Patents Issued in January 9, 2001
  • Patent number: 6170134
    Abstract: A pretensioner-proof buckle comprises a buckle for a vehicle safety restraint mechanism, the buckle comprising: a housing (3) having a rectilinear channel for receving a fastening member (2); a latching element (4) mounted within the housing and moveable between a first position in which it engages the fastening member and a second position in which the fastening member is released; a release button (10) operatively connected to the latching element for effecting movement thereof between the first and second positions; a blocking member (5) for engaging the latching element under predetermined conditions to prevent movement of the latching element towards the release position; and an inertial mass (14) pivotally mounted to, and contained within side walls of, the release button (10), the mass being arranged to act on the blocking member under said predetermined conditions to move the blocking member into engagement with the latching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew John Downie, David Burke
  • Patent number: 6170135
    Abstract: A watertight press fastener part formed of an eyelet part (1 or 3) including an eyelet body (2 or 4) or of a ball part (5) including a ball body (6) and a cap rivet (7) which is fixable to a flat material (9), preferably in the form of a climate membrane, in a watertight manner by riveting. An elastically deformable sealing element (11 or 13) which is constructed as a molded part contacts the flat material (9). This sealing element is penetrated by the rivet shank (8) of the cap rivet (7) and has, in the assembled state, due to the deformation of the rivet shank, a press face which is formed in an analogous manner by deformation and which surrounds the axial opening (10) of the press fastener part. Together with a counter-face at the eyelet part or at the ball part, the press face defines the clamping area for the flat material (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: YKK Europe Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Pferdehirt
  • Patent number: 6170136
    Abstract: A presentation system and method of preparation thereof for the display of cremated remains. Further, the system teaches a particular methodology for the artistic application of cremated remains upon a substrate for presentation. The present system contemplates a unique presentation of the cremated remains as a wall hanging in the form of a painting or the like, which includes thereupon the application of the cremated remains in an artistic and aesthetic fashion into the artwork itself. The preferred embodiment of the present system includes the steps of rendering an abstract or other artwork upon a generally flat substrate such as canvas, art board, Bristol board, or the like, then selectively applying an adhesive or like medium such as glue or the like upon the substrate and, prior to the adhesive medium's curing, applying at least a portion of the cremated remains upon the adhesive so that it adheres to the substrate, and is visible as a part of the artwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Bettye Wilson-Brokl
  • Patent number: 6170137
    Abstract: An embalming fluid distribution tube for inserting into a cavity in a limbs of a cadaver formed by the removal of tissue and bones from the limb. The device includes an elongate flexible tube adapted for insertion into a cavity of a cadaver. One end of the flexible tube is designed for fluidly connecting to an embalming fluid reservoir to permit passage of embalming fluid into the lumen of the flexible tube. The flexible tube has a plurality of transverse slits therethrough to permit passage of embalming fluid in the lumen to the exterior surrounding area around the flexible tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Jerald R. McIntire
  • Patent number: 6170138
    Abstract: A capacitor is described, in particular a vacuum capacitor, comprising two electrodes (1, 1′), at least one insulator (5), and means for fastening (4, 4′). A process is proposed according to which the two electrodes (1, 1′) are each produced as one piece of an electrode material through a cold-flow extrusion process. The electrodes so produced are distinguished by a high surface quality. The result of this, in the capacitors produced from such electrodes, is high quality-factors, low temperature coefficients, a high current-carrying capacity, and an excellent dielectric strength, as well as a compact structure with a simultaneous reduction in the number of components required. Capacitors of this type, in particular vacuum capacitors, find application in HF technology for fixed and variable capacitance values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Comet Technik AG
    Inventors: J. Andrea Von Planta, Bernhard Hug
  • Patent number: 6170139
    Abstract: In this application for protection rights a new deburrer is presented, in which the deburring device working on a slab (1) or a billet (1), as a stationary design moves the work piece with an integrated pusher drive or includes a pusher drive when designed as a travelling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Gega Corporation
    Inventor: Horst K. Lotz
  • Patent number: 6170140
    Abstract: A shaft manipulating centering and assembly tool for use in a housing bore has four basic members, a manipulating member, a pressing member, a locking member and a power drive member. The manipulating member has an outer surface the radius of the bore and an inner surface that includes one section the radius of the shaft and a flat section. The pressing member has limited rotation within one end of the manipulating member and can push against the bore wall or shaft and can turn the manipulating member. The locking bar member anchors the tool on a housing stud. The drive member turns the pressing member and manipulating member and holds the locking bar in place. By placing the tool beside the shaft within the bore and turning it in a first direction, the shaft is lifted onto the manipulating member and the locking bar moves beside the housing stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew Jason Deavers
  • Patent number: 6170141
    Abstract: An aircraft engine shipping system includes a frame assembly for supporting the aircraft engine, and a cradle assembly mounted on the frame assembly for securing the aircraft engine to the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes shock absorbers to provide continual shock absorption to an aircraft engine loaded thereon. The shipping system may be configured in either a truck or air transport mode. In the truck transport mode, the aircraft engine is secured to the cradle assembly by means of an aft ring which attaches to the aft portion of the aircraft, and a pair of cradle arms which attach to the forward portion of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the aircraft engine is attached to the cradle assembly by the aft ring the aft ring, and a forward ring which attaches directly to the fan of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the cradle arms are disconnected from the aircraft engine and rotated away from the engine in a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Stanley Aviation Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Rossway, Robert F. Hatch, Behzad B. Suroosh
  • Patent number: 6170142
    Abstract: The unitary, hand held tool is comprised of a body portion having first and second ends. The body has a length dimension which is sufficient to span the distance between the centers of at least three outer link plates of a multi-link roller chain. The first and second fixed prongs emanate from, are integral with the body portion, and are preferably angled towards one another. The fixed prong adjacent to the first end of the body portion, and the second fixed prong adjacent to the second end of the body portion extend from the linear body portion in substantially the same plane. The prongs are dimensioned to fit into the openings between spaced apart rollers of a multi-link roller chain, and long enough to secure such spaced apart rollers when fit into such openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel E. Paterson
  • Patent number: 6170143
    Abstract: A handle for a mattress border is anchored with spaced grommets in the border against which anchors on the handle ends may bear. The anchors are designed to allow a leading end of the handle to be drawn through grommet opening. A back strap between the grommet openings is shaped to allow clamping to move the grommet opening to aligned position. To allow the drawing of the anchors through the grommet opening, at least one of the anchors is provided with first couplings. A puller rod is designed to be inserted through at least one of the grommet openings. The puller rod is provided with second couplings, designed to cooperate with the first couplings to achieve the pulling function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Lothar Korb
  • Patent number: 6170144
    Abstract: A decorative container member has an enclosing side wall with a rim around an upper extremity of the side wall, the rim defining a downwardly extending outer portion. A decorative ring member is dimensioned so that at least a portion fits in overlapping relationship with the outside surface of the rim. The side wall of the container member and the ring member are provided with distinctively different decorative characteristics (i.e., texture, color or finish) so as to provide the desired contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: EnviroWorks, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian H. Phillipson
  • Patent number: 6170145
    Abstract: A method of securing a termination element to an end portion of a wire rope, the termination element having an elongated, ductile tubular sleeve portion, including the steps of positioning the end portion of a wire rope within the tubular sleeve portion, positioning the sleeve portion between co-acting dies, the dies having an opening that is non-circular in cross-section, closing the dies a first time to deform the sleeve portion about the wire rope and into a non-circular external cross-section shape opening dies rotating the sleeve portion less than 180° closing the dies a second time to form the sleeve portion into a final external non-circular shape and opening the dies to remove the termination element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Crosby Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Lucas
  • Patent number: 6170146
    Abstract: Through-holes 14 are formed in an armature core 11, and engaging portions 21 are formed in an commutator unit 15 at positions corresponding to the through-holes 14. Positioning pins 23 are inserted into the through-holes 14 and the engaging portion 21 to exactly position the armature core 11 to the commutator unit 15. The coil terminals are soldered to risers 18 in a state that the under side of the risers 18 are supported by the tips 35 of legs 36 standing erect on a support tool 34, inserted through the open slots 33.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masayuki Katagiri, Hiromitsu Takei, Hiromi Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 6170147
    Abstract: A starting material which is converted to a continuous body of an oxide superconductor by a heat treatment is filled in a tubular Ag sheath member. The diameter of the filled member is reduced by extrusion to form a wire. The wire is subjected to a heat treatment so that the starting material inside the sheath member is converted to a continuous body of an oxide superconductor. A superconducting wire constituted by the sheath member and the oxide superconductor filled inside the sheath member is obtained. A superconducting coil can be obtained by winding the superconducting wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yutaka Yamada, Satoru Murase, Hisashi Yoshino, Noburu Fukushima, Hiromi Niu, Shigeo Nakayama, Misao Koizumi
  • Patent number: 6170148
    Abstract: The encapsulated transducer (10) includes an injection molded encapsulation (20) having a front end (22) and a back end (24). The encapsulation (20) ensconces a sensing element (40) proximate the front end (22) and a portion of a cable (60) which extends from the back end (24). The sensing element or coil (40) is electrically and mechanically connected to the cable (60) by a pair of suitably sized front and rear ferrules (80), (90) secured to a center and coaxial conductor (66), (70) of the associated cable (60) thereby forming a coil and cable assembly (110). At least the rear ferrule (90) includes a shoulder (100) for firmly anchoring the coil and cable assembly (110) within the encapsulation (20). In addition an injection molding process provides the durable encapsulation (20) which bonds with a dielectric (68) of the cable (60) and symmetrically locks the coil and cable assembly (110) therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Bently Nevada Corporation
    Inventor: Dave Van Den Berg
  • Patent number: 6170149
    Abstract: According to a method of manufacturing a magnetic head, a magnetoresistive device is formed on a substrate, a top end portion of the magnetoresistive device is placed in an external magnetic field, and a height of the magnetic head is adjusted by ceasing a polishing operation at an instant when change in resistance of the magnetoresistive device relative to change in the external magnetic field comes up to a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Mitsumasa Oshiki, Nobuo Iijima, Motoichi Watanuki
  • Patent number: 6170150
    Abstract: A method for producing a magnetic head with reduced cross talk. A position of a projection for forming a magnetic gap on each of two magnetic core half bodies is adjusted by forming first and second position adjusting projections for having sidewall surfaces that are vertical relative to surfaces for forming track width adjusting grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi Ogata, Tadashi Saito, Kazuhiro Hoshi
  • Patent number: 6170151
    Abstract: An assembly for processing a flexible tape comprises a carrier frame having a slot and a cut-out region contiguous with one end of the slot for selectively transferring the flexible tape from the top surface of the carrier frame to the bottom surface of the carrier frame. An apparatus for processing the flexible tape is also disclosed and includes the carrier frame, a base having an aperture and a platform sized to fit within the aperture of the base. The base is pivotable around one end of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Link, Kurt Raab
  • Patent number: 6170152
    Abstract: Cylinders are arranged in such a manner that they correspond to a plurality of pressure-blades by one-to-one, and desired pressure-blades are pushed downward by the corresponding cylinder rods, so that the desired pressure-blades are protruded from and fixed at the lower ends of the residual pressure-blades. The thus arranged pressure-blades are lowered with respect to the connector. Then, only the pressure-blades protruding from the lower ends of the other pressure-blades can conduct the operation of pressure-connection. Due to the foregoing, after the electrical wires F have been connected to the pressure-terminals of one connector all at once, in the pressure-connecting process of the other connector, only when the desired pressure-blades are selected and the selected pressure-blades are moved along the arrangement of the pressure terminals of the other connector, the wire harness of cross-wiring can be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignees: Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring System, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Ohta, Toshiaki Suzuki, Ryousuke Shioda
  • Patent number: 6170153
    Abstract: To effect accurate positioning and avoid interference of a terminal fitting with a wire guide member. By lifting and lowering guide members 112, 113 formed with Y-shaped wire guide slots 112F, 113F, respectively, a wire W is brought to a terminal mounting position. The wire W and the terminal fitting mounted on the wire W will not interfere with the guide members 112, 113, and the wire W can be more accurately positioned by the Y-shaped wire guide slots 112F, 113F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaharu Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6170154
    Abstract: A novel circuit packaging structure including a combination of printed lumped elements within a multi-layer stripline architecture is provided and methods of making the same. The lumped elements are provided by printing the individual passive elements, including interdigital capacitors and spiral inductors, onto the supporting substrate and then embedding these elements into the multi-layer stripline structure. The stripline structure consists of a signal layer sandwiched between at least two ground layers separated by two dielectric substrates of equal thickness. This ground-signal-ground approach confines the electromagnetic fields within the multi-layer structure, thereby minimizing radiation from coupling to nearby components. This approach offers a unique combination of stripline technology and printed lumped elements resulting in miniaturized radio frequency and microwave circuits at operating at frequencies well below 1 GHz, up to several GHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: COM DEV Limited
    Inventor: Arvind Swarup
  • Patent number: 6170155
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system of components to be hybridized including at least one first component (110) with first pads (114a) and with a first coefficient of expansion, and at least one second component (112) with second pads (114b) and with a second coefficient of expansion. According to the invention, at a hybridization temperature Th the pads are approximately superposable, and at an ambient temperature Ta the pads are mutually offset by a distance compensating for the differential expansion of the first and second components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: François Marion, Chantal Chantre
  • Patent number: 6170156
    Abstract: The fatigue life of gears, for example, the gears in a sun gear-planetary gear set, is markedly improved by forming the respective gears by ordinary manufacturing practices and then running each new gear against a durable, but expendable, dummy of its counter-gear. The teeth of a dummy sun gear may be suitably hardened and used under suitable loads to minimally reshape the teeth of a plurality of newly-made pinions so that they are smoothed and better fit an intended sun gear. Similarly, the roughened teeth of a hardened or hard coated sun gear can be smoothed by running it for a few rotations against an expendable pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Leonid Charles Lev, Anita Miriam Weiner, Stephen Joel Harris
  • Patent number: 6170157
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing wing spars includes a fixture that holds spar webs for drilling and edge trimming by accurate numerically controlled machine tools using original numerical part definition records, utilizing spatial relationships between key features of detail parts or subassemblies as represented by coordination features machined into the parts and subassemblies, thereby making the parts and subassemblies intrinsically determinant of the dimensions and contour of the wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Clayton L. Munk, Paul E. Nelson, David E. Strand
  • Patent number: 6170158
    Abstract: A foldable pocket knife constructed to look like a fine writing pen includes a quick opening blade moved about 180° from the closed to the open position by grasping a pivotally movable portion of the knife handle which moves with the blade as a unit for 180° to open the blade and then continues in its pivotable movement 360° to its original position where its functions, together with a stationary handle portion, as the handle of the knife. The knife blade is closed by moving the moveable portion of the handle in the reverse direction to engage the blade and subsequently move together with the blade as a unit back to the original position adjacent the stationary portion of the handle. Accordingly, the user's hand need not contact the blade in either the opening nor the closing movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Delta Z Knives, Inc.
    Inventor: John Patrick Daily
  • Patent number: 6170159
    Abstract: A manually guided implement having a drive motor is provided. For a translatory movement of a tool member, the rotational movement of the drive motor must be converted by a gear arrangement, which has a gear wheel that is coupled with a component that glides on the end face of the gear wheel. To significantly reduce frictional losses and also wear of the pertaining components, a constantly effective, reliable lubricant is required. For this reason, at least one cutout is provided in the main body of the gear wheel and/or in the component that can glide on the end face thereof. Such cutouts are open to a glide plane and serve to accommodate a lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventors: Jochen Kramer, Dieter Kremsler, Karl-Heinz Lange, Stephan Ostendorf
  • Patent number: 6170160
    Abstract: A baked potato opener is comprised of a pair of side members with connected top ends, downwardly projecting middle portions, and outwardly flared bottom ends. The side members are generally bell shaped in an end view. A cutter is connected to the top ends of the side members, and has a serrated cutting edge positioned between and slightly higher than the bottom ends of the side members. The greatest width between the side members at the bottom ends is about the same as the width of an average potato. To use, the opener is positioned on top of a potato, aligned with its longitudinal axis, and pushed downward. The top of the potato is cut by the cutter. Any aluminum foil wrapped around the potato is cleanly cut by the serrated cutting edge. The sides of the potato are engaged by the flared bottom ends of the side members. The cut is spread apart when the sides of the potato are pressed down by the bottom ends of the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Diab Edmond Freige
  • Patent number: 6170161
    Abstract: A collapsible barbecue tool assembly includes a barbecue tool, a handle and a latch mechanism mounted in the handle. The handle includes an elongated cavity for slidably receiving a blade portion of the barbecue tool. The blade portion of the tool has one or more locating elements. The latch mechanism releasably engages one of the locating elements so that the tool is movable to and between a collapsed position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Ekco Housewares, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Stein, Bruce E. Ancona, Daniel Winigrad
  • Patent number: 6170162
    Abstract: A rotary displacement measuring apparatus includes an axle whose rotary displacement is to be determined, with the axle being mounted to rotate about its long axis. An emitter disk is mounted on the axle to define a plurality of concentric tracks circumscribing the axle to rotate as the axle rotates, with each of the tracks being segmented to define a plurality of spaced-apart, conductive sections for producing electric fields when energized. Also included is a voltage source for energizing the conductive sections. A detector is disposed adjacent to the tracks of the emitter disk and includes a plurality of sensors, each positioned adjacent a respective track to detect the electric fields of the respective track as the axle and tracks are rotated. The detector produces signals representing the detection of the electric fields as the emitter disk is rotated, and these signals provide an indication of the rotary displacement of the tracks and thus of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Sarcos, L.C.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Michael G. Mladejovsky
  • Patent number: 6170163
    Abstract: A method of assembling components of an assembly, such as the components of a truss, using a laser imaging system in combination with assembly jigs. The jigs may be slidably mounted on an assembly table wherein the jigs include laser alignment indicia on a top surface of the jigs spaced a predetermined distance from a side surface of the jigs. The method includes projecting an enlarged laser generated outline of at least a portion of the components to be assembled which is spaced laterally from an outline or template of the components in the assembled position a distance equal to the distance between the laser alignment indicia and the side surface of the jigs and spaced vertically a distance equal to the distance between the indicia and the work surface. The jigs are then moved on the work surface to align the laser alignment indicia with the enlarged outline and affixed relative to the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Virtek Vision Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Bordignon, Richard M. Bordignon
  • Patent number: 6170164
    Abstract: The present invention is a winged peep sight that attaches to a bowstring of an archery bow. The winged peep sight is provided with an oval base having a perimeter groove that is served between the strands of the bowstring. A proximal end of a horizontal wing adjustably secures to the base by means of a retaining bracket and adjustable screw provided on the base. The peep sight body has a hollow front half that removably engages a hollow back half to allow the halves to be separated. When separated, one of a variety of interchangeable inserts between the halves. Each insert is provided with one or more notches in its perimeter that insert around one or more ears provided in the back half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Richard E. Knowles
  • Patent number: 6170165
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a gap between two opposing surfaces by utilizing a dial gauge instead of feeler gauges is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mounting block, an extension arm and a dial gauge which may be used to measure any gap distance between about 0.01 mm and about 10 mm. The method is carried out by first zeroing the dial gauge by utilizing a calibration block which has the same thickness as the gap distance to be measured. The novel method and apparatus can be used to replace a conventional feeler gauge method and achieve the benefits of greatly improved precision in measurement, a short measurement time required and completely eliminating human error due to operator dependency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Yung-Dar Chen, Jung-Hao Hsiue, Shiuh-Shzng Chang
  • Patent number: 6170166
    Abstract: A water-driven jet or venturi extraction means is used to remove, capture and cool the hot, highly humid air created within commercial dishwashers during a wash rinse or sanitization cycle. A cold water spray is used to create a pressure reduction zone which serves to draw in hot, highly humid air from the dishwasher. Water vapor cools and condenses on contact with the cold water spray within the venturi. The invention also serves to help vent the dishwasher. Cool, fresh air is drawn into the dishwasher while the hot air is drawn into the venturi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Johansen, Kent R. Britain, Lee J. Monsrud, Glen W. Davidson
  • Patent number: 6170167
    Abstract: A structure for detachably attaching a drying agent unit to a lens barrel without increasing the size of the lens barrel. An opening for ventilation is formed in the circumference of the lens barrel. The drying agent unit comprises a container containing the drying agent. The container is provided with an opening. The drying agent unit is detachably attached to the lens barrel through a fixing mechanism such as fixing screws. The container communicates with the inside of the lens barrel through the openings in the attached state. Alternatively, the drying agent may be formed in a shape capable of fitting itself into the opening of the lens barrel, and a part of an outer surface of the drying agent that is exposed in the attached state is coated with an unbreathable coating. This eliminates the necessity of providing a container for the drying agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kato
  • Patent number: 6170168
    Abstract: Annular drying element (15) for mounting on a rotor axle in a drying plant for indirect heating or cooling of moist, comminuted, biological material such as fishmeal, offal from slaughterhouses, mash from breweries and similar materials of animal, vegetable or chemical origin. The drying element is configured with a number of through-going openings (25) extending from the one side of the element to the other. The drying element can be made of two identical, annular plate elements (16) with holes (25), in that tubular stays are welded between oppositely-lying holes. Through the openings (25), elongated elements can be inserted which increase the stirring in the product mass which is to be heat-treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Atlas-Stord Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Peder Fosbøl, Finn Jørgensen
  • Patent number: 6170169
    Abstract: A device for drying substrate disks by irradiation with ultraviolet light, wherein during the irradiation process a glass plate is resting on the substrate disk, has a lower part on which the substrate disk rests during drying and a liftable and lowerable upper part for lowering a glass plate onto the substrate disk resting on the lower part. The upper part has a glass plate holding device that is lowered below the substrate disk upon lowering of the upper part for placement of the glass plate onto the substrate disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: STEAG HamaTech AG
    Inventors: Klaus Weber, Ulrich Speer
  • Patent number: 6170170
    Abstract: A leafed vegetable dryer includes an entrance for products, an exit for the products and one or more transporters for transporting the products between the entrance and the exit. The transporters have the form of a centrifuge. A transport driver is utilized to drive the transporters and a centrifuge driver is utilized to drive the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Felcon Engineering B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Van Felius
  • Patent number: 6170171
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying semiconductor fragment material, has at least one vacuum-tight chamber with at least one receiving means for semiconductor fragment material, and there is a means for maintaining a vacuum in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Wacker-Chemie GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Schmidbauer, Hanns Wochner, Werner Ott
  • Patent number: 6170172
    Abstract: A device and method cures an adhesive by means of UV radiation in an inert-gas atmosphere. The adhesive is interposed as an adhesive layer between two superposed layers of a disc-shaped optical information carrier. The device includes a UV source, a supply for an inert gas, and a holder for holding the information carrier in a centered position with respect to a centering axis. The inert-gas supply has discharge openings for inert gas, situated in a circular zone around the centering axis, at a distance from the centering axis which substantially corresponds to the radius of the peripheral edge of the information carrier, so that inert gas flows past the peripheral edge during curing. As a result locally present oxygen which would interfere with curing is expelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Petrus H. G. M. Vromans, Remberto L. T. Martis, Paulus W. J. Brugel
  • Patent number: 6170173
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring the flow of fluid through tubes in the sole of shoes. The apparatus includes a pair of fluid filled tubes along the periphery of the sole of the shoe. One tube is connected to cross tubes that provide flow paths and cushions the for the ball and instep portions of the foot. The other tube is connected to cross tubes that provide flow paths and cushions heel portion of the foot. Adjustable pressure valves interposed between the fluid filled tubes permit a method of controlling the flow of fluid through the valves in one direction only. The pressure resistance of the valves are pre-set for a certain internal pressure level required for triggering the transfer of fluid from one tube to the other. The method include steps of controlling pressure resistance by adjusting valve pressure adjustment rings either in a clockwise direction about a rod for increasing internal pressure resistance, or in a counter-clockwise direction for decreasing internal resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Gayford Caston
  • Patent number: 6170174
    Abstract: A shock absorbing liner to be attached to the interior of a baseball shoe to help protect the toes and upper portion of wearer's foot from injury that can occur during baseball batting. The shock absorbing liner includes a plurality of rigid protective shell members constructed of a hard plastic material that possess sufficient shock absorbing capability to resist a wide range of dynamic impact forces that may be applied to the baseball shoe by a foul tipped ball striking the shoe. The rigid protective shell members are shaped and arranged to cover and protect essentially the entire upper foot region including the toes. The rigid protective shell members are joined by bendable elements so as to allow the shock absorbing liner freedom to flex with the baseball shoe while affording foot protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Robert J. Gesso
  • Patent number: 6170175
    Abstract: Footwear having one or more reinforcement features is disclosed. Footwear having two independent components constructed from a woven material with the strands oriented at specified angles to the plane of the sole of the footwear is disclosed. The footwear may also incorporate a substantially rigid structural collar in the area of the ankle or lower leg. Heel and/or forefoot straps that wrap downwardly and laterally around the heel and/or forefoot may be provided to limit flexing of the ankle and the footwear in a forward or backward direction, respectively. An internal reinforcement structure comprising a plurality of support strips arranged transversely to one another in a criss-cross arrangement is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas Funk
  • Patent number: 6170176
    Abstract: An orthopedic shoe appliance is provided having a pad with a wedge. The wedge is located on the pad in the area where the big toe would rest on the pad. The wedge provides a means to elevate the big toe up from the top planar surface of the pad. The relation between the pad and the wedge is defined by an angle. The angle is preferably in the range of from 20 to 30 degrees for normal ambulation. A method of providing for improved stability of the foot structure during ambulation comprising the steps of providing an orthopedic shoe appliance having a pad, said pad being provided with a wedge, said wedge being located on said pad in an area where a big toe would rest on said pad, said wedge providing a means to elevate said big toe up from a top planar surface of said pad during ambulation, and, said wedge providing an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: James G. Clough
  • Patent number: 6170177
    Abstract: A footwear customization system that includes a rearfoot and forefoot goniometer for measuring rearfoot and forefoot alignment of a foot to provide rearfoot and forefoot alignment data. A customizable piece of footwear having a moldable, settable midsole is mounted on a shoe press, and the shoe press applies pressure to the midsole based on the rearfoot and forefoot alignment data in order to form a contour in the midsole. The contour provides alignment corrections based on the rearfoot and forefoot alignment data. A computer running a footwear customization program can be interfaced to the rearfoot and forefoot goniometer and the shoe press to receive the rearfoot and forefoot alignment data from the rearfoot and forefoot goniometer and provide it to the shoe press. An injection apparatus can be used to set the midsole of the piece of footwear so that the midsole retains the contour after the piece of footwear has been removed from the shoe press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: John P. Frappier, Stephen C. Swanson
  • Patent number: 6170178
    Abstract: The present invention provides a powered attachment system for coupling a plow or other implement to a vehicle. A plow lift cylinder extends to push the coupler up into position, aligning spring-loaded upper pins. Further, the spring-loaded pins automatically engage when the coupler holes are aligned with those of the push beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: M.J. Electric, Inc.
    Inventor: Jody Christy
  • Patent number: 6170179
    Abstract: A snow thrower (10) includes a rotatable wheel (12) for collecting the snow and a chute (14) for throwing the snow away from the snow thrower (10). The snow thrower (10) includes a motor (22) and a battery (24) connected thereto for providing power to the motor (22), which in turn drives a drive belt (28) to rotate the rotatable wheel (12). The battery (24) may be removed and replaced by sliding same out of the thrower housing (16), and includes spring biased contacts between the housing (16) and battery terminals to cause electrical connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Karen A. Paytas, Jason J. Halleck
  • Patent number: 6170180
    Abstract: An excavator comprises a substructure and a superstructure pivoted on the substructure with an engine compartment and a valve box of the excavator being formed in the superstructure; and at least one fluid tank disposed between the engine compartment and the valve box essentially extending over the width of the superstructure. An excavator includes a first and a second fluid tank abutting each other with one positive and complementary side wall each to provide a particularly simple installation of the tanks in a wedge-like manner while utilizing the room in an optimum manner, for example, in the frame of the superstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Karl Schaeff GmbH & Co., Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Hans Schaeff
  • Patent number: 6170181
    Abstract: A name tag includes a fastening clip on a rear wall which can be displaced in two mutually crossing guide grooves into different end positions. Swivelling can take place only at the crossing point, in which case, also at the crossing point, the foot part and its slide can be secured in the respective groove against falling out. The fastening clip can be moved into different positions with a clip opening which, in each case, points in a different direction. The clip can be secured in these positions against unintentional displacement and swivelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Stoba AG
    Inventor: Dieter Gröner
  • Patent number: 6170182
    Abstract: A chart holding arrangement is provided for nautical charts, wherein one end of the chart is secured to an elongated, hollow support and the other end is secured to a rigid strip. This allows the chart to be easily viewed in extended (flat) form in the absence of a flat surface to spread out the chart. After use, the chart is rolled around the support for safe storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Robert J. Skypala
  • Patent number: 6170183
    Abstract: A yard sign is formed from a plastic corrugated board and supported in the ground by two separate L-shaped rods. The rods have a long leg section. The leg section of at least two rods are inserted through separate corrugations on either side of the sign and forced into the ground by pressing against the bent portion. The rods have a diameter which is adapted to snuggly fit within the channels applying slight pressure against the channel to support the sign above the ground merely by the compression fit between the rod and the corrugation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Patriot Signage Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin Keefe