Patents Issued in February 20, 2001
  • Patent number: 6189722
    Abstract: A compartmentalized cookware system for cooking a plurality of different food items in a single container. The compartmentalized cookware system includes at least one cooking containers having a bottom wall, a perimeter side wall upwardly extending around the bottom wall, and an upper edge defining an open top into the respective cooking container. The cooking container has at least one dividing wall therein upwardly extending from the bottom wall of the respective cooking container and dividing the cooking container into a plurality of cooking compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ason
  • Patent number: 6189723
    Abstract: A composite laminated, generally cylindrical container for over-the-road transportation of liquids by truck is fabricated using a core of cellular thermoplastic expanded foam material, with an encapsulating layer adhered to each of the interior and exterior surfaces. The encapsulating layers of the cylindrical portion each utilize at least one layer of resin-impregnated unidirectional filament material, with the primary filaments extending in the longitudinal direction to provide bending strength, and a plurality of layers of spirally wound, resin-impregnated filaments to resist shear, torsion and external and internal pressure. The core and the encapsulating layers define a bonded sandwich type of construction. The container can be supported only at its forward and rearward ends during over-the-road transportation of liquids, like presently available stainless steel containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Gary R. Davis, Kevin D. Davis, Carl Christian Lee
  • Patent number: 6189724
    Abstract: A container has a container body formed with horizontal and vertical grooves and square cone-shaped recessed separated by the grooves in an outer surface by a first injection process. Then the container body has slide-resistant decorations of soft material filled in the grooves and the recesses as integral in a second injecting process. The bottom of the container body also has a circular recess and a number of radial grooves extending out of the circular recess and filled with slide-resistant decorations. Then the container can be tightly held manually and stand on the surface of a table stabilized by means of the slide-resistant decorations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Shyn-Shen Lin
  • Patent number: 6189725
    Abstract: A paint can with rim drainage apertures is provided wherein the paint can has a bottom face and a periphery integrally coupled thereto and extending upwardly therefrom for defining an interior space with an open top. The periphery has an annular lip integrally coupled thereto. The annular lip includes an annular groove formed in the top face thereof and at least one aperture in communication with both the annular groove and the interior space of the paint can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony Monico
  • Patent number: 6189726
    Abstract: A towel dispenser adapter converts an existing folded towel dispenser to a center-pull towel dispenser. The adapter detachably mounts center-pull towel dispensing heads to an existing folded towel dispenser. The mostly-flat shaped adapter has at least one generally circular aperture therethrough. Each aperture has receiving slots that accept and lock into place the corresponding feet of the dispenser head. The adapter is detachably mounted to the underside of the existing folded towel dispenser and allows towels to be dispensed by a center-pull method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Binkowsky, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Fick
  • Patent number: 6189727
    Abstract: A semi-automated pharmaceutical dispensing arrangement has a drug cabinet in which a control mechanism permits opening of the front door for an authorized attendant and permits the attendant to obtain the pre-filled bottles or containers of medication for a patient's prescription order. An array of linear dispensing modules each hold a front-to-back row of filled containers, which can be manually lifted out one at a time. A pusher mechanism in the module pushes the containers forward, so that containers are pushed into position for removal. These may be spring actuated. Each of the modules also has an associated signaling device, such as an LED that lights up to guide the attendant to the appropriate dispensing module. A controller processor, e.g., a computer, is associated with the cabinet for inputting patient-medication information and lighting the signaling LEDs for the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: S&S X-Ray Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman A. Shoenfeld
  • Patent number: 6189728
    Abstract: An ampule feeder which can store a necessary number of ampules at the outlet so that ampules can be instantly discharged one by one in response to a discharge signal from the ampule feeder in which are randomly stored many ampules. The ampule feeder has a detachably mounted ampule container having a bottom plate inclinable in one direction. Ampules raised by an ampule receiver are fed by an endless belt of a dispenser and a predetermined number of them are stored in grooves formed in a rotor of a discharge means provided at the outlet. In response to a discharge signal, a necessary number of ampules are discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Kunihiko Kano, Yasuhiro Shigeyama, Tsuyoshi Kodama, Shinya Yasuda
  • Patent number: 6189729
    Abstract: A dispenser for a roll of decorative ribbon secured removably to a backing strip and having design elements formed at spaced intervals along the length of the ribbon by incomplete cut lines and capable of being separated at said cut lines and bent outwardly from the plane of the ribbon to provide a 3-dimensional ribbon effect, includes a container for the ribbon roll and a housing for the container. The space between the back walls of the container and housing serve to guide movement of the ribbon from the roll upwardly to the top of the container where the ribbon is bent sharply forward and extended through an opening at the back end of the top wall of the container. The bending effects detachment of the design element along its cut lines and causes the design element to project upwardly from the plane of the ribbon. As the ribbon is moved forwardly under the top wall of the container toward the front wall thereof, the upstanding design elements are bent rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Creative Concepts Unlimited, LLC
    Inventor: Sheila K. Keller
  • Patent number: 6189730
    Abstract: The invention comprises a wall or door-mounted container for cleansing wipes having two separate compartments, one for holding readily available packet stacks (or rolls) of dry paper towel wipes of standard size, and one for holding a sealed containers of pre-moistened paper towelette wipes. The latter containers also may be found in retail and wholesale outlets everywhere and comes in generally cylindrical tubs of two or three standard sizes. A slot is provided in the bottom of the first container compartment for permitting egress of the dry paper towels, as is common. A new aperture is provided in the bottom of the second compartment for providing egress to the wet towelettes, in cooperative placement with respect to the cross slit aperture found in the lid of a towelette tub. A one-piece hinged and locked transparent front panel gives ready access to both compartments for instant refilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Arnold J. McClymonds
  • Patent number: 6189731
    Abstract: A device for holding and dispensing cotton swabs or the like, wherein the device includes a housing for holding the cotton swabs and the housing has at least two chambers extending parallel one behind the other for holding with play a plurality of cotton swabs arranged one above the other, wherein the chambers have an inclined bottom. The frontmost chamber is connected to a slide member which holds only a single cotton swab. A dispensing chamber is arranged underneath the slide member, wherein a separating wall between two successive chambers can be raised as required by a predetermined dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Rolf-Peter Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6189732
    Abstract: A golf ball carrier and dispenser in the form of a tube in which balls are stacked and biased to one end by spring action where an end opening smaller than the balls restrains the endmost ball from release. A side dispensing opening for release of ball is located adjacent the end of the tube so that when pressure is applied through the end opening, the endmost ball of the stack can be pushed downwardly and toward the exit opening for release of the endmost ball over the next underlying ball in the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Douglas J. Althaus, Daniel J. Althaus
  • Patent number: 6189733
    Abstract: A component feeder minimizes damage to chip components and efficiently discharges chip components aligned in a line. A bulk case is attached on the top portion of an external storage housing capable of being supplied with a large number of chip components. A predetermined number of the chip components is supplied at a time from the external storage housing to an inner housing of a component storage housing via a supplying path. The chip components in the inner housing enter into the outer housing from the reception inlet via a guide path by being scooped up by pockets in accordance with rotation of a rotary drum. The chip components are dropped into an aligning groove to be aligned and are discharged aligned in a line via a gate and a discharge path. The chip components slide down on the aligning groove to be discharged to a discharge path, via the gate, aligned in a line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Nemoto, Shigeki Takahashi, Nihei Kaishita
  • Patent number: 6189734
    Abstract: A gravity feed merchandise dispensing device comprises at least one plastic track capable of supporting in tandem a row of similar bottles of the type having an annular neck flange, and has a lead bottle support basket suspended at the front end of the track which is removable and interchangeable with other lead bottle supports so as to accommodate bottles of different heights. The rails of the track have a sloped transition section at the front end of the track which eases movement of bottles off the track and into the basket, and facilitates the front loading of bottles into the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Frank Becker, Philip C. Hwang, Jerry Koefelda
  • Patent number: 6189735
    Abstract: The polymeric substance delivery method and device, in which the outflow is determined from a first container (5) of a monomeric substance able to polymerize autonomously upon air contact, and eventually, the outflow from a second container (7) is determined of a hardening substance able to accelerate the polymerization of the monomeric substance, by sending the same hardening substance towards a mixing zone of the hardening substance with the same monomeric substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Cheming S.A. Luxembourg
    Inventor: Maria Teresa Plasmati-Lüchinger
  • Patent number: 6189736
    Abstract: A condiment dispensing apparatus for dispensing condiments from a bag-in-box type container (108). There is a high durometer compressible elastomeric liquid flow tube (14), an infeed and outfeed thereto and therefrom, and a movable anvil (26) with a round surface to compress the tube. There is an opposed stationary anvil (28) which holds the tube for compression by the movable anvil. The tube is held between the anvils (26, 28) in a slightly compressed state even when the anvil is retracted. There is a control assembly (FIG. 15) that causes extension and retraction of the movable anvil to cause flow through the tube, and subsequent delivery of condiment to a dispensing fixture (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Niagara Pump Corporation
    Inventors: Iver J. Phallen, Douglas N. Vogt
  • Patent number: 6189737
    Abstract: A tube clip for use with flexible wall dispensing tubes to aid in the dispensing of the tube contents includes a body having a slot in which the closed end of the tube is received so that movement of the body along the tube squeezes the tube to displace the tube contents toward the tube cap. The clip body includes a retainer for retaining that portion of the tube which has been squeezed and emptied, and the retainer permits the emptied tube end to be folded and tucked under the retainer to maintain the tube of a concise configuration and shape as it is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Harry F. Condon
  • Patent number: 6189738
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for flowable agents, comprising a main body (1) to which at least two stores can be secured for receiving said agents. The main body (1) has a first channel (16) and at least one second channel for releasing said agents out of the stores and is fitted with a first closing device (21) which can be actuated to sealingly close at least one of the channels. In order to enable said agents to be released out of the various stores, it is suggested that the main body (1) be provided with at least one additional closing device (22) desgined to selaingly close at least the second channel, independantly of the others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Innocos Innovative Verpackungen fur die Kosmetische Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 6189739
    Abstract: A device (G) for dispensing liquids (1), especially medicinal liquids, from a mouthpiece aperture (2), the latter being connected to a supply of liquid, by manual actuation of a piston-cylinder device (4) which allows the manual actuation only after an overload threshold (Ü) has been exceeded. The device achieves a design which is advantageous for use, and provides a powerful jet of liquid, by a smaller restoring spring force, assigned to the overload threshold (Ü), of the piston-cylinder device (4) designed as a pump (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: AstraZeneca AB
    Inventor: Alfred von Schuckmann
  • Patent number: 6189740
    Abstract: An antiseptic soap dispenser has a dispensing system (28) which includes a pressure actuated platen (32) and a moveable roller (94) for dispensing soap from a replaceable container (12). A dispensing tube (10) with an integral self-sealing valve (40) at a downstream end is connected to a neck (20) of the container. Hand pressure on the platen compresses a upstream end of the dispensing tube between the platen and the roller. With increasing pressure, the roller moves progressively down the tube to dispense soap through the valve. A volume regulator (111) controls the amount of soap dispensed. The platen returns quickly to its at-rest position once the pressure is removed, avoiding complete compression of the pathway by the roller. This minimizes air ingress, and resultant contamination of the soap. Optionally, a filtered vent (14) in a wall (22) of the container allows filtered air to enter the container in place of the soap dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Steris Inc
    Inventors: Allan E. Wade, Keith D. Alsberg, Jon B. Taylor, James D. deBeers
  • Patent number: 6189741
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for distribution of fluid products of the type which has container (1) in which product (P) to be distributed is held and on which a distribution device is mounted, which is engaged in opening (2) of container (1) by the intermediary of bushing (3) and a sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Behar
  • Patent number: 6189742
    Abstract: A dispensing device is adapted for one-handed operation, and for release of a measured quantity of granular material. A base is generally disk-shaped. A stop is carried by an upper surface of the base, and is adjustably positionable so that when a container to be filled is moved into contact with the stop, that container is correctly positioned. A body 40 is attached to a support ledge defined about the perimeter of the base. The body is generally cylindrical, and defines an interior cavity with access through a front opening and a circular top having an off-center hole. A slide is supported by the top, and is manually movable between a loading position wherein a spring arm biasing the slide is relaxed, and a dispensing position wherein the spring arm is stressed. A slide enclosure is attached to the upper rim of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Susan A. Thomson, Jeffrey L. Bendio
  • Patent number: 6189743
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device for dispensing fluid on overhead plants comprising a container and plunger. A process for dispensing fluid onto overhead plants using a fluid dispensing device comprising a container and plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hy-Plant Watering Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Hough
  • Patent number: 6189744
    Abstract: A compartmented container, such as an aerosol container, has a plastics pouch (12) attached to a top component such as an aerosol cone (1). The cone is typically formed of steel laminated with polypropylene, and the pouch is attached to the cone by means of a platics/plastics heat-sealed bond using the polypropylene surface layer of the cone. The pouch is attached to the cone (1) at an area away from that used to attach the cone to an aerosol container with a double seam. The cone typically has an annular countersink (4) and the pouch is attached either to the outer countersink wall (5) or the inner countersink wall (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Carnaudmetalbox (Holdings) USA Inc.
    Inventor: Cyril Miles Prince
  • Patent number: 6189745
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device includes a valve body defining a longitudinal opening therein, an inlet in flow communication with the longitudinal opening that defines an axis generally transverse to the longitudinal opening, and an outlet defined by a first end of the longitudinal opening. A sealing member is situated within the longitudinal opening, and a valve stem is linearly movable within the longitudinal opening and adapted to seat against the sealing member to control fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. A nozzle is coupled to the valve body adjacent the outlet and defines an opening therethrough such that fluid can flow from the outlet through the nozzle. An apparatus is situated within the nozzle so as to cause fluid flowing from the outlet through the nozzle to do work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jimmy I. Frank
  • Patent number: 6189746
    Abstract: A molded plastic garment hanger having an improved indicator detachment opening is disclosed, wherein the hanger has a hook with a web adjacent said hook and a hanger body, wherein the web is received within a cavity of a molded plastic indicator having side walls. The web and the indicator combining to provide a security means to prevent unauthorized removal of the indicator. The web is formed with a detachment opening formed in the web which extends through the security means and under said indicator to allow the indicator to be removed with a detachment wedge inserted in said opening. A method and apparatus for removing the indicator from the web is also provided by inserting a reciprocal wedge mounted on a first plate into the opening defined in the web to displace the indicator and thereby release the indicator from the web without damaging either the indicator or the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Spotless Plastics Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Stanley F. Gouldson
  • Patent number: 6189747
    Abstract: A hand sewing needle for eliminating the requirement of turning the hand sewing needle after each pass through a piece of fabric. The inventive device includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. An eyelet is positioned within the elongate body for receiving a length of thread, wherein the eyelet separates the elongate body into a first portion and a second portion. The first end and the second end of the elongate body may be comprised of any well-known structure such as pointed or blunt. The elongate body is preferably positioned at a center point of the elongate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: James C. Collingham, Teresa A. Collingham
  • Patent number: 6189748
    Abstract: A swing-away spare tire carrier for a motor vehicle includes a cross tube extending transversely for attachment to underside vehicle structure of the motor vehicle and an arm support bracket secured to the cross tube. The swing-away spare tire carrier also includes a carrier arm having a first arm portion pivotally attached to the arm support bracket and a second arm portion pivotally attached to the first arm portion for pivotal movement between a first position adjacent a vehicle body of the motor vehicle and a second position extending substantially laterally from the vehicle body when the second arm portion is moved toward the first arm portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B Hutter, Eric P Thorne, Christopher G Burchart, Brian C Lazarus
  • Patent number: 6189749
    Abstract: A device for fixing a flat tire (30) in an automobile which has an accommodating space (5) behind a bucket seat (1) in which the bucket seat is accommodated which has been folded, comprises: a flat tire fixing threaded member (34); a vehicle body screw hole (20) which is located near the front edge of the accommodating space (5), and is threadably engaged with the threaded member (34); and a bracket (40) which has a first screw hole (42) which is threadably engaged with the vehicle body screw hole (20), and a second screw hole (44a) with which the flat tire fixing threaded member (34) is threadably engaged. In the case where the bucket seat is folded and accommodated, with the vehicle body screw hole 20 set in alignment with one of the bolt holes of the flat tire (30) the latter (30) is fixedly secured to the vehicle body screw hole (20) by means of the threaded member (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Sato, Yasuyuki Shibata, Kazuhiko Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6189750
    Abstract: A modular backpack has four bags or units usable connected together by zippers or snaps or the like. The bags may also be used separately or in various subcombinations. The bags comprise a main bag with shoulder straps useable as a backpack, a middle bag connectable to the bottom of the main bag, and a lower bag connectable to the bottom of the middle bag or directly to the bottom of the main bag. The middle bag may be used alone or together with a lower bag as a waist bag. A purse is removably attached to the main bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Monica Von Neumann
  • Patent number: 6189751
    Abstract: A holster with tilting forward unlocking mechanism is disclosed wherein wearer must unfasten a strap first and then tilt holster forward in order to cause a locking element to retract into a trigger guard restraining device so as to permit a handgun to freely remove from the holster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Exquisite Plastic Model Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Miin-Horng Tserng
  • Patent number: 6189752
    Abstract: A ladder carrying device is provided for carrying a ladder either over or under the shoulder. The ladder carrying device includes the rigid frame, a cushion pad and a device for selectively attaching and detaching the frame to the ladder. The frame has a cushion connecting portion which is connected to the cushion pad and a frame attachment portion which is secured to the ladder by the attaching and detaching device. The attaching and detaching device also allows the ladder carrying device to be detached from the ladder. The frame has an extension portion extending between its frame attachment portion and cushion connecting portion to space the cushion pad a sufficient distance from the ladder so that it may be mounted in depressions in the side rails of the ladder if desired. The extension portion has outer walls and a plurality of internal ribs extending between the walls to provide a lightweight honeycomb structure while having sufficient strength to support the weight of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: John A. Perry
  • Patent number: 6189753
    Abstract: A carrier rack for use primarily on a watercraft. The carrier rack has a preferably two resilient, elastomeric cradles adapted to receive an object to be carried. The cradles are adapted to be mounted on an outside surface of the watercraft, most preferably the gunwales. A plurality of attachment straps are used to mount the carrier rack to the watercraft. An adjustable cradle-strap wraps around the cradle and causes the elastomeric cradle to conform partially to the shape of the object to be carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Bombardier, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kalhok, Pierre Rondeau
  • Patent number: 6189754
    Abstract: A carrier for attachment to a motor home or vehicle for transporting small outboard motors and their associated gasoline tanks is described. The carrier has a generally rectangular base for releasable attachment to a motor vehicle. The base has an outboard motor support for supporting an outboard motor in a position to maintain the propeller lower than the engine casing and a gasoline tank storage receptacle for securely transporting the gasoline tank for the outboard motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Vince Cutajar, Kenneth Chadwick
  • Patent number: 6189755
    Abstract: A combination beverage and cellular phone holder adapted for insertion into an existing vehicle beverage holder to convert it to a multi-unit holder and firmly position the cellular phone within the vehicle in a convenient and accessible position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan Nelson Wakefield
  • Patent number: 6189756
    Abstract: A one-piece belt loop device of a relatively rigid material for use with a web of Velcro® fastener material includes a base having top and bottom edges with a pair of side edges extending therebetween. Recesses in the top and bottom edges provide guidelines for stitching the top and bottom edges of the base to the holster with the side edges free of the holster. The base thus presents a first loop for extension of a user's belt therethrough. A central housing presents upper and lower apertures with a raised central surface therebetween for attachment of a spring belt clipped thereto to clip the holster to the user's belt. A thumb break strap can be further extended between the apertures and has Velcro® material thereon releasably engageable with the underlying Velcro® material. The belt loop device enhances assembly and presents a reinforced belt attachment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Mil-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Cleveland Ward
  • Patent number: 6189757
    Abstract: An optical fiber cutter for cutting an optical fiber wire according to the principle of the stress-rupture includes a tension applying mechanism and a movable blade. The tension applying mechanism applies tension to the optical fiber wire in an axial direction thereof. The movable blade is contactable with the optical fiber wire in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction so as to impart an initial crack to the optical fiber wire to which the tension is applied. The movable blade contacts the optical fiber wire in only one direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, LTD
    Inventors: Kyohiro Yoshida, Toshihiro Nakae
  • Patent number: 6189758
    Abstract: A driving device for an elongated element such as a cable includes a device for simultaneously and symmetrically moving two driving track belts apart or closer together in relation to the elongated element. With this driving device, the two track belts can be brought against the elongated element while the elongated element's longitudinal axis remains constant. A single handle allows for simple adjustment of a gap between the two driving track belts and a spring device absorbs instantaneous variation of a transverse dimension of the elongated element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Plumettaz SA
    Inventor: Michel Cherix
  • Patent number: 6189759
    Abstract: A fastener driving device comprising a magazine assembly including a rearward nosepiece portion cooperable with a fixed forward nosepiece portion to define a fastener guiding portion of a fastener drive track of the device. Cooperating guide structure disposed between the magazine assembly to be moved (1) into a normal operating position in a direction to move the rearward nosepiece portion toward a forward nosepiece portion and into cooperating relation together and (2) from said normal operating position in an opposite direction into an intermediate position wherein the nosepiece sections are spaced apart and beyond into separated relation with respect to the frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Stanley Fastening Systems, LP
    Inventors: Prudencio S. Canlas, Paul S. Maguire, Zheng Fang
  • Patent number: 6189760
    Abstract: A chip junction nozzle in that opposite slant planes 43 which come into contact with edges of 2 sides of the chip in parallel centering around a nozzle center, and a vacuum suction hole 42 opened in the nozzle center are provided, and the slant plane 43 is formed into a mirror surface having the surface hardness more than HrC40. Further, when the surface roughness of the mirror surface is expressed by the average roughness of the center line, the average roughness of the center line is not more than 1.6 &mgr;m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Gotoh, Jitsuo Kanazawa, Koichiro Okazaki, Toru Mizuno, Yoshihiro Onozeki
  • Patent number: 6189761
    Abstract: A ultrasonic horn attached to a bonding arm of a bonding apparatus via two horn supporting members. These horn supporting members, preferably made from a resin material, are separate components from the ultrasonic horn, and the ultrasonic horn and the two horn supporting members are provided so that their positional relationship in the axial direction of the ultrasonic horn can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shinkawa
    Inventor: Ryuichi Kyomasu
  • Patent number: 6189762
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of supporting lead fingers during a wire bonding process and of preventing the bonding apparatus and clamping assembly from applying force against the die. The present invention includes the use of a movable arm with a portion that is positionable under a portion of the lead fingers of a lead. frame during the wire bonding process to provide increased stability of the lead fingers and prevent the bonding apparatus and clamping assembly from applying force against the die. The present invention also provides for the transfer of heat from the heat block directly to the lead fingers during the wire bonding process. The present invention includes the use of a clamp for stabilizing lead fingers during the wire bonding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Ball
  • Patent number: 6189763
    Abstract: There is provided a rolled plate joining apparatus equipped with a truck that can travel reversibly in the rolling direction, tailing end pinch rolls that are mounted on the truck and can be moved vertically with the tailing end of a preceding rolled plate pinched horizontally, leading end pinch rolls that are mounted on the truck and can pinch horizontally the leading end of a succeeding rolled plate, machining apparatuses for cutting one surface of the tailing end of the preceding rolled plate and the other surface of the leading end of the succeeding rolled plate, and a pressure welding apparatus for compressing the preceding rolled plate and the succeeding rolled plate with the machined surfaces of the preceding rolled plate and the succeeding rolled plate overlapped to reduce them approximately to the thickness of the rolled plates, including a tailing end centering apparatus placed between the tailing end pinch rolls and the pressure welding apparatus for pressing the opposite width ends of the tailing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignees: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Metal Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Tazoe, Toshio Iwanami, Masami Oki, Kouiti Sakamoto, Suguhiro Fukushima, Toshihiro Mori
  • Patent number: 6189764
    Abstract: A fitting gear for assisting in the alignment of metal plates so that the edges thereof can be welded together includes an inverted substantially U-shaped electromagnet which, when energized, is adapted to be secured to the upper surface of one of the plates adjacent on edge thereof. A wedge-shaped tapered pin is forced into the U and contacts the upper surface of the other plate to move the edges into substantial alignment with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Dale Hannan
  • Patent number: 6189765
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for detecting a double bonding error that a wire ball is in contact with a wire loop previously formed between a pad and a lead, by using the position of the wire ball and comparing a reference voltage with the voltage on a wire when the wire ball is in contact with either the pad or the wire loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Ku Moon
  • Patent number: 6189766
    Abstract: A multi-layer structure including a first layer; a second layer, with a coefficient of thermal expansion different than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the first layer, a bulk modulus different than a bulk modulus of the first layer and a thermal conductivity different than a thermal conductivity of the first layer; a bonding layer, having an isostatic pressure versus temperature curve with one of the first layer and the second layer which is substantially similar to an isostatic pressure versus temperature curve of the first layer and the second layer, such that a substantially stress-free bond is formed between the first layer and the second layer; wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the bonding layer are arranged as a sandwich, with the bonding layer in between the first layer and the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Martin L. Baker, William F. Cashion, Fred B. Hagedorn
  • Patent number: 6189767
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of securing an electric contact of a metal to a layer of a sintered thick-film paste which is situated on an electrically insulating substrate. In this method, a layer of a non-sintered thick-film paste is provided, in accordance with a desired pattern, on an electrically insulating substrate. Subsequently, the layer is provided with a, preferably block-shaped, body of metal, such as an NiFe-alloy. Next, the layer of the thick-film paste is subjected to a temperature treatment, thereby forming the layer of the sintered thick-film paste. Finally, an electric contact is secured to the body, preferably by welding. The connections made by means of the method in accordance with the invention proved to be very reliable, both electrically and mechanically. The invention can be very advantageously used in the manufacture of passive elements, such as resistors and inductors, as well as in the manufacture of heating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Harold R. M. Haspeslagh
  • Patent number: 6189768
    Abstract: A process and apparatus that would hydraulically compress the external sleeve onto the inner APH tube, without deforming the inner surface of the APH tube during the process. The system would include a heating tube of the type having a continuous wall portion and a bore therethrough; a sleeve positionable around the heating tube, the diameter of the sleeve slightly larger than the diameter of the heating tube; a contracting assembly securably atop the end portions of the heating tube and the surrounding sleeve; an insert positionable within the bore of the tube, for defining a protective member along a portion of the inner wall of the tube; a contour ring moveable along the outer surface of the sleeve for compressing the sleeve wall against the tube wall to define a sealable gap between a portion of the sleeve and a portion of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Columbian Chemicals Company
    Inventors: Janek Porowski, David Lewis, Wallace Murray, Marvin Skiff
  • Patent number: 6189769
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of arranging a plurality of wires of a cable at proper positions for soldering to corresponding terminals of a connector. An arrangement for preparing wires of a cable suitable for subsequent soldering to terminals of an electrical connector has a soldering head including a pair of bases and a pair of heating plates. The base has a plurality of slots for engaging with corresponding flanges of the heating plate. A plurality of equidistantly spaced receiving slots is formed in the heating plates for engaging with the corresponding wires of the cable. Thus, efficiency can be improved during mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Kuo
  • Patent number: 6189770
    Abstract: A method of producing sectional strips and sectional sheets of different thicknesses over the width, in which at least two metal strips or metal sheets of different widths are joined to each other by roll bonded cladding which thins the thickness of the overlaid strips. One strip is wider than the other strip which is narrower. The two strips are arranged symmetrically to the rolling direction center line. The facing surfaces of the two overlaid strips may be prepared for bonding them. The invention also concerns sectional strips or sectional sheets produced by the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Honsel AG
    Inventor: Werner Lotz
  • Patent number: 6189771
    Abstract: A solder bump formation method and solder bump mounting method for forming a solder bump by soldering a solder ball 9 onto an electrode 2 provided at the bottom of a cavity 3 on a substrate 2 which has an opening shape through which the solder ball 9 cannot go. Metal paste 5, containing metal having a higher liquidus temperature than that of solder used for the solder ball 9, is filled into the cavity 3. The solder ball 9 is placed on the cavity 3, and then heated to the temperature higher than the liquidus temperature of the solder ball 9. During the heating process, metal in the metal paste 5 remains unmelted in the cavity 3 when the solder ball 9 melts. This enables the metal to direct the melted solder to the electrode 2 at the bottom of the cavity 3, achieving good soldering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Maeda, Tadahiko Sakai