Patents Issued in March 6, 2001
  • Patent number: 6196048
    Abstract: A turntable acceleration generating apparatus includes a first servo motor, a large-diameter turntable rotated by the first servo motor, and a small-diameter turntable being mounted on the large-diameter turntable at a position offset from the central axis of the large-diameter turntable such that the small-diameter turntable is rotated by a rotary shaft. Furthermore, the turntable acceleration generating apparatus includes a signal line for deriving signals from an acceleration sensor located on one of the sides of the large-diameter turntable, and a control signal line for applying control signal to a second servo motor located on the other side of the large-diameter turntable, wherein the large-diameter turntable is grounded such that the large-diameter turntable prevents noise leakage from the control signal line to the signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Kunimi
  • Patent number: 6196049
    Abstract: A sensing element, in particular for an electrochemical sensor, for determining the oxygen content of gases, includes at least one first electrode exposed to a measured gas and at least one second electrode exposed to a reference gas. A presintered support receiving a sensing device is provided, a porous adhesion layer, also presintered, being arranged between the support and the sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Schneider
  • Patent number: 6196050
    Abstract: The present invention enables siloxanes which have a detrimental effect on the quality of products during semiconductor production to be efficiently removed from silicon compound gases, and enables minute amounts of siloxanes in these gases to be accurately measured to a few ppb, thus allowing for improvements in quality control by offering silicon compound gases of high purity. Diatomaceous earth M filled into a removal column 2 is heated by heating means provided on the removal column 2, while an inert gas such as nitrogen or helium is fed from an inert gas delivery pipe 13 via a pressure regulator 5 and an entry valve 6 into the removal-column 2, and is allowed to flow out through an outlet valve 8 in order to thermally activate the diatomaceous earth M. After activation, the removal column is cooled to a temperature of 60-0° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Ikeda, Toyohiko Abe
  • Patent number: 6196051
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a mixing chamber for mixing gas from a gas supply to be tested with air to form a gas-air mixture. The mixing chamber includes a gas inlet port through which the gas is received, an air intake port through which the air is received, and an outlet port through which the gas-air mixture leaves the mixing chamber. The apparatus includes a flow control valve that can be connected to the gas supply to enable a user to selectively adjust the flow rate of the gas from the gas supply to the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a mass flow sensor positioned between the flow control valve and the gas inlet port of the mixing chamber for measuring the mass flow rate of the gas flowing into the mixing chamber. A motorized fan is positioned in a conduit connected to outlet port of the mixing chamber for drawing the gas-air mixture out of the mixing chamber to a location where it can be sniffed by the user to detect odor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: YZ Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Edward Marshall, Glenn Scott Selman, Christopher Lee Skubis
  • Patent number: 6196052
    Abstract: A piezoelectric gas sensing device, comprising: (a) a piezoelectric element arranged for gas sensing exposure to a gas environment; (b) a layer of a gas-retentive support material on the piezoelectric element which is retentively effective for a gas component potentially present in the gas environment; and (c) a gas-interactive material associated with the retentive support material, and sorptively effective to form a solid interaction product in interaction with the gas component potentially present in the gas environment, with the solid interaction product imparting a changed frequency response to the piezoelectric gas sensing device, in relation to a corresponding piezoelectric gas sensing device in the absence of the solid interaction product resulting from presence of the gas component in the gas environment. The device can be utilized to detect the presence and/or concentration of a gas species such as a hydride, hydrocarbon, silane, etc. in the fluid being monitored by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Iain May, Glenn M. Tom
  • Patent number: 6196053
    Abstract: A method and a sensing device of measuring a concentration of a gas component of a measurement gas, which method includes the steps of: introducing the measurement gas containing the gas component, from an external measurement-gas space into a first internal space, under a diffusion resistance; controlling an amount of oxygen in the measurement gas within the first internal space, so as to produce an atmosphere which does not substantially affect measurement of the gas component and which does not convert the gas component; introducing the atmosphere from the first internal space into a second internal space, under a diffusion resistance; and measuring the concentration of the gas component present in the atmosphere in the second internal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhide Kato, Kunihiko Nakagaki
  • Patent number: 6196054
    Abstract: To obtain a combustion state detecting device in which a detection range is optimized to thereby make it possible to improve the S/N ratio, thereby making it possible to enhance the accuracy in detection of the combustion state of the internal combustion engine, in particular, the accuracy in knock detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichi Okamura, Mituru Koiwa, Yutaka Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6196055
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the vapor or gas permeability of a paint, sealant, textured coating or other surface coating. A test block is provided having a porous substrate coated with the test coating. The test block is mounted in a bubble testing apparatus between a pressure chamber and a liquid vessel. Water is provided in the liquid chamber and air is pumped into the pressure chamber. As the pressure of the pressure chamber rises above that of the liquid chamber, a pressure gradient is created. Bubbles can be visually observed in the water filling the liquid chamber if the test coating is vapor or gas permeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Textured Coatings of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart Haines
  • Patent number: 6196056
    Abstract: A system is provided for detecting a seal fault in units which include sealed gaseous portions. The system includes an electro-negative tracer gas inserter for inserting an electro-negative tracer gas within the sealed portion of the unit, a gas sampler for sampling a flow of gas proximate the object containing the tracer gas and an electron capture detector connected to the gas sampler for monitoring the gas for the presence of the electro-negative test gas. The system thereby determines a presence or absence of the seal fault in the sealed portion of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Vacuum Instrument Corp.
    Inventors: Fritz Ewing, Stuart Linzer
  • Patent number: 6196057
    Abstract: A multi-element fluid sensor system having a distributed sensor configuration for determining the health state of a fluid. The sensor system includes at least two sensors for collecting data relating to a particular parameter (e.g., pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, chemistry, viscosity) of the fluid. The at least two sensors may be integrated onto a semiconductor base so as to provide for a micro sensor for in situ monitoring of the fluid. The system also includes a data fusion processor operatively coupled to the at least two sensors. The data fusion processor processes the fluid data to at least compensate for information fragmentation attributed to using the at least two sensors. The data fusion processor may condense the data, combine the data, evaluate the data and interpret the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Frederick M. Discenzo
  • Patent number: 6196058
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for determining fluid viscosity comprises conveying substantially fully developed, uni-directional, and undisturbed fluid flow through a differential pressure measurement section and flow rate measuring means connected in line with, but separated from, the differential pressure measurement section. A preceding flow tube section is connected to the inlet of the differential pressure measurement section, and a succeeding flow tube section is connected to the outlet of the differential pressure measurement section so that entrance and exit flow effects are avoided in the measurement section. Differential pressure measured in substantially undisturbed, uni-directional, and fully developed fluid flow results in improved accuracy of viscosity calculation using the Hagen-Poiseuille equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Consolidated Papers, Inc.
    Inventor: Qingyuan Chen
  • Patent number: 6196059
    Abstract: Disclosed is a piezoelectric resonator, a process for the fabrication thereof and its use as a sensor element, which implemented in a through-flow cell, is integratable in a measurement system for the determination of the concentration of a substance contained in a liquid and/or for the determination of the physical properties of the liquid. The piezoelectric resonator is designed plane and is provided on its surface with electric contact areas for an electrode and a counter electrode, which is connectable to a signal source as well as to a measurement device. For measuring, the piezoelectric resonator is brought into contact with the to-be-examined liquid on one side, with the resonator responding to the accumulation of the mass of the to-be-detected substance or to a change in the physical properties of the liquid by changing its resonance frequency and/or oscillation amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Conrad Kösslinger, Erich Uttenthaler, Andreas Nitsch, Thomas Härle
  • Patent number: 6196060
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring hydrogen permeation from a metallic material includes structure for positioning an electrolyte in hydrogen communication with the material; a porous electrode contacting the electrolyte; and a current collector connected to the porous electrode and the material, whereby current between the material and the current collector is indicative of hydrogen permeation from the material. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Intevep, S. A.
    Inventors: Omar Yepez, Jose R. Vera
  • Patent number: 6196061
    Abstract: Thermal drift and acoustic vibrations in the AFM are reduced using a probe-based detection device that references the topography measurement of the AFM to the sample surface in the proximity of the measurement probe. A differential measurement is made between the reference probe and the measurement probe for high sensitivity roughness quantification and defect detection. Multi-probe arrays may be used for large area defect detection with immunity from thermal and acoustic noise sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Nanodevices, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Adderton, Stephen C. Minne
  • Patent number: 6196062
    Abstract: A disc testing system includes a base, a disc rotatably attached to the base, and an actuator assembly movably attached to the base. A ramp assembly includes a set of ramps for loading and unloading the sliders and transducing elements carried by the sliders to and from the disc attached to the base. A load spring is attached to the arm of the actuator. A slider is attached to the load spring. The slider further includes a leading edge and a trailing edge. A piezoelectric sensor and a pyroelectric sensor is carried by the trailing edge of the slider. The piezoelectric sensor and the pyroelectric sensor are made from the same material which has both piezoelectric properties and pyroelectric properties. The piezoelectric sensor and the pyroelectric sensor are formed by the same process. The two sensors can also be formed substantially simultaneously. A conductive layer is placed on the trailing edge of the slider followed by a strip of thick film material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: John Stuart Wright, Mark James Schaenzer
  • Patent number: 6196063
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring tension of piston rings includes a cylindrical support fixture having a circumferential groove formed therearound for receiving and holding a piston ring. A rigid base supports a plurality of components of the apparatus. A strong, thin band, formed from a material sufficiently strong to withstand repeated applications of pulling force thereto, is mounted to the base, and is held between two clamps. The band has a loop formed therein, for receiving the support fixture with a piston ring mounted therein. The apparatus also includes reciprocally movable structure for tightening the band around the support fixture, such as a slidably movable clamp assembly at one end of the band. The apparatus further includes mechanism for measuring tension on the band, and fluid activatable mechanism for vertically reciprocating a portion of the support fixture. In a preferred embodiment, the reciprocating mechanism is pneumatically activatable, such as by compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Hogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Kasai, Yukio Inoue, Tim Harris, Naoki Ebisui, Eric Ellington
  • Patent number: 6196064
    Abstract: An in situ underground sample analyzing apparatus for use in a multilevel borehole monitoring system is disclosed. A casing assembly comprising a plurality of elongate tubular casings (24) separated by measurement port couplers (26) is coaxially alignable in a borehole (20). The measurement port couplers (26) include an inlet measurement port (70b) for collecting fluid from an underground measurement zone (32) and an outlet measurement port (70a) for releasing fluid into the measurement zone (32). An in situ sample analyzing probe (124) is orientable in the casing assembly. The in situ sample analyzing probe (124) includes inlet and outlet probe ports (148b and 148a) alignable and mateable with the inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a). The inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a) typically include valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Westbay Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin D. Patton, Jan J. Divis
  • Patent number: 6196065
    Abstract: A device for metering and measuring quantities of liquid, in particular in a pump for liquid fuels, having a plurality of volume meters, an assigned valve being arranged upstream of each volume meter, and having a liquid supply which branches into individual supply lines opening out into the valves, wherein the valves (5) and the volume meters are assigned to a housing (1, 2, 3) configured in the form of a block, which housing has an inlet opening (4) and supply ducts (6), which branch off from the inlet opening (4) to the valves (5) and form the individual supply lines, a first housing block (1) forming the inlet opening (4) and valve connection openings (8) covered by a respective valve head (7), in which valve connection openings (8) a respective supply duct (6) opens out and from which proceeds a respective connecting duct (10) to the assigned volume meter, which connecting duct can be closed off by a piston (9), a disk, a diaphragm or the like of a valve (5), the volume meters being assigned in each case
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Henksmeier, Manfred Köpl
  • Patent number: 6196066
    Abstract: The balancing device includes static weights, equally distributed by mass in two housings elongated along the span of the blade, and dynamic weights distributed by mass in the two housings so as to ensure the dynamic adjustment of the blade while keeping the preestablished static adjustment, the weights being introduced into the housings and extracted from these latter through a single opening emerging simultaneously in the internal end, towards the blade root, of the two housings symmetrical relative to the pitch centring axis of the blade. This single access opening is able to be closed by a door opening in the extrados or intrados surface of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventor: Bruno Barbier
  • Patent number: 6196067
    Abstract: A silicon-based microaccelerometer for seismic application is provided using a low-resonant frequency (10 Hz), large proof mass (1 gram), and high Q suspension to achieve high sensitivity of less than 1 ng with a bandwidth a 0.05 to 50 Hz. The proof mass is cut away from a planar substrate in the form of a disk using abrasive cutting, which disk closely fits but does not touch a surrounding angular frame. The spring of the microaccelerometer between the angular frame and the proof mass is provided from two continuous, 3 microns thick membranes. The fixed capacitive electrodes are provided on separate, subsequently bonded substrates, and movable capacitive plates are provided on the membranes. By fabricating capacitive plates on the separate substrates, the gap between the fixed and movable capacitive plates in the differential capacitive sensor is closely controlled. The use of continuous membranes for the spring produces a shock resistant, robust sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Richard D. Martin, W. Thomas Pike
  • Patent number: 6196068
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed wherein a linear array of electromagnetic radiation emitting devices are arranged in association with a moving workpiece. Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the array is received by two or more receivers. Several non-contact measurements may be obtained on a workpiece using the present apparatus and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Harris Instrument Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Harris
  • Patent number: 6196069
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of proof testing a planar, brittle materials such as those used for valve leaflets in the manufacture of mechanical heart valve prostheses, in which the material to be tested is placed between two interfitting, spherically-shaped shoes, one convex and one concave, and the shoes are compressed together, causing a biaxial stress force to be applied across the surface of the material. The use of a biaxial force created by the spherical shoe surfaces simplifies the testing procedure over the prior art, allowing a single application of force to test the material for flexure in any direction. The magnitude of the stress which is applied to the material is determined by the radii of the interfitting test shoes relative to the thickness of the material sample being tested. Sufficient force is applied to conform the material to the shoes such that any flaws of a predetermined minimum critical size will be revealed by acoustical monitoring during the test or visual inspection thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sulzer Carbomedics Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Wiedenmeier, William P. MacNutt, Peter Strzepa
  • Patent number: 6196070
    Abstract: An improved fluid flow measuring device having more nearly linear response characteristics over a wide range of fluid flow rates measures the force exerted on a fluid flow sensing element (21, 37, 41, 47, 55, 61) located in the fluid flow. The effective area of the sensing element subjected to the fluid force decreases as the flow rate increases and increases as the flow rate decreases thereby compensating for the nonlinear relationship between fluid flow rate and the force exerted thereby. The sensing element may retract somewhat into a calm or minimal flow region (27, 35) in response to increased flow rate. The sensing element may include resilient vanes (45, 51, 52, 53, 57, 59) which bend thereby reducing their effective area in response to increased flow. The sensing element may include one or more flow passing apertures (43, 49) the size of which varies with flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: James Piascik, Reza Oboodi, Devlin M. Gualtieri
  • Patent number: 6196071
    Abstract: A system by which the torque applied to a fastener such as a bolt or nut may be measured simply and accurately. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus and methods by which the torque applied to a fastener by a socket wrench can be measured through a simplified extension element accurately and displayed quickly so that the placement of possibly damaging excessive amounts of pressure on the fastener can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Robert D. Shomo
  • Patent number: 6196072
    Abstract: Coils 38 and magnetostriction elements 41 are disposed inside casings 32, 33 fixed to a driving pulley housing 2, and an end of an outer tube 5o of a Bowden cable 5 is brought into abutment with the magnetostriction element 41 via a slider 42. When a steering torque is inputted into the steering wheel and an inner cable 5i is pulled in a direction indicated by an arrow B, an axial compression force acting on the outer tube 5o is transmitted to the magnetostriction element 41 via the slider 42 and a compression load p is applied thereto. This changes the magnetic permeability of the magnetostriction element 41, thereby changing the inductance of the coil 38, whereby the steering torque acting on the steering wheel can be detected based on the change in inductance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoya Toyohira, Kouichi Suyama
  • Patent number: 6196073
    Abstract: This invention is a hand held apparatus used to measure the hardness, or compressibility, of a golf ball and also the sphericity, or roundness, of the ball. The apparatus is small enough to be carried in the typical golf bag and easily fits in the normal hand, thus enabling the user to use the apparatus anywhere. A golf ball is inserted into the apparatus and the ball is automatically centered between two opposing plates. One plate is attached to a calibrated spring while the other plate is attached to a screw, which will be used to drive the associated plate against the ball. The screw will be hand turned until a sensing mechanism will be actuated and thus indicate to the user to stop turning. Each ball being tested will be subjected to the same force and therefore compressed an amount determined by it's own hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Marvin L. Harding
  • Patent number: 6196074
    Abstract: Embodiments of a diffusion sampler device and method of use are shown and described, each having a semi-permeable membrane, a top portion having a handle, a nozzle portion, a plug portion, and means to join the assembly together. The diffusion sampler of the present invention is adapted to be provided with a mesh to protect the membrane against abrasion and, further, to accommodate and principally carry the weight of the diffusion sampler and its contents. A novel valve means is also disclosed for use with the diffusion sampler of the present invention. The valve means will carry the specimen from the membrane into a sampling vial or container with a smooth, nearly laminar flow. The diffusion sampler may be provided with attachment means to accommodate such weights and tethers as may be required during use of the device. A separate fill kit is optionally provided for convenience and accuracy in the sampling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Bradley P. Varhol
  • Patent number: 6196075
    Abstract: In order to facilitate introduction of an inspection pig through an introductory conduit having a smaller diameter and into a pipeline of large diameter and transporting a fluid, in particular gas or oil, the invention proposes a device for inspection of pipes having sensors disposed about an outer periphery thereof having radially expandable inspection units (6, 7), wherein, in particular, a front and a rear inspection unit (6, 7) having sensors (15; 15′) displaced with respect to each other in a peripheral sense can be moved axially towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Pipetronix GmbH
    Inventors: Corry Comello, Poul Laursen, Jukka Maki
  • Patent number: 6196076
    Abstract: A kind of knob switch device relates to a clutch control device setting inside the decreasing box, and relates to a switch device setting outside the decreasing box. The clutch control device comprises the switch block, the switch set, the vibration block and the vibration set on the output shaft serially. The switch device comprises a stop ring, a stop board and a gyrator ring. With rotating the knob, we can drive the stop ring and the gyrator ring to rotate at the same time. Then it makes the screw orbit of the stop ring to push the jut of the stop board. When the clutch transits the device and makes the turning ring to rotate for a fixed angle, and it makes the knob, the inner gear and the turning ring to rotate at the same time. Then the switch block fits the switch teeth and makes the teeth of the vibration block to fit the teeth of the vibration set and make the output draft to have action of vibration at rotating time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Lee Hsin-Chih Chung
  • Patent number: 6196077
    Abstract: Disclosed are an automatic shift control device for an electronic pneumatic shift system and a method for controlling the same. The shift control device detects a position of a gearshift lever through a lever position sensor, the lever position sensor outputting signals corresponding to the position of the gearshift lever to an electronic control unit such that the ECU controls a magnetic valve assembly to supply and exhaust air to the shift control device to thereby control a transmission. The shift control device includes a magnet disposed on one end a shift rod of the shift control device; and a linear variable distance transducer provided on an end of the shift control device corresponding to a position of the magnet, the LVDT detecting a change in a magnetic field caused by a movement of the shift rod, and the LVDT outputting signals corresponding to the change in the magnetic field to the ECU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Co.
    Inventor: Won-Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 6196078
    Abstract: An external electronic shift system is provided that is adapted to electronically shift an existing automatic transmission for a vehicle. The automatic transmission includes gearing movable to a plurality of different gear positions, and further includes an actuator rod connected to the gearing that is rotatable to selectively shift the gearing between the gear positions. A control unit is programmed to receive electrical signals from a shifter and generate signals to control shifting of the transmission. A stepper motor unit is mechanically attached to the actuator rod and electrically connected to the control unit. The stepper motor unit is configured to selectively rotate the actuator rod to shift the transmission in response to the signals received from the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products
    Inventors: Robert A. DeJonge, Stephen D. Wexall
  • Patent number: 6196079
    Abstract: A cable driven automotive gear lever joint mechanism for operating a coupling cable and a selection cable having a movable set including a ball joint housing having a lever arm extending therefrom rotatably and pivotally mounted onto a stationary ball joint extending laterally from a support structure with the coupling cable attached to the lever arm for operation thereof, and having a second ball joint extending laterally from the cylindrical ball joint housing for operation of the selection cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Paolo Paparoni
  • Patent number: 6196080
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shift/select lever unit for a dual-mode automatic transmission. The shift/select lever unit includes a main frame mounted to a vehicle body; a select lever assembly movable between the automatic and manual modes to select one of the automatic and manual modes, said select lever assembly being shiftable in the automatic and manual modes to change drive modes and ranges; a shift cable bracket connected to a shift cable, said shift cable bracket being engaged with said select lever assembly when said select lever assembly is in the automatic mode and released from said select lever assembly when said select lever assembly is in the manual mode; and means for preventing the shift cable bracket from moving when said select lever assembly is in the manual mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang-joo Lee
  • Patent number: 6196081
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include hexapod systems, Stewart platform systems and other mechanical movement systems, in which a set of independently moveable trucks support legs that couple to a working surface capable of holding a machine tool or other end-effector, and preferably wherein the trucks travel across a reference surface, such as around the circumference of a circle or along some other pre-defined geometrical pattern or track. For example, as described herein, the systems include Stewart platform machines that have six supportive legs each of which connects to a truck that can travel independently along a track. By coordinating the movement of these six trucks, the working surface can be moved in three dimensional space and can be oriented about three axes, providing control of roll, pitch and yaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hexel Corporation
    Inventor: Chi Lam Yau
  • Patent number: 6196082
    Abstract: A hand lever device for operating a driven member includes a main lever arranged to be pivoted about a first rotational axis, a sub-lever arranged to be pivoted about a second rotational axis and retained in a stationary state at a set pivoted position, a returning member arranged to be rotated about a third rotational axis, and a cable coupled at one end to the driven member and linked at the other end with the main lever and the returning member. When the main lever is pivoted to a set position, it rotates the returning member about the third rotational axis and removes slack from the cable. Pivoting of the sub-lever further rotates the returning member about the third rotational axis to a selected operating position. An accelerating subsidiary lever that is also pivoted about the first rotational axis further pulls, via the returning member, the cable, thereby to further move the driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Iwata
  • Patent number: 6196083
    Abstract: A pivoting handle assembly having weight compensation which is anticipated to be used in conjunction with parts, part handling fixtures and other materials to reduce the apparent weight of the pivoting handling assembly having weight compensation to an operator and thereby reduce operator fatigue. In particular, an elongated spring member is positioned in the interior of an elongated pivoting arm member to at least partially compensate for the apparent weight to an operator of the pivoting handle assembly having weigh compensation being supported, transported and/or positioned thereby. As elongated pivoting arm member is rotated in a first rotational direction, a chain is wrapped around the center diameter of a pivot portion between the elongated pivoting arm member and a stationary arm member and a pin is pulled to compensate for the change in length, thus compressing the elongated spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Pasko, Gino D'Alessandro
  • Patent number: 6196084
    Abstract: A bicycle cleat assembly is provided for attachment to a shoe and for cooperating with a step-in bicycle pedal thereto via a cleat. The cleat has a central attachment portion, a front attachment portion and a rear attachment portion. The front and rear attachment portions both have a pair of coupling surfaces that hold the cleat above the pedal body of the pedal. The rear attachment portion has a protrusion or projection that extends outwardly from the rear edge and wide coupling surfaces with cleat guide elements or surfaces. The pedal body preferably has a pair clamping members pivotally coupled thereto. Each clamping member has a front cleat engagement portion and a rear cleat engagement portion for engaging the cleat. The front and rear cleat engagement portions of the clamping members are designed to hold to cleat above the upper support surface of the pedal body. The rear cleat engagement portion is designed to pivot rearwardly upon a twisting movement between the cleat and the pedal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yutaka Ueda
  • Patent number: 6196085
    Abstract: A method and mechanism are disclosed for coupling an accessory to an engine crankshaft. To avoid the cost of machining splines on the crankshaft 10, the 14 end of the crankshaft 10 is formed as a cylindrical spigot. A separately formed splined pressed steel sleeve 16 is then mounted on the end 14 of the crankshaft 10 with interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignees: Cummins Engine Company Ltd, Iveco (UK) Ltd., New Holland U.K. Ltd.
    Inventors: Nikos Chimonides, Damian P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6196086
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foil cutter (12) and such a cutter in combination with a corkscrew (2) and/or a crown cap opener (35). The foil cutter (12) comprises an annular casing (16, 17) having a passage (14) extending axially therethrough and adapted to accommodate the neck of a wine bottle, and a pair of cutting members (22) having cutting edges (23) mounted in the casing so that each extends or is movable to extend into the passage in a plane normal to the axis, one or more of the cutting edges (23) or a guide member (50) aligned therewith being movable relative to the casing radially inwardly of the passage so as to ensure that both cutting edges engage a bottle neck located in the passage. Preferably a push member (25) is connected to each movable member and extends to the outside of the casing for pressing the associated movable member inwardly, and biasing means (27) resists such inward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Dual Limited
    Inventor: Leslie Alexander Gort-Barten
  • Patent number: 6196087
    Abstract: An apparatus for stripping a section 54 of insulation covering from an insulation-covered wire at a predetermined location along an insulation-covered wire 50. The apparatus includes a circumferential cutting portion 10 for circumferentially cutting the predetermined insulation-covering section 54 at both ends thereof, a slitting portion 20 for slitting the predetermined insulation-covering section 54 in the axial direction, and a stripping portion 36 for stripping the predetermined insulation-covering section 54 from the core 52 of the wire 50. The slitting portion 20 includes a twin-blade cutter device 23 located in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the insulation-covered wire, and an ultrasonic vibration horn portion 27 located above the twin-blade cutter device 23. An insulation-covered wire 50 is placed between the ultrasonic vibration horn portion 27 and the twin-blade cutter device 23, and is vibrated at the frequency of an ultrasonic wave generated by the ultrasonic vibration horn portion 27.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Furuya
  • Patent number: 6196088
    Abstract: The novel hammer of the invention is a hammer having a reinforced handle, wherein the handle includes a grip and an integrally attached striking cap at least partially embedded in the grip. The striking cap is of a material harder than the grip, and provides the hammer with a striking surface at the butt end of the handle. The striking cap may further have at least one rib or groove, which serve to more strongly affix the striking cap to the hammer. The invention also includes a reinforced grip, and a method of manufacture of the hammer of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Estwing Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robert Harold Youngren
  • Patent number: 6196089
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hub nut fastener including a plurality of nut runners for fastening hub nuts to stud bolts of a wheel hub; nut runner moving means for altering a pitch of the nut runners by drive power of a motor, the nut runner moving means being connected to some of the nut runners through another medium; support means for rotatably supporting the nut runner moving means and fixing one of the nut runners, the support means being fixedly provided within a casing defining an exterior of the hub nut fastener; runner guide means for guiding the nut runners moved by the runner moving means; and digressing nut runner operating means for moving a digressing nut runner away from and back to a circle formed by the remainder of the nut runners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong-bum Choi
  • Patent number: 6196090
    Abstract: A one-way drive strap wrench having two strand parts (11A, 11B) and a shoe (15) for bearing against an oil filter (2). The shoe is pivotally mounted about a laterally offset axis (16). The wrench is particularly adapted for the fitting and removal of motor vehicle oil filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Facom
    Inventor: Bertrand Dumont
  • Patent number: 6196091
    Abstract: A drill bit for applying torque to a fastener and mounting the fastener to a stud. The fastener has a plurality of support walls and a bore that has an axial length disposed within the fastener. The drill bit includes a shaft, which has an engagement end for abutting the stud. A member is attached to the shaft proximate the engagement end and has a plurality of arms each including a front side for biasing against one of the support walls when the drill bit is rotated. Moreover, when mounting of the fastener on the stud is initiated, the fastener is rotated by the front side of each of the plurality of arms of the member biasing against one of the support walls of the fastener, subsequently, the engagement end of the shaft abuts the stud and is prevented from biasing axially while simultaneously the fastener continues to be progressively mounted on the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International
    Inventors: Wasim Khokhar, Larry Burrough
  • Patent number: 6196092
    Abstract: A tool for manipulating the reciprocable lever of a cargo strap buckle ratchet winch has an elongate shank, a C-configuration transverse handle at one end of the shank and a fulcrum plate at the other end for engagement with the strap winch lever. The plate has a planar proximal section attached to the shank and parallel with the transverse handle, and a planar distal section remote from the shank and extending at an obtuse handle with respect to the proximal section. A foot portion of the fulcrum plate extends at a right angle to the distal section, to engage a fulcrum surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Quick Winch Products Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence L. Potter
  • Patent number: 6196093
    Abstract: A hand-held tool handle reflects to a handle with a hollow body, and the character is that the hollow body is in a longitudinal direction with an opening at one side of the handle. The inner hollow portion has a spring push button which has one end remained in the hollow body while the other end extending outwardly from the opening. The hollow body is mounted with a tool holder which has formed with a number of seats to receive bits thereat. The center portion of the tool holder has a strut corresponding to the push button, by pushing the push button, the tool holder will extend outwardly, and the bits may be picked for prompt usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Cheng-Yin Hu
  • Patent number: 6196094
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus for detachably connecting a tool unit to a tool supporter with increased holding force is provided. The clamping apparatus includes a housing, a pair of opposing locking spheres within the housing, a cylindrical canister member mounted within the housing that is matable with an insert-supporting tool unit and which has a pair of opposing apertures in its sidewalls for conducting the locking spheres from a locking to an unlocking position, and a lock rod reciprocally movable within the interior of the canister member along an axis A and having opposing cam portions for radially moving the locking spheres through the canister apertures into wedging engagement with opposing angled walls of sphere receiving openings in the tool unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kennametal PC Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6196095
    Abstract: A continuous paper web is severed transversely in between the transportation cycles at the paper's maximum allowable rate of feed. The transverse cutter device has a stationary bottom blade 6 and a driven upper blade 5 fixed to or integral with a permanent magnet 7a, and a linear motor is used as the drive for the upper blade. The motor stator 7c is fastened to a carrier 4, and the driven blade undergoes reciprocating or vibratory strokes within a stator slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: A-Tronic MGM AG
    Inventor: Walter Suter
  • Patent number: 6196096
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J. Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6196097
    Abstract: A bacon slicing system (10) includes a conveying system (20). The conveying system (20) is mounted for sliding between a first and second lateral position. The conveyor belt (65) of the conveying system (20) is rotatable in a longitudinal direction which is generally perpendicular to the lateral movement of the conveying system (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hormel Foods, LLC
    Inventor: Gary A. Handel