Patents Issued in April 24, 2001
  • Patent number: 6220486
    Abstract: The powder paint feeder for powder coating directly is installed to a powder paint tank of a fluidized bed type. In the powder paint feeder, a cylindrical screw casing is inserted into the powder paint tank and fixed thereto and has an introducing port into which the powder paint fluidized in the powder paint tank is introduced and a discharging port through which the powder paint dispersed externally of the powder paint tank is discharged. A screw is accommodated in the screw casing and feeds the powder paint introduced from the introducing port to the discharging port while compacting it. A deaerating device is disposed to the screw casing and deaerates the fluidized powder paint to accelerate the compaction of the powder paint. A dispersing blade is mounted on the rotational shaft of the screw in the vicinity of the discharging port downstream of the screw for dispersing the compacted powder paint. A driving device rotates the rotational shaft of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Nisshin Flour Milling Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youjirou Teramachi, Hiroshi Murata, Tadashi Fuyuki, Eiji Shinoda, Yukio Iwata
  • Patent number: 6220487
    Abstract: A dispensing pump includes first and second sleeve assemblies. Each sleeve assembly includes a rotary valve having an input and output position and a longitudinally displaceable piston that moves between a first position abutting the valve and a second position displaced from the valve. The sleeve connects to a manifold with input and output passages that align with input and output apertures in the sleeve. Withdrawing the piston with the input port of the valve aligned with the input aperture draws material into the sleeve. Moving the piston toward the valve in the output position with the output port aligned with the output passage displaces material from the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Micro Robotics Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nilendu Srivastava, Cyriac Devasia, Carl Ito
  • Patent number: 6220488
    Abstract: A crush resistant device for enclosing the shoulder portions of a hanger-supported garment to prevent wrinkling of the garment when packed in compressive relation with adjacent garments in a shipping container, thereby avoiding wrinkling of the enclosed portion of the garment during storage and shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph Seickel, Charles A. Krieger
  • Patent number: 6220489
    Abstract: A folding clothes hanger has a body having two arms respectively provided at two sides thereof, and which are able to be extended transversely. An adjusting bar is formed at a central portion of the body and has a plurality of recesses longitudinally defined in a first face of the bar. A base for the adjusting bar movably provided in a central portion thereof, has two chambers defined in a bottom face thereof and respectively at two sides thereof, and a clip pivotally mounted at the central portion thereof. The clip has a stop formed at an upper portion thereof to engage with one of the recesses and a spring is provided between the base and a lower portion of the clip. Two hooks each have a rear end engaged in the respective chamber of the base, and a front end for attaching on a backrest of a seat or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Jin Tay Industries, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Sato
  • Patent number: 6220490
    Abstract: A portable holder for holding drinking liquid in the shape of a vest, having front and back sections with tubing that can be filled with drinking liquid; a twist lock coupler drains from the back to the front. Each section has molded sinuous tubing that can be filled by a filling tube and vented from the same filling tube at the top of the vest. Each section is also held together on the side by a hook and loop fastener. The vest also allows the wearer to drink through a drinking tube while wearing the vest. There is also a drainage tube provided by the vest with a screw cap that is concealed by a tongue and groove fastener. Each section is also held together on the other side of the vest by a hook and loop fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Robert J. O'Hara
  • Patent number: 6220491
    Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary device for a paint barrel which comprises a supporting bar bridged at two opposite sides of a paint barrel body by means of a pivoting attachment structure, a supporting portion to lean on the abdomen of a user provided at the middle part of the supporting bar and a strap attached to the barrel body. In use, the strap hangs on the user's neck and the supporting portion of the supporting bar leans on the abdomen of the user so that said barrel body suspends naturally in front of the user. In this way, the user can easily take the paint from the paint barrel, thereby achieving the purpose of convenience in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Shang-hua Wu
  • Patent number: 6220492
    Abstract: An anti-slip pad for a belt includes a number of members disposed together and parallel to each other and coupled together at live hinges, and/or having the end portions secured together at coupling bars. The pad includes two or more slots for threading the belt. The members disposed between every two adjacent members may each include a size smaller than that of the adjacent members for forming a space between the members and for receiving the belt. The members may include a hollow structure and may include a curved outer peripheral surface for engaging with a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel Huang
  • Patent number: 6220493
    Abstract: A multi-way bag comprises, in combination, a bag and a length-adjustable strap for carrying the bag. Preferably, the bag comprises front and back panels, a pair of side panels and top and bottom panels. The bag has four pairs of strap guides which allow the strap to pass therethrough, four connectors for connecting the strap to the bag so that the bag is supportable by a user with the strap. The connectors connect the strap to the bag such that the bag is supportable by means of the strap in one of a plurality of configurations selected by the user. The strap guides are mounted on the top and bottom panels with two pairs each on each panel at portions near both ends thereof. Each connector is rotatably and slidably mounted inside each pair of the strap guides so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of each of the top and bottom panels and to be slidable therealong. Four pairs of slits are formed in the back panel in such a manner that each two pairs of the slits are opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Norihiro Iijima, Teruyo Iijima
  • Patent number: 6220494
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting, in the molding of picture-frames, metal staples adapted to retain laminar backing elements for pictures, photographs and the like, comprising a beam which is arranged horizontally above the surface that supports the molding, two fixing tools which are guided on the beam transversely to two opposite sides of the molding, an actuation for adjusting the distance between the fixing tools along the beam as a function of the distance between the sides, and a further actuation for vertically actuating the fixing tools into the position for applying metallic staples in the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Giuseppe Raffoni
  • Patent number: 6220495
    Abstract: A bolt setting tool including a bolt guide (5), an axially displaceable drive piston (g) a sleeve-shaped pressure member (7) arranged between the head (92) of the drive piston (9) and the bolt guide (5) and having a cylindrical extension (8) extending in a setting direction (S) and projecting into the receiving chamber (6) of the bolt guide (5), with the cylindrical extension (8) having a smaller diameter than a remainder of the pressure member (7), an elastic pad (10) mounted on the cylindrical extension (8) of the pressure member (7) between two seal rings, with the first seal ring (13) being arranged between a ring-shaped stop surface (71) of the pressure member (7) and an end surface (11) of the pad (10) facing in a direction opposite to the setting direction and being radially resiliently preloaded against an inner wall of the receiving chamber (6) of the bolt guide (5), and with the second seal ring (14) being arranged between a ring-shaped stop surface (61) formed in the receiving chamber (6) and an en
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert Jakob
  • Patent number: 6220496
    Abstract: A nailing machine is provided with a second accumulator chamber 20 capable of accumulating compressed air having a pressure higher than air pressure usable by a machine body, an air intake 16 connectable to an air compressor via an air hose or the like, a valve 22 for control of the communication between the second accumulator chamber 20 and the air intake 16, and a pressure reducing valve 21 for reducing the compressed air pressure in the second accumulator chamber 20 and supplying the pressure-reduced compressed air into a first accumulator chamber 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoichi Hirai, Akira Uno
  • Patent number: 6220497
    Abstract: In method for soldering metal microstructured plates, stacks of plates and solder layers are prepared by placing the solder layers between each adjacent plate. The thickness of the solder layers range from 3 to 25 &mgr;m. The stack is then soldered by heating it in a vacuum or an inert atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Xcellsis GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Benz, Lothar Haug, Wolfgang Kleinekathoefer, Peter Waitkat
  • Patent number: 6220498
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in welding together sections of coiled tubing (6) in the oil industry, wherein the apparatus has a container (14), legs (12) which can be adjusted to adjust the height of the container (14), welding apparatus in the container and slots in the walls of the container. In use the container is raised to the height of the coiled tubing which is to be joined. A winch pulls the ends of the coiled tubing towards a clamp, which holds the two ends of the coiled tubing fixed inside the container, while the ends are welded together. The slots in the walls allow the joined tubing to pass out of the container after the weld is completed. The container provides a controlled environment for welding and weld inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Agais Offshore Limited
    Inventors: Alec Gordon, Ashley Thomson
  • Patent number: 6220499
    Abstract: A semiconductor device having C-4 solder connections is joined to a chip carrier having pads suitable for receiving the C-4 solder connections. Sacrificial solder is formed on the chip carrier pads and then planarized to result in a good, planar surface profile for joining to the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Brofman, Shaji Faroog, John U. Knickerbocker, Scott I. Langenthal, Sudipta K. Ray, Kathleen A. Stalter
  • Patent number: 6220500
    Abstract: A welding method for materials to be welded which are subjected to fluoride passivation treatment, and a fluoride passivation retreatment method, wherein, when fluoride passivation retreatment is conducted after welding, there is no generation of particles or dust. The method provides superior resistance to fluorine system gases. During fluoride passivation treatment, hydrogen is added to the gas (the back shield gas) flowing through the materials to be welded. In one embodiment of the welding method, the thickness of the fluoride passivated film in a predetermined range from the butt end surfaces of the materials to be welded is set to 10 nm or less, followed by subsequent welding. Furthermore, the fluoride passivation retreatment method, includes the steps of heating at least the welded parts following welding and flowing a gas containing fluorine gas in the interior portion of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Ultraclean Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Takahisa Nitta, Yasuyuki Shirai, Osamu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6220501
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of joining metallic members together. The metallic members are coated with an undercoat composed of an alloy of tin and zinc and contacted with each other through a mixture containing a solder comprising tin and zinc and a flux, while heating the metallic members to melt the solder. Then the molten solder is solidified to join the metallic members. Here, the ratio of zinc in the undercoat is represented by x (% by weight), the ratio of zinc in the solder is represented by y (% by weight), and the ratio, x, and the ratio, y, are values within an area enclosed by the line A or B in FIG. 1, which satisfies the formulas: 1≦x≦20, 3≦y≦13 and 3≦(x+y)/2≦13, or formulas: 0.1≦x≦25, 2≦y≦15 and 2≦(x+y)/2≦15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masahiro Tadauchi, Izuru Komatsu, Kouichi Teshima, Rikiya Katoh, Jun Sugimoto, Takayuki Suzuki, Mitsuyoshi Hirayama
  • Patent number: 6220502
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing an aluminum alloy roof for a railway car includes a welding station, a welding unit moveably coupled to the welding station, the welding unit for applying a weld, a roof retainer for selectively holding roof components thereto and for removably coupling to a portion of the welding station, and a rotator unit coupled to the roof retainer for selectively rotating the roof retainer to allow the welding unit to weld the roof components with an orientation substantially perpendicular with respect to gravity. A method of manufacturing a railcar roof includes placing roof carlines and roof sheets on a roof retainer, aligning and clamping the roof carlines and roof sheets to the roof retainer, rotating the roof retainer with respect to a welding to unit, and welding desired weld locations between the roof sheets and roof carlines during rotation of the roof retainer with a desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Jay S. Gallinger, Keith A. Young
  • Patent number: 6220503
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for desoldering electronic components from a substrate. A vacuum is used to enhance the flow of a hot gas under an electronic component to reflow the solder connections attaching the electronic component to a substrate. Water vapor is added to the hot gas to increase the heat capacity of the hot gas. A system for periodically changing the direction of flow of the hot gas and vacuum under the electronic component is used to uniformly heat the solder connections. A method and apparatus for depositing underfill material between an electronic component and the substrate on which the electronic component is mounted. A vacuum is applied to enhance the flow of underfill material into the space between the electronic component and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Wilton L. Cox, Joseph D. Poole, Kris A. Slesinger
  • Patent number: 6220504
    Abstract: An envelope, or envelope assembly, having a removable panel. The removable panel can be printed upon simultaneously while the envelope, or envelope assembly, is being printed upon. The removable panel can be removed from the envelope, or envelope assembly, and adhered to another surface. A protective panel and an adhesive coating partially or totally cover one side of the removable panel. Furthermore, the protective panel and the adhesive coating can partially or totally cover one side of the envelope assembly. The protective panel is preferably transparent or translucent, thereby enabling inspection of the contents of the envelope from outside the envelope once the removable panel is removed. Additionally, a tab can extend from a surface of the envelope for ease of identification and organization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Timothy J. Flynn, Patrick J. Flynn, Kenneth A. Kritz
  • Patent number: 6220505
    Abstract: A versatile envelope assembly that can be printed upon either before or after the resulting envelope is assembled. The resulting envelope can be used to store a wide variety of items, including compact discs and digital video discs, and can also provide a label for labeling the items contained in the envelope. The label is specially designed to extend the life of compact discs and digital video discs when applied to these items. Furthermore, the resulting envelope can be used as a mailing envelope, a filing pocket, a ring-binder pocket, or for any other suitable use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Timothy J. Flynn, Patrick J. Flynn, Kenneth A. Kritz
  • Patent number: 6220506
    Abstract: A new beverage drinking box for PURPOSE. The inventive device includes a beverage carton for holding a fluid beverage therein. A pair of handles are coupled to opposite sides of the beverage carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Lynette M. Knight
  • Patent number: 6220507
    Abstract: A packaging box comprising a closed crown (1) provided with at least two opposite transverse windows (4), a base (3) and a lid (2) for closing the crown (1). The lid (2) comprises a piece provided with a boss (5) for cooperating with the top opening of the crown (1) by fitting therein, and comprising at least two opposite side flaps (6) each provided with a boss (7) for cooperating with a window (4) of the crown (1) by fitting therein. The base (3) comprises a piece provided with a boss (8) for cooperating with the lower opening of the crown (1) by fitting therein and two opposite projections or tabs (9) each provided with locking elements (10) cooperating with complementary locking elements (11) of one of the flaps (6) of the lid (2). The invention is applicable to the packaging of food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Groupe Guillin
    Inventor: François Guillin
  • Patent number: 6220508
    Abstract: A corrugated paperboard bulk box has opposed pairs of parallel side walls, and in a preferred embodiment, has interposed diagonal corner panels to form an octagonal box. The bottom of the box is open in the center and is formed by opposed pairs of interlocking major and minor bottom flaps, wherein one pair of opposed flaps have locking notches in their free edges and the other pair of opposed flaps have locking notches in their outer end edges. The locking notches in the respective pairs of flaps are adapted to interengage when the flaps are folded inwardly toward one another and pressure is exerted on one pair of the flaps, to lock the flaps in their folded relationship. An aligning notch is on a free edge of a pair of opposed bottom flaps for cooperative interengagement with an aligning slot at an adjacent end of the folding connection of an adjacent bottom panel for squaring the box as it is being set up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: David G. Wisser
  • Patent number: 6220509
    Abstract: A parcel trace system for tracing parcels handled by a service provider for a plurality of clients. The system includes relay (30) adapted to communicate with the clients across the Internet and with a server database. The server database stores a plurality of parcel objects, each parcel object including a parcel identifier attribute and a parcel location attribute. The server database further includes a URL attribute for each client. A client database (80) includes a plurality of parcel objects, each object corresponding to a parcel being handled for the client and including a parcel identifier and a parcel location attribute. A client database controller (70) communicates with the relay, and across a second network, possibly the Internet with the client. The relay is responsive to a change in state of the parcel location attribute to relay the change in state of the parcel location attribute to the client database controller across the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines, Corporation
    Inventor: Derrick John Byford
  • Patent number: 6220510
    Abstract: A multi-application IC card which processes two or more applications using an Application Abstract Machine architecture. The AAM architecture only allows one application to be executed at a time and allows for shared processing by performing a delegation function to a second application. A data space for each application is allocated when the application is selected to be executed. The data space includes a volatile and non-volatile region. The delegation function temporarily interrupts the execution of the first application, saves the temporary data of the first application, shares any data needed with the second application and the second application is executed until the delegated task is competed. The first application then retrieves the saved data and completes its execution. A delegator stack is used to keep track of the delegator's identity when multiple delegations occur. The AAM model allows for a high level of security while transferring data between applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Mondex International Limited
    Inventors: David Barrington Everett, Stuart James Miller, Anthony David Peacham, Ian Stephen Simmons, Timothy Philip Richards, John Charles Viner
  • Patent number: 6220511
    Abstract: A method of secured card issuance from a card issuing machine, as well as a system for card issuance, that is designed to address many of the security concerns surrounding automated, self-service card issuance. The invention relies upon a combination of measures to enhance the security of the card issuance process. The security measures include tracking and auditing of the cards from a card loading site up to the time of card issuance to the customer, controlling physical access to the cards, and real time reporting and monitoring of card transactions and subsequent inventory changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: DataCard Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Victor Holec, William Francis Kraetz, Dirk R. Helgemo, F. Charles Baggeroer
  • Patent number: 6220512
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and/or managing a business meeting, the system including a processor, memory circuitry, timer circuitry, a display and an electronic sensor. The electronic sensor scans an identification device of each attendee arriving at or withdrawing from the meeting to acquire individual unit time cost and/or individual identification data. The processor adds or subtracts individual unit time cost data to a total unit time cost parameter stored in the memory circuitry each time that an identification device is scanned by the electronic sensor, and calculates a metered cost parameter based upon the total unit time cost parameter and elapsed time data from the timer circuitry. The processor also increases or decrease a total number of attendees parameter each time an identification device is scanned. The system displays a number of time and/or cost related parameters of the meeting, such as the metered cost, the total elapsed time, and the total number of attendees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: James R. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6220513
    Abstract: A system for synchronization of the angular position of a rotating optical assembly in a bar code scanner having a rotating optical assembly. The optical assembly is rotated by a motor which produces a fixed number of pulses per rotation, the pulses occurring at equal intervals such that each pulse indicates a degree of angular rotation of the motor. The pulses are continuously monitored and counted. Timing is simultaneously monitored. A synchronization label is placed in the scanner such that light directed through the rotating optical assembly will strike the synchronization label and be reflected back to the rotating optical assembly when the rotating optical assembly is at a particular angular position, thus establishing an initial angular position of the rotating optical assembly. Once the initial angular position is established, timing is continuously monitored and pulses are continuously monitored and counted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Denis M. Blanford, Paul O. Detwiler, Barry M. Mergenthaler, Hong Tang
  • Patent number: 6220514
    Abstract: An optical scanner for reading indicia having areas of different light reflectivity, such as bar code symbols includes a stationary, multi-surface, fold mirror having a first surface of a first aplanar profile and a second surface of a second, different aplanar profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Dvorkis, Edward Barkan, Howard Shepard, Vladimir Gurevich, Mark Krichever, Boris Metlitsky, David Tsi, Raj Bridgelall, Duanfeng He, Joseph Katz, Richard Isaac, Joel Kahn
  • Patent number: 6220515
    Abstract: An identification method is disclosed which comprises establishing a database or using an existing database of authorized credit card holders which is addressed by credit card identification number or other identifying nomenclature to determine the validity of a credit card account and the status thereof when the card is presented for a transaction at a transaction point. The database will contain in digital form an identification (ID) photo of the authorized credit card holder, a digital representation of the signature of the authorized card holder and other personal and physical data as well as the condition of the account i.e. transaction authorized or declined. The attendant at the transaction point will insert the credit card into a card reader together with identification of the transaction (price and/or other data) and transmit this information to the database. The ID photo and selected other data will be transmitted back to the point of transaction and viewed by the attendant on a video monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Ralph R. Bello
  • Patent number: 6220516
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Tuttle, John R. Tuttle, Rickie C. Lake
  • Patent number: 6220517
    Abstract: Temperatures in a Dr side air-conditioning zone and a Pa side air-conditioning zone are controlled highly independently of each other without temperature interference between each zone. A room internal air temperature sensor and a room external air temperature sensor are provided. Dr side and Pa side temperature setters separately set room setpoint temperatures (Tset(Dr), Tset(Pa)) in each zone. First and second target blow-out temperature calculating portions, which include neural network, input the room setpoint temperatures and the temperature data. Then it calculates Dr side and Pa side target blow-out temperatures (TAO(Dr), TAO(Pa)) relative to each air-conditioning zones by using a neural network. Air-mixing doors separately adjusts the temperatures of conditioned air blown out from Dr side air passage and Pa side air passage to be the first and second target blow-out temperatures. Here, the neural network has the learning function, which adjusts its output to be desired data (teacher signal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ichishi, Takayoshi Kawai, Yuji Ito, Katsuhiko Samukawa, Yuichi Kajino
  • Patent number: 6220518
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for individual adjustment of the temperature set points of a plurality of VAV devices (27, 29) in an HVAC system. The process includes the step of coupling each of a plurality of computers (34) located in a plurality of offices or spaces (22) for input of a temperature set point signal. The computers (34) are coupled to the VAV devices (27, 29) such that a selected computer will input or adjust the temperature set point of only VAV devices (27, 29) located in the same space (22) as the computer (34). Such coupling can be accomplished through direct electrical connections (33), transmitted signals (37, 38), or the use of computer networks (36, 42) which are connected to the VAV devices (27, 29) directly or through the building HVAC control network (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Acutherm L.P.
    Inventors: James R. Kline, Matthew L. Costick
  • Patent number: 6220519
    Abstract: A thermostatic steam trap for use in sanitary environments has a steam trap body defining a steam trap cavity and consisting of an inlet body portion defining an inlet port in communication with an inlet cavity portion and an outlet body portion defining an outlet port in communication with an outlet cavity portion. The inlet and outlet cavity portions are disposed in communication to define the steam trap cavity. A centering member is disposed generally between the inlet and outlet body portions. A thermostatic bellows/plug assembly mounted to the centering member moves within the steam trap cavity between a first position in engagement with a seat defined by the steam trap body, thereby to resist flow of fluid between the steam trap cavity and the outlet port, and a second position spaced from engagement with the seat, thereby to permit flow of fluid between the steam trap cavity and the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Watts Investment Company
    Inventors: George W. Page, Jr., Dan W. Cole
  • Patent number: 6220520
    Abstract: A modular manifold includes master modules and possibly also slave modules which each provide a respective terminal unit with a relatively constant rate of water flow at a modulated supply water temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Tekmar Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald R. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 6220521
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle housing which defines a passenger compartment. Attached to the vehicle housing is a hydraulic system, that includes a hydraulic fluid which flows through at least one passageway within the hydraulic system. Also attached to the vehicle housing is a passenger compartment heating system. The passenger compartment heating system includes a heat exchanger, wherein a portion of the heat exchanger is a segment of the at least one passageway of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6220522
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a combustion heater capable of simply preventing thermal damages to structures of intake system of the internal combustion engine, enhancing a starting characteristic of the engine in a low-temperature state, even when a compression ratio of the internal combustion engine is decreased, and speeding up of warming of an oil. The combustion heater is connected via a combustion gas introducing passageway to an intake pipe, whereby a combustion gas emitted from the combustion heater is introduced into the intake system via the combustion gas introducing passageway. In introducing the combustion gas, an exhaust gas cooler is arranged in the combustion gas introducing passageway for cooling off the combustion gas flowing therethrough. A bypass passageway is connected astride the exhaust gas cooler in bypass to the combustion gas introducing passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6220523
    Abstract: In radiant floor, wall and/or ceiling hydronic heating and/or cooling systems using metal radiation plates that are heated or cooled by attached tubing that is fed hot or cold water, where the system includes a plurality of aligned modular heating and/or cooling panels attached to the floor, wall and ceiling, each panel containing a metal radiation plate and each holds a length of the same tubing, the tubing being inserted into an accommodation in the panel and held therein in intimate thermal contact with the plate, and the assembly of panels with tubing inserted is covered with a finished floor, wall or ceiling and then hot water for heating or cold water for cooling is fed to the tubing, a thermal barrier is provided between the panels and the finished floor, wall or ceiling to: diminish or eliminate “hot spots” in the surface of the finished flooring, wall covering and ceiling covering during heating and “cold spots” during cooling; avoid condensation during cooling; and improve pe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Joachim Fiedrich
  • Patent number: 6220524
    Abstract: A heating device for a vehicle's spray nozzle, designed to eject a washing liquid onto an external surface via at least one protruding orifice, with the heating device placed in the surrounding of the spray nozzle. The device has a first variable rating resistor and a second fixed rating resistor which are connected in parallel to a voltage supply. Both resistors are mounted on a support, and arranged such that the second resistor stabilizes the heating temperature of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Inderflex
    Inventors: Denis Tores, Péter Sulyok
  • Patent number: 6220525
    Abstract: A fire ant eradication apparatus comprises a tubular handle having a first end adapted for attachment to a pressurized water source and a second end. The apparatus further includes a conduit having proximal and distal ends relative to a user with the proximal end coupled to the second end of the handle for fluid transmission therebetween. A dispensing assembly is attached to the handle with the conduit extending therethrough. Insecticide is aspirated from the dispensing assembly into the conduit as water flows through the conduit. The conduit includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart nozzle assemblies for dispersing the insecticide from the conduit. The distal end of the conduit includes a point assembly having a cone section and a tip. The upper end of the cone section has a diameter greater than the diameter of the conduit such that the nozzle assemblies will not become clogged with soil as the apparatus is inserted into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Joe A. McSherdon
  • Patent number: 6220526
    Abstract: A method, system and sprayer for applying adhesives, or other coatings, is disclosed herein including a positive displacement pump having an inlet connected through a dispensing nozzle to a reducible volume container. The reducible volume container may be located in a more rigid container such as a cardboard box. As the positive displacement pump is operated, a suction on the collapsible container is drawn by the positive displacement pump. The pump may pump adhesives, or any other fluid material, preferably into an attached hose and through a bayonet type spray wand. The spray wand may have a replaceable tip to alter the spray coverage and may be activated by a trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Capitol USA, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Johnson
  • Patent number: 6220527
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a handle with a longitudinal passage defined therethrough and a hollow shaft is connected to an end of the handle whose the other end is connected to a hose. A valve assembly is connected to the handle and a lower end of the valve assembly removably seals the passage in the handle. A nozzle device is pivotally connected to the hollow shaft so that cleaning agent from the hose is injected from the nozzle device. A connection tube is connected to the hollow shaft and a sponge assembly is connected to the connection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: He-Jin Chen, Chia-Yi Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6220528
    Abstract: A fuel injector comprises an outer valve needle, an inner valve needle slidable within a bore formed in the outer valve needle, an inner end of the inner valve needle being located within the bore, the inner end of the inner valve needle being provided with a recess whereby the application of fuel under pressure to the bore deforms the inner valve needle to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the inner and outer valve needles. The inner and outer needles may be exposed to the fuel pressure within a common control chamber, a single actuator arrangement being used to control movement of both needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Lucas Industries
    Inventors: Michael Peter Cooke, Godfrey Greeves
  • Patent number: 6220529
    Abstract: An ultra high pressure waterjet cutting system which includes a valve for selectively delivering either a stream of ultra-high pressure water or alternatively, a moderately reduced but yet sufficiently high pressure to initiate cutting. The arrangement provides a convenient means for initiating cuts along the edges of workpieces and is particularly useful when encountering surfaces of brittle workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Jet Edge Division TC/American Monorail, Inc.
    Inventor: Jian Xu
  • Patent number: 6220530
    Abstract: A water spray nozzle control device has a main body, a rotatable collar, a positioning shaft, a water check collar, a plunger, a water sieve device, and a water stopping washer. The main body has a channel, a hollow threaded head, a handle, and a neck disposed between the handle and the hollow threaded head. The channel receives the water check collar, the plunger, the water sieve device, and the water stopping washer. The hollow threaded head engages with a water spray nozzle. The neck has a through hole receiving the positioning shaft. The rotatable collar encloses the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Sheng-Li Wu
  • Patent number: 6220531
    Abstract: The invention is a mobile bin with two conveyors with each mounted on a main frame and with the main frame having wheels for rotatably supporting the vehicle along the ground. The bin has an opening along its bottom and the first belt conveyor is mounted beneath the opening in the bin and its remote ends extend to the opposite ends of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Kevin J. Pierce, Michael J. Pierce, Karen Dufault, Wayne A. Pierce
  • Patent number: 6220532
    Abstract: A truck having a material spreader and a control mechanism to regulate the velocity of materials ejected from the material spreader. The material spreader includes a material guider to guide the trajectory of substantially all the materials in a direction substantially opposite the direction of forward movement of the truck. The control mechanism includes a velocity sensor adapted to detect the velocity of the truck and to send a signal indicative of the truck velocity to a velocity controller. The velocity controller sends a signal to the material spreader which is dependent on the truck velocity to control the velocity of the materials ejected from the material spreader. The material spreader is mounted to the truck to allow the material spreader to be moved between a non-operational and operational position. The material spreader is also mounted to allow for lateral and/or upward movement upon encountering a predetermined force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Manon, Roland L. Hagemeyer, Melvin L. Wilton
  • Patent number: 6220533
    Abstract: A powder-spraying apparatus having simultaneous internal and external charging, which is suitable for electrostatic powder coating. In order to achieve improved constancy of the deposition efficiency, largely independent of the distance between the powder-spraying apparatus and the work piece, it is proposed to connect both internal high-voltage electrodes and external high-voltage electrodes to a high-voltage source via high-resistance components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Gunter Börner, Johann Christoph Nienburg, Jörg Sopka, Josef Wittmann
  • Patent number: 6220534
    Abstract: A system for handling erose materials including a tank for holding a liquid, and a tumbler mounted in the tank with at least an upper portion extending above the liquid level. The tumbler has a perforated or screen wall to allow materials of a selected size to pass through and fall toward the bottom of the tank. As the remaining materials pass along the tumbler, some will be broken down to the desired screen size by the tumbling action, and these too will pass through the tumbler wall and fall toward the tank bottom. The unselected materials will continue to be treated by tumbling until they pass out of the tumbler. A first conveyor mounted in the tank collects and conveys screened materials out of the tank. A second conveyor mounted in the tank collects and conveys unscreened materials that pass through the output end of the tumbler out of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: William L. Kratochwill
  • Patent number: 6220535
    Abstract: This system is characterized in that it comprises at least one unit (2) comprising at least one area (3) for holding, and presenting to the public, containers (4) prefilled with vegetables and equipped with means for cutting them up, and at least one work station (8) constructed to hold at least one of the containers and fitted with means for driving the cutting means of the container in order to cut the vegetables up into crudités, and with means (10) for holding the resulting crudités, and in that the cutting means and the drive means comprise complementary coupling means for when the container is loaded into the work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Dito Sama
    Inventors: Fombreteau Bernard, Descomps Xavier, Roussat Bruno