Patents Issued in May 1, 2001
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Patent number: 6224035Abstract: A simple and novel device to remove staple from sheet binding stack of papers comprising of a thin blade having two serrated notches formed by inner 1 and outer members 9 and 10 has been designed. A thin inner blade member is adopted to go beneath the bridge 3 of the staple, lift the legs 7 and 8 of staple out of paper and exposing them for firmly grasping in the two notches 5 and 6 during removal of the staple. The predetermined notches and cross sectional shapes of inner and outer members help to grasp and entangle the leg of the staple and does not allow it to slip and break during removal. The grip provided by the notch and in combination with leverage provided by the inner member by lifting one side of the leg of the staple at a time results in less pin breakage, less slippage and easy removal.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1997Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventors: Vijay D. Parkhe, Dttatraya P. Parkhe
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Patent number: 6224036Abstract: A concrete reinforcement cable tensioner (10) has a cable gripper (60) with its base end (87) mounted to a flange (18) which is secured to the tensioning cylinders (12, 14) by abutting a shoulder on the outside of the cylinders (12, 14). An auxiliary retraction spring (94) is contained in a tubular handle (86) which is fixed to the flange (18) and the spring (94) acts on a rod (92) which extends beyond the handle (86) and has its distal end fixed to a yoke (104) which connects the piston rods (30) of the cylinders (12, 14) and on which a seat (108) for bearing against the concrete slab is mounted. The base ends (24) of the tensioning cylinders (12, 14) are hydraulically connected by a manifold (16) which is common to the cylinders (12, 14) and binds the base ends (24) of the cylinders (12, 14) together.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Applied Power Inc.Inventors: George T. Prince, William J. Gordon
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Patent number: 6224037Abstract: A lifting device enabling loads to be lifted over long distances, characterized in that it comprises a housing fitted with two rotary pinions driving an articulated lifting column and comprising two parallel articulated sides joined by means of connecting shafts, each side comprising two contiguous rows of essentially rectangular plates place end to end to end in a same row and longitudinally offset one row from another the plates of one row being applied against the plates of the contiguous row and having a front active face and a rear active face which move to bear respectively against the rear and front active faces of the adjacent plates when the section of lifting column comprising the plates is vertically extended.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Serapid FranceInventor: Philippe Novick
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Patent number: 6224038Abstract: A fish tape reel assembly includes a housing having a peripheral wall defining an outer wall of a cavity having a center. A housing handle is attached to the peripheral wall, and a fish tape cassette is rotatably mounted in the cavity. The cassette rotates in the cavity to wind and unwind fish tape thereon to retract or extend the tape to and from the housing in a feed direction which is perpendicular to the housing handle. A handle on the cassette pivots to lock the cassette into a locked position which prevents the cassette from rotating. A fish tape end piece is wedge shaped to create a path between surfaces requiring separation.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Actuant CorporationInventors: Dean R. Walsten, David L. Wiesemann, Timothy E. O'Connell, Stephen J. Skeels
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Patent number: 6224039Abstract: A chain block which can ensure free rotation of a hand wheel when the hand wheel is rotated in a hoisting direction in the state in which an overload protection mechanism is in operation and also can ensure the lowering of a load when the hand wheel is rotated in a lowering direction. The chain block includes an one-way mechanism that permits the hand wheel to freely rotate in the hoisting direction with respect to the first hub of the hand wheel and restricts the hand wheel freely rotating in the lowering direction. The one-way mechanism is composed of a spring and a pin received in a recess and a receiving portion formed in the inner periphery of the boss of the hand wheel and forming therein a slanted surface for guiding the pin received in the receiving portion to the inner periphery of the boss when the hand wheel is rotated in the hoisting direction and a retaining surface for retaining the pin in the inside of the receiving portion when the hand wheel is rotated in the lowering direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Elephant Chain Block Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yosiaki Okamoto, Takasi Uesugi
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Patent number: 6224040Abstract: A vehicle lift system for lifting a corner of a vehicle by remote control. The vehicle lift system includes a rail system, a hydraulic jack mounted to and movable on the rail system, and a processor system for controlling the rail system. The rail system has a first rail, a second rail and third rail. The first rail comprises an elongate bar. The bar has a first end and a second end. Each of the ends of the bar has a mounting member thereon for mounting the rail to the vehicle. A second rail is substantially identical to the first rail, and is mounted to the bottom portion of the vehicle. The second rail is spaced from the first rail and is oriented generally parallel to the first rail. A third rail has a first and a second end, which are coupled to the first and second rails. The first and second rails are adapted to slide the third rail along a length of the first and third rails. The hydraulic jack has a base portion and a top portion. The base portion is adapted to slide along third rail.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventors: Edgardo Mejias, Miguel L. Rosado
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Patent number: 6224041Abstract: An aerator for a water treatment plant or water conditioning application, includes a draft tube for vertical positioning within a volume of water and an outlet structure overlying a top open end of the draft tube. Water is lifted or pumped through the draft tube out of the top open end. The outlet structure includes a stepped splash plate which deflects the water flowing out of the top open end in a cascading fashion which increases the oxygenation efficiency and spray pattern of the thus aerated water. Additionally, a blinder bracket is applied to the outlet structure to reduce flow from the outlet structure at a particular preselected arc. The draft tube and outlet structure can be molded as a unitary plastic piece, and flow windows and openings can be cut into the piece.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Smith & Loveless, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Rebori, John W. Struewing
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Patent number: 6224042Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of jet technology and essentially relates to a liquid-gas ejector, including at least one nozzle and a mixing chamber corresponding to the nozzle, wherein the mixing chamber has a length of between 200 cm and 1400 cm while the operational pressure of a motive liquid at the nozzle's inlet is within the range from 6 atm (abs) to 240 atm (abs).Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Serguei A. Popov
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Patent number: 6224043Abstract: A vapor-liquid contact tray (36) is provided with a tray deck (40) and an upstream downcomer (48) and a downstream downcomer (50) positioned at an opening (46) in the tray deck (40). The upstream downcomer (48) extends downwardly and is inclined in the direction of the upstream downcomer (48).Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, Inc.Inventors: Zhongliang L. Fan, Michael J. Binkley
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Patent number: 6224044Abstract: The invention is directed to a level control system for a motor vehicle wherein the controllable valves (8a to 8d and 10) are controlled by a first control unit (24). The first control unit (24) transmits a signal to a second control unit (36) at time intervals. If the second control unit (36) does not receive the signal expected from the first control unit, then the second control unit (36) assumes the control of the valves (8a to 8d and 10) in such a manner that the motor vehicle is transferred into a dynamically safe driving condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Continental AktiengesellschaftInventors: Carsten Heilenkötter, Thomas Matthies, Stefan Sommer
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Patent number: 6224045Abstract: Fluid-filled vibration damping device having a primary fluid chamber partially defined by an elastic body elastically connecting two spaced-apart mounting members and located on one of opposite sides of a partition structure having an orifice passage, an auxiliary fluid chamber partially defined by a flexible diaphragm and located on the other side of the partition structure, and a movable rubber plate partially defining the primary fluid chamber and held by the partition structure, wherein the partition structure comprises a support member including a cylindrical engaging portion, and at least one fluid-tightly fitted component superposed on the support member and each including a cylindrical engagement portion fitted in the engaging portion of the support member, and the movable rubber plate is bonded at its peripheral portion to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical engaging portion of the support member which is covered by a sealing rubber layer, and wherein the cylindrical engaging portionType: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Muramatsu, Yoshihiko Hagino, Hiroaki Tanahashi
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Patent number: 6224046Abstract: A fluid-filled bushing for supporting on a vehicle body an end portion of a suspension arm. The bushing is designed such that the frequency to keep the dynamic spring constant of the fluid-filled bushing to a minimum, or the frequency to keep the loss coefficient of the same to a maximum is set in the vicinity of the rigid resonance frequency f0 (for example, 600 Hz) of the suspension arm. As a result, a transmission force (transmission force N=resonance magnification &ugr;×dynamic spring constant K*) due to the vibration in the vicinity of the above-mentioned rigid resonance frequency transmitted from the road surface through the suspension arm is reduced, so that it is possible to improve road noise.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuo Miyamoto
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Patent number: 6224047Abstract: An elastomeric bearing. The bearing which may be used to support a railway car body includes first and second members and an elastomeric member interposed in a cavity defined between the first and second members. The second member has a recess formed therein which communicates with the cavity. The elastomeric member includes a working section positioned in the cavity and a non-working section integral with the working section and disposed in the recess. The non-working section serves as a sprue location site during the molding process to avoid locating surface defects associated with the sprue in the working section.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Lord CorporationInventor: James T. Gwinn
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Patent number: 6224048Abstract: A hybrid mixed format document that contains document portions prepared by different format sources, such as both black and white and colored pages, prepared by separately printing the colored pages on a color printer, and the black and white pages on a black and white printer. The two document portions are then put in separate locations within a mixed format finishing device. One of the document portions, for example the black and white document portion, includes a cover sheet that provides encoded information, which tells the finishing device how to merge the two document portions into a complete publication. One advantage of the mixed format finishing device is that those pages that contain only text may be printed on a faster, and less costly black and white printer.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.Inventor: Margaret Motamed
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Patent number: 6224049Abstract: Sheet feed apparatus for supplying sheets such as banknotes from a store (1) to a sheet transport system. The apparatus comprises a feed system (4) for withdrawing sheets from the store (1). A separator system (12) is provided to which sheets are fed by the feed system (1), the separator system being adapted to feed sheets singly to the sheet transport system (22, 23). A controller (29) controls operation of the feed and separator systems (1, 12) independently.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: De La Rue International Ltd.Inventors: Steven Michael Hosking, John Alan Skinner
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Patent number: 6224050Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed for feeding astride signatures (3) to a collection path. The signatures (3) are removed from a magazine (4) with a conveyor drum (6) and transferred to an opening device (16). The transport speed of the signature lifted from the magazine (4) is first increased relative to a circumferential speed of the conveyor drum, in order to lengthen the time interval until the next signature (3) is removed. Thereafter, the transport speed of the signature (3) is decreased again either before or inside a region of the discharge location or in a capture region of the opening device, whereby the signature (3) is moved again in the opposite direction with respect to the circumference of the conveyor drum.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Grapha-Holding AGInventor: Herbert Wicki
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Patent number: 6224051Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to prevent a sheet of continuous-form paper from slackening when it is fed back in a printer capable of feeding both sheets of continuous-form paper and cut-form paper.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: PFU LimitedInventors: Takumi Nakayama, Hironaga Hongawa, Masashi Matsumoto, Hirohito Mukaiyama, Hitoshi Asai, Mitsuru Shimono, Satoshi Sakai, Yasuhiro Matsue
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Patent number: 6224052Abstract: A sheet-material feeding device individually separating and sequentially feeding a bundle of sheets of a sheet material mounted on a sheet-material mount. The device includes a detector for detecting the presence of the sheet material on the sheet-material mount, and a pressing member for pressing the sheet material on the sheet-material mount when the presence of the sheet material has been detected by the detetector. A sheet-mounting angle of the sheet-material mount can be changed so that an upstream portion of the bundle of sheets is lower than a portion where the sheets are separated.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1996Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshiyuki Nagano
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Patent number: 6224053Abstract: A dispensing device employs a mechanical touch sensor. The mechanical touch sensor includes a touching level with a magnet that generates a magnetic field and a Hall generator that interacts with the magnetic field to generate an output corresponding to a thickness of the sheet material for verifying a correct transport of the sheet material.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme AktiengesellschaftInventors: Norbert Bischke, Ulrich Nottelmann
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Patent number: 6224054Abstract: In a sheet storage apparatus having a plurality of bin trays for stacking sheets fed sequentially from an image forming device into sheaves of sheets, sheet accommodating spaces formed on the respective bin trays for receiving the sheets fed from the image forming device are made wide at a sheet intake position so as to successfully introduce the sheets thereinto and narrow at the positions above and below the sheet intake position so as to effectively store the sheets. When the sheets introduced into the sheet accommodating space at the sheet intake position comes to a prescribed number or height, the bin trays are moved upward or downward to narrow the sheet accommodating spaces, thus to compress a bulky stack of sheets. When taking out the finished sheaves of sheets from the apparatus, the sheet accommodating spaces formed between the bin trays are made relatively wide.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Nisca CorporationInventors: Makoto Shimura, Masato Hosaka
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Patent number: 6224055Abstract: A ticket for an instant lottery game and method for playing the same is disclosed. As described in one aspect of the disclosure, a ticket for an instant lottery game simulates computerized video poker. The ticket comprises an initial hand of cards imprinted on the ticket, wherein the initial hand is normally hidden under a corresponding alterable area so that when the alterable area corresponding to the initial hand is altered, the initial hand is revealed. The ticket also includes a plurality of strategies for the game each imprinted on the ticket, wherein each strategy is related to the initial hand, wherein the strategies are those that are most likely to result in a player achieving a favorable outcome for the game, and wherein each strategy is normally hidden under a corresponding alterable area so that when an alterable area corresponding to one of the plurality of strategies is altered, the strategy corresponding thereto is revealed.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Walker Digital, LLCInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley
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Patent number: 6224056Abstract: An educational board game and method for teaching occupational skills that conveys relevant occupational education information to a user in an interesting and entertaining manner, thereby encouraging the user to utilize the board game and method on a regular basis to reinforce basic training information and learn new training information.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Media Works, LLCInventor: Christopher D. Jones
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Patent number: 6224057Abstract: The present invention is a game which merges two previous game formats into a unique and novel game comprising a game board and playing pieces for each player to mark the movement of the players as the players advance around the game board. During each turn, the player must answer a question and construct a list of words based upon the letters in the correct answer. The player accumulating a predetermined number of points is declared the winner.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Randall A. Morton
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Patent number: 6224058Abstract: A static sealing arrangement, comprising a strip-shaped seal of elastomeric material pre-installed in a groove formed in a first structural member and having a contact portion which protrudes, when free, and is held tightly pressed against a planar sealing surface of a second structural member is characterized in that the elastomeric material possesses the property of swelling greatly under the influence of the medium to be sealed off and is joined directly to the material of the first structural member by being formed integrally with the same, and the cross sectional profile of the seal is designed to be asymmetrical, having the contact portion offset towards the side facing air of the seal, and the wall of the groove facing the medium projects towards the sealing surface of the second structural member by such a distance, as compared to the wall of the groove which faces air, that the wall facing the medium comes to lie adjacent the sealing surface in the final assembled state of the sealing arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Dichtungstechnik G. Bruss GmbH & Co.Inventors: Uwe Drebing, Harald Leisner
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Patent number: 6224059Abstract: An improved seal for defining a back pressure chamber in a scroll compressor includes a tab extending toward the rear face of the orbiting scroll. The tab reduces the contact force created against the rear face of the orbiting scroll by the gas pressure in the back pressure chamber. Thus, the inventive seal increases seal life.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Scroll TechnologiesInventor: Zili Sun
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Patent number: 6224060Abstract: A gas seal construction for use on a pump to create a seal between a relatively rotatable pump shaft and housing. A flow barrier arrangement is disposed in close surrounding relationship to the shaft and cooperates with the surrounding housing axially between the seal and the pump chamber for minimizing ingress of pump liquid into the seal chamber during both static and dynamic conditions. The barrier arrangement includes an annular barrier member nonrotatably secured to the shaft and cooperating with an annular shroud which is secured to the housing. The barrier member and shroud have opposed truncated conical surfaces which define a narrow annular passage therebetween which slopes outwardly away from the seal chamber toward the pumping chamber and, at the large diameter end thereof, communicates with an annular sealing zone or dam which is defined between the relatively rotatable barrier member and housing for further restricting ingress of pumping fluid into the seal chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Flowserve Management CompanyInventors: Joseph C. Parker, Christopher D. McCowey
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Patent number: 6224061Abstract: A mechanical shaft seal includes a rotary assembly and a stationary assembly each of which carry a respective mating seal face. One of the seal faces is located on a floating component mounted for axial movement with respect to the shaft. Means are provided for urging the floating component in a direction towards the other of said seal faces. A non-metallic end cap is provided to protect the seal in the case where the sealed product attacks metallic material. The end cap is arranged so that, in use, it is subjected to substantially balanced hydraulic loading.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: AES Engineering LimitedInventor: Alan James Roddis
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Patent number: 6224062Abstract: A roller skate and skateboard bearing cover that seals a bearing assembly and axle from foreign matter having a thin circular body structure (1) which has a center hole (6) which allows the bearing axle therethrough in which fastens the bearing covers (8a,8b) in a stationary mode concentrically to the bearing, a angular section (5) which acts as a spring that allows continuous biased tension of the body (1) flange section (4) to the bearing outer race surface means for sealing the bearing assembly and axle and allowing the body (1) projecting edge (2) to remove all foreign matter from the sealing surface. The bearing cover is made of a strong flexible material so that it can facilitate flexing under all loads and operating modes without fracturing.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventors: Paul Joseph DeCanio, Edward Anthony Vanella
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Patent number: 6224063Abstract: Two axially spaced seal rings are located within annular grooves of a retainer to provide a seal for use between a cylindrical shaft and a housing bore. The resulting seal pack can be positioned at a lubricant passage such that lubricant may pass between the housing and the shaft but not longitudinally along the shaft. The annular retainer is dimensioned for an interference fit with either the housing bore or the shaft, and includes at least one opening located between the annular grooves such that lubricant may pass therethrough. An intermediate portion of the annular retainer provides a lubricant channel such that lubricant can flow circumferentially, avoiding the need to orient the opening in the annular retainer.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: The Torrington CompanyInventor: Ian J. Faass
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Patent number: 6224064Abstract: A seal for use in spherical disc type butterfly valves. The seal is T-shaped on the inside diameter region where contact is made with the disc and is cupped on radially opposite sides by contoured lips on the seal retainer ring and valve body such that the seal cannot be deformed by pressure by being pressed radially outwardly but rather is cupped by lips of retainer and valve body. The seal also has a rectangularly shaped region on the outside diameter for press fitting into the valve body. The seal has a groove containing a compressed spring element. The seal allows slight twisting motion about the fixed base region and radially toward the compressed spring element such that the seal can move axially with the disc under pressure to maintain uniform sealing contact with the disc without the seal becoming damaged.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1997Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Stephen V. St. Germain
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Patent number: 6224065Abstract: A face seal for forming a sealed condition between two spaced, opposed surfaces. The face seal includes an inner seal retainer member and an outer seal retainer member each defining an area having an axis therethrough. The inner and outer seal retainer members each having a first axial end portion, an opposite second axial end portion, and an axial extent as measured between the first axial end portion and the second axial end portion. The outer seal retainer member is disposed radially outwardly of the inner seal retainer member, defining a space therebetween. An elastomeric seal member having an axial extent longer than the axial extent of the first and second inner and outer seal retainer members is disposed in a predetermined portion of the space between the inner seal retainer member and the outer seal retainer member.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: David P. Smith
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Patent number: 6224066Abstract: A bellows-type cover into which a clamping member is adapted to be securely integrated to form a preassembled unit; the groove-shaped recess near one end of the bellows-type cover adapted to receive the clamping member has a two-tier positioning arrangement with a radially inward, circumferentially extending bottom surface for engagement by the clamping member when fully tightened and with a temporary bottom for the clamping member to provide a releasable self-retaining support for the closed, but not yet fully tightened clamping member at a radial distance between the bottom surface and the radially outer limit of the recess.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Hans Detiker Maschinen-und Apparate fabrikInventor: Hans Oetiker
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Patent number: 6224067Abstract: A hydromechanical chuck intended to be mounted, with one end thereof, in a machine, such as a drilling machine, milling machine, lathe machine etc. and, with the opposite end thereof to releasably hold a shaft tool like a drill, a milling tool, a rotary saw blade, or a rotary grinding roll. The hydromechanical chuck is formed as a cone coupling chuck comprising a inner sleeve which can change is radial dimensions and has a central bore for receiving the shaft of a shaft tool. The inner sleeve is adapted for being radially compressed against the tool shaft. The hydromechanical chuck has a solid outer sleeve which is axially displaceable on the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve and outer sleeve are formed with a matching cone surface, which, upon a displacement of the outer sleeve on the inner sleeve, provides a radial compression of the inner sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: ETP Transmission ABInventor: Stefan Lindstrom
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Patent number: 6224068Abstract: The present invention configures a pushcart, in particular a baggage cart such as is used in airports, for ease of maneuverability in negotiating an escalator stairway. The cart is fitted with a front wheel assembly and pivotable rear wheel assemblies, as well as with drop-attenuating mechanisms fitted to each wheel assembly. The rear wheel assemblies each include a reverse-releasable, pivoting-lock mechanism. The drop attenuating mechanisms function when the pivotable wheel assemblies are locked in the pushcart advancing direction, and include damped-swing traction members for establishing adhesive friction in contacting the treads of a sloping escalator stairway. The traction members bear the pushcart through a damped swing if the wheel assemblies are not riding on the treads of the escalator steps.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventors: Yasuhiko Eguchi, Toru Kakehi, Heiji Fukutake
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Patent number: 6224069Abstract: A body leveling system for a motor vehicle including a rigid axle housing, a pair of dirigible wheels on the rigid axle housing, and a pair of air springs between the body and the rigid axle housing. During a turn, links between the body and the rigid axle housing effect roll understeer by turning the axle housing toward the center of the turn in response to pivotal movement of the body about its longitudinal roll axis. When the load on the vehicle body is in a moderate range from empty to four average passengers, the air springs are selectively inflated and deflated to maintain the body at curb trim. When the load on the body exceeds the moderate range in either a high range or an overload range, the air springs are sealed closed and incrementally vertically deflect as the load increases. The GVW trim of the vehicle body is below its curb trim and its center of gravity is lower at GVW than at curb trim for improved dynamic performance at GVW.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Stephen K. Chan
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Patent number: 6224070Abstract: A binding strap for use in a soft boot snowboard binding is provided, the binding strap including a flexible, unitary binding member having an ankle section connected to a toe section by a midsection. The binding strap may be configured and dimensioned to preferably provide a rider with easy entry and exit from the strap. In addition, the shape and flexible nature of the binding makes it comfortable to use, while also allowing it to perform well by securely engaging the rider's boot to the snowboard. The unitary construction allows the binding strap to move in an integrated manner, while the surface area of the binding strap reduces pressure points by distributing pressure exerted by the binding over a relatively large surface area of the boot, and hence foot, of the rider.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: The Burton CorporationInventors: Jake B. Carpenter, Christopher M. Doyle
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Patent number: 6224071Abstract: A three wheeled cart is equipped with an inclined gas cylinder holding rack, which is configured to accept a set of two such cylinders, and a towing drawbar, pivotally connected for vertical movement, is connected to the steerable front wheel. The cart is tipped up to reorient the cylinder holding rack vertically, in which position the drawbar length contacts the ground to act as a prop, supporting the cart in the reoriented attitude so as to facilitate the transfer of standing gas cylinders into the vertically positioned cylinder holding rack.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: James K. Dummer
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Patent number: 6224072Abstract: A household cart has a wooden or molded plastic rectangular base for carrying household items. Four caster assemblies on the base are close to the four corners of the base. A U-shaped handle has hooks for carrying household items approximately halfway between side edges of the base, about equidistant from front and back edges of the base. The handle can be positioned either transversely or longitudinally of the base. In the handle transverse position, legs of the handle fit into a first pair of receptacles located between (1) the casters close to the base back edge and (2) the cart transverse center line. In the longitudinal position, the legs fit into a second pair of receptacles located along a longitudinal center line of the base. The receptacles of the first pair are spaced from each other by the same distance as the receptacles of the second pair.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventors: David Weck, Erwin M. Frey
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Patent number: 6224073Abstract: A collapsible wind screen assembly for an infant stroller or similar perambulator. The collapsible wind screen assembly includes two collapsible side panel members comprising loops made of resilient material, such as steel or the like, which act as frames for the wind screen with nylon or mosquito netting material as a covering. Each side panel member is placed on either side of tie stroller and secured to the stroller with fasteners such as adhesive tape or laces A cover member comprising flexible mesh or netting material covers the front and top of the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: King Tong Au
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Patent number: 6224074Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension system (10,12) for installation between a chassis (14,16) and dual axles (18,20) of a vehicle. The suspension system (10,12) includes an equalizer beam (22) pivotally linking the axles (18,20) together. A trailing arm support member (64) is pivotally attached to a hanger bracket (68) on chassis (14,16). A suspension saddle (58) is secured to trailing arm support (64) to provide pivotal support for equalizer beam (22) and air spring (72) located between chassis (14,16) and trailing arm support member (64).Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: The Boler Company.Inventor: Robert Leslie Cadden
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Patent number: 6224075Abstract: Castor of a motor vehicle suspension, typically having a wishbone (1), is adjusted by mounting the suspension upright ball joint (4) in a housing (6) having an offset spigot (10) rotatable by an Allen key engaged in the spigot to move the ball joint backward and forward while the spigot is restrained by a slot (16) in a location bracket (14) engaged with the wishbone. Camber is adjusted by a threaded adjuster (24) operable between the location bracket (14) and the housing (6) while allowing rotation of the housing relative to the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Kevin Joseph McIntyre
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Patent number: 6224076Abstract: The Pneumatic Compression Strut Skateboard Truck is intended for use in street and off-road skateboarding. This new design is completely different than any conventional skateboard truck. This truck utilizes a pneumatic compression strut suspension system, which is of the same type and kind used in automobiles and other mechanical devises employing shock absorbing technology. The compression struts resist pressure in the direction of their length, thereby decreasing or eliminating shock forces associated with street and off-road skateboarding. By reducing or eliminating these extreme forces, the skateboarder has more maneuverability and control. Further, it reduces or eliminates the shock forces that would normally be transferred to the skateboarder. This will contribute to the decrease in stress and fatigue of the skateboarder's extremities and therefore increase endurance.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Tracy Scott Kent
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Patent number: 6224077Abstract: A baby walker having a chassis, a bracket table, and a lifting gear for elevating the bracket table relative to the chassis. The lifting gear includes two pairs of parallel links, each having one end pivotally attached by a shaft bin to the chassis and an opposite end pivotally attached by a shaft bin to the bracket table. Each of the pair of parallel links includes a first link, a second link, a secured wedge piece fixed onto the first link, a slide having a rod slot slidably affixed to the second link and a locking gear positioned between the first and second links so as to control a distance between the first and second links so as to control a height of the bracket table with respect to the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Cherng-Yuh Sheng
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Patent number: 6224078Abstract: An occupant-propelled vehicle comprising a vehicle frame, a vehicle propulsion system with a movable force receiver, and a vehicle steering arrangement in one embodiment comprising a tilt-grip steering post, a steering drum, a steered wheel, a steered drum, and a flexible, sheathed cable. An inner member of the cable overlies the steered drum and the steering drum whereby a pivoting of the tilt-grip steering post induces a steering of the steered wheel. The steering post may have an axis of rotation perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and tangent to an arc of rotation of the moveable force receiver. The diameters of the steered and steering drums may be varied, and the steered drum may be disengagably indexed to the steered wheel. The steered wheel may be coupled to a second wheel to steer the second wheel in response to a steering of the steered wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Steven Tidcomb
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Patent number: 6224079Abstract: An improved rotor system includes bearings that are carried by the frame of a bicycle. The bearings are carried by the frame so that a stem of a fork of the bicycle extends through the bearings and the fork is capable of being rotated relative to the frame about an axis that is generally coaxial with the stem. The improved rotor system further includes upper and lower transmission elements that extend around the stem and are movable along the stem. The upper transmission element is rotatable about the axis relative to the lower transmission element. The upper transmission element is connected to the first brake cable line and is operative for moving along the stem in response to actuations of the first brake cable line. The lower transmission element is mounted for moving with the upper transmission element along the stem. The lower transmission element is connected to the second brake cable line so that actuation of the first brake cable line results in actuation of the second brake cable line.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Wolfgang GoringInventor: Thomas Göring
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Patent number: 6224080Abstract: A spokeless bicycle system for providing a bicycle that does not have spokes within the wheels. The inventive device includes a frame having a seat structure and handle bars, a rear bracket having rear bearings within that rotatably engages a rear wheel, a front bracket having front bearings within that rotatably engages a front wheel, and a drive train that engages the rear wheel for driving the rear wheel. The rear rim of the rear wheel includes a rear groove that receives the plurality of rear bearings. The rear rim of the rear wheel includes a rear gear that is engaged by a drive sprocket from the drive train. The front rim of the front wheel includes a front groove that receives the plurality of front bearings.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Bennett Ross
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Patent number: 6224081Abstract: The present invention is directed to a motorcycle. The motorcycle includes a backrest that is coupled to a shaft. The shaft is positioned inside a torsion spring that inhibits rotation of the shaft in order to prevent movement of the backrest in a rearward direction. The backrest is adjusted rearwardly by disengaging the torsion spring from the shaft in order to permit the shaft and backrest to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyInventors: Stephanie J. Wayman, Richard A. Peller
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Patent number: 6224082Abstract: A detachable gooseneck trailer (20) having a gooseneck (24) and a detachable trailer deck (22) utilizes a trailer attachment assembly (30) to draw the trailer deck (22) toward the gooseneck (24) during attachment. The attachment assembly (30) includes a pivoting carrier (66) having a retainer leg (84) with a rearward facing load carrier engagement surface (90). A slide member (68) is attached to the trailer deck (22) and provides a forward facing slide member engagement surface (94). As actuators (70) pivot the carrier (66) rearward, the load carrier engagement surface (90) slides over the slide member engagement surface (94). A latching mechanism (34) utilizes an elongated latch plate (122) pivotally mounted on the retainer leg (84) to automatically latch the carrier (66) to the trailerdeck (22). A latch biasing spring (124) biases the latch plate (122) toward its latched position, so that it automatically engages a catch (126) mounted on the trailer deck.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Landoll CorporationInventors: Donald R. Landoll, Loren Wassenberg, Kyle Swart, Paul Roesner, Keith Vacha
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Patent number: 6224083Abstract: A multi-functional, compound apparatus that functionally provides at least one additional axle and wheels, that can be used with or without a trailer being towed to enable a vehicle to carry extra weight, extra long loads, and/or to tow a trailer heavier than the tow vehicle could otherwise safely tow is disclosed. The apparatus provides the additional payload carrying and towing capacity while maintaining the driving and steering capability of the tow vehicle, and removing the majority of the weight of the load from the rear portion of the tow vehicle. The apparatus may be used as a load bearing and distributing trailer hitch, or simply as a load bearing member to increase the payload capability of a carrying vehicle, or may be adapted to be used as a trailer itself.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: JBT Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Terry Edward Tyler
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Patent number: 6224084Abstract: A trailer coupler is described in which a pair of elongated hitch capturing members, each having a hitch socket part at a forward end are mounted to a base member for selective movement forward and rearwardly between a forwardly extended and open hitch receiving position wherein the hitch socket parts are separated and a rearwardly retracted and closed hitch capturing position wherein the hitch socket parts are closed together. A hitch positioner member is movably mounted to the base member and including a hitch abutment surface positioned between the hitch capturing members in the forwardly extended and open hitch receiving position. The hitch positioner member is connected to at least one of the hitch capturing members to move the hitch capturing member rearwardly in response to engagement by a rearwardly moving hitch.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventors: Ross Allen Ray, Steven D. Vermillion