Patents Issued in February 20, 2001
  • Patent number: 6189772
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method of making solder bump interconnections or BGAs ranging from chip-level connections to either single chip or multichip modules, flip-chip packages and printed circuit boards connections. According to the method of the present invention, a die wafer or a substrate with a conductive contact location is positioned in close proximity and aligned with a mold wafer having a pocket corresponding to the contact location of the die wafer. A source of a molten solder is also provided which interconnects with the mold wafer. The molten solder from the source is introduced into the pocket of the mold wafer such that the molten solder wets the contact location aligned with the pocket. Before the molten solder inside the pocket is allowed to solidify, the die wafer and the mold wafer are separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6189773
    Abstract: An envelope-type container (10), in particular for stockings and the like, is made with a dinked basically flat element (11). The flat element (11) presents lines of facilitated folding (12) which identify one first side (23) of the envelope-type container (10), and, in addition, closing flaps (24, 24′) associated to the first side (23), three of the said flaps (24) being folded back along the lines of facilitated folding (12) and being mutually connected to form one second side of the container (10), opposite to the first side (23). Furthermore, the container (10) is accessible through at least one opening (16), removably closeable by means of a fourth closing flap (24′). The fourth closing flap (24′) presents an incision (17) to facilitate the operations of opening the container (10) when the latter is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Golden Lady, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Taino
  • Patent number: 6189774
    Abstract: An improved postcard for mailing and displaying a photograph and a blank for and method of making the same is disclosed herein. The postcard is made from the blank, which is folded and then secured together along outer edges thereof, by flaps formed in the blank. One of the flaps is left open so that a photograph may be inserted into a pocket formed in the postcard, so as to be seen through a transparent window secured to one side of a front portion of the formed postcard. After insertion of the photograph, the open side of the pocket is permanently sealed by the open flap, and the postcard may be sent through the mail. The postcard includes a triangular element held on a rear surface thereof, which triangular element is rotatable to an open position to support the postcard in an elevated or standing position, whereby the photograph may be easily viewed through the transparent window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: C. Steven Pearson
  • Patent number: 6189775
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing box transformable to real scenery display table mainly having two connectable cases inside of which an accommodation space is disposed in order to receive and fix all kinds of objects; accordingly, a basic structure of the packing box is created and characterized in that the surfaces of the two cases of the packing box are respectively provided with real scenery plain patterns corresponding to accommodated objects; locating surfaces for receiving the objects are disposed at pre-arranged position; moreover, when the two cases with downward opening are connected on a basic surface, the packing box is developed to a real scenery display table so that the objects accommodated inside can be located on the pre-arranged locating surfaces to create a three-dimensional effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Yin-Yin Wu
  • Patent number: 6189776
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved telescoping container, which is set up and collapsed flat quickly and easily, and is provided to the user in one integral piece, eliminating the necessity of a lid being assembled or maintained separately. An integral lid provides an improved amount of cushioning and strength, and does not enter the cubic volume of the container and thus reduce available storage space. In another embodiment the collapsible container includes a structure enabling the storage of hanging files in a collapsible box. An embodiment of the present invention provides for a container with improved support structures for hanging files. The support structures provide a smooth, reinforced surface of sufficient width on which the hooks of hanging files may rest. Since the support structures are constructed from material integral with the container itself, no separate piece is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Motion Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Smith, Richard N. Beneroff, Eric Kim
  • Patent number: 6189777
    Abstract: A container includes a bin including a floor and a bin wall coupled to the floor and arranged to define a carton-receiving region above the floor. The bin wall is made of a corrugated material and includes a top edge positioned to lie in spaced-apart relation to the floor and formed to include top edge openings exposing flutes contained in the corrugated material. The container further includes a first carton positioned to occupy a first portion of the container-receiving region and a second carton positioned alongside the first carton to occupy another portion of the container-receiving region. Each of be cartons includes carton panels arranged to lie adjacent to the bin wall and top flaps appended to the carton panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Inland Paperboard and Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve L. Hutchinson, Troy M. Franklin
  • Patent number: 6189778
    Abstract: A robust, stackable container for shipping goods and for displaying and dispensing the goods at the point of purchase is disclosed. The container has a pull-out panel comprising a portion of a side wall panel which is manually openable to display and dispense the goods. The pull-out panel is defined by a separation line in the wall panel formed by a plurality of perforations and is hingedly attached to the container. Wing flaps located on each end of the pull-out panel extend between the pull-out panel and the container providing side partitions preventing the goods from spilling out of the container when opened. The container wall panels are reinforced with reverse folded reinforcing flaps which strengthen the container to prevent crushing and bursting when stacked. The container is formed from die cut blanks into a knockdown state which can be assembled into the container and filled by automated processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Allen Kanter
  • Patent number: 6189779
    Abstract: A latching mechanism is provided for a container such as a card wallet, folder, small box, small carton, etc. having a closure flap or lid overlying another panel of the container. The container is formed of stiff sheet material such as card stock. Interengaging parts of the latching mechanism are an embossed catch rising from a slit in an under panel and a debossed, stamped out, tongue to engage in the slit in the overlying flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Richard Verdicchio, Michael Cranwell
  • Patent number: 6189780
    Abstract: A container assembly having a removable display panel formed in a wall panel defined by a separation line along which the display panel is separable from the remainder of the wall panel. A reinforcing panel is secured to the inner face of the wall panel and positioned to overlap at least a portion of the separation line and reinforce the wall panel. The reinforcing panel itself has a separation line along which a removable section is separable from a remainder section. In this manner a section of the reinforcing panel can be removed with the removal of the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Allen Kanter
  • Patent number: 6189781
    Abstract: A terminal unit processes commodity information relating to each of one or more commodities involved in a transaction and transaction information defining the transaction. The terminal unit includes a first conversion unit for converting the transaction information for a transaction, including at least the input commodity information for each commodity involved in the transaction, into a corresponding high density bar code pattern which is supplied to a printer which prints the corresponding high density bar code pattern on a recording sheet. A bar code reader optically reads the high density bar code pattern, printed on the recording sheet, and outputs the corresponding transaction and related commodity information for processing by the terminal unit. The bar code reader distinguishes between a first bar code pattern read from the commodity and a second, higher density bar code pattern printed on and read from a recording sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Shinichi Yoshinaga, Miyuki Sato, Shigeki Enoki, Kiyoshi Utsumi
  • Patent number: 6189782
    Abstract: A processor 29 automatically sets a direction of transferring electronic money information depending on the existence of IC cards 1a, 1b connected to IC card connecting portions 11a, 11b, and the existence of an external device connected to an external device connecting terminal 8, thus making instructing operations for transferring electronic money information easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Video and Information System, Inc.
    Inventors: Yutaka Takami, Kenji Matsumoto, Shigeyuki Itoh, Masayuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 6189783
    Abstract: A system and a method for aiding in the use of a facility arranged to equip each visitor with a portable information storing unit is provided for registering several visitors as a group in the portable information storing unit such as an IC card. One visitor holding the portable information storing unit can grasp how another visitor of the group is moving about the facility and exchange a message with another visitor. Further, the facility provides access terminals for the portable information storing unit, on which the visitable unit facilities, the visiting history of each visitor, and a waiting time of each unit facility are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukie Motomiya, Hiroki Kitagawa, Jun Furuya, Tsutomu Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 6189784
    Abstract: A package sorting and/or tracking system or workstation including a high performance data reader or barcode scanner, a real time system control computer, user interface devices, a superstructure to which all hardware is attached providing hands-free scanning operation at each work station, and a real-time communication link with the host computer system for transferring information scanned from the parcels or configuring the scanning system with up-to-the minute routing information. A scale system weighs each parcel to assure compliance to specifications. An optional feedback system to error-proof the sorting operation whereby the scanning system is configured with a sensing device on each of the bins to which a parcel may be sorted. Based on the tracking information read from the barcode label and the routing information provided by the host computer system, the scanning system instructs the operator to place the parcel in a particular bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Williams, Robert F. Kortt, Brian D. Peavey, Thomas E. Tamburrini
  • Patent number: 6189785
    Abstract: A demand deposit account data processing system is provided that allows merchants to settle transactions on line and in real time and that automatically processes transactions in a number of exception conditions. The system comprises demand deposit account data that originate from a data source, at least one point of sale terminal adapted to receive that data to initiate a transaction, a central computer system, first communication means integrated with the point of sale terminal for communicating with the central computer system, data storage means integrated with the point of sale terminal for storing the data, and second communication means integrated with the central computer system for receiving the data from the point of sale terminal and communicating with the data source. This configuration permits the central computer system to communicate with the data source to settle the transaction on line or through traditional automated clearing house channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: International Check Services
    Inventor: Michael P. Lowery
  • Patent number: 6189786
    Abstract: A portable terminal device for electronic money IC cards containing monetary data therein, comprises in a main body (10), a card slot opening (12, 13) into which a plurality of electronic money IC cards (100, 110, 120) are inserted, electric contact terminals (16, 17, 18) for reading and writing the monetary data from and into the electronic money IC cards which are inserted into card slot opening, a display (80) for displaying money amount for the monetary data which is read out from the inserted electronic money IC cards or which is to be written into the inserted electronic money IC cards; and a button (82) for manipulating the reading and writing operations the monetary data from and into the electronic money IC cards which are inserted into the card slot opening. The card slot opening (12, 13) is so configured that the plurality of the electronic into and positioned with being closely piled up with each other and shifted to each other in a direction parallel to main surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinju Itou, Yuhei Abe
  • Patent number: 6189787
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multifunction card system which provides a multifunction card capable of serving as a prepaid phone card, a debit card, a loyalty card, and a medical information card. Each card has an identification number comprising a bank identification number which assists in establishing communications links. The card system can be accessed from any existing point-of-sale (POS) device. The POS device treats the card as a credit or debit card and routes transaction data to a processing hub using the banking system. The processing hub coordinates the various databases corresponding to the various functions of the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Dorf
  • Patent number: 6189788
    Abstract: A data collection system for use with a movable cart. The system has a portable data collection unit which may include an indicia reader, a wireless communication system or a user interface. The data collection unit can be removed from the cart and can remain operational when removed. When attached to the cart, the data collection unit can communicate with an output device contained within the boundaries of the cart. The output device can be a printer. The system can also include a mounting device which removably attaches the data collection unit to the cart. The mounting device can remain attached to the cart after removal of the data collection unit. The system can include an auxiliary device which can be removed from the cart for operation. For example, an auxiliary device can be a printer that can be removed from the cart along with the data collection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventors: Richard A. Sherman, Darald R. Schultz, Steven H. Salvay, Robert B. Jaeger, Patrick H. Davis, George E. Hanson
  • Patent number: 6189789
    Abstract: A method and system for a merchandise checkout system utilizes a remote scanning device, a shopping cart and bags for allowing a purchaser to buy merchandise unassisted by store personnel. The remote scanning device reads product identity information from coded levels on products chosen by the purchaser and sends the information to a central processor. The central processor has a memory, which indexes price information and weight for each product based on the product identity information. The central processor sends an accumulated price and weight transaction to the remote scanning device for the purchaser's use. The product identity information on the products further include a security tag device which is deactivated by the remote scanning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Eliot Levine, Danny Marvin Neal
  • Patent number: 6189790
    Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal having a display monitor associated therewith includes the step of generating an item-entered control signal when a user enters an item for purchase into the retail terminal during a retail transaction. The method also includes the step of entering a record corresponding to the item for purchase into an electronic transaction table in response to generation of the item-entered control signal. The method further includes the step of generating an instructional message which instructs the customer on operation of the self-service checkout terminal during the retail transaction. The message generating step includes the step of displaying an animated character and an associated instructional text message with the display monitor during the retail transaction. The animated character is configured to resemble a commercially recognizable image so as to communicate the commercially recognizable image to the customer with the display monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Joanne S. Walter
  • Patent number: 6189791
    Abstract: A magnetic card reader comprises a card insertion slot, a magnetic head for regenerating or recording magnetic information formed on a card to be inserted in the cart insertion slot and a determining device to determine coercive force of a data track for recording magnetic information of the card. A method for determining the coercive force of a magnetic card in a magnetic card reader in which magnetic information formed on a card to be inserted from a card insertion slot is regenerated or recorded by a magnetic head comprises the steps of providing a detecting portion which detects a change in static characteristics of the magnetic head and determining the coercive force of a data track by comparing output from the detecting portion, which detects a change in static characteristics of the magnetic head while being positioned across from the card, with a reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Sankyo Seiki MFG Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiko Takita, Akira Nakazawa, Eiji Imai, Masahiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6189792
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for correcting improperly printed or otherwise defective bar codes. The system scans a bar code and determines whether the scanned bar code data is correct. If the scanned bar code data is incorrect, the system uses the incorrect scanned bar code data to create a scan-based printhead model. The correct data is entered manually, and the manually entered data is used to construct an active printhead model. The scan-based and active printhead models are then compared in order to identify printhead defects, which are stored to correct future bar code scans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore Heske, III
  • Patent number: 6189793
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having an hand-supportable laser bar code reading device which can be used in either an automatic hands-on mode of operation, or in an automatic hands-free mode of operation. The system includes a scanner support frame for supporting the hand-supportable device in a user-selected mounting position, and permits complete gripping of its handle portion prior to its use in the hands-on mode of operation. In general, the hand-supportable bar code reading device has long-range and short-range modes of object detection, bar code presence detection and bar code symbol reading. In the illustrative embodiment, the long-range mode is automatically selected when the hand-supportable bar code reading device is placed within the scanner support stand during the automatic hands-free mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl H. Knowles, George B. Rockstein, David M. Wilz, Charles A. Naylor
  • Patent number: 6189794
    Abstract: A bar-code reader having a photoelectric conversion unit for converting reflected light from a bar code into an electric signal and a changing point detecting unit for detecting, from the electric signal generated by the photoelectric conversion unit, a changing point at which a white stripe is changed to a black stripe in the bar code wherein the bar code is read based on a plurality of changing points detected by the changing point detecting unit. The bar-code reader includes a determination unit for determining, based on measurement of a distance between changing points, whether a changing point is detected as a true changing point at which a white stripe or a black stripe is changed to a black stripe or a white stripe in a bar code or as a false changing point; and a correcting unit for correcting the changing point detected as the false changing point to the true detecting point based on the changing point determined as the true changing point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Isao Iwaguchi, Shinichi Satoh, Hiroaki Kawai, Mitsuo Watanabe, Motohiko Itoh
  • Patent number: 6189795
    Abstract: A bar code reader having two reading windows, i.e., a bottom window and a side window. An increased number of scanning lines are used for constituting scanning patterns for scanning bar codes, and the arrangement of the optical system is contrived to decrease the whole size of the bar code reader and, particularly, to decrease the depth of the bar code reader. A source of laser light, a splitter for splitting the laser beam emitted from the laser light source into two, a reflection mirror for transmitting one beam from the splitter to a polygon mirror, the polygon mirror which rotates to scan the incident laser beam, a mirror system for emitting the beam reflected by the polygon mirror through the reading window, and a focusing member for focusing the beam reflected by the bar code onto a detector that detects the beam reflected by the bar code, are arranged on the same line in the bar code reader. By using a concave mirror, furthermore, the beam reflected by the bar code is folded back to one detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masanori Ohkawa, Kozo Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6189796
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively reading a bar code in accordance with first and second scan patterns emitted by a scan unit. A button is manually operable by an operator for switching from the first scan pattern to a second scan pattern. A controller controls the scanning unit to switch from the first scan pattern to the second scan pattern, responsive to operation of the button by the operator and, a predetermined time after relative of the button, to switch from the second scan pattern to the first scan pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Motohiko Itoh, Shinichi Satoh, Mitsuo Watanabe, Hiroaki Kawai, Isao Iwaguchi
  • Patent number: 6189797
    Abstract: A card transmission device includes a motor and a shaft connector, a worm shaft with worms on both ends thereof, two transmission shafts with one end engaging with the worm and another end having a transmission pulley, and a driven pulley arranged below the transmission pulley, whereby the motor rotates the transmission shaft to enable the transmission pulley and the driven pulley to clamp and move the card. By the inventive device, the advantages of compact size, broad applicability and fewer accessories can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignees: Industrial Technology Research Institute, Singular Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shen-Yuan Chien, Jaw-Horng Tzeng
  • Patent number: 6189798
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a thermostat device which ensures a smooth slide without damaging the slide function by immersion of a cooling liquid, increase flexibility of a circulation channel design by miniaturization, and materializes a hand-operated opening and closing of a valve. In order to solve the problems, the thermostat device 1 in which a heat responding element (wax 3) to expand and shrink by sensing the heating or cooling of the circulating liquid in the circulation channel, is embedded, a sliding member (piston rod 9) is slid in accordance with volume changes caused by the expansion and shrinkage of the expansion element to open and close the valve body, is structured that a sensor case 2 which embeds the responding element is placed in the circulation channel of the circulating liquid, and the sliding member is placed outside of the circulation channel of the circulating liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Sano, Masanori Takahashi, Hidetoshi Sasaki, Yasuharu Uomori
  • Patent number: 6189799
    Abstract: Ceiling fan operation control for tuning the fan on and off based on a passive infrared sensor, combined with a temperature sensor to regulate the speed of the fan. The passive infrared sensor, the temperature sensor and controls for both are in a housing directly mounted to the fan motor of the ceiling fan. The controls can be set screws covered by a removable cap. The passive infrared sensor can include a fresnal lens for sensing a 360 degree circumference beneath the fan, and a photo-optical sensor such as a photocell, which suspends ceiling fan control changes for allowing the fan to continue operation when the room is dark and occupants may be sleeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: University of Central Florida
    Inventors: Danny S. Parker, Kendall Ryan Johnston
  • Patent number: 6189800
    Abstract: The expansion valve of the present invention comprises of a heat sensing shaft 36f equipped to the expansion valve 10 and a diaphragm 36a contacting its surface, a large stopper portion 312 for receiving the diaphragm 36a, a large radius portion 314 movably inserted to the lower pressure activate chamber 36c and contacting the back surface of the stopper portion 312 at one end surface and the center of the other end surface formed at the projection 315, and a rod portion 316 whose one end surface fit to the projection 315 of the large radius portion 314 and the other end surface continuing from the valve means 32b, wherein a concave 317 is formed on the outer peripheral of said projection 315. This concave 317 is the fitting means for fitting the resin 101 having low heat transmission rate to the heat sensing shaft in order to prevent the occurrence of hunting phenomenon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Fujikoki Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuya Fujimoto, Kazuhiko Watanabe, Masamichi Yano
  • Patent number: 6189801
    Abstract: A particular device is provided for heating and/or air conditioning a vehicle interior. Housings for air conditioners of motor vehicles, typically, are relatively cumbersome to manufacture because of the need to install control flaps in front of and behind the heater. Sealing of the heater in its installation housing is also difficult. It is proposed, therefore, to make the housing for receiving the heater in two parts and to provide a plug-in part for the heater as well as a frame that can be snapped onto the plug-in part as a closure. Both the plug-in part and the frame are provided with an integral control flap arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Dietrich Klingler, Klaus Voigt
  • Patent number: 6189802
    Abstract: A lawn and garden spreader is adapted for efficiently spreading pelletized mulches and other like applications larger in size than that typically associated with lawn and garden applications. The spreader includes a gravity flow hopper having an outlet aperture in lower portion thereof, and a horizontally oriented track disposed adjacent to the outlet aperture. A rotatable disbursement blade is situated below the outlet aperture such that an application flowing through the aperture will contact the disbursement blade. A gate is slidably mounted within the track such that the gate may be shifted between an extended position wherein the gate closes the outlet aperture and a retracted position wherein the outlet aperture is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Charles J. Holton
  • Patent number: 6189803
    Abstract: Atomized particles within a desired size range (e.g., 1 micron to about 5 microns) are produced from two immiscible fluids, the first a fuel source containing the formulation to be atomized, and a second fluid source which is contained in a pressure chamber surrounding at least the area where the first liquid is to be provided. The invention provides a method for the formation of small, relatively uniform fuel particles for use in internal combustion engines and a nozzle-type apparatus for providing the particles to a combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: University of Seville
    Inventor: Alfonso Gañán-Calvo
  • Patent number: 6189804
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer applies particulate paints with good color matching by reducing paint droplet size deviation and then optimizing the other paint spraying parameters. Paint droplet size parameters are reduced by using a bell cup having reduced flow deviations, including an overflow surface having a generally constant angle between a deflector and an atomizing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Behr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Vetter, Rolf Schneider, Andreas Fischer, Robert F. Heldt
  • Patent number: 6189805
    Abstract: The present invention includes an automatic portable misting apparatus for providing a comfortable region within a relatively hot, dry environment. The misting apparatus includes a pressurizable fluid tank, an automatic air compressor mounted to the fluid tank, a fluid conduit having a plurality of nozzles spaced at intervals along the conduit for distributing water in the form of a corresponding number of fine spray streams, and a valve for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid tank to the fluid conduit. The misting apparatus of the present invention is fully portable, easy to operate, easy to maintain, unobtrusive and economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Scott West, Jason West
  • Patent number: 6189806
    Abstract: A metallizing device for vacuum metallizing arrangements is disclosed having a vaporizer (3) heated by an electrical heating rod (8). This vaporizer (3) is connected to a nozzle element (1) in the form of a hollow body. For the purpose of vaporizing a substrate, vapor flows out of the vaporizer (3) into the nozzle element (1) and from there out of a nozzle gap (2) toward the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Leybold Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Klemm, Hans Neudert, Wolfgang Achtner
  • Patent number: 6189807
    Abstract: A spraying system having a control valve with an inlet port for connection to a liquid supply, a discharge port for connection to a spray nozzle, and a return port for connection to the liquid supply. The control valve includes a valve member which has a liquid flow passageway and is movable between an open position in which the liquid flow passageway communicates between the inlet and discharge ports for permitting the direction of pressurized liquid to the spray nozzle and a second position which prevents the flow of pressurized liquid to the discharge port. The spray nozzle has an associated pressure responsive check valve for preventing the flow of liquid to the spray nozzle, and hence for preventing drippage, upon movement of the control valve member to the off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: Fred A. Miller, Randal S. Aspen
  • Patent number: 6189808
    Abstract: A headlamp cleaning system has a headlamp especially suited to HID or tungsten halogen applications including a source of light and a polycarbonate lens for distributing the light and a control system for automatically controlling a pump for distributing washer fluid against the lens each time that the vehicle ignition is turned on and whenever a sensor for sensing dirt build-up on the lens signals the presence of dirt build-up thereon and the control system continues the cleaning cycle until all dirt is removed from the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: McCord Winn Textron Inc.
    Inventors: George F. Daniels, Carl F. Kackenmeister
  • Patent number: 6189809
    Abstract: The paint spray gun includes an upper passageway for receiving gravity fed paint from an upper paint cup and a lower passageway for receiving suction fed paint from a lower paint cup or pressure fed paint from a remote pressurized paint tank via a hose. Plugs are provided to block the upper or lower passageway when the corresponding other passageway is being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Schwebemeyer
  • Patent number: 6189810
    Abstract: A method for aerosol spraying liquid perfume products consists of simultaneously spraying liquid perfume products and/or components of liquid perfume products, having different odors, in the form of aerosol streams into a region being treated. Aerosol spraying nozzles are placed proximate each other. The simultaneous spraying of at least two components of a liquid perfume product is carried out, and during the spraying the axes of the aerosol streams of the components are positioned at an angle to each other that ensures intersection of the aerosol streams. The spraying is carried out into at least three regions in which at least three different odors are obtained. Wherein, the third odor is formed in a region located between the first and second regions at the intersection of the aerosol streams of the two initial liquid perfume products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Sergei Alexeevich Nerushai, Nurakhmed Nurislamovich Latypov
  • Patent number: 6189811
    Abstract: A portable water-pumping system comprises a water-tight case with a hinged lid. A deep recess in the lid allows a photovoltaic array to be nested inside in a protected position. A gel-cell battery operates a high-pressure water-pump and both are carried inside the case. A trigger-operated water nozzle and a pressure switch allow automatic functioning of the water pump. A non-collapsible water-suction hose includes a strainer to prevent clogging of the pump. A cigarette-lighter power cord allows near-continuous and heavy use when a source of 12VDC power is available from a car, boat, plane, or other vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: David Owen Rudy
  • Patent number: 6189812
    Abstract: A nozzle for injecting pulverized coal into the combustion chamber of a thermal power plant boiler includes a first metal housing and a second metal housing surrounding the first housing and defining with it an annular space through which passes a secondary airflow. The first housing channels a primary airflow mixed with pulverized coal. The interior of the first housing is divided by refractory steel splitter plates fixed into the lateral faces thereof by nesting them therein and immobilizing them by way of keys. The second housing is fixed to the first housing by lugs disposed around the top and bottom faces of the first housing. Each housing is made up of two half-shells made from refractory steel plate bent to shape and welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Alstom Power Combustion
    Inventor: Daniel Buridant
  • Patent number: 6189813
    Abstract: Atomizing devices are provided that form droplets through the Rayleigh breakup mechanism. Various embodiments include one or more of the following features. Liquid orifices form jets of liquid that form droplets. Gas orifices provide gas coflow that inhibits coalescence of the droplets. The liquid orifices can have non-circular cross-sectional shapes to promote Rayleigh breakup. Fluidic oscillators can also be provided to promote Rayleigh breakup. Supply networks are provided to supply gas and liquid to the gas and liquid orifices, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Perry R Skeath, John R Saylor, Amy L Rovelstad
  • Patent number: 6189814
    Abstract: A gas turbine combustion chamber which has primary, secondary and tertiary combustion zones in flow series has a secondary mixing duct and a tertiary mixing duct. The secondary and tertiary mixing ducts reduce in cross-sectional area from their intakes to their outlet apertures to provide an accelerating flow through the mixing ducts to prevent the formation of recirculating zones, Fuel injectors have fuel discharge apertures downstream of any recirculating zones formed at the intakes The fuel injectors extend across a major portion of the width of the ducts to effectively subdivide the ducts over tat least part of the streamwise length of the ducts. The portions of the fuel injectors within the ducts are oval shaped in cross-section and the portions outside the ducts are aerofoil shaped in crosssection. The fuel injectors reduce in dimension perpendicular to the widthwise direction of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Brian Richards
  • Patent number: 6189815
    Abstract: A valve control unit for a fuel injection valve, has a housing body, in which two valve control chambers that communicate continuously with one another are provided. The first valve control chamber communicates fuel with an inflow conduit for fuel pressure on a terminal member of a valve control piston which is displaceable in the housing body and the second valve control chamber communicates with a closable outlet conduit. A mechanical stop for limiting the mobility of the valve control piston in the direction of the second valve control chamber is embodied on the housing body. The quantity of preinjected fuel can be minimized by the volume of fuel in the first valve control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Roger Potschin, Friedrich Boecking
  • Patent number: 6189816
    Abstract: Besides the conventional process steps of manufacturing a valve-seat body, forming a through opening inside the valve-seat body, forming a valve-seat as a frustoconical section of the through opening, and forming a guide area, the proposed method for manufacturing a valve seat for a fuel injector includes the simultaneous fine-machining of all guide sections in the guide area and the valve-seat area using a master ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Stier
  • Patent number: 6189817
    Abstract: A fuel injector comprising a nozzle body provided with a first bore and defining a first seating, a valve member engageable with the first seating to control fuel flow from the first bore towards an outlet opening located downstream of the first seating, the valve member being provided with a second bore defining a second seating. A valve needle is slidable within the second bore and is engageable with the second seating to control fuel flow from the second bore towards a second outlet opening provided in the valve member. The fuel injector also includes a transmission arrangement whereby movement of the valve needle beyond a predetermined position is transmitted to the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm David Dick Lambert
  • Patent number: 6189818
    Abstract: Molten ladle metallurgy furnace (LMF) slag is chilled on a chill plate comprising a number of steel slabs disposed side by side. The slag is poured onto the chill plate and allowed to solidify without the application of any water. Solid slag is removed from the chill plate by mechanical means and is eventually reused to make synthetic slag after further cooling, crushing and screening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: BPI, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Kunz, Craig Pinhey, Jim Manning
  • Patent number: 6189819
    Abstract: A mill in a coal-burning utility electrical power generation plant has a rotary drum for pulverizing coal, and has a mill head at an axial end thereof. A stationary divider plate divides the mill head into an entrance receiving coal, and an exit discharging pulverized coal dust. An openable door on the mill head is moveable between a closed position and an open position. The door in the closed position is intersected by the rotational axis of the drum and has a lateral dimension transverse to such axis and greater than the inner diameter of the mill head. The door in the closed position spans the divider plate and closes both the entrance and exit of the mill head. The door in the open position exposes both the entrance and the exit. The divider plate may be removed by withdrawing it axially through the door opening without cutting the divider plate into multiple sub-pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Wisconsin Electric Power Company (WEPCO)
    Inventor: David G. Racine
  • Patent number: 6189820
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting a horizontal shaft impact crusher for efficient crushing of different types of material are provided. At least two feed plates are provided. The feed plates each have a different feed angle adapted for use with a predetermined type or types of aggregate material. The feed plates can be interchangeably mounted on the crusher to adapt the crusher for enhanced crushing efficiency with respect to the type of material to be crushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Cedar Rapids, Inc.,
    Inventor: Gregory A. Young
  • Patent number: 6189821
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of grinders and pulverizers. More specifically, the present invention provides grinders that reduce the size of plastic and other polymeric particles through circular shaped grinding rings. The present invention further provides an apparatus that reduces the time required replacing worn blade segments and, increases grinding or pulverizing efficiency. With the present invention, when the blade segments wear, an adapter ring is unbolted from a drive ring, and once removed, individual blade segments fitted onto the adapter ring slide out of the adapter ring for replacement or sharpening, without the need to unbolt individual blade segments. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a dovetail type fitting wherein, the male section of the dovetail fitting is connected to the blade segment and the female section of the dovetail fitting is connected to the adapter ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond James