Patents Issued in January 30, 2001
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Patent number: 6178997Abstract: An intelligent pressure regulator for maintaining a fluid in a process at a predetermined pressure includes an electronic controller which enhances regulator performance and provides self-diagnostics and communications capabilities. The electronic controller includes a pressure sensor which provides a signal indicating the pressure of the fluid being controlled, an adjusting pressure for adjusting the position of a throttling element; and a PID controller which receives the signal indicating the pressure of the fluid being controlled and applies the adjusting pressure to the actuator in response to the signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.Inventors: Paul R. Adams, Karl J. Gabel, Daniel G. Roper
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Patent number: 6178998Abstract: A reverse flow prevention apparatus is provided so as to drastically decrease pressure loss without installing an independent pressure regulator mechanism therein. With the reverse flow prevention apparatus, a flow path running along a straight line is provided in an outer box, and is partitioned by a diaphragm into an upstream region, and the downstream of a midstream region. An inner cylindrical body is provided at the center of the diaphragm, integrally therewith, so as to fit slidably into the upstream region of the outer box, an escape valve is provided on the downstream side of the inner cylindrical body in such a way as to be able to freely open and close a valve port provided between the midstream region and the downstream region while the escape valve is energized towards valve opening by the urging of an escape valve spring, and first and second check valves are provided inside the inner cylindrical body and the downstream region of the outer box, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Kane Kougyou Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaru Ochiai, Nobuyuki Matsuura, Makoto Katou
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Patent number: 6178999Abstract: A fuel supply adapter for pumping fuel out of fuel cans through a pump. The adapter is shaped to fit in the pouring neck of the fuel can and be secured therein. The adapter has a U-shaped cross-section with a thick bottom portion and a hollow top portion, and a connector is located inside the top portion so it does not interfere with the closing of the cap of the fuel can. Radial gripping pins are provided inside the bore the handle the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Wildfire Fire Equipment, Inc.Inventor: Patrick Renaud
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Patent number: 6179000Abstract: A three-way valve for controlling the application of air to a pneumatically controllable device has a pressure chamber for pressurizing a work chamber to which the device is connectable and an exhaust chamber for expelling air from the work chamber. Unidirectional flow means prevents air in the work chamber from entering the space behind a valve member controlling the flow of air from the pressure chamber to the work chamber for avoiding valve lockup.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Automatic Switch CompanyInventors: David B. Zdobinski, Christopher E. Epler
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Patent number: 6179001Abstract: A rapid-action coupling comprising a male part connected to a first and a third conduit and a female part connected to a second and a fourth conduit for releasable mutual connection of at least the first to the second conduit and also for releasable mutual connection of the third conduit to the fourth conduit. The male part and the female part of the rapid-action coupling each comprise a shell formed in one piece and a plurality of connecting channels. At least at the position of the separating surface between the male and the female parts, the connecting channels arranged in the parts are preferably concentric. According to another embodiment the first and the third conduit and the second and the fourth conduit are mutually concentric.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: B.V. Holmatro Industrial EquipmentInventor: Christiaan A. Schutz
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Patent number: 6179002Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling having a radial pressure-energized seal with a dovetail interfit is disclosed. The seal has a pair of flexible sealing surfaces for sealing with the male and female coupling members, and a cavity therebetween that is exposed to fluid pressure in the coupling. The outer circumference of the seal has a dovetail interfit between inclined shoulders in the female member bore and on a seal retainer that holds the seal in the bore.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
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Patent number: 6179003Abstract: The invention refers to an actuating device for a double seat valve with cleanable seat, provided with two individually moveable closure members, which can be brought, additional to the open position, independent from each other, to a partial open position, wherein it shall be secured that the partial stroke movement to be carried out during the seat cleansing of the dependently actuated closure member is possible with relatively low pressures of the pressure medium, without the necessity to take pressure compensation measures at the respective closure member or for the increase of the diameter of the actuating piston. Furthermore it shall be possible, if required, to effect also the opening movement of the double seat valve with the conditions named above.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Tuchenhagen GmbHInventor: Jens Burmester
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Patent number: 6179004Abstract: A vacuum holder for use with an automated carton erecting and packing line and mountable on a rotary carton placer for removing cartons into which product is to be placed includes vacuum cup for removing a carton from a store of cartons. The cartons including a foldable flap. The vacuum holder includes a set of vacuum cups that will engage a flap and at an appropriate time in the carton erection sequence will be positively actuated under control of a power actuator to fold the flap to a desired position prior to depositing the carton on a conveyor line. A rotary manifold carries both vacuum for vacuum cups holding the carton, and fluid pressure for the power actuators to the rotating carton placer.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Davis Engineering LLCInventor: Ellis W. Davis, Jr.
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Patent number: 6179005Abstract: A spool valve type electromagnetic valve constructed to facilitate production at reduced cost includes a linear solenoid having a spool and a plunger that are coaxially aligned. The linear solenoid also has a rear yoke which is configured by a resin-made bobbin around which a coil is wound and a plunger movably fitted in the resin made bobbin. The linear solenoid also includes a front yoke positioned in the bobbin in coaxial alignment with both the rear yoke and a connecting end of a valve body of the valve. The front yoke, the rear yoke and the resin-made bobbin form an integrated structure produced through insert molding. An alignment facilitating portion is provided between the front yoke and the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Madoka Inami
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Patent number: 6179006Abstract: A tabular assembly base (2) is proposed, which serves for the detachable fitting of a valve unit (3). The assembly base (2) is modular in design and comprises a plurality of individual base segments (23) joined together as a rigid unit. The valve unit (3) comprises several valve modules (4). Underneath the base segments (23) several connection segments (25) are located which are associated with the valve modules (4). They possess load ducts (33) communicating with the valve modules (4) and having an electrical and/or fluid power functional unit (38) associated with them at least in part.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Festo AG & Co.Inventors: Kurt Stoll, Dieter Beyer
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Patent number: 6179007Abstract: A flexible hose 10 having a built-in handle 20. The hose 10 has at least three layers including a first elastomeric layer 12, a second elastomeric layer 16, and at least one reinforcing layer 14. At least one handle 20 is affixed to at least one of the respective reinforcing layers 14. The handle 20 at least partially extends radially outwardly of the external surface 18 of the hose 10. In a preferred embodiment, the handle 20 is made from flexible material.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventor: Sylvain Jean-Francois Cote
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Patent number: 6179008Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition which, when used for the inner tube and/or outer cover of a hose, can improve the hose flexibility at an ordinary temperature and low temperature, oil resistance, and cold resistance and can reduce the production costs since it does not require a vulcanization step and a hose having said properties using this elastomer composition for its inner tube and/or outer cover and a process and apparatus for the production thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuji Kawazura, Osamu Ozawa, Yoshihiro Soeda, Katuhiro Tanaka, Takashi Satoh, Shigeru Yamauchi, Noriaki Kuroda, Shuji Takahashi, Daisuke Irii, Kazunori Ishikawa, Susumu Hatanaka
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Patent number: 6179009Abstract: There is provided a heat-insulating and noise reducing duct constituted by reinforcing core 1, a thick felt layer 2, a foamed resin strip layer 3 and a resin-coating layer 4. The reinforcing core 1 is made of hard polyolefin resin material and wound spirally at predetermined intervals. The thick felt layer 2 is wound spirally on an outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing core so that adjacent side edge portions of the felt layer 2 are lapped over or brought into contact with each other, while the shape of the felt layer is retained by the reinforcing core 1. The foamed resin strip layer 3 made of polyolefin resin material and wound spirally on an outer circumferential surface of the felt layer 2 so that adjacent side edge portions of the foamed resin strip layer 3 are in abutment against or in tight contact with each other. The resin-coating layer 4 provided to cover an outer circumferential surface of the foamed resin strip layer 3.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Totaku Industries, Inc.Inventor: Kouki Fukui
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Patent number: 6179010Abstract: A weaving method to put laser sheet onto weaving band without spoiling the diagrams printed on the laser sheet is disclosed. In the first step, a laser-processed diagram sheet is cut into a plurality of delicate strips a certain amount of which are then rolled up in group at one end onto each of a number of shuttles. The rolled sheet strips on a number of shuttles are used as warp yarns and natural fabric fibers are used as weft yarns so that a woven fabric on a weaving machine is obtained from the interwoven warp yarns and weft yarns.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Ching-Min Tseng
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Patent number: 6179011Abstract: An apparatus for the insertion of weft threads contains a stationary unit having an arrangement with a plurality of passages, a plurality of nozzles for the supplying of weft threads and a unit which rotates with the weaving rotor with a plurality of injector nozzles which are intended to successively draw off the weft threads which are supplied to the passages and to feed them into the shed.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Sulzer Rueti AGInventor: Godert de Jager
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Patent number: 6179012Abstract: The mechanical loom includes a drive unit for a shaft of a device from a leno selvedge and is synchronized with the frames of a mechanical loom. The drive unit comprises a first electromotor and a second electromotor. The drive shaft (111) is actrated by the first electromotor (110) (driving motor) and is electrically coupled with the second electromotor (120) driven by the driven shaft (121) of the mechanical loom, by at least two phases of alternating current waveforms carried by two or three electric transmission wires coupling the first and second electromotors together.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Klocker Entwicklungs-GmbHInventors: Klaus Nowack, Christoph Schwemmlein, Werner Wanning
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Patent number: 6179013Abstract: Multi-layer papermaker's fabrics are provided which include flattened bottom fabric cross machine direction yarns that advantageously reduce the void volume and water carry of the fabric. These flattened yarns may be of oval, rectangular or other shape. These fabrics preferably include a relatively large number of cross machine direction yarns on the papermaking surface and/or a papermaking surface having single float machine direction knuckles, so as to provide a high level of fiber support and good papermaking qualities. The fabrics also preferably include good drainage paths between the flattened bottom cross machine direction yarns.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Weavexx CorporationInventor: Thomas G. Gulya
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Patent number: 6179014Abstract: A gripper-loom drawing gripper for receiving a yarn supplied by a yarn feeder and resting on a deflection guide, the gripper serving to position the yarn and carry it into the shed. The drawing gripper is configured to define a longitudinal cavity extending from its forward end facing a filling to be received and positioned by the gripper to its opposed rearward end. The cavity of the gripper faces towards and partially encloses the deflection guide. The forward tip of the gripper includes an inclined surface for guiding a filling to a positioning device on the gripper, and a yarn clamp is also carried by the gripper. The gripper includes additional receiving and positioning devices for a filling to be inserted in the loom shed.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Picanol N.V.Inventor: Henry Shaw
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Patent number: 6179015Abstract: In order to further accelerate a pourable product (4) falling into a fill pipe (2) or in order to compress the particle cluster of the product (4), it is suggested to blow air in timed intervals into the fill pipe (2). An air flap (13) is operated for this purpose in a pipe (11) between a blower (10) and the fill pipe (2) by means of a drive 14. A control device (15) controls the drive (14) dependent on a packaging parameter, for example, at a point in time when the product (4) is in a position of the free fall, which position is recognized by a sensor (16).Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Rovema Verpackungsmaschinen GmbHInventors: Roman Kammler, Georg Koppenwallner, Walter Baur
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Patent number: 6179016Abstract: A filling machine assembly (20) for filling a beverage container (24), such as a bottle or can, with a liquid beverage, such as beer or soft drinks. The filling machine (20) includes a support housing (40) having an inner fluid chamber (46) for supplying the liquid to be discharged into the container (24). A valve housing (48) is mounted to the bottom (16) of the support housing (40) for controlling the discharge of the liquid and a control device (52) is disposed adjacent to the top (14) of the support housing (40). A vent tube (54) is actuated upward and downward via the control device (52) and extends into the valve housing (48). The filling machine (20) is characterized by the control device (52) including at least one magnet (66) moveable between a first position and a second position for moving the vent tube (54) a predetermined stroke between a filling position and a non-use position.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Crown Simplimatic IncorporatedInventors: Jens Neacker, Wolfgang Wilke
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Patent number: 6179017Abstract: A filling assembly for an aseptically operating deep-drawing packing machine, wherein a conveying region for the web of packing sheet is provided within a pipe held in sterile condition. Arranged behind a packing sheet-forming station is a filling station comprising at least one loading tube stationary with respect to the conveying region yet displaceable in a direction vertical to the conveying region. In order to enable the packing machine to continue to run also during cleaning of the filling station, two filling stations are arranged in series on the pipe maintained in sterile condition within openings displaceable on the sterile pipe above the conveying region. Only one of the said filling stations is respectively in the operating position while the other of said filling stations is in the cleaning position. The filling stations in view of their displaceable openings on the sterile pipe are reciprocable between an operating position and a cleaning position.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Hassia Verpackungsmaschinen GmbHInventor: Peter Walter
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Patent number: 6179018Abstract: An apparatus for replacing transmission fluid in an automatic transmission. The apparatus comprises a tank separated into a pair of compartments by a bladder or diaphragm. At least one pressure regulator communicates with the tank. A vent valve assembly also communicates with the tank. A process for cleaning an automatic transmission and for replacing after cleaning used automatic transmission fluid in the automatic transmission with fresh automatic transmission fluid. The process includes flowing fresh ATF into a first compartment of a tank and into a pliable tub or bladder member in communication with the first compartment until the pliable tub or bladder member and the first compartment are filled with a volume of fresh ATF. A chemical cleaning compound is disposed in the used ATF of the automatic transmission and is circulated through the automatic transmission and its associated components to clean the same and produce contaminated used ATF.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: BG Products, Inc.Inventors: Harold Edward Erwin, Michael Jason Erwin, Craig James Dittmar
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Patent number: 6179019Abstract: A system and method are provided for the safe removal of a wet, fully-plated cathode from a silver recovery cell and its replacement by a fresh cathode. The fresh cathode is brought to the recovery cell in a transport housing, which is then docked thereto. A drip tray is unfolded from the transport housing so as to extend across and surround the top of the recovery cell. The fresh cathode is removed from the transport housing and put to one side. The used cathode is removed from the recovery cell, preferably by being attached to the lid which is unscrewed therefrom. The cathode is then transferred to the housing over the drip tray which catches any liquid falling therefrom. The used cathode is screwed into the transport housing, and the housing removed to a refiner for safe disposal, while the fresh electrode is screwed onto the recovery cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventors: Bruce S. Gowans, Christopher B. Rider
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Patent number: 6179020Abstract: The present fluid level controlled automatic shutoff valve is comprised of a tubular housing with an axial bore which has an upstream closure, a downstream opening, and an annular piston seat at the downstream opening. A movable piston is positioned in the bore, and biased to a retracted position by a tension spring connected between the piston and the closure of the bore. A plurality of channels on the wall of the housing extend between an upstream end of the housing and the bore. The channels terminate in venturis downstream of the piston in the retracted position. The shutoff valve is positioned in a fluid dispensing device. When pressurized fluid is delivered through the dispensing device, the fluid is directed through the channels and out the venturis at high speed and low pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Peter Hutchinson
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Patent number: 6179021Abstract: A material transfer system for loading a pair of spaced, open-topped receptacles with a material capable of gravitationally flowing toward the open-topped receptacles from a source along a material flow path having a segment along which the material falls downwardly utilizes an elongated support frame mounted adjacent the receptacles and a divider mechanism which is positionable in vertical registry with and thereby covers the spacing defined between the two receptacles. A motor is drivingly connected to the divider mechanism for moving the mechanism along the length of the support frame and into a position at which the divider mechanism is positionable in vertical registry with the segment of the material path through which the material falls downwardly.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Robert M. McFall
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Patent number: 6179022Abstract: Mold apparatus for molding a weighing funnel that has a large diameter central segment, and a hole at each end that is smaller than the central segment. A 2-part core is used, the two parts together forming the size and shape of the article to be molded, and to remove the core from the molded article, the parts are withdrawn individually through a hole at the end of the article.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventors: Jinghua Schneider, Wei Min Gan, Xiao Gang Dou
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Patent number: 6179023Abstract: An air blower comprises a first unit having means for producing compressed air and a reservoir for storing the compressed air and a second unit including a portable storage tank for holding compressed air, and means for releasing the compressed air from the storage tank. Means for charging are provided whereby compressed air in the reservoir of the first unit is transferred to the storage tank of the second unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Air-Jet, IncInventor: Daniel W. McGee
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Patent number: 6179024Abstract: A work piece support includes a base having a tube, a rod slidably received in and adjustable relative to the tube, and a supporting member disposed on the rod for supporting work pieces. A stay is pivotally secured to the tube and folded and extendible relative to the tube. The supporting member includes a frame secured on top of the rod for supporting a roller and a casing selectively and pivotally secured to the frame for supporting one or more balls. A pinion is rotatably secured to the tube and engaged with the rod for moving the rod relative to the tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Mai Yang
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Patent number: 6179025Abstract: A carry bag comprises: a) a three dimensional, generally rectangular-shaped, closable pouch; b) a closure means in the top of the pouch; c) at least two magnetic fasteners, preferably two magnetic snaps; and d) a detachable, carrying strap. Portions of magnetic fasteners on the ends of the carrying strap correspond to magnetic fastener portions on the pouch, so that a user can quickly and easily attach the carrying strap to the pouch, or detach it from the pouch. Alternatively, the carry bag comprises the pouch and one or more interchangeable covers. The cover comprises an open, three dimensional, generally rectangular-shaped, cover compartment, which is of sufficient size to snugly accommodate the pouch.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Alice B. Sutton
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Patent number: 6179026Abstract: A wallet system including a sealable item concealment pouch, a pouch securing strap assembly, and a key securing mechanism. The key securing mechanism is includes a securing chain and a spring biased key gripping assembly. The spring biased key gripping assembly is positioned within an open topped pocket en an exterior surface of the sealable item concealment pouch and includes a resilient channel member having a key insertion slot defined between first and second key gripping members, the first and second key gripping members being biased toward each other by first and second springs such that a key placed within the key insertion slot is gripped between the first and second key gripping members.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Jacqueline Lopez
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Patent number: 6179027Abstract: An agricultural pneumatic tire comprises a tread provided with many lugs extending at a given inclination angle from a central portion of the tread toward both ends of the tread and alternately arranged right and left with respect to an equatorial plane at given intervals in a circumferential direction of the tire, in which a side wall at a stepping-in side of the lug consists of a flat face slanted at a given angle with respect to a face perpendicular to the outer surface of the lug over a given distance from the outer surface and a bored face extending toward a root of the lug, and a side wall at a kicking-out side of the lug is a flat face slanted at a given angle with respect to the face perpendicular to the outer surface of the lug, and a ratio of circumferentially overlap component of the lug to circumferential length component is within a given range.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventor: Nobuo Shimizu
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Patent number: 6179028Abstract: A tire with a radial carcass reinforcement, when viewed in meridian section, includes a first bead, the seat of which is inclined towards the outside, the heel of the bead being axially on the inside and being reinforced by at least a reinforcement ring, the toe of the bead being axially on the outside and having a rubber wedge section made of rubber mix, the wedge being defined by two sides, the said rubber mix having a Shore A hardness greater than the Shore A hardness(es) of the rubber mixes located axially and radially above the bead ring and above the rubber wedge section.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin - Michelin & CieInventors: Jean-Jacques Drieux, Olivier Muhlhoff
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Patent number: 6179029Abstract: A tire wherein the reinforcing cords of the carcass, in the part situated between the anchoring zone of the carcass and the sidewall, are in contact with at least one layer of cushion compound having a high modulus of elasticity on the axially outer side and a low modulus of elasticity on the axially inner side and in the sidewall.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Compagnie G{acute over (e)}n{acute over (e)}rale des Etablissements Michelin - Michelin & CieInventors: Pedro Costa Pereira, Jacques Barraud, Jean-Yves Denoueix, Bernard Guerinon, Yves Herbelleau
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Patent number: 6179030Abstract: A labelling machine is operable for applying carrier-supported labels for delivery to produce articles arranged in rows in a tray. The labelling machine includes at least one label transfer mechanism operative to apply labels from a carrier onto produce articles. The labelling machine also includes memory operative to store print information. A printer of the labelling machine is positioned upstream of the label transfer mechanism and is operative to print user-configurable print information. Control circuitry of the labelling machine is electrically coupled to the printer and the memory, and is operative to configure the printer to print user-configurable print information. A user interface of the labelling machine is signal-coupled to the control circuitry and memory, and is operable by a user to select the user-configurable print information to be printed by the printer. A method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Automated Systems Technology, L.L.C.Inventor: William R. Rietheimer
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Patent number: 6179031Abstract: Apparatus for the gluing of two substrates in six processing steps for fabrication of a digital video disc including a motor-driven plate (2) for holding the first substrate (5), a glue dispenser disposed above the plate (2), grasping and holding device for providing vertical movement of the second substrate (7). The side of the plate turned toward the first substrate (5) has a radially outer plane portion (10) in the form of a disk concentric to its axis of rotation (R) and a radially inner portion (11) adjacent to this where the face (F) of this inner portion (11) turned toward the substrate (5) is formed by the outer face of a flat, straight frustum of a cone whose peak (S) strikes the axis of rotation (R) below the plane of application (E) of the substrate (5). In the transitional area from the annular portion (10) to the conical portion (11) an annular groove (12) running coaxially to the axis of rotation is cut into the plate (2) which is connected to a pressure source via channels (13, 13′, . . .Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Leybold Systems GmbHInventors: Andreas Rack, Peter Sauer, Stefan Szellas
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Patent number: 6179032Abstract: A bead depressor for use upon fitting or removal of a tire whereby a tire bead is held in a well base of a wheel comprises a plurality of depressor elements connected together by a cable, and a clamping bar which can be arrested in a centering bore in the wheel. The first depressor element which in use is fixed on the rim flange of the wheel is connected to the clamping bar by a holding rod member and an additional elastic clamping element is operative between the clamping bar and the first depressor element to urge the latter substantially radially against the rim flange and to tilt the clamping bar to arrest it in the centering bore in the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Hofmann Werkstatt-Technik GmbHInventor: Ulrich Diez
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Patent number: 6179033Abstract: A method and apparatus for bead seating a tubeless tire onto a rim. Air stored in a portable tank is released as a single pneumatic pulse having an extremely fast rise time. This is accomplished using a charging reservoir having a fill/quick-release port, an inlet and an outlet. A piston divides the charging reservoir into two sections, a control section containing the fill/quick-release port and an outlet section containing the inlet and the outlet. The portable tank is connected to the inlet of the outlet section. Air that is introduced into the fill/quick-release port fills the control section of the charging reservoir. Since the piston is a loose fit, air is able to slowly leak past the piston and fill the outlet section of the charging reservoir and the portable tank that is connected to the inlet. The pressure differential across the piston keeps the piston tightly against the outlet, holding the pressurized air in the outlet section and the portable tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Norman P. Demers
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Patent number: 6179034Abstract: A screen arrangement 10 for the sunroof opening of a vehicle 100. The arrangement includes a pair of track members 20 disposed on the opposite sides of the sunroof opening 101 and dimensioned to receive slide elements 34 which depend downwardly from a framework 32 which supports a screen member 30 and has a sealing gasket 35 formed on the upper portion and a latching unit 13 for captively engaging the framework 30 relative to the track members 20. The track members 20 are pivotable between an open and a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Lisa M. Fuss
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Patent number: 6179035Abstract: A Venetian blind is formed by a plurality of parallel elongate slats disposed in parallel spaced relation between a headrail and a bottom rail. Ladder cords secured between the headrail and bottom rail include riser cords and spaced apart cross rung cords for supporting the slats in transversely spaced apart relation. Lift cords depend from the headrail and are secured to the bottom rail for lifting the bottom rail and slats into closely spaced stacked relation and for lowering the slats into wider spaced relation. Each lift cord is interwoven with one of the ladders adjacent a longitudinal edge of the slats, and may be intertwined with a riser cord thereof. Notches are provided in one edge of the slats.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1997Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventor: Richard N. Anderson
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Patent number: 6179036Abstract: An automatic overhead door opening system for a transport container whereby to operate the displacement of a panel door from a closed position to an open position. The system is housed in a restrained size housing which incorporates a motorized drive for driving an endless chain associated with an elongated central guide track on which the door is guidingly attached. The motorized drive is comprised of two small d.c. motors each having a drive gear drivingly coupled to a common driven gear of a gear drive which includes a worm gear in meshing engagement with a driven sprocket connected to a drive sprocket to displace the endless chain. The housing is of reduced thickness and access to the interior of the housing is provided through a non-obstructed removable bottom wall plate and accordingly it is not necessary to disconnect the endless chain and drive sprocket to have access to the components of the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: R{acute over (e)}my Harvey
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Patent number: 6179037Abstract: A screen retention system is provided for installing screen covers over large openings having polygonal frames comprising a plurality of mounting strips attached to a frame, each mounting strip having a plurality of posts. Each post has a substantial girth and has an enlarged head formed at its tip, the underside of the head forming a catch substantially around the entire underside. Screen material is mounted over the posts and the heads retain the screen thereon and therefore resist large lateral forces exerted by tension in the screen. A closure loop strip entangles the post heads to retain the loop strip thereon.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignees: Zip-in Products Limited, Yellowhead East Business Development CorporationInventor: Douglas G. Tees
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Patent number: 6179038Abstract: The automobile window shade system is adapted to be removably mounted at an interior of an automobile window. The automobile window shade system of the present invention includes a plurality of shades and each shade includes a web of shade material and a continuous loop spring mounted therewith. Preferably, the spring material is sewn within the web of shade material. A plurality of pivots rotatably link adjacent shades together such that the plurality of shades has a fully extended longitudinal position or mode and a compact stacked position or mode wherein respective continuous loop springs are substantially vertically aligned in the stacked position. In the stacked position, the plurality of shades may be twisted and folded to form a sub-compact, twisted and folded position or mode. In the sub-compact mode, the entire shade can be placed in a bag or can be wrapped with an elastic strap to maintain the sub-compact positional mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Ezra D. Eskandry
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Patent number: 6179039Abstract: A method of reducing distortion in a spray formed rapid tool includes the steps of making a model of a desired tool and constructing a ceramic pattern as the inverse of the model. The method also includes the steps of building a thermal model of the desired tool from a solid model of the ceramic pattern and applying thermal boundary conditions to the thermal model based on known conditions. The method also includes the steps of running the thermal model to produce a temperature distribution of the desired tool and determining any temperature deviations in the temperature distribution above a predetermined value. The method further includes thermally spraying a metal material against the ceramic pattern to form the desired tool if there are no temperature deviations in the temperature distribution above the predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Grigoriy Grinberg, Charles Chen, David Robert Collins, Jeffrey Alan Kinane, Paul Earl Pergande
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Patent number: 6179040Abstract: A shift fork used in a transmission which engages with an engaging groove of a coupling sleeve of the transmission, comprises a fork main body and an engaging part integrally molded therewith. The engaging part has an engaging surface which comes in contact with a coupling sleeve, and the engaging surface is formed in a bulging shape by high precision aluminum diecasting.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Fuji Univance CorporationInventors: Tomohiro Aoki, Masami Kawasaki, Kenichi Tsuchiya
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Patent number: 6179041Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the early recognition of ruptures when continuously casting steel using an oscillating mold constructed of copper plates, wherein the method includes continuously and comparatively measuring operating parameters, for example, the temperature distribution with respect to location and time in the copper plates, and analyzing the obtained measurement results. For increasing the probability of an accurate evaluation of indications of an acute tendency of ruptures, two measuring data to be compared are coupled with each other as well as with measuring data of at least one third measuring row, and the measuring data are preferably analyzed online.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: SMS Schoemann-Siemag AktiengesellschaftInventor: Fritz-Peter Pleschiutschnigg
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Patent number: 6179042Abstract: An improved cylindrical bottom block for casting of large ingots or billets, particularly cylindrical shaped ingots, of light metals, such as aluminum and aluminum alloys, the cylindrical bottom comprising: (a) a base section having an outer diameter; (b) a centrally located circular surface forming the upper end of the base section, the circular surface positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of casting, the circular surface forming the floor of the dish of the cylindrical bottom block which receives and cools liquid phase metal to form the butt end of an ingot, the circular surface being substantially flat and having a peripheral edge; (c) a cylindrical rim extending around the peripheral edge of the centrally located circular surface, the rim having an upper edge and an inner side wall which forms the side wall of the dish; (d) a concave transition section positioned between the peripheral edge and the lower end of the inner side wall, the concave transition section extending completely aroType: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Rick D. Perdue, Carl R. Reagin, S. John Pien, Raymond T. Richter, Ho Yu
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Patent number: 6179043Abstract: An engine cooling system includes a two-pass radiator having multiple cores and a hydraulically-operated motor located between the cores. The motor drives a cooling fan that blows air against the radiator. Also, oil coolers are located between the cores to cool oil that is used to actuate the motor. With this structure, the space in the axial dimension that is consumed by the radiator with fan and fan motor is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Michael D. Betz
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Patent number: 6179044Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning device with a rear air-conditioning unit does not having a temperature control device, yet prevents excessive hot air blow temperatures when the fan blow is low. A heat exchanger for heating the air blow from the blower is installed in the case of the air-conditioning unit at the rear of a dual air-conditioning type vehicle air-conditioning device along with a cooling air bypass path to allow cool air to bypass the heat exchanger. A cool air bypass door is installed in the cool air bypass path to open and close it as needed. When the blower is set in low speed mode and hot air heated by the heat exchanger is blown out from the blow path in foot mode, the cool air bypass door is set to a position to open the cool air bypass path in a process that mixes cool air and warm air in the blow path and lowers the temperature of the hot air.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Tabara
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Patent number: 6179045Abstract: In a method for treatment of water, especially when freezing water to ice, particularly in the form of ice cubes in a machine, water is passed over a freezing plate with refrigeration elements for cooling and/or forming ice on the plate. The water which has to be cooled or frozen is first exposed to a boiling process, the water either being taken from a store of boiled water and/or passed through a boiling device with heating to a temperature area of the boiling temperature, preferably 80-100° C. in the actual ice making machine. The water is thereby exposed to a combination of boiling and a subsequent cooling effect or freezing. A machine is also described for use with the method.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Dag F. Lilleaas
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Patent number: 6179046Abstract: A heat dissipation device with an optimal fin arrangement for cooling a CPU. The optimal angle, height, width, and shape of the fins provide superior heat dissipation. The heat dissipation device can be combined with a fan device to form a heat dissipating unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Jen-Dong Hwang, Chen-Jow Wong, Chih-Chao Yang