Patents Issued in January 9, 2001
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Patent number: 6170938Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and associated method for refilling a used ink cartridge of an ink jet printer with ink. Such cartridges have an aperture (30) through which ink can be inserted. Surrounding the aperture is a funnel (21) having a resiliently deformable washer (22) therein. The washer (22) has a tapered aperture (23) defining therebeneath a void space (25) which can have air entrapped therein. A refilling apparatus to be associated with an ink refill bottle includes a plug element (10) including a tip portion (13) to be received within the aperture (30). A widened portion (18) bears upon the washer (23) so as to expel any air entrapped therein to prevent such air passing into the ink cartridge when refilling with ink.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Calidad Holdings Pty Ltd.Inventor: Robin George Blunden Kenyon
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Patent number: 6170939Abstract: A liquid storing container employable for an ink jet recording apparatus includes a housing, a storing area containing a porous ink absorbing member, a valve mechanism, a filter in contact with the porous member, and a stopper. The liquid storing container is detachably connected to an ink jet recording head, where the valve mechanism allows an outflow of ink to the ink jet head through the joint portion when connected to an ink feed pipe, and closes the joint portion when disconnected from the ink feed pipe.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1996Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshihiko Ujita, Koji Yamakawa, Masanori Takenouchi, Sadayuki Sugama, Kenjiro Watanabe, Torachika Osada, Kazuhiro Nakajima, Takayoshi Tsutsumi, Hidemi Kubota, Yasuo Kotaki, Keiichiro Tsukuda, Yohei Sato
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Patent number: 6170940Abstract: In an ink jet printer, a recording unit in which an ink cartridge is detachably mounted has a cartridge removal preventing member so that the ink cartridge is prevented from being carelessly removed therefrom, and a moving mechanism is provided which, when the recording unit is mounted on the carriage, moves a first electrical connecting section towards a second electrical connecting section so that the first and second electrical connection section are connected to each other with the aid of an energizing member under pressure, and, when the recording head is removed from the carriage, moves the first electrical connecting section away from the second electrical connecting section against the elastic force of the energizing member, whereby the recording head is detachably mounted on the carriage, and the former is positively electrically connected to the latter.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Satoshi Shinada, Takao Kobayashi, Satoshi Fujioka, Kohji Watanabe
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Patent number: 6170941Abstract: Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, an ink cartridge for an ink-jet recording apparatus can include a container formed by a plurality of walls, an ink supply port extending through at least one of said walls of the container to permit ink to pass out of the container, a porous member disposed within the container for transferring ink to the ink supply port, and a projecting member that projects into the container and is formed with an inlet of the ink supply port. The projecting member can engage against and locally compress a portion of the porous member in the region of the inlet of the ink supply port. The projecting member can be formed so that a first region of the container proximal the front wall of the container is shallower than a second region of the container proximal the back wall of the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Kazuhiko Hara, Kouichi Toba, Atsushi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6170942Abstract: The discharging sections for the respective colors are arranged on the ink case at an interval P in the main scanning direction. On the carriage, the melting hoppers for the respective colors are arranged at an interval T in the main scanning direction. The carriage is also provided with the hook abutting protrusions for the respective colors. The hook abutting protrusions are arranged at an interval R in the main scanning direction. On the pellet dispensing mechanism, the hooks for the respective colors are arranged at an interval L in the main scanning direction. The value L is greater than the value R. The carriage is scanningly movable in the main scanning direction. The carriage is moved in the direction B or C to be stopped at an appropriate position with respect to the ink case and the pellet dispensing mechanism. When all the hooks are moved, only a selected one hook slides against a corresponding hook abutting protrusion, and pivots.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroo Ogawa, Makoto Ishii
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Patent number: 6170943Abstract: Ink jet printing apparatus for forming a plurality of ink images on a receiver and for cutting the receiver to form separate prints of such ink images in response to a digital image file including at least one digital image, includes at least one ink jet print head adapted to deliver ink to the receiver for moving the ink jet print head in one or more passes to form ink images on a receiver. The receiver is moved along a first receiver path past the ink jet print head. Control circuitry responsive to one or more digital image files for actuating the ink jet print head to form a plurality of ink images on the receiver. A first actuatable receiver cutter responds to the control circuitry and cuts the receiver across the first receiver path. The receiver is moved along a second receiver path that is perpendicular to the first receiver path.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Xin Wen, Henry G. Wirth
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Patent number: 6170944Abstract: An ink jet printing process for improving the water-fastness of an ink jet image comprising: a) providing an ink jet recording element comprising a support having thereon an image-recording layer comprising a cross-linkable gelatin and a mordant, b) applying liquid ink droplets of an anionic, water-soluble dye on the image-recording layer in an image-wise manner, and c) submerging the element in an aqueous solution of a hardener to cross-link the gelatin.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Charles E. Romano, Jr., Elizabeth A. Gallo
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Patent number: 6170945Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording head for effecting recording by ejecting ink onto a recording material and a holder for holding the recording head while it is not used for recording. The holder includes a cap for sealing an ejection outlet of the recording head, and the cap includes ink absorbing material for maintaining wetness of the ejection outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1997Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinya Matsui, Toshimitsu Hirakue, Masakazu Ozawa, Junichi Asano, Masanori Morita, Eiichi Motai, Tetsuto Kageyama, Yasuyuki Ishii
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Patent number: 6170946Abstract: An image forming device provided with a main cover 6 that is capable of freely opening and closing and that covers an internally provided recording medium feed mechanism and the area scanned by the recording head during recording operations; and a maintenance cover 7 that is provided separately from the main cover in order to cover the maintenance mechanism and that is capable of freely opening and closing. Being provided separately from the main cover, the maintenance cover can be constructed relatively small and is, therefore, easy to open and close when replacing the maintenance paper. In addition, by only opening the maintenance cover while the recording head is positioned in the scanning area, the temperature of the recording head is not lowered.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsuneo Yasui, Hakudai Kondo, Akira Sago, Kazuhiko Matsuda, Masashi Suzuki
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Patent number: 6170947Abstract: A system for protection from light generated by interaction of laser energy with matter is provided. The system, which is designed for use with lasing apparatus having a laser, includes an optical protection device with at least one optical element of a material that transforms between an active state for blocking laser light and an inactive state, where the optical element is transparent. A mechanism for controlling the transformation of the optical element between the inactive and active states, attaches to the optical protection device and the lasing apparatus respectively, and is responsive to the activating and deactivating of the laser, such that when the laser is activated, the control mechanism causes the optical element to transform to the active state and when the laser is deactivated, the control mechanism causes the optical element to transform to the inactive state.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Laser Industries Ltd.Inventors: John Colles, Joshua Raif
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Patent number: 6170948Abstract: An eyeglass device includes a primary frame having two side studs. The studs each has an opening. An auxiliary frame for disposing in front of the primary frame includes two sides each having a hook member for extending over the stud and for engaging with the opening and for securing the auxiliary frame to the primary frame. The studs each includes a magnet secured in the bottom portion of the opening and the hook members are made of magnetic material for engaging with the magnets and for securing the auxiliary frame to the primary frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1997Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Contour Optik Inc.Inventor: David Yinkai Chao
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Patent number: 6170949Abstract: A spectacle frame assembly comprises a primary spectacle frame (100) and an auxiliary spectacle frame (200). The primary and secondary spectacle frames (100, 200) each have a pair of rims (113, 213) for receiving a pair of lenses, a bridge (114, 214) separating the rims (113, 213) and arms (112, 212) secured to laterally outer portions of each of the rims (113, 213). A primary frame lug (130) is secured to each of the primary frame arms (120) and an auxiliary frame lug (230) is secured to each of the auxiliary frame arms (212). The auxiliary frame lugs (230) are each engageable with a corresponding primary frame lug (130) with the auxiliary frame lug (230) disposed on top of the primary frame lug (130) so as to secure the auxiliary spectacle frame (200) to the primary spectacle frame (100). The primary frame lugs (230) are each provided with a magnetic member (131) receivable in an open cavity (231) provided in the respective auxiliary frame lug (230).Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Domani Eyewear Pty Ltd.Inventor: Frank R. Mauch
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Patent number: 6170950Abstract: An eyeglasses lens-installing apparatus includes a lens. A substantially elliptical through-hole is formed in the vicinity of an edge of the lens. A substantially elliptical columnar member disposed on a lens sandwiching part of a connection member is fitted into the through-hole from one main surface side of the lens. The columnar member has a hole formed therein. A screw portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the hole of the columnar member. The columnar member is integral with the lens sandwiching part and the lug. A fastener is inserted into the through-hole from the other main surface side of the lens. The fastener includes a fixing part having a male screw portion disposed on the periphery thereof and a head part. The fastener is inserted into the through-hole, with a close-contact member installed on the periphery of the fixing part. At this time, the fixing part of the fastener is screwed on the screw portion of the columnar member.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Vision Optic Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takehiko Yoshida
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Patent number: 6170951Abstract: The frame for spectacles comprises a bridge (10), means for attaching the bridge to each lens (11) of a pair of lenses, a sidearm (12) for each lens, a lug (13; 36; 50) for the hinged articulation of each sidearm to the corresponding lens, means for attaching each lug to the corresponding lens. The bridge and the lug comprise a framework (15; 51) of metal wire; the means for attaching the bridge and lugs comprise an eyelet (15a, b, 23) of metal wire for each corresponding lens, a through-screw connection (20; 24) through the eyelet and through a corresponding hole (19, 25) in the lens and a cradle (17, 35) capable of receiving a peripheral portion of the corresponding lens in order to the lug (13; 36; 50) or bridge (10) from rotating about the axis of the through-screw connection.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Safilo Societa Azionaria Frabrica Italiana Lavorazione Ochiali S.p.A.Inventor: Vittorio Tabacchi
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Patent number: 6170952Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnifying and/or corrective lens or optical element that may be removably adhered to a plano lens, such as the pane of a of a pair of spectacles or sunglasses, without the use of a mechanical retention device or other mechanical means for retention. The lenses are injection-molded from an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane, and capable of conforming to a variety of surface shapes and of adhering via tactile interactions to a plano lens without the use of an adhesive. The lenses may be securely but releasably secured to the surface of a plano lens by finger pressure alone due to their inherent molecular surface-adhesion characteristics to readily create magnifying or corrective lenses, or to modify the magnification or correction of a pair of sunglasses or plano eyeglasses. The lens of the present invention has at least one curved surface and a refractive index such that the curved surface and the refractive index cooperatively produce a nominal magnifying power.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Neoptx, Inc.Inventors: Peter G. La Haye, Dennis L. Burns, Charles A. Bernheiser
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Patent number: 6170953Abstract: A laser video projector for projecting an image to a plurality of screens is provided. It is possible to display an identical image to a plurality of screens by modulating light from the light source by an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) according to a video signal and projecting video information to a plurality of screens using a scanner.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jin-ho Lee, Young-mo Hwang
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Patent number: 6170954Abstract: An overhead projector of the under mirror type includes a projection head assembly supported on a column so as to be located over a stage on the top of a housing and so as to be pivotable between a standing position and a stowed position. A projection lens is fixed on a lens frame and a reflecting mirror is fixed on a mirror plate. Both the lens frame and the mirror plate are rotatably mounted on a single shaft further mounted on the head body of the projection head assembly so that angles of the lens and the mirror are increased and decreased. The lens frame is rotated by a self-weight of the lens in such a direction that the angle of the lens is decreased, when the projection head assembly assumes the standing position. A link lever interconnects the lens frame and the mirror plate so that the angles of them are adjusted so that the angle of the lens doubles that of the mirror. A mirror locking element locks the mirror at a position where the angle of the mirror is maximum.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Elmo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mutsuo Kai, Kazuhiro Sukenari
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Patent number: 6170955Abstract: An optical assembly for mounting in a vehicle employs a two piece assembly including a bracket having a front surface and a back surface and an optical device having a front surface and a lens element on the front surface. The back surface of the bracket is connected to the vehicle and the front surface of the optical device is removably attached to the back surface of the bracket. The lens element focuses an image through a windshield of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical device further comprises at least one notch member and a support extension member and the bracket includes an opening and further comprises at least one groove member. The at least one notch member is positioned to removably attach to the at least one groove member, and the support extension member is positioned to removably attach to the opening. In one embodiment, the assembly is mounted to the vehicle windshield so that a driver of said vehicle has an unobstructed view of a road.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Iteris, Inc.Inventors: Hugh Campbell, Jeffrey R. Coleman
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Patent number: 6170956Abstract: A mirror includes an electrochromic mirror subassembly including front and rear transparent elements, a layer of electrochromic material associated with the front and rear transparent elements, and a reflective layer, a portion of the reflective layer defining an opening. An indicia panel is located proximate the mirror subassembly and covers the opening, and one or more light sources are positioned to pass light through the indicia panel and the opening of the electrochromic mirror subassembly to illuminate detailed symbols and information on the indicia panel. The indicia panel is adhered to the mirror subassembly, and a housing and a mating bezel are configured to receive the mirror subassembly. The indicia panel includes a pair of apertured locator tabs, and the bezel includes protrusions that engage the apertured locator tabs to accurately locate the indicia panel and the mirror subassembly and also a printed circuit board in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Wayne J. Rumsey, John W. Carter, Kenton J. Ypma, Bradley L. Northman, Frederick T. Bauer, Mark W. Durnwald
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Patent number: 6170957Abstract: A motor-adjustable rear-view mirror has a housing, a mirror glass assembly, at least one mirror adjustment drive that effects alignment of the mirror adjustment drive to the reinforcement plate, in which the fastening device has at least one section for transmission of electrical energy and/or electrical signals to the mirror adjustment drive.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Donnelly Hohe GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Rudolf Kaspar
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Patent number: 6170958Abstract: A night light includes an electro-luminescent element connected to an electrical plug by conductive elements compressed between electrodes of the electro-luminescent element and prongs of the electrical plug. The electro-luminescent element is captured between an inner plate and a front part of the housing so as to cause the electro-luminescent element to conform to a curved surface of the housing without the need for additional plastic housing material, the inner plate also serving to apply a biasing force against the conductive elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1997Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
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Patent number: 6170959Abstract: A light emitting safety wrap or sleeve worn by people and/or pets engaged in activities, or attached to objects during periods of limited visibility with flashing or blinking lights so as to be visible in darkness; powered by direct current; having three optional capabilities: (1) remote on-off switch and/or (2) digital voice/sound message and/or (3) Infared (IR) signaling lights.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Charles W. Richardson, III
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Patent number: 6170960Abstract: A miniature flashlight comprising a barrel, tailcap, head, bulb holder, bulb and an electrical circuit. The bulb holder is positioned at one end of the barrel such that the bulb extends into the head. The head includes a parabolic reflector surrounding the bulb such that the rotation of the head relative to the barrel changes the focus of the flashlight beam. A rotary switch associates the bulb holder with the barrel to control opening and closing of the electrical circuit. Rotation of the head away from the barrel closes the electrical circuit. The head is not a part of the electrical circuit and its removal exposes the bulb for substantially spherical illumination. The head assembly is removable from the barrel for use as a base into which the tailcap is inserted to stand the miniature flashlight in its “on” condition, as a lamp.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: MAG Instrument Inc.Inventor: Anthony Maglica
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Patent number: 6170961Abstract: A wedding cake layer is highlighted by a transparent plastic light assembly illuminated by a string of miniature electric lights. The light assembly supports a cake on a transparent plastic tray in an elevated position. The light assembly has one or more transparent plastic tubes forming pillars which are affixed between a top plate and a bottom plate. The plates have pillar entry holes such that a looped strand of lights may pass from the underside of the bottom plate to the top side of the top plate and be affixed thereto. The cake tray has downwardly extending feet which are received within cylindrical protrusions on the top plate. The cake tray has a peripheral rim through which the illuminated miniature lights are visible. An inverted cake tray is positioned beneath the bottom plate such that the feet of the inverted tray engage downwardly extending protrusions on the bottom plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Joanne J. Knoch
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Patent number: 6170962Abstract: A specular dual compound reflector having a cross section in the form of hyperbolas is disclosed. This reflector is combined with energy saving fluorescent tubes and ballast, forming a fluorescent light fixture for the purpose of providing adequate and uniform illumination to a surface, subdue shadows, provide agreeable illumination, and resulting in substantial energy savings. Two similar configurations are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: John Joseph Wordin
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Patent number: 6170963Abstract: An LED module comprises a housing with a first connective feature of a predetermined shape and a second connective feature of a complimentary shape, such that when the LED module is attached to another module, the first connective feature of the LED module engages a second connective feature of the other module such that relative motion between the modules is inhibited.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Stephen C. Arnold
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Patent number: 6170964Abstract: An ornamental lighting device is provided with a flexibly-shapable light-flickering tube that can be bent into user-designed signs, such as marks, graphics, letters, and many various others, and displayed in a flickering manner. The ornamental lighting device includes an elongated transparent tube having a hollowed inside; a cable of insulated conductive wires including one common wire and a plurality of triggering wires; a plurality of bands of serially-connected lamps mounted in the hollowed inside of the elongated transparent tube, each band of lamps having one end electrically connected to the common wire and the other end connected to one of the triggering wires; and a controller connected to the cable, which is capable of applying a voltage alternately in a predetermined sequence to the triggering wires so as to light up the associated lamps in the lamp bands in the predetermined sequence.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Owen Hsu
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Patent number: 6170965Abstract: A lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes a mounting structure. The apparatus includes a gimbal ring assembly for holding a lamp. The gimbal ring assembly has a first axis and a second axis perpendicular with the first axis. The gimbal ring assembly is rotatable about the first axis and about the second axis. The gimbal ring assembly is connected to the mounting structure. The apparatus includes a locking mechanism for locking the gimbal ring assembly in a fixed position relative to the first axis, to the second axis and the mounting structure. A lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes a yoke. The apparatus includes a lamp ring for holding a lamp. The lamp ring is connected to the mounting structure. The apparatus includes a ring locking mechanism for locking the lamp ring in a fixed position relative to the yoke. A method for lighting. The method includes the steps of attaching a mounting structure to a ceiling.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Irwin Kotovsky
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Patent number: 6170966Abstract: Disclosed herein is a trouble light comprising a handle including a light bulb socket adapted to receive an electric light bulb, a cage mounted on the handle and adapted to enclose the light bulb, and a reflector located within the cage. The reflector is mounted on the handle so as to allow for the rotary movement of the reflector relative to the handle.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Frank Schwarzmann
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Patent number: 6170967Abstract: A lamp unit having an electromechanical ball including first and second electrically-conductive hemispheres separated by an insulator region, the ball being pop-fit insertable and removable anywhere along a guide track apparatus providing first and second oppositely-disposed conductor strips, the lamp unit being rotatable with respect to the conductor strips to provide on-off switching. The lamp unit-track combination provides the multiple capabilities of aiming and on-off switching, as well as lamp insertion and removal, while eliminating conventional fixturing.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1994Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventors: Scott Usher, Terrence C. Walsh
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Patent number: 6170968Abstract: An illuminator has all of it's electrical components mounted within a housing that is secured to the rotatable object. Those components include a light source, an electrical power source, a first switch activated by intermittent motion of the housing and a second switch activated by centrifugal forces caused by rotation of the rotatable object. The illuminator components also include a timer which has a timing cycle and which is operably connected relative to the first switch and the second switch such that activation of either the first switch or the second switch initiates that timing cycle of the timer and enables the flow of electricity from the power source to the light source during the timing cycle. The light source can include an electro luminescent strip or light emitting diodes. As noted the illuminator can be mounted on a rotatable object, or can be used by wearing on a person, pet or other device to provide a warning or locator light.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Outdoor Creations, Inc.Inventor: Ty J. Caswell
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Patent number: 6170969Abstract: A boat light assembly for a boat having a hull with forward and rearward end, and a motor for propelling the boat on the rearward end, and a boat operator stationed adjacent the rearward end, has an assembly mounted on the rearward end of the hull and comprises an upstanding rod comprised only of an acrylic material. At least a portion of the outer surface of the rod is textured or diffused. A shrouded light source is mounted adjacent the lower end of the rod to permit a diffused light to extend longitudinally through the rod for peripheral visibly through the textured outer surface of the rod, and to provide peripheral subdued lighting for the area of the boat without retarding the night vision of a boat operator positioned in the operator's station. The rod is completing uncovered by any shielding material to provide exterior visibility from any direction or vantage portion surrounding the rod.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: James F. Dumse
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Patent number: 6170970Abstract: A vehicle headlamp having a clear front lens, light bulb and a shade that covers a front portion of the light bulb, in which the shade has an octagonal cylindrical portion, and slits extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion are formed in the ridges formed by adjacent flat surfaces that constitute the octagonal cylindrical shape of the cylindrical portion, thus allowing heat generated by the light bulb to be released out of the shade, preventing a glare light.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toyozo Eto
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Patent number: 6170971Abstract: An indicating light display for a motor vehicle, and in particular a raised stop light in the form of a strip which contains a plurality of light sources, also includes optical processing means for redirecting the light received from the light sources so that it will be propagated in the general emission direction. The display thus consists of a series of light cells, each defining a transition zone between each cell and the next. The optical processing means include, in association with each light source, a first element for distributing the light, in a plane at right angles to the general emission direction, on a second element in the form of an optical plate. This optical plate is divided into zones each associated with one of the cells and formed with projecting striations. Each transition between a zone and the next zone is formed with a transition striation which receive light from both of the two adjacent light sources and redirects this towards the general emission direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Vincent Godbillon
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Patent number: 6170972Abstract: A vehicle lamp comprising: a light source; a lamp body having a front opening portion thereof; and a front lens disposed in a front opening portion of a lamp body having a light source therein, wherein said front lens is a compound lens made from a plurality of lens bodies which are integrally formed by making joint between sectionally hook-shaped side edge portions which are bent toward the back surface sides of said respective lens bodies so that said compound lens has a continuous surface, a joint surface between said side edge portions being configured so as to be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to a lens surface line crossing a joint portion, said joint portion being constituted by an obtuse hook-shaped side edge portion in which said joint surface and said lens surface line form an obtuse angle therebetween, and an acute hook-shaped side edge portion in which said joint surface and said lens surface line form an acute angle therebetween, wherein an acute front edge portion of said acute hType: GrantFiled: August 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kiyoshi Fukuhara
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Patent number: 6170973Abstract: A wide-angle illuminator for machine vision applications comprises a fiber optic bundle having a tail end defining a long narrow illumination line adjacent the workpiece and a head end defining a rectangular inlet adjacent the light source. The light source comprises a lamp located within a concave, elliptical cross-section reflector that is elongated in one direction. The elliptical cross-section is the same across the entire direction of elongation, thus defining a partial elliptical cylinder, which is preferably capped by flat, reflective surfaces at each end. The lamp, particularly the filament of the lamp, is aligned with one focus of the ellipse. The head inlet of the fiber optic bundle is aligned with the second focus of the ellipse so that the light emitted from the lamp is reflected to the second focus for transmission through the fiber optic bundle.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventor: George J. Benedict
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Patent number: 6170974Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting one of a plurality of available winding configurations for a multi-phase motor is disclosed. The winding includes separate phase windings, each of which consist of a plurality of series-connected coils distributed throughout stator core slots and having overlapping end turns and/or having shared slots containing coil sides of different coils. For each configuration, a value is assigned to each coil based on its potential with respect to the applied AC voltage. A logic table of the relative voltage potential values within the end turns and shared slots is created for all phases. The interface voltage for the overlapping end turns and/or shared slots is determined for each coil side in relation to all other coils of the same phase and the other phases for establishing a record and table of the voltage stress values throughout all interfaces in the end-turns and/or slots.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Marathon Electric Manufacturing CorporationInventor: David B. Hyypio
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Patent number: 6170975Abstract: There is provided a multi-shaft kneading disc, kneading disc block, and a multi-shaft extruder containing the same. The kneading disc and each kneading disc in the kneading disc block having a disc shape with a central section defining an extruder shaft mounting bore and at least one lobe extending radially from said central section and having a crest end. The at least one lobe has a radius X which defines an outer diameter of the kneading disc. The central section has a radius Y which defines an inner diameter of the kneading disc. At least one other lobe extends radially from the central section and has a radius Z. The radius Z defines the outer diameter of at least one other lobe. The radius Z of the other lobe is equal to Y+⅞(X−Y) to Y+¼(X−Y).Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Krupp Werner & PfleidererInventor: Paul Andersen
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Patent number: 6170976Abstract: A preassembled fluidizing device that incorporates an expansive air passage that stimulates the enhanced flow of granular materials to the discharge port of a tank trailer, vessel, bin, or other container, during usage. The fluidizing device includes an aerator housing having affixed thereto a wear plate, the upper end of the housing having a mount to which a resilient gasket may be applied, and prestressed against the wear plate, once assembled. A fastening rod extends from the aerator housing and mounting boss, and a positioning or clip secured thereto provides an initial fastening of the preassembled device in place, once installed. A nut or other fastener connects with the opposite end of the fastening rod in order to tightly secure and seal an air distributor in place, for final assembly of the fluidizing device of this invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Sure Seal, Inc.Inventor: David E. Sisk
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Patent number: 6170977Abstract: In an image forming apparatus operable with a developing liquid consisting of a solvent and toner particles dispersed therein, a device for stirring the liquid includes a reservoir formed with an inlet and an outlet for causing the liquid to be circulated therethrough. A pump delivers the developing liquid from the reservoir to the developing unit. A conduit causes the developing liquid fed from the reservoir to return to the reservoir via the pump and developing unit. The conduit forms a circulation path for preventing the toner particles of the developing liquid from depositing in the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Toru Yakushiji
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Patent number: 6170978Abstract: An apparatus for mixing fluids includes a housing which is mounted in line with a conduit carrying a primary fluid. A deformable member is mounted in the housing and an inlet conduit carrying a secondary fluid communicates with the deformable member. An adjustment knob adjusts the width of the deformable member, thereby adjusting the venturi effect created by the deformable member in the flow of primary fluid and adjusting the flow of secondary fluid which flows into the deformable member and is induced out of the deformable member through a plurality of holes to mix with the primary fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Precision Venturi Ltd.Inventor: David R. M. Short
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Patent number: 6170979Abstract: A fluid injection and monitoring apparatus for the introduction of one or more fluid additives to a gaseous or liquid stream, and for monitoring the stream, such that the additives will be able to be introduced without providing a point of weakness in the pipeline, includes at least two pipe members extending radially into a pipeline, with each of the pipe members having a conduit for flow of a fluid additive material radially inward along the pipe members. A plurality of discharge orifices are provided in each of the pipe members on a downstream side thereof, with the plurality of discharge orifices being arranged in a spaced array along a respective pipe member for discharge of one or more additives downstream into said gaseous or liquid stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Ian Smeaton
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Patent number: 6170980Abstract: An automated tablet dissolution apparatus adapted for use with tablet sinkers. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a dissolution vessel and an automated mechanism for agitating the contents of the dissolution vessel. The apparatus also includes an automated mechanism for measuring a desired volume of media, heating and degassing the volume and then dispensing the volume into the vessel, an automated mechanism for sampling the contents of the dissolution vessel, an automated mechanism for dispensing a tablet (and sinker, if desired) into the dissolution vessel, an automated mechanism for heating the dissolution vessel, and an automated mechanism for imaging the contents of the dissolution vessel. In addition, the apparatus includes an automated mechanism for emptying the contents of the dissolution vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Source for Automation, Inc.Inventor: Arthur L. Martin
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Patent number: 6170981Abstract: The present invention relates to an in situ micromachined mixer for microfluidic analytical systems. In a preferred embodiment, a 100 pL mixer for liquids transported by electroosmotic flow (EOF) is described. Mixing was achieved in multiple intersecting channels with a bimodal width distribution and varying lengths. Five &mgr;m width channels ran parallel to the direction of flow whereas larger 27 &mgr;m width channels ran back and forth through the network at a 45° angle. All channels were approximately 10 &mgr;m deep. It was observed that little mixing of confluent streams occurred in the 100 &mgr;m wide mixer inlet channel where mixing would be achieved almost exclusively by diffusion. In contrast, mixing was complete after passage through the channel network in the ≈200 &mgr;m length mixer. Solvent composition was altered by varying the voltage on solvent reservoirs. The high efficiency attained in this mixer was attributed to the presence of a 2 pL vortex in the center of the mixer.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Purdue Research FoundationInventors: Fred Regnier, Bing He
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Patent number: 6170982Abstract: Pocket watch comprising a middle, a movement accommodated in the middle, a crystal, a cover for protecting the crystal, a stem for setting the time of the movement, and a device for locking the cover. The locking device can be released by manipulating the stem to open the cover. A water-tight enclosure enables the movement to be accommodated and protected. The water-tight enclosure encloses the middle. The locking device is outside the water-tight enclosure. The stem passes through the water-tight enclosure through an aperture and a water-tight joint provided in the aperture. The water-tight enclosure includes a casing ring accommodated inside the watch-case.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Aveda SAInventor: Edmund W Graber
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Patent number: 6170983Abstract: A thermometer stem is inserted into a thermally controlled receptacle housed by the calibrator to bring the thermometer to a calibration temperature. A socket in the housing engages and holds the adjustment nut of the thermometer so that the casing of the thermometer can be adjusted while the thermometer remains inserted in the calibrator. The socket includes multiple openings of progressively smaller dimension to allow calibration of thermometers using different size adjusters without having to attach or remove an adapter. A wrench can be included for rotating thermometer casings, enhancing ease of use of the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Germanow-Simon CorporationInventors: Andrew C. Germanow, Robert I. Marsh
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Patent number: 6170984Abstract: The invention is directed to a differential analysis method and apparatus wherein a sample and reference are subjected to an externally applied disturbance, such as temperature change, in accord with a prescribed function comprising the sum of a linearly changing part and a periodically changing part, and the measured differential signal is processed into real and imaginary components relating, respectively, to the energy storage and energy loss portions of the signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: PerkinElmer Instruments LLCInventors: J{umlaut over (u)}rgen Schawe, Marcel Margulies
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Patent number: 6170985Abstract: A vented bag includes at least one rectangular sheet of substantially gas-impervious material having a top edge, a bottom edge opposite said top edge, and a first side edge folded over an opposite second side edge to form a tube. The tube has a longitudinal seam including at least first and second overlapping sheet portions joined together along a plurality of seal lines extending longitudinally from said top edge of said sheet to said bottom edge of said sheet. The bag is sealed to closure at one end of said tube. Each of the plurality of seal lines includes a discontinuity proximate one of the top and bottom edges of the sheet. The discontinuities in adjacent ones of the seal lines are disposed proximate opposites ones of the top and bottom edges of the sheet such that the plurality of seal lines, the discontinuities, and the first and second overlapping sheet portions form a tortuous channel providing communication between the interior of the bag and the exterior of the bag.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventors: Lyle F. Shabram, Jr., Richard C. Harris
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Patent number: 6170986Abstract: A linear motion guide device includes a rail, a slider and a plurality of rolling elements. Two identical injection molded side frames having two end-plates with convex half-roundness on both ends of a longitudinal arranged profiled member with the same length as steel body, are bilaterally attached to the outside of the elongation of the steel body and the steel body is longitudinally situates inside and attached to the endplate. At least one return passage of the rolling elements is provided outside of the elongation of the steel body. A pair of end caps with concave half-roundness and end seals is externally attached to the endplates. The steel body, the side frames, and the end caps having means for attachment are therefore properly positioned to each other. A compact sealing design is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Chieftech Precision Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ming-Che Hsu, Shyuan-Jye Chen, Chih-Chieh Hong, Kuei-Hsin Chang
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Patent number: 6170987Abstract: A preloading bearing unit mounted in a casing to support an antifriction bearing and the output shaft of a motor, the preloading bearing unit including a bushing mounted on the antifriction bearing, and a hydraulic cylinder assembly controlled to display the bushing, the hydraulic cylinder assembly including first and second miniature hydraulic cylinders alternatively arranged around the bushing, the first and second miniature hydraulic cylinders each having a spring stopped against the bushing, first and second hydraulic fluid delivery pipes connected to the miniature hydraulic cylinders, first and second accumulation chambers for guiding a hydraulic fluid to the first miniature hydraulic cylinders and the miniature hydraulic cylinders respectively. A difference preloading pressure is given to the bushing by turning on the first miniature hydraulic cylinders, the second miniature hydraulic cylinders, or both the first and second miniature hydraulic cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chun-Hung Huang, Yung-Hsian Lai