Patents Issued in April 24, 2001
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Patent number: 6220386Abstract: A boundary layer flow regulator, called a dam, is fastened, by way of example, to a bicycle rider's head band and is located against the temple area. The dam includes a fine permeable maze which viscously impedes but does not arrest the air flow through it. The maze is held in place by a supportive but flexibly resilient, wind permeable matrix attached to a base. On a calm day the relative headwind experienced by the rider is stabilized by the maze held in position by the stilled matrix so that a stationary flow envelope forms around the rider's ear canal to eliminate wind noise. However, on a windy day the preturbulent gusts in the headwind cause the matrix to instantly shift the position and permeability gradient of the maze so that the flow envelope is dynamically regulated around the ear canal to minimize the infranoise caused by the gusts.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: James B. Tichy
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Patent number: 6220387Abstract: An exhaust muffler (20) for an internal combustion engine (25) includes a tapered tube (28) and an outer tube (40) axially aligned with and surrounding the tapered tube (28) so that an annular passage (42) is formed between the tapered tube (28) and the outer tube (40). The tapered tube (28) has an exhaust inlet end (30) for receiving exhaust gases (76) from the engine (25) and an exhaust outlet end (34). The outer tube (40) has an air inlet end (50) for receiving air (49) external to the engine and an air outlet end (52). The external air (49) flows in the annular passage (42) toward the air outlet end (52). The flow of the external air (49) creates a low pressure region (54) downstream of the exhaust outlet end (34) to accelerate the receipt of exhaust gases (76) from the engine, and elliptical holes (62) in the tapered tube (28) allow the smooth flow of exhaust gases (76) from tapered tube (28) to mix with the external air (49) to achieve effective noise attenuation.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventors: Mathew S. Hoppes, Aaron C. Oster, Timothy L. Smith
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Patent number: 6220388Abstract: An acoustical insulation panel to absorb and attenuate sound energy comprising an inner core including a plurality of cells formed therein and an outer membrane disposed on each side of the inner core to cooperatively form a plurality of sound attenuating chambers, each outer membrane includes an inner substrate of nonwoven meltblown microfiber acoustical absorbing fabric extending into each of the plurality of cells to cooperatively form the corresponding sound attenuating chamber therebetween and an outer facing to protect the corresponding inner substrate of nonwoven meltblown microfiber acoustical absorbing fabric.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Strandtek International, Inc.Inventor: David M Sanborn
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Patent number: 6220389Abstract: The pull-out sections of folding ladders must be locked on the guiding elements pertaining thereto for ladder use and should also be easily unlocked. A locking bolt used to fix the elements can be axially and manually moved inside a guide element against an adjustment spring to engage a hollow profile section of a rung on the pull-out sections. A lockable guide element with a bayonet fitting is included on the ladder element to enable easy locking and unlocking.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Krause-Werk GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Guenther Krause
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Patent number: 6220390Abstract: Scaffolding for supporting one or more rooftop workers engaged in installing roofing materials such as roof shingles on an inclined roof.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Charles E Pike
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Patent number: 6220391Abstract: A scaffolding structure is configured to provide dual walk-through areas with each walk-through area being at different elevations of a scaffolding section. Each section of the scaffolding structure includes two end frames with each end frame having a forward column, a center column, and a rearward column. The forward and center columns are connected by a walk board support and the center and rearward columns are connected by a work board support. The end frames are interconnected by a walk board joined at one end with the walk board support of one end frame and joined at the other end with the walk board support of the other end frame. A work board also interconnects the end frames in similar fashion with one end of the work board joined with the work board support of one end frame and the other end of the work board joined with the work board support of the other end frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: WCM Development CompanyInventor: Bethel Y. White
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Patent number: 6220392Abstract: The invention relates to a scaffolding, especially facade scaffolding, comprising vertical poles (11) located one behind the other, preferably in pairs, and interconnected at given vertical intervals by means of cross struts (12). Said vertical poles (11) consist preferably of individual elements (11′) and form carrier frames (43) with said cross struts (12). Base plates (13) are also positioned between the cross struts (12) of neighboring carrier frames (43). Diagonal poles (27) are arranged between at least some of the neighboring vertical poles (11). According to the invention scaffolding of this type is configured in such a way that at least one end of the diagonal poles (27) engages in an aperture (16) provided in the designated vertical pole (11) by means of a hook (15, 15′). Said opening lies at least essentially in the plane defined by the axes (17) of the neighboring vertical poles (11).Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Peri GmbHInventor: Artur Schwoerer
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Patent number: 6220393Abstract: An oil supply apparatus for a linear compressor reduces the number of valves which control oil suction and discharge, thereby enabling fabrication and assembly of an apparatus and supplying an oil of an adequate amount to friction areas of driving elements, and increases a compression force of a mass, thereby increasing circulation volume of an oil. The oil supply apparatus for the linear compressor, includes: a compressor unit in which an oil discharge outlet is formed; an oil supply pipe disposed at an outer side of the compressor unit, an end of which communicates with an end of the oil discharge outlet; an oil valve an end of which is fixedly engaged with a side portion of the compressor unit and the other end of which is selectively in contact with the other end of the oil discharge outlet; and a discharge cover positioned at an outer side of the oil valve and engaged with the compressor unit, so that an oil path is formed between the discharge cover and the compressor unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Won Sik Oh, Kyung Bum Hur, Hyeong Kook Lee
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Patent number: 6220394Abstract: A weight operated mechanical drive consists of a cylindrical weight that is suspended by a helically threaded drive screw which passes through and engages with complementary threads within a bore defined along a rotational axis thereof. The weight turns the drive screw as it falls due to the force of gravity. The weight is prevented from rotating about the axis of the screw while it is failing by a wheel which is attached thereto and which rolls against a retaining bar that runs alongside the weight along the weight's path of travel. The retaining bar is also used to wind the weight. To do so, the retaining bar is rotated around the rotational axis of the drive screw. This action forces the weight along a path defined by the helical threads of the drive screw. The retaining bar is formed as a helix around a column through which the weight drops.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: The Long Now FoundationInventor: W. Daniel Hillis
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Elevator drive machine having rotating part positioned between two rotors along the axis of rotation
Patent number: 6220395Abstract: An elevator drive machine includes a drive machine frame structure, a rotating part rotatably supported by bearings on the frame structure and having a traction sheave, and an electromechanical apparatus for driving the rotating part. The bearings of the rotating part include a bearing that substantially only transmits radial forces between the rotating part and the frame and a bearing that transmits axial forces between the rotating part and the frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Kone CorporationInventors: Harri Hakala, Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Tauno Pajala -
Patent number: 6220396Abstract: The present invention provides a door restrictor apparatus for locking and preventing a sliding door on an elevator car from unauthorized opening. The door restrictor apparatus includes a locking lug mounted on the elevator car, an actuating mechanism having an actuating surface that moves toward and away from a surface on the car door, and a pivotable hook, having an axis of rotation perpendicular to the direction of the door movement is mounted on the door. The hook has a beak end that alternatively passes by or engages the locking lug. The movement of the actuating surface is coupled to the rotation of the pivotable hook by a crank and push rod assembly so that the motion of the actuating surface toward or away from the surface of the car door causes the hook to rotate and vice-versa. A means for biasing the restrictor apparatus is provided to urge the actuating surface to move away from the surface of the door and to urge the pivotable hook to rotate in a first direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Thyssen Dover ElevatorInventor: Ernest A. Heath, III
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Patent number: 6220397Abstract: An anti ice skidding apparatus for providing resistance to lateral forces acting on a vehicle. The anti ice skidding apparatus includes a disc chassis, a device for engaging a roadway pivotally connected to the disc chassis and a device for securing the disc chassis to an underside of the vehicle. A device is connected to the securing device for pivoting the securing device between a first position maintaining the disc chassis and engaging device at a distance above the roadway and a second position placing the engaging device in engagement with the roadway. The engaging device is able to engage the roadway and provide additional resistance to lateral forces acting on the vehicle when in the second position. The engaging device may be one of a plurality of rollers or a blade which will engage with icy surfaces on the roadway and cut a groove in the icy surface to provide additional resistance to the lateral forces acting on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Lim Hwee Beng
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Patent number: 6220398Abstract: The brake cable positioning assembly in accordance with the present invention contains a mounting element for connecting the handlebar clamp with the fork shaft. The mounting element has a lug inserted into the slit extending between the inner periphery of the bore for clamping the fork shaft and the edge of the handlebar clamp. The mounting element further has a hollow sleeve to receive the brake cable fitting. With the assembly disclosed, the brake cable can travel to the inner swivel connector through the slit without penetrating the shank of the handlebar.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Chin-Chang Wu
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Patent number: 6220399Abstract: A piston (1) slidably mounted in a case (14), with an actuator cable (22) routed around a first cable guide (15) on the brake case, thence beside the piston to a second cable guide (6) on the end of the piston, which redirects it 180 degrees to return beside the piston to a cable end holder (12) on the case. The actuator cable runs parallel to the piston on both sides, transferring twice its tension to the piston. A cam (60) is provided for full control of the brake gain relative to the tension of the main cable from the hand lever. This adapts the brake to a given hand lever, and provides both fast braking response and high power via a variable gain curve on each stroke. Floating pads are provided for automatic toe. All brake position adjustments relative to the rim are easy and are independent of each other. Quick means are provided for changing the tire and pads, and these operations do not reset the brake position adjustments.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventors: Cal M. Phillips, John V. Stewart
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Patent number: 6220400Abstract: A low-profile railway car retarder system comprising a fulcrum pin, an upper and a lower lever, and two braking assemblies, is disclosed. The levers are located beneath a horizontal plan drawn from the top of the rail, thereby preventing inadvertent contact with a passing car. The braking actuator comprises an air-tight bladder which is filled with fluid or drained of fluid to cause the frictional braking members to move between closed and opened braking positions, and provides greater control than prior art systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Trackside Services, Inc.Inventor: Greg F. Kickbush
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Patent number: 6220401Abstract: A brake and actuator assembly includes a brake housing (4), an actuator device (6) mounted on the housing, the actuator having a force transmission element (7) extending through an opening (8) in the housing and cooperating with an actuating member (10) of the brake within the housing. A seal (12) is arranged to seal around both the opening (8) and element (7) whilst permitting the latter to move in a direction longitudinally of the element for brake actuation. The sealing element has a portion (14A) arranged for sealing engagement with the member (10) at least when that member is in its inoperative rest position.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Lucas Industries plcInventors: Paul Roberts, Roy L Morris, Peter G Sturgess
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Patent number: 6220402Abstract: A hydraulic servo includes a cylinder, a piston and a rod. The piston divides the interior space of the cylinder between a closed hydraulic chamber and a back chamber which has an opening to the interior space of an automatic transmission. The rod is slidably mounted in the piston for relative movement through a predetermined distance. A frictional engagement element is engaged by the rod which is extended from one end of the cylinder by applying a hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic chamber. A passage is provided between the piston and the rod which is opened or closed by the relative movement between the piston and rod so that the hydraulic chamber and the back chamber are connected or disconnected. A valving arrangement (“closer”) closes the passage at the end of the return stroke of the piston toward the hydraulic chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Tsutsui, Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Masaaki Nishida, Yoshihisa Yamamoto, Akitomo Suzuki, Akihito Iwata, Akira Isogai
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Patent number: 6220403Abstract: A guide tube formed of a non-magnetically permeable material is coaxially disposed in a brake drum coupled to a rotational shaft and a magnet support tube formed of a non-magnetically permeable material is axially movably supported within the guide tube. A plurality of magnets are supported at equal annular intervals on the outer wall of the magnet support tube and proximal surfaces of ferromagnetic members are coupled to magnetic pole surfaces at opposite ends of the magnet. Actuators reciprocate the magnet support tube between a braking position in which extreme end surfaces of the ferromagnetic members are opposed to an inner surface of the brake drum and a non-braking position in which the ferromagnetic members are withdrawn from the brake drum.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Shin Kobayashi, Yukitoshi Narumi
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Patent number: 6220404Abstract: A disc brake pad obtained by using a composition comprising a fibrous base material except for asbestos, a binder and a friction adjusting agent, wherein a silicone modified resin is contained as a part or whole of the binder and zeolite is contained as a part of the friction adjusting agent can prevent a transfer film from contacting with water or remove the water once adsorbed in the transfer film and can lower the sound pressure of creep groan.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Hara, Takeshi Oyama, Mitsuhiro Inoue, Takahiro Mibe, Hiroyuki Nakanishi
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Patent number: 6220405Abstract: A drum-in-hat disc brake assembly is disclosed having a drum brake shoe with a friction material comprising a phenolic polymer resin having incorporated into the polymer chain one or more inorganic atom-containing groups selected from the group consisting of a boron-containing group, a phosphorous-containing group, a nitrogen-containing group, a silicon-containing group, and a sulfur-containing group.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.Inventors: Sunil Kesavan, Andris A. Staklis, Joseph B. Russik, Peter H. S. Tsang
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Patent number: 6220406Abstract: A passive damping for a shock absorber is disclosed. The shock absorber includes a working chamber, and a piston disposed in the working chamber. The piston includes a primary bypass valve for defining an upper fluid portion and a lower fluid portion. A piston rod is connected to the piston and extends through the top portion of the working chamber. A variable bypass assembly is disposed between a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The variable bypass assembly includes at least one bypass aperture for providing communication of damping fluid between the first and second fluid chambers. The variable bypass assembly also includes a passive control member for varying the size of the bypass aperture, and biasing structure for normally retaining the passive control member in a position which maximizes the size of the bypass aperture.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Inc.Inventors: Simon Anne de Molina, Stefan Deferme
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Patent number: 6220407Abstract: A method of producing a vane damper comprising a body including a space for at least one rotatable vane that divides the space into two part spaces that are located on either side of the vane. The spaces are variable because of the rotatability of the vane. The vane is mounted in the body by a bearing member and operates in a working medium that is located in the space. The working medium is transferable between the variable spaces via a passage or at least one throttle function to produce damping. The method includes producing the vane with associated bearing member by extruding aluminum or aluminum-containing alloy. The extruded product is cut for production of the respective vane with associated bearing member. The vane is provided with sealing members for establishing a seal against surfaces of the space and of the bearing member.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Ohlins Racing ABInventors: Leif Gustafsson, Lars Jansson
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Patent number: 6220408Abstract: The invention relates to a spring-and-damper unit with an external storage device for installation between a vehicle body and a wheel guidance part. To create the greatest possible supporting length for the piston rod in a given installation space, the storage device is preferably connected to a spring plate, on which rests a carrying spring embodied as a coil spring, while the spring plate is arranged in a pressure-tight fashion on the cylinder or a container surrounding the cylinder. The interior of the cylinder or the container is hydraulically connected to the storage device via a connecting channel in the spring plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventors: Robert Pradel, Günther Handke
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Patent number: 6220409Abstract: A shock absorber has a pressure tube with a piston assembly slidably disposed within the pressure tube and attached to a piston rod. The piston assembly divides the pressure tube into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. The piston assembly includes a compression and a rebound valve assembly. The piston assembly also includes a housing attached to the piston rod within which is slidably disposed a piston to define a closed chamber. The closed chamber is in communication with one of the working chambers through a passageway extending through the piston rod. The housing and piston provide two stage damping in rebound and compression with a smooth transition between soft and firm damping.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Inc.Inventor: Stefan Deferme
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Patent number: 6220410Abstract: An extrusion damper for interposing between two members to absorb energy of motion which may be induced between the two comprises an outer jacket (1) surrounding a body of plastically deformable energy absorbing material (3) such as lead and a shaft (2) which moves through the outer jacket to deform the lead during induced motion. The body of lead may be fixed relative to the outer jacket and the shaft has a portion of reduced diameter (2a) which moves through the lead. Alternatively the body of lead may be fixed to the shaft and the outer jacket has a portion of enlarged diameter (21a) through which the energy absorber passes. The body of energy absorbing material may optionally be subjected to approximately hydrostatic pressure preferably exceeding the shear yield stress of the energy absorbing material.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Damping Systems LimitedInventor: William Henry Robinson
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Patent number: 6220411Abstract: An item of expandable luggage includes a substantially rigid main peripheral frame and a substantially rigid secondary peripheral frame. A peripherally continuous gusset of flexible material is connected between the two peripheral frames. Opposite wall panels of the main peripheral frame are joined to corresponding opposite wall panels of the secondary peripheral frame by bridge assemblies, one such assembly being associated with each of the opposite wall panels of the respective frames. Each bridge assembly includes a pair of parallel spaced-apart slide rails affixed to the wall panel of the main peripheral frame, a substantially rigid bridge plate affixed to the wall panel of the secondary peripheral frame and slidably received by the slide rails, and a releasable latch that couples the bridge plate to the wall panel of the main peripheral frame in at least one position in which the secondary peripheral frame is held securely in a position spaced apart from the main peripheral frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Tumi, Inc.Inventors: Paul Scicluna, David Workman
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Patent number: 6220412Abstract: A rigid frame travel bag equipped with wheels and a retractable handle is formed with a rigid frame assembly which includes a front panel, a rear panel and a shell in the form of a C-shaped bottom panel. The rigid frame members are constructed of extruded plastic material such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). For increased strength and reduced weight, each panel is formed with longitudinally extending cells defined by longitudinally extending ribs. The front and rear panels are attached to the C-shaped bottom panel by integrally formed connecting flanges which extend in overlapping engagement with the inside surfaces of end panel portions extending from the bottom panel. The front and rear panels are also attached to and stabilized on one of the end panel portions by wheel assembly support plates.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Paragon Luggage, Inc.Inventor: Shin-Fu Eiken Lin
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Patent number: 6220413Abstract: A cable storage device has a reel rotatably mounted in a frame. The reel has a hub that rotates with the reel. A connector panel has a plurality of connectors for interconnecting with an end of the cable on the reel. The connector panel will fit on a reel docking station for rotation with the reel. The connector panel also fits on a frame docking station while the reel is not to be rotated. A locking member is engaged by the connector panel when the connector panel is mounted to the reel docking station to allow rotation of the reel. The locking member is biased to a locking position when the connector panel is removed from the reel docking station. A cable presence sensor locks the reel against rotation if substantially all of the cable is pulled from the reel.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Siecor Operations, LLCInventors: Mark D. Walters, Todd E. Mitchell, Kevin L. Morgan
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Patent number: 6220414Abstract: A pulley with a built-in one-way clutch, the type of which has sprags tilting in a direction to wedge between inner and outer rings while being guided on respective riding lands of a cage by pressing of respective leaf springs, is mounted on an alternator shaft of an alternator to which torque of a crank shaft of a vehicle engine rotating together with slight variations in angular velocity is transmitted through a power transmission belt. In the mounting, a tilting force acting on a contact point at which each sprag contacts the corresponding riding land to tilt the sprag in the wedging direction is set larger than a frictional force between the sprag and the riding land acting on the contact point. According to this setting, the sprag can be tilted in the wedging direction regardless of the frictional force between the sprag and the riding land, thereby eliminating a locking failure within the high engine speed range.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignees: Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd., NTN CorporationInventors: Shuichi Nagaya, Hirofumi Miyata, Shinichiro Nishikawa, Masakazu Domoto, Masahiko Satoda
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Patent number: 6220415Abstract: A hold down fastener clutching mechanism comprising an inner torque ring having a pair of split outer ring members with angled ends. A sloped surface at one of the angled ends is at a predetermined angle to the fastener axis. The other end of the inner ring member is integrally joined to an adjacent inner ring member which has a pair of rib members. The selected slope (angle) of the angled surface, for the specific material used, determines the amount of prevailing torque provided by the device itself. A pair of angled rib members protrude from the sleeve inner diameter, the angle of the rib members corresponding to the angled surface formed on the inner torque ring. The inner torque ring and the sleeve are operatively connected such that when the connecting shaft is rotated, the rib members on the inner surface of the sleeve compresses the inner torque ring to the desired preload. In one embodiment, the inner ring is a single, integral member.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: The Fairchild CorporationInventor: Frank J. Cosenza
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Patent number: 6220416Abstract: A temperature-sensing, variable-speed fan drive with a fluid coupling filled with working fluid, for cooling two stacked heat exchangers, namely an engine cooling-system radiator and an air-conditioner condenser located in front of the radiator, comprises a partition plate dividing the internal space of a fan housing into a reservoir chamber and a working chamber, and two different communication ports, each formed in the partition plate to communicate the reservoir chamber with the working chamber. In addition to a first valve mechanism which adjusts the opening of one of the two communication ports in response to atmospheric temperature in the circumference of the housing, a second valve mechanism is provided to adjust the opening of the other of the two communication ports in response to a refrigerant pressure in the air-conditioner condenser.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventors: Hirofumi Katoh, Tatsuyuki Matsuya
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Patent number: 6220417Abstract: A clutch cup for a centrifugal clutch of a hand-held working tool, driven by an internal combustion engine, has a clutch drum and a hub coaxially fastened to the clutch drum. A bearing bushing is arranged in the hub and fastened to the hub by a frictional and positive-locking connection. A receiving member is coaxially fastened to the hub and receives the drive shaft for driving the tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.Inventor: Peter Linsbauer
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Patent number: 6220418Abstract: A braking device for braking the motion of cargo in a roller system for use in loading and unloading cargo has its main frame mounted on the loading floor. An arm assembly having a pair of opposing arms is pivotally supported on a shaft supported on the main frame near the center thereof, this shaft extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the frame. A substantially flat brake pad made of a friction material is pivotally supported on the arms on one side of the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A roller wheel is pivotally supported between the arms on the side of the longitudinal axis of the shaft opposite to that on which the brake pad is supported.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Ancra International, LLC.Inventor: Edward Moradians
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Patent number: 6220419Abstract: A currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack. The device includes an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be evaluated and a single output receptacle for receiving the bills after they have been evaluated. A transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle to the output receptacle along a transport path. The device further includes a discriminating unit that evaluates the bills. The discriminating unit comprises two detectors positioned along the transport path between the input receptacle and the output receptacle. The detectors are disposed on opposite sides of the transport path so that they are disposed adjacent to opposite sides of the bills. The discriminating unit counts and determines the denomination of the bills. The evaluation device also flags a bill when the denomination of the bill is not determined by the discriminating unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1997Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Cummins-AllisonInventor: Douglas U. Mennie
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Patent number: 6220420Abstract: A semiconductor composition material conveyer module, which includes at least one horizontal conveyer unit and at least one vertical conveyer unit arranged with the at least one horizontal conveyer unit to form an automatic production line for conveying semiconductor composition material for processing. A displacement sensor is triggered when semiconductor composition material is delivered from the horizontal conveyer unit at one production line to the matched vertical conveyer unit, thereby causing the matched vertical conveyer unit to carry semiconductor composition material to a horizontal conveyer unit at a second production line for further processing.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignees: Industrial Technology Research Institute, Gallant Precision Machining Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chalson Jan, Story Huang, Shin-Hsiung Lee
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Patent number: 6220421Abstract: A transfer device for a linear conveyor (1) comprising means for displacing objects (2) along a direction different of the conveying direction (XX′) of the conveyor, whereby a pendulum lever (5) is capable of exerting selectively onto the objects a thrust load (E), whereas the pendulum lever is controlled by a rod (11) brought into rotation by a driving assembly (8), whereby the cinematic link between the rod and the lever is a sliding link, in order to enable pivotless evacuation of the objects (2) outside the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Gallet Systemes AutomatisesInventors: Jean Hugon, Jean-Pierre Semain
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Patent number: 6220422Abstract: For use with an elongate conveyor belt designed to transport articles from one location to another, a novel pusher device mounted adjacent one long side of the belt. The pusher device utilizes an elongate, rotatably mounted arm having first and second ends, with the first end being pivotally affixed at a location relatively close to the belt, and arranged to rotate about the fixed pivot for less than 90°. The arm normally resides in an inactive position extending along the long side of the belt, with the second end of the arm being arranged to move outwardly, on occasion, from the inactive position and across at least a portion of the belt when an article is to be deflected off of the belt.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: G & T Conveyor Company, Inc.Inventor: Phillip L. Lee
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Patent number: 6220423Abstract: The disclosure describes a system to provide a steady supply of lumber pieces to a board separating device and insure the correct positioning of each lumber piece, at the proper time, thus allowing the separating device to function at a substantially higher rate than hitherto possible with previously known infeeding arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Denis Compact Chicoutimi, Inc.Inventors: André Gagnon, Maurice Brisson
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Patent number: 6220424Abstract: A transporting apparatus includes a conveyor for advancing items and a transfer apparatus for lifting the items off the conveyor and for depositing the items at a location externally of the conveyor. The transfer apparatus has hoisting devices spaced from one another in the conveying direction. Each hoisting device has first and second lifters spaced from one another in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and being situated bilaterally of the conveyor. A first drive moves the first and second lifters into raised and lowered positions; and a second drive moves the first and second lifters toward and away from one another to cause them to assume a normal position and a spread-out position. First and second tray parts of a tray forming part of each hoisting device are mounted on the first and second lifter, respectively. In the raised and lowered positions the trays are clear of a travel path of the items on the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: SIG Pack Systems AGInventor: René Fluck
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Patent number: 6220425Abstract: A boot-driven bucket elevator apparatus for bulk material handling is provided with a boot pulley drive and take-up which effects rotation of the apparatus co-operating bucket endless belt, which is platform lever-mounted, and which automatically effects proper tensioning and centering of the apparatus endless belt by the gravitational weight of the drive and take-up.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: The Essmueller Company, Inc.Inventor: Dorcel Warren Knapp
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Patent number: 6220426Abstract: An item-sorting unit includes a mobile frame movable in a direction of motion, and a driven endless belt mounted on the frame for rotation in a cross direction extending transversely relative to the direction of frame motion. An outer surface of the belt includes one or more upstanding curbs extending parallel to the cross direction. The curb(s) is formed of a flexible high-friction material and functions to resist movement of carried items relative to the belt.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: CML Handing Technology S.p.A.Inventor: Erminio Giana
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Patent number: 6220427Abstract: A displaceable conveyor is used to convey selected printed products to different destination points. A reversing device is positioned intermediate the different destination points and a rigid guide track. A partial guide path connects the reversing device with the rigid guide track.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Koenig & Bauer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Holger Ratz, Rudolf Stäb
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Patent number: 6220428Abstract: An automatic cigarette case which can be operated by one hand to pull out and light a cigarette from the case, includes a cigarette case, a turning device, a revolving device and a lighting device, characterized in that cigarettes are arranged inside the case, by rotating the turning device, a cigarette can be drawn out from the cigarette case. When the cigarette is being withdrawn, it revolves when it is in contact with the revolving device, placing the cigarette on top of the lighting device. The cigarette can then be lighted by the lighting device.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1994Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Yung-Huei Lan
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Patent number: 6220429Abstract: A tape dispensing assembly, comprising a base, a drum extending outwardly from the base and terminating with an outer end, a first pin spaced from the drum and extending outwardly therefrom and terminating with an outer end, a second pin spaced from the drum and extending outwardly therefrom and terminating with an outer end, the second pin further being located proximate the first pin with a space formed therebetween the first pin and the second pin, and an extended strip of adhesive tape wound upon a core to form a roll and having an adhesive surface, the roll mountable upon the drum for rotation, wherein a user may grasp a free end of the extended strip, pull the extended strip from the roll, pass the extended strip proximate the first and second pins in lateral traverse with the adhesive surface of the extended strip facing the first and second pins, and sever the extended strip proximate the space intermediate the first pin and the second pin to form a strip segment and a severed free end of the extendedType: GrantFiled: June 4, 1997Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Viola M. Pasch
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Patent number: 6220430Abstract: A rigid wrapper for tobacco products comprises a cupped container and a similarly cupped lid hinged together along respective rear edges, also a reinforcing frame located partly inside the container and fixed to a front face and to two flank faces of the container. The wrapper is fashioned from a substantially rectangular diecut blank with a predominating longitudinal axis, which incorporates a main portion providing the container and the lid and a longitudinal appendage providing the frame; the appendage is essentially U-shaped, hinged by two arms to two lateral panels of the blank providing respective flanks of the wrapper, and circumscribes a free longitudinally-extended extremity of the main portion shaped and creased to include a panel providing a bottom of the wrapper, also two side flaps and a longitudinal end flap functioning as bottom end folds.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: G.D S.p.A.Inventors: Silvano Boriani, Alessandro Minarelli
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Patent number: 6220431Abstract: A casing for a compact disk. The casing includes a housing and a cover made of fiber material, such as cellulose fibers. The housing includes a base that is at least as large as the diameter of the compact disk and a stand that is smaller than the diameter of the compact disk. The stand has a support surface for the disk and stops to engage the circumference of the disk. The cover includes a top wall, a front end wall and two side walls. A hinge engages the base to the cover. A tongue projects from the free end of the front end wall of the cover. A catch projects from the stand. Upon closing of the casing, the tongue engages the catch.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Walter Käser
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Patent number: 6220432Abstract: A golf bag logo panel including a fixed member fixedly fastened to the golf bag, the fixed member having a plurality of axially aligned tooth profile barrels and a movable member fixedly fastened to a logo panel, the movable member having a plurality of toothed profile barrels engaging with the barrels of the fixed member. A pivot pin is detachably inserted through the barrels of the movable member and the barrels of the fixed member to secure the movable member and the logo to the fixed member and the golf bag, enabling the logo panel to be turned about the pivot pin relative to the golf bag.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Fu-Hsing Tan
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Patent number: 6220433Abstract: The invention includes a golf bag. The golf bag includes a body, a first support member, and a first elastic link member. The body defines an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a resilient pressing member. The resilient pressing member includes a fixed end and a free end, where the fixed end is fixed to the lower portion of the body within the perimeter of the lower portion. The first support member includes a first end coupled to the upper portion so as to pivot. The first elastic link member includes a first end that is coupled to the first support member at a location that is between the first end as a second end of the first support member. Moreover, the second end of the first elastic link member is coupled to the free end of the resilient pressing member.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Pan-gyu Kang
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Patent number: 6220434Abstract: A fastener assembly which includes a plurality of fasteners each having a retaining projection which has a longitudinal axis, a fitting portion formed with an engaging hole which also has an axis in which the retaining projection can engage, and a filament portion arranged between the retaining projection and the fitting portion. A first joint member is connected with the retaining projections of the fasteners through first cutting portions each having a reduce sectional area. A second joint member is connected with the fitting portions through second cutting portions. In this manner, the fasteners are fixed to and securely supported by the first and second joint members to be arrayed in a plane. The axes of the retaining projections and the axes of the fitting holes of the fitting portions are formed perpendicular to the plane of the fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Toska Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mikio Kubota, Tadashi Suzuki
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Patent number: 6220435Abstract: A system for dispensing presaturated wiper sheets for use in various industrial and manufacturing situations includes a reusable dispenser canister and at least one refill package of wiper sheets. The dispensing canister may include a receptacle base, and a lid threaded onto the base. A gasket, such as an annular disc of compressible foam material, may be interposed between the base and lid. The lid includes an integral cap unit which defines a storage well and a cap element. An aperture, through which a portion of the leading sheet extends, is defined in a bottom portion of the storage well. The well is preferably deep enough so that the wiper portion can be relatively long, without interfering with closing of the cap element. The cap unit is designed to provide a relatively tight seal when the cap element is closed. A lip protrudes up at an acute angle from a main cap portion of the cap element to facilitate opening of the cap element, even by a gloved worker.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Contec, Inc.Inventors: David P. Nobile, Melvin D. Barutha