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Harold T. Pehr
  • Patent number: 6170666
    Abstract: A tray package that is configured to facilitate angular display of the front display side of the package when the package is displayed along a generally vertical structure or surface, such as a clip strip, pegboard or the like. The tray is formed to include a compartment that contains packaged product. A sealing sheet such as film, foil or other lid stock is sealed to the tray and covers product packaged in the compartment. The back side of the formed tray extends angularly from a top edge portion and away from the front display side of the tray, thereby providing clearance for a vertical display structure and facilitating angular display of the front display panel of the package. The angularly extending portion of the back side preferably extends at an angle between 40°-65° with the front display panel on the package. Angular display of the front display panel of the package helps to enhance readability of the front display side of the package by prospective consumers at point-of-sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: DesLauriers International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. DesLauriers
  • Patent number: 6170667
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the continuous formation of slurry. The apparatus includes a hopper to receive particulate material; one or more transport/mixing assemblies that mix and transport the solid material and a carrier liquid; and a mixing/averaging tank that receives the solid/liquid mixture from the transport/mixing assembly and performs a final mixing and averaging of the mixture to achieve a desired slurry consistency. An auger inside the tank continuously mixes and shears the slurry. The tank has one or more outlet ports to continuously discharge the slurry. The auger may be bi-directional, to direct the slurry towards dual outlets on opposing ends of the tank. Preferably, a reciprocating screen deck is provided to eliminate oversized particulates before the mixture enters the mixing/averaging tank. Carrier liquid is introduced at several points in the process, including into the transport/mixing assemblies, at the screen deck, and into the mixing/averaging tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignees: Terralog Technologies U.S.A. Inc., Terralog Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Anthony Bilak, Darcey Dale Fundytus
  • Patent number: 6170668
    Abstract: A method of treating industrial gases to remove contaminants is disclosed. Ions are generated in stream of injectable gas. These ions are propelled through the contaminated gas as it flows through a collection unit. An electric field is applied to the contaminated gas. The field causes the ions to move through the contaminated gases, producing electrical charges on the contaminants. The electrically charged contaminants are then collected at one side of the electric field. The injectable gas is selected to produce ions which will produce reactions with particular contaminants. The process is thus capable of removing particular contaminants. The process does not depend on diffusion as a transport mechanism and is therefore suitable for removing contaminants which exist in very low concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: MSE Technology Applications, Inc.
    Inventor: Sergei Babko-Malyi
  • Patent number: 6170669
    Abstract: A process for floating fine particles containing metal values of an iron-bearing sulphide mineral ore including the steps of conditioning the aqueous pulp of ore at a pH of between about 7 and about 10 with a reducing agent which is preferably oxy-sulphur compound which dissociates to form oxy-sulphur ions having the general formula: SnOyz− where n is greater than 1; y is greater than 2; and z is the valance of the ion. A suitable collector is then added to the conditioned aqueous pulp to further condition the pulp and the pulp potential of the pulp raised to a sufficient level for the collector to adsorb onto the sulphide mineral ore. Gas is then bubbled through the aqueous pulp to subject the pulp to froth flotation. The froth from the flotation process is recovered to produce a concentrate of fine sulphide mineral and other metal values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Commonwealth of Australia Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
    Inventors: Geoffrey David Senior, Raimo Ilmari Ahveninen
  • Patent number: 6170670
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a granular catalyst to a destination such as a reactor at a constant feeding rate uniformly charges the catalyst material into the device. The granular catalyst is loaded into individual compartments of a hopper and is ejected at a discharge rate controlled by a gate. When a vibrator is activated, a trough is caused to vibrate in its obliquely upward direction and the granular material in the trough is smoothly conveyed toward outlets of granular material passages formed in the trough, and is introduced to reaction tubes of the reactor via sieves. Powdery waste of the granular catalyst produced by the vibration of the trough is removed by letting it fall the sieves made in the granular material passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kato, Daisuke Nakamura, Tatsuya Kawajiri
  • Patent number: 6170671
    Abstract: The blood filter unit of the invention is composed of a blood filtering material made of glass fiber filter and microporous membrane and a holder having a blood inlet and a filtrate outlet. The holder accommodates the blood filtering material so that the microporous membrane is located on the filtrate outlet side, provides a space between the blood filtering material and the filtrate outlet, and provides a means for preventing adhesion of the blood filtering material on the filtrate outlet side. By using the blood filter unit, a necessary volume of plasma or serum for analysis can be separated surely, irrespective of hematocrit value of the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kitajima, Kenichiro Yazawa, Shigeru Tezuka, Fumio Sugaya, Akemi Higo, Kiyotaka Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 6170672
    Abstract: A rack for protecting and storing anilox rolls and the like. The rack includes a base and a protective environment. A support structure is mounted on the base but within the protective environment. The support structure is provided with support members for releasably supporting delicate rolls, such as anilox rolls. The rack minimizes the incidence of damage to anilox or other delicate rolls during storage, and permits safer removal of the rolls from the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Michael R. Boettcher
  • Patent number: 6170673
    Abstract: A switch cabinet having a rack with vertical frame pieces, wherein the vertical frame pieces are coupled to a lower unit or to an upper unit. Electronic components can be assembled by connecting two adjacent vertical frame pieces to a separate assembly unit with connecting elements and by fixing the components to be assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Walter Nicolai
  • Patent number: 6170674
    Abstract: A locking product display system has structures for supporting planar rigid objects in a display arrangement, and where at least some of the objects are locked into the display and cannot be removed. In one embodiment, upper and lower channels engage edges of the displayed article and side panels retain the article within the channels. In another embodiment end edges of a planar displayed object are supported by fixed wall support devices and capture within a channel formed by a hinge-mounted and fastener-secured member of the support device. In each embodiment, the product support structure hold one item in a locked position, and a second item in a removable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventor: John Caterinacci
  • Patent number: 6170675
    Abstract: A modular rack assembly includes a plurality of interconnected support modules sandwiched between a pair handle modules with a pair of elongate fastener assemblies securing the modules together. The length of the rack assembly may be adjusted by adding or taking away modules. Each module is of I-beam construction and is preferably integrally molded of a relatively stiff plastic material. The modules may be pigmented to provide rack assemblies of different colors for distinguishing between articles supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Bel-Art Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Follman, Paul Thom, David Landsberger
  • Patent number: 6170676
    Abstract: A foldable dish drainer includes a base with first and second sections hingedly joined at adjacent parallel edges to form a dish draining surface and movable into a parallel overlying position in a folded mode. The foldable dish drainer further includes a first dish support member having one edge hingedly attached to a surface of the first base section, a second dish support member having one edge hingedly attached to a surface of the second base section, and opposed edges of the first and the second dish support members movably attached together such that when the first and second base sections are in the open mode the first and second dish support members are in an upstanding position for receiving and holding dishes in a draining position and when the first and second base sections are in the folded mode the first and second dish support members are in a folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Sona Patadia, Joseph Pepe Velasquez
  • Patent number: 6170677
    Abstract: A storage tray for paperwork and the like, including a pair of side elements, each side element including a first tray support surface and a second tray support surface generally perpendicular to each other, and a plurality of dividers, each divider including a first paper support surface and a second paper support surface extending generally perpendicularly from the first paper support surface, each first paper support surface being attached at opposite side edges thereof to the side elements, and each second paper support surface being attached to an adjacent divider, the tray being supportable on the first tray support surface wherein the first paper support surfaces are generally vertical and the second paper support surfaces are generally horizontal and adapted to support edges of paper sheets thereupon, and the tray being supportable on the second tray surface wherein the second paper support surfaces are generally vertical and the first paper support surfaces are generally horizontal and adapted to sup
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Zriha Hlavin Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Solomon Meltser
  • Patent number: 6170678
    Abstract: A modular display for consumer products, contains a support frame, several modular display shelves that can be displaced in a rotating manner upwards and downwards in relation to the frame, several containment elements that can slide laterally on a support grille, frontal securing elements and bracket elements that allow the modular shelves to rotate. The modular display allows the products to stay organized, contained and permanently at the front of the display. The display also facilitates the counting and distribution of the products. In addition, the modular display allows products of different dimensions, to be displayed, by simple adjustments to their configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramon de la Fuente
  • Patent number: 6170679
    Abstract: A display hanger is provided which allows multiple pairs of socks or other articles to be hung without interference from other pairs on arms therebelow. The display hanger can be manufactured using conventional molding techniques employing standard polymeric materials. The arms are offset to allow better viewing and convenience of the supported articles while loading and unloading the hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Conover Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Betty F. Frye, Dwight L. Reese
  • Patent number: 6170680
    Abstract: A rack for holding hairdressing tools including a U-shaped shelf that is detachably connected to and behind a back of a chair intended for hairdressing by means of connectors. The shelf includes several compartments for holding different hairdressing tools and is so sized and curved that an inner wall thereof is suitable for closely locating behind the back of a hairdressing chair. The connectors are connected to the inner wall of the shelf at suitable positions and each includes a supporting arm for supporting the shelf thereon, a clamping arm, and an elastic pressing plate. The clamping arms and the pressing plates cooperate with one another to clamp the back of the chair between them, so that the shelf is connected to and behind the back without occupying additional room and located at a height that allows a hairdresser to get the tools in the shelf without bending frequently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Chih-Chiang Hung
  • Patent number: 6170681
    Abstract: A method for setting a safe work area and a rated load in a swing type work machine, as well as a swing type work machine which utilizes the said method, are disclosed. An area where a strength-based safe work area which is established taking the strength of a swing member into account and a stability-based safe work area which is established taking the stability of the work machine into account overlap each other, is set as a safe work area to be used actually. Likewise, out of a strength-based rated load which is set taking the strength of the swing member into consideration and a stability-based rated load which is set taking the stability of the work machine into consideration, the lower one is set as a rated load to be used actually. Using the safe work area and rated load thus obtained, there are made a safety control and an appropriate display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.) Steel
    Inventor: Hideaki Yoshimatsu
  • Patent number: 6170682
    Abstract: The car under-frame of the invention comprises a planar coupling member 2 projecting from a first car C toward a second car B, a bearing inner ring 3 positioned on the upper side of planar coupling member 2 and secured rigidly thereto, a bearing outer ring 6 disposed on the outer peripheral side of bearing inner ring 3 through balls, a bearing step 5 positioned on the upper side of bearing outer ring 6 and to which the bearing outer ring is rigidly secured, and an articular coupling member 7 projecting from the second car B toward the first car C to grip a mounting arm 5b of bearing step 5. The mounting arm 5b of bearing step 5 is integral with a generally discoid body segment 5a and disposed below the top end face of body segment 5a and extending radially outwardly from either side of body segment 5a. In accordance with the invention there can be provided a under-frame structure which makes it possible to lower the car floor level without interfering with strength and coupler performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Rinki Sharyo Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sugimoto, Kozo Ueta, Yoshihiko Miura, Jun Kashima, Tomohide Saito, Toshitaka Funaki
  • Patent number: 6170683
    Abstract: A two stage dispensing cap for a carbonated beverage container is described. The cap has a flip top which is hingedly connected to a collar wherein the collar is rotatable on the container. The cap, upon rotation of the collar, is first opened into a venting position wherein the flip top vents the pressurized contents of the container but remains locked partially closed. Continued rotation of the cap releases the locked flop top to allow the container to be fully opened. A set of cams on the container neck work in conjunction with annular beads to first allow partially opening of the flip top into the venting position and then allowing it to fully open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Gary V. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6170684
    Abstract: A closure (20) for sealing a micro-organism container (50) is disclosed. The closure (20) includes a resilient seal (24) for sealing the container (50), a passageway (26) extending through the seal (24), or filter media (28) extending across the passageway (26) integrally molded to the seal (24) for allowing sterile gas exchange therethrough. A method of making a flask closure (20) is also disclosed. The method includes molding a sealing member (24) having a passageway (26) extending therethrough while simultaneously sealing a peripheral edge (31) of a filter media (28) within the passageway (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Monty E. Vincent, John R. Costello, Jr.