Patents Issued in August 7, 2001
  • Patent number: 6269906
    Abstract: A step is attachable to a mounting wall without the use of tools. The step has latching T-tabs at outer ends of legs formed into a V shape. The latching T-tab of a lower leg can be twist locked into a formed slot by inserting the lower leg through the lock slot in one position and rotating it to a working position. The second leg forms a step surface and is latched to the supporting wall after the first leg is rotated to locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Donald D. Dockter, Philip D. Bogner
  • Patent number: 6269907
    Abstract: A ladder arm(s) for use in combination with a ladder having an open ended tubular rung with an irregular inner surface to support a container. The ladder arm has an elongate body member to be slideably received in the rung and having a first end and a second end with a frictional device at the first end and a torque applying and retaining handle at the second end. Torque applied to the handle causes the frictional device to lock against the inner surface of the rung thus providing a holding support for a container with handle. There can be provided a bracket between the ladder arm and the container especially where smaller containers with no handle are used. There also can be provided two hangers one on a ladder arm supported in each open end of the rung. There is supported by the two hangers a tray type container fixed to the hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Garnet L. Gillespie
  • Patent number: 6269908
    Abstract: An extendible, self-retracting ladder particularly suitable for use with inflatable white water rafts and other watercraft. The ladder includes one or more rung assemblies which include tubular rungs supported by rope stiles. The rope stiles extend into the ends of the tubular rungs and are engaged with a tensioning mechanism that utilizes a pair of shock cords to apply continuous tension to the rope stiles. In the absence of weight on the ladder, the shock cord tensioning mechanisms retract the rope stiles into the tubular rungs and thereby raise the rungs into a compact retracted assembly. When a person's weight is applied to the rungs, the rope stiles are drawn out of the rungs and the rungs are extended downwardly into a conventional ladder configuration. The ladder can be stowed above the waterline when not in use, yet can be deployed and used by a person in the water without requiring any assistance from other persons aboard the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: David R. Yeamans, Bwnjamin J. Yeamans
  • Patent number: 6269909
    Abstract: An extension ladder comprised of a pair of base rails interlocked in a tongue and groove relationship with a pair of slide rails is disclosed. The rails may be manufactured in a variety of shapes including “I” beams, rectangles, boxes, or even ovals or circular shapes. Some embodiments of the ladder include a pulley assembly which is fastened to a fly rail rung and a rope is passed through the pulley to form a continuous loop around the rungs of the base set of rail rungs and the fly fail rungs. In addition, some embodiments include means for attaching tools to the fly rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: FiberLite Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald R. Grimes, Kelly E. Rasmussen, Jack W. Severson, William R. Isham
  • Patent number: 6269910
    Abstract: An elevator rescue system includes a power source of back-up electrical power. A manually-operated, rescue enable switch switchably permits the transmission of electrical power from the power source to a motor brake coil of an elevator car during a rescue operation such that the energized coil releases the motor brake to move the car to a desired landing. A speed detector measures the speed of the elevator car and thereupon generates a speed control signal corresponding to the speed of the car. An overspeed detection circuit has a first input for being actuated when receiving electrical power from the power source, a second input for receiving the speed control signal, and an output for transmitting electrical power to the motor brake coil when the speed control signal is below a predetermined value and for automatically stopping the transmission of electrical power when the speed control signal becomes higher than a predetermined value. A manually-operated brake release switch has an input and an output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Richard N. Fargo, Gerard Sirigu, Helmut Schröder-Brumloop, Joseph J. Barna, Barry G. Blackaby
  • Patent number: 6269911
    Abstract: In an elevator installation system of at least one elevator installation with one or more elevators and a service center, which is functionally connected therewith, but provided spatially separate therefrom, the control device of the elevator installation is likewise disposed in the service center. The control device stands in connection with the elevator installation by way of a data transmission device. Data for the control of the elevator installation are prepared in situ and transmitted either to the service center or to the control device, preferably by way of a public telephone network. After processing of the information in the service center, a return transmission of the ascertained control instructions and a corresponding actuation of the setting members and actuators for the operation of the elevators take place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Lutz Richter
  • Patent number: 6269912
    Abstract: In accordance with an elevator system for controlling a response to a call of the present invention, each of sub-controllers includes a unit of storing the information regarding service ability to a hall call, and a unit of determining service ability based on the information stored in the unit when the call is generated from the hall, regardless of a call response signal from a main controller. As a result, the determination and display of service ability to the hall call can be rapidly exactly performed. In addition, the main controller includes a unit of checking and determining abnormality of the sub-controllers, and a unit of storing an identifier of the abnormal sub-controller. Since the data is not transmitted to the abnormal sub-controller, a data transmission amount may be decreased. Also, during the repair or replacement work of the abnormal sub-controller, an identifier thereof can be rapidly confirmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: LG Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jee Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 6269913
    Abstract: An industrial lift truck with a load lifting device (15), a device (3, 9, 11) for moving the load lifting device (15) on the lift truck (1) having at least one element (7) that can move, together with the load lifting device (15), along an essentially straight guide (5), and with a position measuring device for monitoring the relative position to the guide (5) of the element (7) movable with the load lifting device (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Steinbock Boss GmbH Fördertechnik
    Inventors: Otto Kollmannsberger, Johann Vockinger, Martin Wichmann
  • Patent number: 6269914
    Abstract: Arrangement for disc brakes used on motor vehicles, comprising a tappet assembly (14), movable inside the caliper (1) and which, through an axial movement along its longitudinal axis relative to the caliper, can be changed from an active position and a passive position. A regulating device can, through a rotating movement of a tappet extension which is part of the tappet, move an end part of the tappet in an adjustment movement to compensate for changes in the tappet stroke. The tappet comprises a first tappet assembly (16) which is movable axially in the caliper (1) along its longitudinal axis (18) for braking movements, and which is rotatable along its longitudinal axis for adjustment movements. The end part (29) of the tappet (14) is carried by a tappet extension (25) which is non-rotatable relative to the caliper and which is connected to the first tappet assembly, through which rotating movement it performs an axial movement relative to the first tappet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventor: Dan Angerfors
  • Patent number: 6269915
    Abstract: A pad clip for a disc brake including at least one friction pad and a support member. The pad clip comprises a first U-shaped portion, a second U-shaped portion, and a third side portion. The first U-shaped portion includes a first base portion and first side portions, and is disposed between side edge portions of the friction pad and anchor portions of the support member. The second U-shaped portion includes a second base portion, second side portions and a second opening portion, and is connected to one of the first side portions of the first U-shaped portion. The third side portion is connected to the second U-shaped portion, and is disposed substantially rectangularly to one of second side portions of the second U-shaped portion and parallel to the first base portion of the first U-shaped portion. The third side portion is positioned closer to the friction pad than the first base portion of the first U-shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Aoyagi
  • Patent number: 6269916
    Abstract: A brake cylinder for use in a railway vehicle braking system is provided. The brake cylinder comprises a cylindrical casing engageable with the railway vehicle braking system, a hollow piston assembly which is mounted for reciprocal movement within the cylindrical casing and having a hollow portion defined by a back wall and at least one sidewall. A small piston assembly is positioned within this hollow portion and includes a first surface facing the back wall of the hollow portion and a peripheral edge portion for sealingly engaging an inner surface of the sidewall of the hollow portion. A first space is defined by the back wall of the hollow portion, at least a portion of the inner surface of the at least one sidewall and the first surface of the small piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventor: David W. Daugherty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6269917
    Abstract: For an electromagnetically actuated brake, in particular a stopping brake, having a high stopping moment and short braking paths and consisting of a cam disc (3) which is guided in a torsion-proof manner, a spring (4) which presses the cam disc axially into the locking position, and an electromagnet (5, 6, 7) which unlocks the cam disc against the spring (4), it is proposed that the axially movable cam disc (3) be of ferromagnetic construction and that a number of cams (31) be provided which engage, in a form-locking manner, in the recesses (11) in the rotatable part (1) to be braked, the cams (31) and recesses having flanks standing perpendicularly to the direction of rotation and the spring being constructed as a leaf spring (4) with three bending arms which act upon the face of the cam disc (3) at an equal distance from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Harting KGaA
    Inventors: Dietmar Harting, Wilhelm Niermann, Wolfgang Neuhaus
  • Patent number: 6269918
    Abstract: The flow of a hydraulic fluid caused by sliding movement of a piston in a cylinder is controlled by a disk valve and extension- and contraction-side main valves, thereby generating damping force. By controlling the valve opening pressures of the disk valve as a pressure control valve with respect to extension- and compression-side valve seats with a proportional solenoid actuator, damping force can be directly controlled independently of the piston speed. Moreover, the pressures in pilot chambers are changed to control the valve opening pressures of the extension- and compression-side main valves. Because the disk valve is placed between the extension- and compression-side valve seats, it is possible to simultaneously select different damping force characteristics for the extension and compression sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Tokico Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Kurusu, Takashi Nezu
  • Patent number: 6269919
    Abstract: The damper includes a cylindrical housing with a cylindrical passageway formed therewithin. A piston traverses the cylindrical passageway. A strand element is integrally molded with the piston on a first end and integrally molded with an attachment element on a second end. The portion of the cylindrical passageway through which the piston traverses when the damper is in its retracted position has a reduced diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Bivens, Eric Parker
  • Patent number: 6269920
    Abstract: A tension stop limit holder for a vibration damper in a vehicle suspension, comprises a U-shaped base section with a base plate and two opposing side walls. The base plate has a cutout which is adapted to the outer contour of a container tube of the vibration damper so that the tension stop limit holder contacts the container tube and the side walls can be welded with the container tube. At least one of the side walls has a receptacle for a connection with a stabilizer link of the vehicle length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Günther Handke
  • Patent number: 6269921
    Abstract: A one-time bleed valve with reset capability for an anti-lock hydraulic control unit comprises a piston adapted to be sealingly installed in a bore made in a body of the hydraulic control unit in response to a brake pressure. The bore is located in a portion of the body that is immediately under a recessed part of the body that accommodates a normally open electromagnet valve. On its one end, the bore is in communication with a primary hydraulic pressure circuit, whereas on another its end it is connected with a low-pressure line. Owing to such a structure, when the piston sits loosely in the bore, an air communication is established between the primary hydraulic pressure circuit and the low-pressure line, and air can evacuate from the low-pressure brake circuit on exposure to a vacuum applied to the primary hydraulic pressure circuit. To provide the bleed valve with a reset capability, an access hole is made between outside of the body and the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Continental Teves, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Agnew, Dalibor Zaviska
  • Patent number: 6269922
    Abstract: A bag assembly for saving time in the organization, storage, and transportation of sporting equipment. The bag assembly includes a frame assembly with a pivotable upper frame member, a cover member, and a pair of strap members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Gosse
  • Patent number: 6269923
    Abstract: A lockup device 6 is provided for a torque converter 1 that allows for the use of larger torsion springs 50. The lockup device 6 of the torque converter 1 includes a piston 8 and a damper mechanism 13. The piston 8 constitutes a clutch together with a front cover 3. The damper mechanism 13 includes a drive plate 9, a driven plate 10 and coil spring assemblies 12. The drive plate 9 is secured to one axial side surface of the piston 8. The coil spring assemblies 12 couple the drive plate 9 and the driven plate 10 in a rotational direction. Cutouts 41 are formed in the drive plate 9 at positions corresponding to positions of the coil spring assemblies 12. Each coil spring assembly 12 is received within the corresponding one of the cutout 41 and is axially supported by the one axial side surface of the piston 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yamashita, Mitsugu Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6269924
    Abstract: The present invention realizes a high-precision positioning with high stability, by fully utilizing a Bingham fluid characteristic possessed by an ERF (electro-rheological fluid). To this end, motion of a driving part is transmitted to a movable part via shearing stress of the ERF. Since the shearing stress can be variably controlled by adjusting an electric field to be applied to the ERF, the movable part can be moved to a target position by a predetermined output. When the movable part is to be stopped, the driving part is decelerated and stopped to thereby thermally dissipate an excessive kinetic energy of the movable part. By keeping on applying an electric field at the time of stopping, the movable part is exerted with an infinite apparent viscous stress by virtue of the Bingham fluid characteristic, to thereby suppress an influence of an external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Sugimoto, Tsuyoshi Saito
  • Patent number: 6269925
    Abstract: A viscous coupling is designed with a coupling housing and at least one drivable rotor, which is provided for the transmission of torque via shearing areas in a working chamber filled with viscous fluid. This working chamber is partitioned from a supply chamber for viscous fluid by a dividing wall. The viscous fluid can be delivered from the working chamber via a pumping into the supply chamber or from the supply chamber via a feed line. A volumetric-flow setting device having an electromagnetic adjusting device operably complete with the feed line back into the working chamber. The feed line, at least along part of its extension length, is directed through a region in which a magnetic field can be produced by the electromagnet. The viscous fluid is enriched with magnetizable particles, in, order to realize a magnetorheological behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Gerd Brunken
  • Patent number: 6269926
    Abstract: The friction clutch has on the one hand a clutch engagement device comprising a diaphragm (3) and on the other hand a linkage (80), an actuator (50, 60, 70, 90, 91) for controlling the said linkage, and an adjustment device (10), for compensating for the wear on the friction linings (7) the actuator has an electric motor (50), a mechanical transmission (60) with an input element (51) and an elastic assistance device (70) bearing on a fixed part (91, 66) and on a movable part (61) forming a nut for cooperating with the output shaft (51) of the electric motor, the movable part (61) forms the output element of the mechanical transmission (60) while being able to act on the linkage (80) while the device for taking up wear (10) is mounted inside the declutching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Benoit Lemoine, Gilles Lebas, Jacques Boclet, Michel Graton, Vévé R. Randriazanamparany, André Tobiasz
  • Patent number: 6269927
    Abstract: A valve casing (55) having plural direction control valves (46H, 46L, 46A, 46B, 46C) and plural pressure sensors (47H, 47L, 47A, 47B, 47C) is mounted on an outer side surface of a vehicle body (2) which includes therein plural fluid-operated clutches (40H, 40L, 43A, 43B, 43C) for changing the vehicle running speed. The control valves are secured to the casing from one of upper and lower surfaces thereof and the pressure sensors are secured to the casing from the other of the upper and lower surfaces such that the valves and the sensors are arranged respectively in parallel in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kanenobu, Jiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 6269928
    Abstract: An automatic chute closure for covering a chute opening wherein the chute closure includes a frame disposed around a chute opening, a chute door pivotally connected to the frame for movement between an opened and closed position, a door movement mechanism for opening and closing the chute door, a switch mechanism for activating and deactivating the door movement mechanism and a latch mechanism for securing the chute door in a closed position until the switch mechanism is activated to open the chute door. The automatic chute closure allows an operator to conveniently activate a single switch to open and close the chute door and to insure once the chute door is closed it is properly locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Wilkinson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Philip Kamm
  • Patent number: 6269929
    Abstract: A coin guard to be installed in front of a coin slot of a coin evaluating mechanism of a coin operated vending machine. The coin guard providing a coin entrance separate from the coin slot in order to protect the coin evaluating mechanism from theft and vandalism. In addition, there is a telephone face plate with an integrated coin guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: W. Thomas McClellan
  • Patent number: 6269930
    Abstract: An apparatus for the personalization of identification cards (8) with integrated circuits (35) consisting of at least one personalizing station, for example printing stations (2, 3), furthermore a rotor (1) with a card transport device (16). Around the rotor (1) are laid out contacting devices (31a-m) in a stationary position for loading the integrated circuits (35) of the cards (8) each of which contacting devices is fitted with a card transport device (32) to pick up the cards (8) fed by the card transport device (16) of the rotor (1) and to return them after loading (1) of the integrated circuits (35) to the rotor (1). The rotor (1) is fitted with a contacting device (38) for test reading the integrated circuits (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kunz GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Dorner
  • Patent number: 6269931
    Abstract: A device for forming groups of cigarettes having a number of superimposed layers, whereby each layer is expelled by a movable push member from a respective outlet of a hopper having a number of outlets, and is fed into a respective movable pocket for receiving, a respective group of cigarettes; and each outlet has an intercepting member movable to and from a work position closing the outlet, and defined by a rigid plate connectable to the respective movable push member to move to and from the closed work position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: G.D. Societa′ per Azioni
    Inventors: Fabrizio Tale′, Marco Brizzi, Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 6269932
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic device for discharging, from a vibrating table to an on-line conveyor, continuously arriving flat-bottomed objects, which device operates in cycles and each of the cycles of which includes the following stages: said objects are accommodated in a ditch contiguous with the forward edge of said vibrating table (1) so as to form a row; said row of objects is pushed by a pusher (11), the initial speed of which is zero, towards a smooth surface (12) extending in a transverse direction in relation to the vibrating table (1) in the continuation of the ditch (4); said objects arrive on a conveyor belt (13) located in the continuation of the smooth surface (12); and, while the pusher (11) discharges said row and then returns to its initial position, a fresh row of objects gradually forms in the ditch (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Societe d'Utilisation Scientiftique et Industrielle du Froid Usifroid
    Inventor: Patrick Gallet
  • Patent number: 6269933
    Abstract: A compact article singulation and accumulation conveyor includes a receiving portion which receives articles in random order including clusters of side-by-side articles and a discharge portion from which articles are discharged in a single file singulated stream. A first conveying surface transports articles longitudinally from the receiving portion to the discharge portion. A recirculating bed removes side-by-side articles from a downstream portion of the first conveying surface to an upstream portion of the first conveying surface. The recirculating bed is made up of at least one peel-away conveyor having a second conveying surface adapted to move side-by-side articles laterally off the first conveying surface, at least one coupling conveyor having a third conveying surface adapted to move articles from the second conveying surface upstream and at least one return conveyor having a fourth conveying surface adapted to move articles from the third conveying surface to the first conveying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann Dematic Rapistan Corp.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Schuitema, Ronald J. DeVree, Curtis E. LeMay
  • Patent number: 6269934
    Abstract: A conveyor (12) is provided that includes a power mechanism housing (18), a power mechanism (16), a linkage (27), and a connecting bar (10). The power mechanism housing is formed to include a power slot (26). The power mechanism is positioned to lie in the power mechanism housing. The linkage includes a first end coupled to the power mechanism and a second end spaced apart from the first end. One of the linkage and power mechanism is positioned to extend through the power slot. The connecting bar is coupled to the second end of the linkage and configured to support a product at a position wherein the power mechanism is positioned to lie between the power slot formed in the power mechanism housing and the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: James D. Baker
  • Patent number: 6269935
    Abstract: A holder for picking up and holding a fitment and cap assembly prior to the bonding thereof on a filled and sealed carton. The holder is one of a plurality of holders mounted on a continuously moving conveyor. Each holder includes a body having an arcuate surface for engagement of the cap portion of the fitment and cap assembly, an arm pivotally mounted on the body, a compression spring mounted in an opening formed in the body and abutting against an inner end of the arm, and a pair of spaced abutments formed on the inner surface of the outer end for engaging vertical ribs formed on the cap adjacent the arcuate surface of the holder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Elopak Systems AG
    Inventors: David R. McCullen, Richard J. Koss
  • Patent number: 6269936
    Abstract: The installation for the transport of helical-shaped wound springs comprises a star turret with gripper hands. The gripper hands consist of two jaws of which at least one is pivotable and is pressable with the force of a tension spring against the second. The spring produced on the winding machine is pressed by the insertion means into the gripper hand and is held firmly by this by the force of the tension spring during the transport and during the heat treatment. For the transfer of the spring to a transport device insertion jaws are pivotably connected to the transport means and push the spring out of the gripper hand, overcoming at least a part of the tension force of the tension spring, into a receiver on the transport device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Spuhl AG St. Gallen
    Inventors: Josef Schnutt, Roland Keller
  • Patent number: 6269937
    Abstract: A conveyor device for erected collapsible box. The conveyor device has a number of conveyor chains with drive ribs for the collapsible boxes. The conveyor chains are made up of chain links that are connected to one another in an articulating relationship. The chain links have guide pins that are guided in an upper and lower guide rail. The conveyor device is made to embody the deflecting regions of the conveyor chains so that the conveyor chains are free of guide elements. This is achieved by a particular disposition of the guide pins and the guide rails. The conveyor device has a particularly simple design and is also suited for small collapsible box formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Dietrich, Eberhard Krieger, Klaus Stoeckel
  • Patent number: 6269938
    Abstract: An over/under line feed system in accordance with the present invention includes a conveyor assembly positioned adjacent a workstation. The conveyor assembly preferably includes upper and lower conveyors. The workstation includes a workstation support frame and a carriage assembly supported by the workstation support frame. The carriage assembly is configured to receive a container, e.g., a collapsible plastic container, thereon. A lifting device is present to raise and/or lower the carriage assembly between the upper and lower conveyors. A tilting device allows at least a portion of the carriage assembly to tilt, providing easier access to the inside of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: David W. Lutz
  • Patent number: 6269939
    Abstract: A conversion kit and a method for inexpensively converting a roller conveyor into a belt conveyor. The converted conveyor is made from a roller conveyor that has a frame with two parallel sides supporting a set of parallel rollers at spaced apart locations. A conversion kit is used to make the conversion. The kit includes attachment collars that fit around selected rollers and wearstrip material that extends outward from the attachment collars and overlies a group of consecutive collars. The wearstrip material and the collars resting on the rollers form a carryway bed on which a conveyor belt or chain is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Lapeyre, Christopher G. Greve
  • Patent number: 6269940
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical vibrating drive system for supplying a consistent, elliptical driving force to a conveyor trough. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibrating conveyor has three parallel shafts, the intermediate shaft being located at the center of gravity for the vibrating conveyor, and the shafts are driven such that the outer shafts rotate in one direction while the intermediate shaft rotates in the opposite direction from the outer shafts. Each of the shafts bears essentially equal weight. The net result is a force output from the drive module that produces a uniform elliptical vibratory motion throughout the length of the conveyor trough. By reversing the motor, a symmetric elliptical motion for moving product in the opposite direction is generated without any further adjustments to the weights or shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Carrier Vibrating Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Bo Richard Rosenstrom
  • Patent number: 6269941
    Abstract: A roller conveyor for conveying an elongated article includes a row of drive roller units arranged in a conveyance direction of the elongated articles at intervals smaller than the length of a roller engagement portion of the elongated article. The drive roller units each includes a drive roller for frictionally driving the elongated article in the longitudinal direction thereof while engaging the roller engagement portion of the elongated article, a floating support frame rotatably supporting thereon the drive roller and being attached to a fixed member of the roller conveyor so as to enable an outer peripheral surface of the drive roller to move toward and away from the roller engagement portion of the elongated article, and an urging member for urging the floating support frame in a direction to force the outer peripheral surface of the drive roller against the roller engagement portion of the elongated article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Ichirou Ueno
  • Patent number: 6269942
    Abstract: A force transmission or transport device having a line of force transmitting elements (2), a guide (1) for guiding the line of force transmitting elements (2) along a predetermined course, and at least one drive. A tensioning drive (6) is provided at one end of a section (5) of the predetermined course. A further drive (3), or an intermitting stop (9), is provided at the other end of the section (5) for tensioning the line of force transmitting elements (2) by a tractive or a compressive load. The further drive (3) or stop (9) acts substantially without slippage on the force transmitting elements (2). The tensioning drive (6), via a friction clutch, starts slipping when the desired tension has built up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventors: Carl Conrad Mäder, Marcel Schneider
  • Patent number: 6269943
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly which includes a continuous belt for carrying bulk material such as stone, ore, grain etc. is provided. The conveyor transports the material to a discharge point where the material is discharged from the belt as the belt wraps around a head pulley. The belt is troughed between the area that the material is loaded onto the belt and the head pulley. A plurality of belt supports support the belt between the area where the material is loaded onto the belt and the head pulley. Each belt support includes a central roller for providing generally frictionless rolling support for the central portion of the belt. Each belt support further includes a pair of wing supports for supporting the troughing side of the belt. Each wing support includes a roller adjacent the central roller and a pair of slider bars supporting the marginal edges of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: ASGCO Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: George T. Mott
  • Patent number: 6269944
    Abstract: A beam extruded of aluminum alloy for use in cranes and conveyors is formed with a channel having runs that straddle an open bottom and are strengthened by pin receivers formed in C-shapes with material integrally extruded under the runs. An upper region of the channel is formed with upright parallel fins that serve as a mounting element. T-shaped strengthening upper beam elements can be secured to the channel by sliding them between the parallel fins where they are held in place by fasteners. The upright fins also accommodate a variety of mounting arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Gorbel, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael K. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6269945
    Abstract: A packaging system for preserving a perishable item which contains a gas permeable tray containing open-cell foam disposed within a sealed, oxygen-impermeable barrier bag. The open cells within the gas-permeable tray contain less than about 0.05 volume percent of oxygen, and the atmosphere within the sealed barrier bag contains less than about 0.05 volume percent of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Tres Fresh LLC
    Inventor: Edward A. Colombo
  • Patent number: 6269946
    Abstract: A modified atmosphere package for storing oxygen sensitive goods which contains a gas permeable tray for holding the oxygen-sensitive goods and a gas permeable film wrapped over the tray. The tray is made from foam material; at least about 20 volume percent of said foam material is open cell foam. A hinged flap is connected to a wall of the tray and contains a receptacle in which a source of carbon dioxide (such as dry ice) may be disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Tres Fresh LLC
    Inventor: Edward A. Colombo
  • Patent number: 6269947
    Abstract: A golf bag for protecting golf clubs including at least two decks formed at the top side of the golf bag and shaped and formed like stairs, wherein the height of each of the decks is tall enough to accommodate and protect the full length of club shafts and the height difference between the decks is defined to fully isolate club heads of the clubs in one deck from other club heads of the clubs in the other deck, and walls separating said decks, said walls extended to the bottom of the golf bag in order to protect the club shafts of one deck from the club shafts of the other deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Saeho Chang
  • Patent number: 6269948
    Abstract: An article for use with a laptop computing device protects the device during periods of non-use, including transport, while stabilizing the device when positioned on a user's lap. The article provides a base panel having front, rear and two side sections, a lower surface adapted to rest on a user's lap, and an upper surface to receive the bottom surface of the laptop device. The preferred embodiment includes two side panels, each with a storage compartment, which may be dressed over the user's thighs to assist in stabilizing the laptop device during use. Attachment means are preferably provided for securing the side panels to one another across the top surface of the computing device during periods of non-use or transport. Preferably flexible front and rear panels may also be folded over and onto the top surface of the computer in overlapping fashion beneath the secured side panels to create a protective device wrapper in conjunction with surrounding closure means and a carrying handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: W. Shaun Jackson
  • Patent number: 6269949
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a plurality of beverage carrying cups which can be easily stacked. The beverage carrying containers have an insulated jacket 12 which substantially covers the exterior of the container providing insulated means for carrying hot liquids, as well as providing means for maintaining the temperature of the liquid. Further the beverage carrying containers have slidable rotatable retractable extendable handles 14. Each handle 14 is affixed to the container by rivet like members 16 located on the exterior upper portion of the container 10. The handle 14 in the retracted position conforms substantially to the exterior shape of the container. In the selectively extended position, the handle 14 slides down and is rotated into an upward operative position thereby enabling the user to carry the container 10 the handle 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Ron Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 6269950
    Abstract: A bag and system for dispensing thermoplastic bags or the like from a stack of bags. The preferred, exemplary embodiment of the present system teaches a configuration which minimizes the probability of stress fractures in the dispensed bag, and tearing associated therewith, while providing a system which leaves no “throw away” product on the rack after dispensing a bag stack, as the present system has no central tear-off tab, thereby providing a more environmentally attractive alternative to other, prior art systems. Further, the bag of the present invention also contemplates a non-removable central mouth support raised area, wherein there is provided a support cut configured to accept a rack central support piece, the cut configured to provide maximum ease in separation of the dispensed bag from the pack, with clean separation of the area above the support cut of the pack, thereby preventing tearing of the bag upon dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Tai H. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6269951
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packing system for unit loads which can be stacked in a plurality of adjacent piles or piles stacked on top of each other to form a substantially stable pile consisting of at least two stacked layers of unit loads. The invention is characterized in that spacers are provided between at least two successive stacked layers so that both stacked layers are vertically interspaced; at least one device is provided on top of and below the stack to protect at least partially the external contour of the unit loads located in the top and lower stack position; at least one fixing device encompassing the other periphery of the stack is included so that it encompasses the stack in such a way that the unit loads in a stack position are pressed against the unit loads in a directly and vertically adjacent stack position; and the fixing device extends over the protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e. V.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hartwig
  • Patent number: 6269952
    Abstract: Spheres are released from within plurospheres by mixing a fluid with fly ash or bottom ash particulate material obtained by burning coal to form a slurry. The slurry is vibrated at an ultrasonic frequency and with sufficient power that plurospheres in the particulate material are cracked open to release spheres of the material which are encapsulated within the plurospheres. The so-treated material is separated from the slurry to obtain the released spheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Earth Sciences Limited
    Inventors: John H. Watt, John Hugo Nellmapius
  • Patent number: 6269953
    Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory separator has been invented, which, in certain aspects, has at least two ridge-valley series of screening material with a plurality of alternating ridges and valleys of screening material, and at least one flat area of screening material adjacent at least one of the ridge-valley series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Tuboscope I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Seyffert, Thomas W. Adams, David W. Largent, Charles N. Grichar, David L. Schulte, Jr., Guy L. McClung, III, Jeffrey E. Walker, Hector M. Murray, James F. Maroney, III, Joseph C. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6269954
    Abstract: A seal for adjoining screen assemblies for vibrating machinery, where each screen assembly has a frame. The frame includes a planar surface. A perforated plate with a plurality of screen cloths thereon is secured to the planar surface of the frame. A first end of the frame has a seal shoulder. A second end of the frame has a seal bracket. The seal bracket of a first screen assembly engages a shoulder of a vibrating screen assembly to form a liquid seal between adjoining frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Southwestern Wire Cloth, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Baltzer
  • Patent number: 6269955
    Abstract: The object of the classifier of the present invention is to reduce the classification point for classifying powder. The classifier includes a classifying cover having a conical bottom surface, a classifying plate provided under the classifying cover and having a conical top surface opposite the conical bottom surface of the classifying cover, and a plurality of louvers provided annularly around a classifying chamber defined between the conical bottom surface and the conical top surface to define passages for secondary air therebween. The conical bottom surface is inclined at a larger angle than the conical top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Pneumatic Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Morimoto, Nozomu Oda, Hiromu Terada