Patents Issued in March 6, 2001
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Patent number: 6196548Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game between a dealer and one or more players includes the step of each player placing a first wager based on one or more card combinations selected from a fixed number of types of card combinations. One or more first cards are revealed. The dealer appropriates wagers which are no longer winnable in view of these first cards. One wagering player may place a second wager based on the one or more card combinations. One or more second cards are revealed. The dealer appropriates wagers which are no longer winnable in view of the one or more second cards. Preferably there are four types of combinations, namely four cards of a single suit, four cards all of a different suit, one pair, two pairs and three cards of a single suit.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Craig M. Schaefer
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Patent number: 6196549Abstract: A game apparatus and method for playing the game comprising a verse booklet, a plurality of instruction cards, each with a different instruction imprinted thereon and a scoring means. The game is played by selecting an existing partial verse. Then, an instruction card is drawn from a plurality of instruction cards, which outlines how the partial verse is to be completed. A player then completes the poem under a time constraint. Then, the completed verse is scored by opposing players. Finally, the steps are repeated until the game is completed.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Crosley-Griffith CorporationInventor: Stephen D. Bennett
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Patent number: 6196550Abstract: An annular sealing apparatus is disclosed for disposition in cooperation with a body defining a bore and a rotating member rotatably received in the bore, the bore and rotating member bounding a high fluid pressure region and a relatively lower pressure fluid region therebetween, the sealing apparatus inhibiting fluid leakage between the high and lower fluid pressure regions, the sealing apparatus has a fore cover plate disposed in the high fluid pressure region and aft cover plate disposed in the lower pressure fluid region. A sealing element comprised of a plurality of comb-like diaphragm members is disposed between the two cover plates. Each of the diaphragm members has a foot portion that seals against the rotating member. A fore spacer is disposed between said fore cover plate and said sealing element and an aft spacer is disposed between said aft cover plate and said sealing element. The aft spacer has a plurality of cavities that are separated from the low fluid pressure region.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.Inventors: Gulshan K. Arora, Donald L. Glick
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Patent number: 6196551Abstract: A seal structure has a seal lip and a splash lip. The splash lip is disposed to contact a rotating shaft at an axial location intermediate the seal lip and a support bushing to prevent a high velocity oil stream, departing between the bushing and the shaft, from impinging the seal lip prior the velocity of the oil stream being reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Steven Wayne Zellers
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Patent number: 6196552Abstract: A seal assembly especially suitable for use as the sealing element in the annular cylindrical bore of a concentric cylinder assembly. The seal assembly includes an annular insert structure of rigid material and an annular seal member of elastomeric material bonded to the insert structure. The annular insert structure has an I-beam cross-sectional configuration including an outer annular flange structure centered on an axis, an inner annular flange structure centered on the axis concentrically within the outer annular flange structure, and annular web structure extending radially between the inner and outer annular flange structures. The web structure coacts with the flange structures to define left and right continuous annular grooves in the left and right faces of the insert structure and defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes extending axially through the web structure between the left and right grooves.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Automotive Products (USA), Inc.Inventors: David C. Peterson, Rajiv Iyer
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Patent number: 6196553Abstract: A seal assembly for a multichannel fiber optic connector. The seal is engaged to the portion of the connector mounted within a receptacle housing that may be mounted to the turret of the hull penetrator of a vessel. An elongated symmetrical seal housing is sealably secured with the receptacle at the back of the connector. A retainer member having a plurality of channels therethrough is held at a rear portion of the seal housing by an annular shoulder thereof. A plurality of elongated standoff spacers define a strain relief chamber between the rear of the connector and the retainer member. O-rings seal individual optical fibers passing through the channels of the retainer member, which is sealably secured to the seal housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Akbar Arab-Sadeghabadi, Agop H. Cherbettchian
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Patent number: 6196554Abstract: A tool driver includes a housing and a rotatable drive shaft extending therefrom. A chuck for holding the tool includes a generally cylindrical body member having a nose section and a tail section. Each of a plurality of jaws is slidably positioned in one of a plurality of angularly disposed passageways in the body. Each jaw has a jaw face and threads formed thereon. A nut is in operative communication with the drive shaft so that the drive shaft rotationally drives the nut. The nut engages the jaw threads so that rotation of the nut moves the jaws axially within the passageways. A locking mechanism is mounted to at least one of the housing and the body and is selectively actuatable to a first operative position and a second operative position. In the first position, the locking mechanism rotationally locks the housing and the body with respect to each other. In the second, it permits relative rotation between the body and the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Power Tool Holders IncorporatedInventors: Benjamin A. Gaddis, Gregory S. Taylor
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Patent number: 6196555Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a first hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic circuit and a connection between the first hydraulic and the second hydraulic circuit. The first hydraulic circuit is operatively coupled to a first side of the vehicle, and is selectively controllable to move the first side of the vehicle. The second hydraulic circuit is operatively coupled to a second side of the vehicle, and is selectively controllable to move the second side of the vehicle. The first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit operate together in a first mode when the connection between the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit is opened to move the first and second sides of the vehicle in a same direction. The first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit operate independently of each other in a second mode when the connection is closed.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Atlas Copco Wagner, Inc.Inventor: Dennis W. Gaibler
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Patent number: 6196556Abstract: In-line roller skate including a chassis of which one longitudinal lower portion carries the wheels, on the one hand, and a boot formed by a shell overlaying a sole adapted to be fixed on an upper plate of the chassis, on the other hand, the volume of the upper being in communication with the outside so as to obtain the internal ventilation thereof by air supply, wherein it includes air passages interposed between an external collecting zone and the internal volume of the shell, these air passages being constituted by a ventilation chamber provided beneath an internal plantar support of the boot and communicating with the internal volume of the shell.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1996Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Salomon S.A.Inventors: Laurent Bonaventure, Jean-Louis Demarchi
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Patent number: 6196557Abstract: A skate with in-line rollers or wheels (1) comprises a chassis (5), a shoe (4) mounted on the chassis, a front wheel unit (6) and a rear wheel unit (9), the units (6, 9) pivoting on the chassis (5) about respective pins (13, 14) transverse to the direction of movement of the skate (1). A coupling link (15) is provided for coupling the wheel units (6, 9) together in such manner as to cause them to pivot together and in the same direction about their respective pivots pins (13, 14). This skate can flexibly cross discontinuities in the ground of small height or depth with all of the wheels (7, 10, 11) remaining in contact with the ground.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: RolsoftInventor: Claude Millot Gérard
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Patent number: 6196558Abstract: An apparatus for practicing aerial snowboard maneuvers is described. A wooden footboard is formed in an elongated oval shape that matches or approximates the shape and size of a standard snowboard. One or more sets of strap holes are cut into the footboard to accommodate the insertion of flexible straps for each foot. Flexible straps are threaded through the strap holes for each foot and secured over the user's shoes. Different sets of strap holes for each foot allow a user to change his stance on the footboard. The board is used in conjunction with a trampoline or similar bouncing device By jumping up and down on the trampoline while wearing the board, the user is able to practice aerial snowboard maneuvers.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Basil W. Simon
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Patent number: 6196559Abstract: A snowboot binding used for mounting on top of a snowboard. The snowboot binding adapted for engaging the sides and bottom of a sole of a snowboot and a heel of the snowboot. The binding having a horizontal baseplate with a front, a rear, a center portion and a first side and a second side on opposite sides of the center portion. Along the length of the first side of the base plate is an upwardly extending inverted “L” shaped first rail. Also, along the length of the second side of the base plate is an upwardly extending inverted “L” shaped second rail. A portion of the two “L” shaped rails are received in sole interface grooves formed in opposite sides of the sole of the snowboot. Mounted on one side of the first rail is a spring biased locking pin release lever having a locking pin extending inwardly toward the side of the sole of the snowboot. The sole having a snow cavity therein with a locking pin bar mounted on the side of the sole and in front of the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Scott Cress
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Patent number: 6196560Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined luggage trolley and seat comprising a main frame and a supporting frame, which in the region for the first ends of the main frame and the supporting frame are rotatably connected with each other around a first shaft: a wheel arrangement situated in the region of the first shaft; a seat which is rotatably connected with the main frame around a second shaft parallel to the first shaft, for rotation of the seat between a folded-up position and a sitting position, wherein the seat in the folded-up position extends essentially in the same plane as the main frame; and a drawbar which, when the seat is in the folded-up position, extends in a plane substantially coplanar with the main frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Ohlssons InnovationsfabrikInventor: Åke Ohlsson
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Patent number: 6196561Abstract: A multi-purpose support structure with an extendable handle and retractable wheels, including in combination: a support frame with a pair of longitudinal uprights, and a handle element, with two parallel sides slidable within the uprights and with a transverse connecting side forming a gripping element. Each upright comprises first and second guide channels extending parallel to each other side by side, and said parallel sides of the handle element are slidable within said first guide channel. The support further comprises: a pair of rods provided lowerly with the wheels and slidable within said second guide channels, and means for simultaneously and opposingly moving said parallel sides of said handle element and said rods along their respective guide channels.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Duccio Trassinelli
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Patent number: 6196562Abstract: A push device of a stroller has an upper casing, a generally L-shaped sleeve, and a generally L-shaped rod having a distal arm and a proximal arm. The distal arm has two through apertures. The upper casing has an interior, a periphery flange, and two hollow posts. Each hollow post has a recess hole. The generally L-shaped sleeve has a distal portion and a proximal portion receiving the proximal arm. The distal portion has a groove, a periphery recess engaging with the periphery flange, two protruded bars inserted in the recess holes via the through apertures, and a bottom corrugation.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Yu-Lin Zhuang
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Patent number: 6196563Abstract: An apparatus and method substantially reduce moments of a steering axle while substantially increasing clearance between the steering axle and a ground surface and increasing strength of the axle. The method and apparatus also include a reversible high ground clearance steering axle having stops at different relative locations which facilitate mounting of the steering axle on more than one type of vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Harold W. Haycraft
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Patent number: 6196564Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, particularly a rear wheel suspension, has a spring which is arranged separately from a shock absorber. The spring and the shock absorber are supported at their lower ends, by way of a common console arranged approximately transversely to the vehicle, on a longitudinal rear axle tube. An upper end of the shock absorber is swivellably held on a carrying device fastened to a vehicle body member. An upper end of the spring is disposed in a supporting device integrated in the vehicle body member.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porche AGInventors: Rainer Hawener, Andreas Kluge
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Patent number: 6196565Abstract: A wheelchair having a therapeutic unit attached thereto that contains an auxiliary drive wheel mounted in a frame beneath the chair seat. A pair of leg operated levers are connected to the auxiliary drive wheel by a drive system so that reciprocating the levers causes the auxiliary drive wheel to rotate. The levers contain forwardly extended arms that are hinged to move laterally to one side or the other of the chair seat thus permitting easy ingress and egress from the chair. The auxiliary drive wheel can be raised by one seated in the chair so that the therapeutic value of the system can be realized while the chair is in a stationary position.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Joseph D. Chubbuck
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Patent number: 6196566Abstract: This lightweight folding bicycle adopts the four-bar-linkage-folding-frame. Two diagonal-bar-hinges are added. Each diagonal-bar-hinge is made up of two parts. One end of the diagonal-bar-hinge hinge joints in the middle of a seat tube at the same point as a standing tube hinged, the other end of the diagonal-bar-hinge joints in the middle of a crossbar at the same point as a down tube hinged. There is a four-bar-linkage-speed-folding-fastener on a handlebar stem and a folding device on the pedal. This type of folding bike is of simple structure, reasonable design and easy to fold. The four-bar-linkage-speed-folding-fastener grips a large area, which can press half the circle as maximum, so as to enlarge the suffering area and balance the received force. It is easy and quick to fold the bike and safe to drive.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Guanli Zhang
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Patent number: 6196567Abstract: A folding base for a kick stand comprising a stack of panels disposed within a housing. The panels are rotatably attached to the housing by means of a spindle, and may alternately be fanned out into an extended position, or retracted into the housing for storage and/or transportation. The housing comprises an upper deck sized to accommodate a kick stand foot of a two-wheeled vehicle kick stand. When extended, the folding base for a kick stand provides a secure base to prevent the kick stand foot from sinking into soft surfaces such as mud, grass, sand, etc., thereby preventing the two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle or bicycle from toppling over and possibly being damaged or hurting someone. The kick stand foot is securely held in place on the housing upper deck by means of a clip and upper deck walls. Due to the resilient nature of the clip, the folding base for a kick stand may be quickly and easily installed and removed from the kick stand.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventors: Donald Kirk Lynam, James McMullen
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Patent number: 6196568Abstract: An adjustable rotary positioning mechanism comprising a clevis having a central axis, a first arm, a second arm, and a plurality of bores arcuately spaced around the central axis through the first arm of the clevis. A rod end having a central axis and a plurality of sockets is rotatably connected to the clevis through the central axis. The plurality of sockets are arcuately spaced around the central axis and positioned colinearly with the plurality of bores. A plurality of locking pins are carried in the sockets and configured to project into the plurality of bores to lock the clevis and the rod end together and to retract from the plurality of bores to permit relative movement of the clevis and the rod end. Another embodiment of the invention is a wheelchair comprising a frame, drive wheels and steerable wheels supporting the frame, and paired foot supports each adjustably connected to the frame using the adjustable rotary positioning mechanism described above.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.Inventor: Rex W. Stevens
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Patent number: 6196569Abstract: A binding includes an upper attachment connected to a boot, a lower attachment connected to a board, a coupler attached to one of the upper and lower attachments, and a coupling mount attached to the other of the upper and lower attachments. The coupling mount and the coupler are configured to automatically engage with each other to lock the upper attachment to the lower attachment when a user wearing the boot steps onto the lower attachment and to permit rotation of the upper attachment relative to the lower attachment when the upper attachment is locked to the lower attachment. A release actuator is actuated to disengage the coupler and the coupling mount. A lock locks the boot in a selected rotary position relative to the board. The coupler includes a collar and a sleeve positioned within the collar. The collar is rotatable relative to the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventors: Richard W. Berger, Brant W. Berger
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Patent number: 6196570Abstract: That end of a ski boot which is retained by the boot-retaining unit is retained such that it can be disengaged in the sideways direction and vertical direction. Upon sideways movement of the ski boot within a range of elasticity of the boot-retaining unit, the ski boot is rendered capable of moving increasingly in the upward direction, strong forces in the upward direction producing a force component which additionally forces the boot-retaining unit in the sideways direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1997Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbHInventor: Gerd Klubitschko
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Patent number: 6196571Abstract: A stroller includes a pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs, and an inverted U-shaped handle having two push bars.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Link Treasure LimitedInventors: Er-Jui Chen, Hung-Chung Hou
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Patent number: 6196572Abstract: A convertible trailer and stroller having, a pair of frame blocks mount to a frame member of a jogging stroller, each proximate the two rear wheels of the jogging stroller. The frame blocks are each attached to a wheel block at a wheel pivot that interconnect the frame blocks to their respective wheel blocks. A pair of wheels having hub axle ends are received into a wheel bearing within each of the wheel blocks, and the wheel blocks are rotatable about the respective block pivots to selectably raise or lower each wheel relative to the block pivots. In the lowered wheel, or stroller configuration, a high ground clearance for all terrain operation is provided, while in the raised wheel or trailer configuration, a low and stable center of gravity is provided. The convertible trailer and stroller can also include an upper bar that attaches to the wheel blocks.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Greg R. Durrin
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Patent number: 6196573Abstract: A mounting mechanism for an inflatable restraint system includes at least one pair of flat mounting members extending from an inflatable restraint module and adapted to extend through at least one pair of apertures in a support structure. The mounting mechanism also includes a bushing disposed over and cooperating with each of the at least one pair of flat mounting members to form a round pin. The mounting mechanism further includes a spring housing adapted to be disposed adjacent the support structure and a spring disposed in the spring housing to engage the flat mounting members to attach the inflatable restraint module to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Barry Christian Worrell, Patrick W. Schatz, Ryan Todd Pinsenschaum
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Patent number: 6196574Abstract: A covering for an air bag retaining device of a motor vehicle with a vehicle body, having a lid which, after the air bag retaining device is triggered, is pushed open by an air bag toward the motor vehicle interior. The lid is held by at least one hinge strap connected with the lid at least along a section of its opening movement on a defined moving path with respect to the vehicle body. The hinge strap is mounted to a body-fixed fastening point on the motor vehicle and on the lid. Prior to deployment of the air bag, the hinge strap extends between the air bag retaining device and the lid to an outlet point or to a mounting point on the lid. The outlet point or mounting point, viewed essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is situated on a half of the lid farther removed from a windshield on a side of the lid facing away from the motor vehicle interior.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Joerg Stavermann
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Patent number: 6196575Abstract: A gas bag restraint system for vehicle occupants, comprises a gas bag with an interior having a first and a second chamber. The gas bag has an outer wall delimiting the interior of the gas bag and at least one dividing wall in the interior for separating the first and the second chambers in a fully inflated state of the gas bag. The dividing wall is gas-permeable at least during fully inflating of the gas bag to reach a fully inflated state of the gas bag. The system further comprises a multiple-stage gas generator which is communicated with the first chamber and which is able to produce different internal pressures of the gas bag.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Norbert Ellerbrok, Norbert Lang
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Patent number: 6196576Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a vehicle seat (12) having a cover (32) which is extendible from an initial condition to an extended condition for restraining an occupant of the seat (12). The seat (12) has a first volume enclosed by the cover (32) when the cover (32) is in the initial condition. The seat (12) has a second, greater volume enclosed by the cover (32) when the cover (32) is in the extended condition. The second enclosed volume of the seat (12) is greater than the first enclosed volume sufficient for enlargement of the seat (12) from the first enclosed volume to the second enclosed volume to enhance the degree to which the seat (12) can restrain movement of a seated vehicle occupant under the influence of vehicle crash forces. An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (18) is supported on the seat (12).Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Sutherland, Paul A. Bowers
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Patent number: 6196577Abstract: A side impact air bag apparatus located in a seat back of a vehicle for directly initiating an air bag longitudinally before completely inflating the bag in the width direction. The side impact air bag has a casing with an interior, a support for an inflator and a bag enclosing the inflator. The bag is capable of direct inflation longitudinally before completely inflating in the width direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Aoki, Takashi Honda, Kazuhiro Seki, Yuichi Saito
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Patent number: 6196578Abstract: In an activation controlling apparatus for passive safety device having a control circuit 20 for comparing a value obtained based on a measured value by floor sensor 32 with a threshold and for controlling activation of a passive safety device, a satellite sensor 30 for detecting whether an impact not less than a predetermined reference value is exerted on the vehicle, and a threshold-change-pattern altering section 42 for lowering the threshold when the satellite sensor detects the impact not less than the reference value, the apparatus is arranged to determine whether the value obtained based on the measured value by the floor sensor is smaller than a predetermined value, when the satellite sensor detects the impact not less than the reference value, and the apparatus has a threshold-change-pattern alteration disabling section 43 for disabling the threshold-change-pattern altering section from lowering the threshold when the value obtained based on the measured value is determined to be smaller than the preType: GrantFiled: September 8, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Motomi Iyoda
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Patent number: 6196579Abstract: A rear impact restraint system (10) for protecting a vehicle occupant (42) during a rear impact crash event includes a vehicle seat (12) having a seat back portion (28) and an actuatable rear impact occupant protection device (40). The system (10) also includes a sensor (46, 48, 50 or 52) for sensing the position of the occupant (42) positioned on the vehicle seat (12). The sensor (46, 48, 50 or 52) provides a signal indicative of the position of the occupant (42). A rear impact sensor (60) senses a rear impact crash event and provides a signal indicative thereof. A controller (44), in response to the first sensor signal, determines a condition according to the relative position of the occupant (42) with respect to the vehicle seat (12). The controller (44) selectively actuates the rear impact occupant protection device (40) in response to the rear impact sensor signal and the condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignees: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Paul A. Bowers, Alexander Heilig
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Patent number: 6196580Abstract: Method of controlling at least one active headrest in a vehicle. The invention relates to a method of controlling an active headrest in a vehicle, in which the active headrest is triggered when predeterminable triggering conditions indicative of a vehicle collision exist, comprising the exceeding of a predeterminable collision threshold value by a characteristic variable indicative of a collision.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Walter Eberle, Rolf Mitschelen
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Patent number: 6196581Abstract: An airbag inflator includes non-azide gas generating propellants, surrounding an ignition device, disposed inside a housing. The gas generating propellants are surrounded by a coolant/filter device having a pressure loss of 0.3×10−2 to 1.5×10−2 kg/cm2 at a flow rate of 100 l/min/cm2. A space is provided between an outer periphery of the coolant/filter device and the housing such that the combustion gas passes through the entire area of the coolant/filter device. The coolant/filter device is also surrounded by a swell suppressing layer which prevents the coolant/filter device from swelling due to a combustion of the gas generating propellants.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Shingo Oda, Masayuki Ueda
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Patent number: 6196582Abstract: The present invention presents an inflator providing variable output inflation of an air bag cushion in response to full or reduced level deployment conditions. The inflator of the present invention includes a first chamber for storing an inert gas, a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber, and a third chamber in selective fluid communication with the second chamber, the third chamber for storing a heat modifier for varying a heat value of the inert gas. The inflator also includes a pyrotechnic device having a combustible material for heating the inert gas and a first initiator for actuating the pyrotechnic device upon first and second deployment conditions. A second initiator for opening the third chamber to the second chamber is provided wherein actuation of the second initiator causing the heat modifier to fluidly communicate with the combustible material and vary the heat value of the inert gas during a combustion process.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Paul Sparkman, Shawn Gregory Ryan, Allen Richard Starner, Robert Raymond Niederman
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Patent number: 6196583Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflator for a safety device, in particular for a vehicle occupant restraint system, comprising a housing (1, 15; 22, 23), a combustion chamber formed in the housing and including a solid propellant (6) for generating hot gas, and a coolant (13) introduced into a predetermined flow path of the hot gas. The inflator in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the flow path of the hot gas passes through a nozzle (10) comprising a pitot zone (20) in which the hot gas emerging from the combustion chamber (21) has a high static pressure, and comprising a nozzle neck (19) in which the hot gas builds up a high dynamic pressure, and in that the coolant (13) is arranged in a sleeve-shaped reservoir (11) extending from the pitot zone (20) at least in part into the nozzle neck (19). The inflator in accordance with the invention permits an effective reduction in the exhaust gas temperature of the generated hot gas.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Rolf Ruckdeschel, Anh-Dung Tieu, Markus Lindner, Horst Laucht, Marc Winterhalder, Martin Fink, Christof Hinterberger, Markus Leifheit
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Patent number: 6196584Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) comprises a container (14) defining a chamber (40). The container (14) has a portion (36) which is rupturable to form an opening in the container. A quantity of inflation fluid (42) is stored under pressure in the chamber (40). An electrically actuatable initiator (50) is connected with the container (14) for rupturing the rupturable portion (36) of the container to enable flow of inflation fluid (42) out of the inflator (10). The initiator (50) comprises an ignitable primary charge (90) and electrically energizable means (60) for igniting the primary charge. The initiator (50) further comprises a secondary charge (100) ignitable by the primary charge (90). The secondary charge (100) comprises an ignitable metal in solid form which liquefies when ignited by the primary charge (90).Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Bryan W. Shirk, Ahmad K. Al-Amin, Timothy A. Swann, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe, Jess A. Cuevas, Thomas H. Deming
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Patent number: 6196585Abstract: In a passenger airbag, a loose portion is provided on a windshield side when an airbag is accommodated into an airbag case. In addition, a tip portion of the airbag is folded or rolled up on the counter-windshield side. As a result, a gas first flows into the loose portion during the deployment of the airbag. Therefore, the airbag starts to deploy from a part on the windshield side, and a portion of the airbag, which has already been inflated with its folded portion being unfolded, comes to contact with the windshield, thereby reducing the pressure applied onto the windshield. The airbag can provide suitable deployment to securely restrain an occupant, and is improved in smooth deployment. The air bag prevents undesirable pressure on the windshield without increasing the cost.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Tadahiro Igawa
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Patent number: 6196586Abstract: A system is provided for leveling and stabilizing a forklift vehicle having a frame and at least one and preferably two axles pivotally connected with the frame. The system includes a frame leveler device including a hydraulic cylinder extending between the frame and the front axle and configured to move the frame with respect to the axle. A stabilizer device is mounted to the frame and includes a pair of arms and two stabilizer hydraulic cylinders. Each stabilizer cylinder has a piston with a rod connected with a separate one of the arms and a base chamber on one side of the piston. Further, a fluid exchange line extends between the base chambers of the two stabilizer cylinders and an exchange valve controls flow through the exchange line.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventor: John E. Messenger
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Patent number: 6196587Abstract: The tow shield and underskirt device comprises a flexible deflecting member that is adapted to be attached to the towing vehicle and the vehicle in tow to protect both vehicles and the tow bar from road debris that is thrown by moving vehicles during travel. Tensioned elastic members on the forward and rearward edges of the deflecting member hold the respective edges adjacent to the rear of the towing vehicle and adjacent to the front of the towed vehicle. The longitudinal sides of the deflecting member are supported by additional elastic members which lengthen and shorten as the vehicles maneuver around corners.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Assembled Products CorporationInventor: William L. Sage
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Patent number: 6196588Abstract: An instrument panel structure provided in front of a driver's seat and a front passenger seat in a car has a steering support beam therein. An instrumental panel covers the steering support beam on the side of the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. Knee guards are disposed between the steering support beam and the instrument panel. An air-conditioning duct is fixed to the instrument panel above the knee guards, for preventing the knee guards from moving upwardly and for forming a duct space with the instrument panel. The air-conditioning duct and knee guards can support the legs of the passenger during an accident, thereby preventing the “submarine” phenomenon and improving passenger's safety. Additionally, the air-conditioning duct reinforces the instrument panel, thereby reducing the need for other reinforcing elements in the instrument panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Mamoru Sugawara
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Patent number: 6196589Abstract: A load limiting device is used with a vehicle seat belt during a crash to allow a limited and controlled forward motion of a vehicle occupant after the retractor has locked. The load limiting device decreases the forces exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant's torso. The load limiting device has a container which defines a flow path for a fluid, with a restriction in the flow path. An actuator is located within the container and is movable within the container under the action of a load transmitted to the seat belt webbing from the vehicle occupant under extreme acceleration conditions, to move the fluid through the restriction in the flow path to dissipate a predetermined portion of the load on the webbing.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Alan Smithson, David Blackadder, John Taylor, Andrew Downie, Joe Harte, Andrew Park, Elizabeth Rees
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Patent number: 6196590Abstract: A slide hatch for a bulk carrier vehicle for removing a hatch cover from an access port on the top of a carrier tank on the vehicle, the slide hatch including a slide carriage connected to the hatch cover and to an actuator which displaces the slide carriage and back cover with the slide carriage mounted on a track and connected to a cam mechanism for forcing the cover against the access port when the cover is displaced over the port for sealing the tank.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Sun Y. Kim
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Patent number: 6196591Abstract: An office binder, having a surface made of board, paper, coated paper, paperboard, or plastic film, on which a transparent film is attached over part of it surface via attachment surfaces in order to form a film pocket. A method for equipping the office binder, having a surface made of board, paper, coated paper, or plastic film, with a film pocket, in which a film having an adhesive side is laid onto the surface and is attached over part of the surface via adhesive attachment surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Wolfgang H. Lieth
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Patent number: 6196592Abstract: Advertising materials are provided for cooperative promotions. The materials consist of a set of coupons and a promotional piece or flare. Each coupon includes a back face with award structure information printed thereon and a front face with product advertising printed thereon. Each coupon entitles its purchaser to a substantial discount on a product, which discount exceeds the purchase price of the coupon. Multiple break-open windows are formed in the coupon and are movable between closed and open positions respectively concealing and revealing outcome-determining indicia. The indicia comprise symbol combinations and identify respective coupons as either losers or winners entitled to pre-determined awards. A cooperative promotional method utilizing the advertising materials is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Adams Enterprises, INCInventor: Robert E. Mitchell
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Patent number: 6196593Abstract: A specimen container label is particularly suited for use by robotic elements to improve the tedious process of aliquoting urine samples to increase productivity and decrease costs in laboratories. The label has a substrate with top and bottom surfaces and pressure sensitive adhesive provided on the bottom surface to effectively secure the label to a specimen container. The substrate also includes a central enlarged, preferably circular in plan, portion, with at least one wing, typically two opposite wings, extending outwardly from the central enlarged portion, and an opening in the substrate at the central portion which allows a robotic element to handle a specimen container cover over which the substrate central portion is applied. The opening may be covered with a glassine patch, which is easily pierced by the robotic element. The label may initially be provided with a release liner of the same dimensions and configuration, and the wings may be necked down where they engage the central portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Moore U.S.A., Inc.Inventors: Kathryn D. Petrick, Cliff J. Post, Michael C. Maier, Richard L. Moor
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Patent number: 6196594Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a data carrier on a card is provided. A tape has a length, lengthwise edges, a width, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a front face and a rear face. A replacement data carrier is permanently mounted to the front face at a predetermined position with respect to the lengthwise edges. An adhesive material is located on the front face which adhesive is adapted to bond with a surface of the card. A system and method for mounting a data carrier to a card are also provided. A means is provided for supplying a tape. The data carrier is permanently mounted to the front face at a predetermined position on the tape. A means is provided for positioning a card in a selected relationship to the tape such that the data carrier is aligned with the rear face of the card. A means is provided for fixing the tape permanently to the rear face of the card. A means is provided for delivering the card from the fixing means to a cardholder.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1996Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: John A. Keller
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Patent number: 6196595Abstract: A coupling arrangement for coupling a working implement to a working machine and being of the kind in which the two coupling parts are mutually connected both mechanically and hydraulically with no manual handling of the coupling arrangement. The machine-mounted coupling part has a drive means for moving associated hydraulic coupling connection means into coupling engagement with hydraulic coupling means on the implement-mounted coupling part, when coupling the machine and implement. The hydraulic coupling connection on the implement-mounted coupling part is movable in the direction of maneuvering movement of the hydraulic coupling, and is moved by the drive means via the hydraulic coupling connection on the machine-mounted coupling part until coming into abutment with an abutment means on the machine-mounted coupling part. The arrangement includes springs that function to exert a pressure that is opposed to this movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Soneruds Maskin ABInventor: Åke Sonerud
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Patent number: 6196596Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coaxial hose assembly comprises male and female half hose assemblies wherein the half hose assemblies respectively comprise a male and female connector, an outer tube member for conducting a first fluid therethrough, an inner tube member for conducting a second fluid therethrough, a joint retainer nut member for securing the male and female connectors together, and a sleeve member mechanically and fluidically connecting axially inner ends of the inner tube members together. Threaded disengagement of the joint retainer nut member releases the male and female connectors from each other, whereby the half hose assemblies may be readily pulled apart in opposite axial directions disengaging the axially inner end of one of the inner tube members from the sleeve member so as to achieve quick disconnection of the hose assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Kui-Chiu Kwok, Kenneth H. Dorman
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Patent number: 6196597Abstract: A plastic duct section is equipped with integral connections on its ends. Each duct has indicia along its running length to facilitate cutting of the duct to a desired length. In one embodiment, the indicia may take the form of equally spaced circumferential ribs spaced along the length of the duct. These ribs are engaged by sets of fingers extending toward each other from concentric walls spaced to receive the straight end of an adjacent duct section. The innermost end of the concentric walls is equipped with a layer of insulative material to enable sealing engagement between duct sections significantly reducing pressure loss. Attached straps permit duct sections to be easily suspended between adjacent joists. A floor-mounted elbow boot is equipped with a removable plastic cover to prevent dust, dirt and debris from accumulating in the installed heating duct during finish construction of the building.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: James A. Karnes