Patents Issued in August 7, 2001
  • Patent number: 6269956
    Abstract: A filter for a filter vessel which converts the filter vessel to use disposable filters for removing hazardous particulate matter from an aqueous flow. The filter includes a rigid support housing having an input passage for the aqueous flow, an exit passage for the aqueous flow, an internal sealing surface and a locking seal located adjacent to the input passage to securingly engage the filter vessel for the aqueous flow. The invention also includes a sleeveless disposable filter cartridge. The cartridge includes a flexible filtering medium having first and second ends. A terminal seal is affixed to the first end of the filtering medium for sealing engagement with the filter vessel and a wall seal on the second end of the filtering medium for engagement with the internal sealing surface of the support housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Framatome Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn R. Wertz, II
  • Patent number: 6269957
    Abstract: An ultrafiltration device has a filter membrane sealed inside a reservoir body that has one or more ports and a closed portion distal to the port(s), and the filter membrane is sealed to the body along a closed contour widely surrounding the port(s) to provide a large area filtered outflow path. The method is effective to rapidly isolate a predetermined amount of a desired retentate in the distal portion and is also useful for quantitative transfer of smaller molecules and for multi-step processing of sample arrays. A frusto-conical peripheral filter provides high ratio of effective filter area, and may be configured for hydrostatic deadstopping and little or no wicking, greatly enhancing recovery time and efficiency. Novel constructions and methods of manufacture enhance filtration or separation vessels of various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Orbital Biosciences, LLC
    Inventors: William F. Bowers, Basil Yankopoulos, Timothy Towle
  • Patent number: 6269958
    Abstract: A wall-mounted storage device for lifting and storing an object includes a stand adapted for mounting the device on the wall. An arm is pivotally connected to the stand and has an attachment for the object. An anchor member is also pivotally connected to the stand. A damper is connected between the anchor member and the stand. The damper is adapted to extend when pulled upward by the pivoting anchor member. A lockable spring is connected between the anchor member and the arm. The device includes a trigger mechanism adapted to unlock the spring when the object is attached to the arm. When the spring is unlocked, the spring is adapted to extend to push the arm upward. When the spring is locked, the pivoting anchor member and the extendible damper cooperate to enable the arm to be manually lifted. The damper provides a controlled descent when the arm is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Gear Up Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Pollock, Louis M. Soltis, Alexander O. Bally, Ronald J. Sears, Roland Zeder
  • Patent number: 6269959
    Abstract: A mounting bracket forms a rack mount for a rack-mountable unit. The mounting bracket includes a planar body portion and a latching pivot for insertion into an aperture in a side wall of the rack-mountable unit. A head on the latching pivot is arranged to be insertable into a correspondingly shaped aperture, with securing of the mounting bracket to the rack-mountable unit being achieved by rotating the rack mount with respect to the rack-mountable unit with the latching pivot fully inserted into the aperture. On rotation, the head of the latching pivot is arranged to engage behind the side wall of the rack-mountable unit to secure the mounting bracket to the rack-mountable unit. Detent flanges on the mounting bracket prevent over-rotation of the bracket. A flange is provided for attaching the mounting bracket to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P Haworth
  • Patent number: 6269960
    Abstract: A writing implement holder apparatus includes a flexible planar base which includes a top base end and a bottom base end. A plurality of writing implement receivers are attached to the bottom base end, wherein each of the writing implement receivers includes a longitudinal axis which is parallel to the base. A flexible flap is connected to the top base end. A first lock member is connected to the flap, and a second lock member is connected to the base. The first lock member is a snap, and the second lock member is a snap receiver. The writing implement is a felt tip marker. With a second embodiment of the invention, a first base attachment connector is connected to a front base surface at a first base side end, and a second base attachment connector is connected to a rear base surface at a second base side end. The first base attachment connector is a first hook-and-loop connector, and the second base attachment connector is a second hoop-and-loop connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald D. Harp
  • Patent number: 6269961
    Abstract: A foldable support rack having a body member, four hinge portions that are preferably living hinges, tabs extending from opposed ends of the body member, and holes in the body member for engaging the tabs. Additional holes in the body member are dimensioned for receiving articles for support by the rack. The rack is foldable from a first extended position to a second supporting position, forming two portions with triangular cross sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: M. Kamenstein, Inc.
    Inventor: V. Lorenzo Porcelli
  • Patent number: 6269962
    Abstract: The container of this invention has an increased strength in compression. When filled and with a closure the containers can withstand greater compressive force without a resulting deflection. This permits the use of a lighter weight and less costly shipper carton. The containers have a substantially rigid base, and except for rigidifying recesses, a substantially planar base. Further, the sidewalls of the container are substantially devoid of recesses and projections, and particularly, in the region of the base of the container. In addition, the sidewalls have a slight outward taper from an area at an upper part of the sidewall to the base of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Blake Anderson, Donna Lee Terry, Ross Bradsen
  • Patent number: 6269963
    Abstract: A container (10) for use in the transportation of goods includes a floor (12) and a pair of opposed side walls (14, 16) each of which is supported for displacement about a pivotal axis adjacent its upper edge. The container (10) also includes hinge means (26) whereby one side wall (14) is disconnectably connectable adjacent its lower edge to the floor (12). The container (10) further includes first displacement means (52) for displacing the floor (12) laterally between a rest position in which goods can be contained within the container (10), and a displaced position. When the side wall (14) is connected to the floor (12). However, the floor (12) is displaced independently of the side wall (14) when the hinge means (26) is disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: John Daniel Containers Limited
    Inventor: Daniel John Hall
  • Patent number: 6269964
    Abstract: A food container having a base section which is filled with insulating material. The base section has removable compartments which are microwavable. The base section has indentations for ease of grasping the removable compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald L. Turner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6269965
    Abstract: An insert fits into the interior of a portable cooler or ice chest. The insert has a planar platform with apertures that support flanged food receptacles by their upper flanges. Attached to the platform at its perimeter is a planar flange to fit onto the inner shoulder of the cooler. This flange is spaced apart from the plane of the platform by a distance sufficient to elevate the tops of the receptacles above the upper edge of the cooler. This presents the contents of the receptacles for better visibility and accessibility by the public. An application is to provide condiments to the purchaser of fast food such as hot dogs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Richard W. White, Robert J. White
  • Patent number: 6269966
    Abstract: Projections and mating recesses for a hinge interconnecting a blow-molded double-walled container and lid are formed to be snap fit together while the recesses are warm from molding. The hinge projections and recesses are blow molded without forming any opening through a hinge wall into an interwall space. After the hinge projections and recesses are assembled, interwall spaces of the body and lid are each filled with a pourable insulation material that sets to make the assembled hinge strong and durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: John D. Brush & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: R. David Pallo, Roland M. Avery, Jr., James E. Masseth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6269967
    Abstract: A plastic container of an essentially rectangular shape comprises a bottom, upright side walls connecting to the bottom and having essentially equal thicknesses, and an outward beaded top edge on which the edge of a cover which closes the container can be fixed. Each upright side wall is divided in the vertical direction of the container into two interconnecting side wall parts, the lower side wall part being made curved towards the inside of the container (concave), and the upper side wall part being made curved towards the outside of the container (convex), and the upper and lower side wall parts being connected to each other by an intermediate part. This produces a very stable container, which is suitable for storage and transportation of sensitive powdered materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Wavin Trepak, B.V.
    Inventor: Jef de Vries
  • Patent number: 6269968
    Abstract: A self-sealing drinking container includes a cup body having a hollow interior for holding and dispensing a liquid, and a lid assembly which fits sealingly on the cup body. The lid assembly has an inlet passage with an inlet value in communication with an outlet value in communication therewith, each of the values including a resilient flexible diaphragm member. Each of the inlet and outlet valves includes a cage having an open top and an open bottom to allow fluid passage therethrough, the cage having a seat formed therein for receiving a diaphragm member. The diaphragm member is located seatably into the seat so as to selectively seal thereagainst and thereby prevent fluid flow therepast. A locator post in each cage is secured to the diaphragm member thereof to ensure its sealing. A predetermined level of fluid pressure differential across each diaphragm member courses, respectively, the diaphragm members to concavely bend away from their respective seat and thereby allow fluid flow through the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Niko Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Domenic Belcastro
  • Patent number: 6269969
    Abstract: A wet wipe container having improved opening and improved tear resistance between the lid and the base among other features. The container includes a container base and a container lid that is connected to the container base. In one embodiment, the container lid has a guide ridge that extends downward into the interior of the container. The guide ridge permits the container lid to be in a partially open position and provides better alignment between the container lid and the container base during closing of the container. In another embodiment, the container includes a closure that has an upwardly extending tongue projection, a flattened grip area and an assistive region to increase the ease with which the container can be opened. The invention also relates to a container having a more tear resistant container lid. The container lid has a hinge channel of a primary thickness. The hinge channel has two end regions that are of a secondary thickness that is greater than the primary thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Yung Hsiang Huang, Rodney Carlton Christianson, Douglas Bryan Cole, Tammy Jo Balzar, Stephen Bernard Studee
  • Patent number: 6269970
    Abstract: A wet wipe container having improved opening and improved tear resistance between the lid and the base among other features. The container includes a container base and a container lid that is connected to the container base. In one embodiment, the container lid has a guide ridge that extends downward into the interior of the container. The guide ridge permits the container lid to be in a partially open position and provides better alignment between the container lid and the container base during closing of the container. In another embodiment, the container includes a closure that has an upwardly extending tongue projection, a flattened grip area and an assistive region to increase the ease with which the container can be opened. The invention also relates to a container having a more tear resistant container lid. The container lid has a hinge channel of a primary thickness. The hinge channel has two end regions that are of a secondary thickness that is greater than the primary thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Yung Hsiang Huang, Rodney Carlton Christianson, Douglas Bryan Cole, Stephen Bernard Studee
  • Patent number: 6269971
    Abstract: A medicine is supplied in the form of a number of small units, partial doses, containing a determined, equal quantity of the active medical substance, and a number of these units, which correspond to a predetermined dose quantity, total dose, of the active medical substance are taken out and dispensed to the consumer. A device for the carrying out of the procedure comprises devices for counting and feeding-out of a number of units, partial doses of the medicine, which correspond to a predetermined dose quantity of the active medical substance and for transport of these units to a dispensing device for dispensing of the above-mentioned dose quantity, total dose, to a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Sensidos AB
    Inventors: Christer Nystrom, Sten-Magnus Aquilonius
  • Patent number: 6269972
    Abstract: A method for retaining a stack 1 of removably mutually connected pre-formed plastic bags 2, e.g. in supermarkets, comprises supporting the stack in a dispenser in a laterally (side-to-side) folded-over condition thereby presenting a spine of the fold, with the spine of the fold presented so as to be accessible to be grasped between a thumb and fingers of a person seeking to remove an individual bag 2 from the stack by pulling in direction A. The stack includes a block of lips 3, to which each bag is connected via a line of weakness 8 defining a rim 9 of the bag. A dispenser for dispensing plastic bags in accordance with this method is also described and claimed. The dispenser can suitably include a cantilevered shaft passing through the block of lips 3 via a through-hole 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Cascade Dispensers Limited Grove House
    Inventor: Martin Dominic Smithson
  • Patent number: 6269973
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and a method of mixing and dispensing a beverage from a beverage concentrate. The flow of the beverage concentrate into a mixing device for mixing water with the beverage concentrate is monitored to detect a low flow situation indicating the need to replace the beverage concentrate supply bag. The system automatically controls the flow of mixed beverage out of the mixing device in response to the detected flow of beverage concentrate. In a specific embodiment, a pressure switch is provided to monitor the pressure of the flow of beverage concentrate into the mixing device. When the pressure sensed by the pressure switch falls below a preset minimum pressure, the pressure switch activates a flow regulating device coupled to the outlet of the mixing device to shut off the flow of beverage from the mixing device. This prevents or minimizes the dispensing of beverages of improper mix ratios from the mixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Bennett, Antonio J. Jepson
  • Patent number: 6269974
    Abstract: An improved lifting assembly for removing contents from containers consistent with mechanized containerizing operations are disclosed. The lifting assembly of the present invention comprises a support plate for lifting contents coupled to the top of a container by a connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Gary K. Michelson, Wiley Alan Kittrell
  • Patent number: 6269975
    Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical delivery systems and methods for delivery of liquid chemicals. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to systems having multi-reservoir load cell assemblies for delivering chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-reservoir load cell assembly, including a controller, a buffer reservoir, a main reservoir, one or more load cells, coupled to the assembly and to the controller, operable to weigh the liquid in the reservoir(s), a plurality of supply lines, each supply line having a valve and connecting one of the supply containers to the main reservoir, and a gas and vacuum sources for withdrawing the liquid from the assembly when demanded by the controller and for refilling the assembly from the supply containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Semco Corporation
    Inventors: David Soberanis, Randy Forshey
  • Patent number: 6269976
    Abstract: A vial access spike adapter for connecting a pump dispenser to a vial. The vial access spike adapter is capable of piercing a seal insert in the vial and guiding a dip tube of a pump dispenser into the vial so the contents of the vial can be dispensed directly from the vial. The vial access spike adapter has an upper tubular body with a threaded connection at one end, an annular snap ring connection at the opposite end and a hollow interior throughout. Within the hollow interior, is a central passage used to facilitate the placement of the dip tube into the interior of the vial. A central support is integral with and supports the central passage within the hollow body, and seals the vial access spike adapter to prevent leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Calmar Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart DeJonge
  • Patent number: 6269977
    Abstract: A stackable and reusable, container cover is disclosed for safe, sealed, and protected confinement of fluid contents therein to prevent, among other matters, spillage, contamination, evaporation and hardening of the fluid contents. The cover consists of a single molded disc shaped device with an elevated flat surface, platform for supporting another container thereon. The cover also provides for multiple and different sized spouts for various and particular flow rates and flow confinements, and angled in such manner for easy drip less pouring. In addition, the cover provides for a significant step in providing a very convenient snap on, attachment, and snap off, detachment means for reuse of the cover on yet another container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Kim Ira Moore
  • Patent number: 6269978
    Abstract: A dispensing and dosing machine for dyestuffs includes pins having the same diameter as ducts wherein which the pins are located, the pins acting to both dispenses dyestuffs and clean the walls of the ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Italtinto S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Sindoni
  • Patent number: 6269979
    Abstract: A multi-compartmented storage and dispensing container is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the larger outer bottle surrounds and is attached to an inner compartment or chamber that, in the preferred embodiment, is a generally cylindrical enclosure having helically oriented scores or striations. This cylindrical inner enclosure is attached at its base to the outer bottle and is engaged and broken open by the closure assembly. The closure assembly consists of a threaded cap attached to an inner enclosure engagement arm. A removable security ring is initially located between the bottom of the threaded cap and the outer bottle shoulder. After this ring is removed, the user tightens the cap all the way down, bringing the inner enclosure engagement arm into contact with anchored cylindrical inner enclosure. As the cap is twisted, the inner enclosure breaks along the scored lines due to the torque, and the material contained within the inner enclosure is released into the outer bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Charles Dumont
  • Patent number: 6269980
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a beverage dispenser 10 having an upper housing 12 and a lower base 14 with a sealing gasket 40 for attaching 18 the housing 12 to the base 14. Both the housing 12 and base 14 are filled with a foam core 24 having multiple cavities 42 therein for receiving multiple dispensing bottles 16. Bottles 16 are connected by sockets 44 to a liquid reservoir 36 having an air vent 34 and a spigot 30. Embodiments are disclosed having a variable number of bottles 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: David M Randall, Donald M Dunkerly
  • Patent number: 6269981
    Abstract: An oil dispenser for use on two-cycle engines such as outboard motors or other two-cycle engines which require a mixture of oil and gasoline. The invention provides for measured volume displacement of oil via a plunger type pump attached at one end to a first fluid containment vessel via a threaded connection. A flexible tube of appropriate internal dimension and length facilitates transport of oil from said first containment vessel, through said pump to, and through a said flexible tube and valve located on the opposite terminus of said invention and into a second fluid containment vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Reagan Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6269982
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a product from a body having a pivot flange formed on the external surface thereof. A trigger is mounted on the pivot flange to be pivotal thereupon by a user's hand wrapped about the body with the user's finger digits positioned on the trigger. A product engaging platform is mounted upon a screw gear positioned within the body and is movable to dispense the product from the body when the screw gear is turned by pivotal movement of the trigger and engagement thereof against the screw gear. The product to be dispensed may be retained in a cartridge which is removable and replaceable within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Courtesy Corporation
    Inventors: Walter J. Kreiseder, Thomas C. Stoneberg, William C. Schmeisser
  • Patent number: 6269983
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for sprinkling a preset quantity of granted material, such as table salt. The dispenser comprises a granulated material reservoir, an enclosure, a metering cup, a cap, a collector and a diffuser. The reservoir has a side, a top and a bottom wall. The enclosure encases the reservoir side wall and is closed at one end by a cap adjacent to the reservoir bottom wall. The metering cup is positioned in the cap and an opening in the reservoir bottom wall communicates with and fills the metering cup. A collector is positioned adjacent to the top wall of the reservoir. A passageway formed between the reservoir sidewall and the enclosure communicates with the metering cup and collector. The diffuser is positioned adjacent to an opening in the collector and opposite the collector. When the dispenser is in the upright position, granulated material from the reservoir fills the metering cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Clint M. Jones, Victor DesRosiers, James E. Johanson, Fedor Baranov, James P. Stevens, Brian P. Couchey, Gerd Rieker, William Leidel
  • Patent number: 6269984
    Abstract: Internal, liquid flow passages in a dispensing stopper which might accumulate residue from the liquid being dispensed are eliminated in a structure including a stopper base (24) adapted to be mounted on the mouth (12) of a bottle (10). A seal (64) is mounted on the base (24) and includes a fixed section (66) affixed to the base (24), a movable gasket section (38) movable toward and away from the stopper base (24) and away and toward a sealing surface (16) on a bottle (10) on which the base (24) is mounted, and an integral, thin web (76) of resilient material peripherally interconnecting and sealing the fixed section (66) and the movable gasket section (38). An actuator attachment section (52) is affixed to the movable gasket section (38) and a lever (36) is pivoted to the base (24) and to the actuator attachment section (52) at spaced locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: The Thermos Company
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Murakami
  • Patent number: 6269985
    Abstract: A device for securing a dispensing tube to an aerosol spray can includes an apertured retention tab that is mountable to the side of the can, wherein the retention tab, when so mounted, is resiliently flexible from a first position, substantially parallel to the side of the can, to a radially-outward second position. When the retention tab is held in the second position, the aperture in the retention tab extends substantially parallel to the side of the can, thereby permitting a dispensing tube to be inserted through the aperture with an orientation substantially parallel to the axis of the can. When the retention tab is released, it resiliently returns to the first position, in which the retention tab clamps the tube against the side of the can. In a preferred embodiment, the retention tab is attached to an elastic band that may be placed around the can to mount the retention tab on the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Delshar, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey Brody
  • Patent number: 6269986
    Abstract: A closure structure for a container includes a body having a containing wall for closing the container, the containing wall having a dispensing orifice. A lid is operatively associated with the containing wall to cover the dispensing orifice in a closed position and uncover the dispensing orifice when the lid is moved away from the closed position. In one embodiment, a tamper-indicating member includes a press portion connected by a hinge to the lid, and an anchor portion connected to the body, the press portion connected at a frangible junction to the anchor portion, whereby the press portion can be moved sufficiently relative to the body to separate the press portion from the anchor portion. The anchor portion is connected to the body by an anchor member extending radially from the body. The anchor portion includes an aperture. The body includes a radially extending head which captures the aperture when the anchor portion is pressed to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Gross
  • Patent number: 6269987
    Abstract: A folding assembly structured to arrange any one of a plurality of different articles into a folded orientation and including an orienting device having a main segment and at least two outwardly extending and spaced apart side segments, wherein the main segments and two side segments are initially disposed in engaging relation to different portions of the article being folded. An attachment assembly in the form of a flexible material connector pivotally attaches each of the side segments in spaced relation to the main segment and outwardly spaced relation therefrom. The flexible material connectors thereby serve to accommodate the folding of articles of various thicknesses, in that they allow for the automatic spaced positioning of each of the sides segments at different spaced distances above the main segment as the different portions of the article are being oriented when the side segments are in a folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Christine L. LaPace, Ronald J. LaPace, Steve LaDue, Charles R. Smalley
  • Patent number: 6269988
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved shirt collar former for use in laundry and dry cleaning applications. A tapered cone of suitable material, preferably a ceramic, contains a slot for holding shirt hangers. The cone is combined with a heat source for accelerating the drying of shirt collars which typically contain more layers of material than the balance of the shirt. The tapered cone may accommodate shirts with collar sizes in a broad range. The slot contains a wide base capable of storing a number of hangers so that the hangers are readily available for use. Hangers may be positioned to receive a shirt when the shirt is placed over the collar forming cone. The present invention allows the convenient and efficient storage of hangers, drying of collars, and removal of shirts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Russell J. Kool
  • Patent number: 6269989
    Abstract: A garment hanger shoulder guard has an elongate overall configuration with a central portion, a coupling member at each end of the shoulder guard and shoulder support portions intermediate the ends of the shoulder guard. The coupling members each have an end wall connected to a corresponding shoulder support portion by a gusset and fold lines which enable the coupling members and the shoulder guard to be flattened for shipping and storage and erected in the field for assembly with a garment hanger without requiring supplemental operations, such as on-site stapling or manual interlocking of a tab-and-slot assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel R. Kiselik
  • Patent number: 6269990
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for holding an elongate device such as a fishing rod, and includes a tube for receiving an end of the fishing rod to a depth effective to retain the fishing rod therein and, a leg brace for releasable attachment to a leg of the user. The tube is attached to the leg brace by an adjustable pivot coupling so that the attitude of the tube, and thus a device supported therein, can be adjusted relative to the leg of the user. The leg brace includes a shaped rigid member that partially surrounds the leg, and a plurality of straps. The straps are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the member and have one end attached to the member and a free end adapted to engage the opposite strap of the same pair to secure the member to the user's leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Taylor's Beach Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Lindsay T. Gray
  • Patent number: 6269991
    Abstract: A strap for guitars and the like made from recycled seat belt components. The strap includes as its components a male seat belt buckle member insertably retainable within a female seat belt buckle member, a first length of seat belt strap material and a second length of seat belt strap material, first and second slip buckles; and a pair of connecting members, each having a length of sheet material having an aperture defined adjacent an end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Michael Hood, Eric Heatherly
  • Patent number: 6269992
    Abstract: An article holding apparatus is disclosed for use in conjunction with a wheeled vehicle of the type including an axle upon which the vehicle wheel is rotatably mounted. The apparatus comprises an article holder, and a mount connectable to the vehicle. According to one embodiment, the article holder is connectable to the mount so as to be rotatable independently of the rotation of the vehicle wheel. According to another embodiment, the mount defines the exclusive point of securement to the vehicle for the article holder, and the mount and the article holder each comprise slidably interconnectable mounting elements. Per this embodiment, the article holder may be rotatable independently of the rotation of the vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Jason Samuel Miller
  • Patent number: 6269993
    Abstract: One end of a leaf spring is connected to a plate so that the leaf spring is disposed generally parallel to the plate, permitting the resulting article to be clipped onto an edge of a thin object, such as a waistband. Two spaced parallel slots extend through the plate, permitting a band of material, such as a belt, to be attached to the plate by threading the band into one of the slots and out of the other slot. The resulting article permits carrying cases that are provided with belt loops, intended for a user's belt, to be clipped onto the waistband of a beltless user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Dennis E. Ebejer, Jacob Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 6269994
    Abstract: A manual tile cutter includes a base adapted to support a tile, a rail connected to the base above the tile and a carriage slidably mounted on the rail. A manually operated lever and a cutting toolholder are independently pivotally mounted to the carriage at a common pivot point. A shaft has one end mechanically coupled to the cutting toolholder and an opposite end extending through the carriage and connected to a manually adjustable knob. A biasing element applies a force on the cutting toolholder toward the tile. A height adjusting device in mechanical communication with the knob and the cutting toolholder adjusts the height of the cutting tool with respect to the tile but independent of the lever to accommodate different tile thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: North American Tile Tool Company
    Inventor: Patrick Harrington
  • Patent number: 6269995
    Abstract: A friction drive apparatus for feeding strip material in a longitudinal direction includes a first friction wheel and a second friction wheel rotated by a first motor drive and a second motor drive, respectively. The friction drive apparatus also includes a sensor disposed behind the friction wheels with respect to the motion of the strip material to detect a lateral or skewing error and a motion processor that drives the first and the second motor drives independently at different speeds to correct the lateral or skewing error of the strip material. The friction drive apparatus also detects a longitudinal error of the strip material by tracking an actual position of the strip material and comparing it to the commanded position to correct the error. If there is a discrepancy between the actual position and the commanded position of the strip material, the rotational speed of each friction wheel is either decreased or increased to correct any longitudinal creep or slippage, respectively, of the strip material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Gerber Scientific Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard G. Rich, Ronald B. Webster, Mark E. Guckin
  • Patent number: 6269996
    Abstract: A fastener driving apparatus having a carriage supporting a fastener driver and adapted for translation across a flooring member being fastened by fasteners from the fastener driver. The fastener driver is preferably supported in a carriage at an angle with respect to a fully vertical position for driving fasteners at an angle with respect to the flooring member and more preferably into the side of the flooring member and into the underlying structure. More preferably, the angle of the fastener driver is adjustable. Carriage motion elements permit translation of the fastener driving apparatus across the flooring and are preferably arranged so that they exert a lateral force upon the apparatus when the apparatus is pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Robbins, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Lynn McAllister
  • Patent number: 6269997
    Abstract: For actuating a variety of interchangeable surgical instruments, more particularly for hollow organ anastomosis, an apparatus comprises at the proximal end of a shank part a handle part (2) secured releasably and correctly positioned thereto. A pivotable toggle mechanism is fitted to the handle part, the pivotable toggle mechanism cooperating releasably with the proximal end of a flexible, force-transmitting reciprocating part guidingly accommodated in the shank part. The proximal end of the reciprocating part is connected to an adjusting mechanism in the handle part. At the distal end of the reciprocating part a connector for connecting a surgical instrument is provided. At the distal end of the shank part a connector is provided for connecting a housing of the surgical instrument. Fitted to the distal end of the flexible reciprocating part is a pusher transmitting an axial compression force to the body of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum-für Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventors: Matthias Balázs, Ulrich Hagn
  • Patent number: 6269998
    Abstract: The process for manufacturing an electronic circuit includes disposing an electronic device on a circuit substrate and hot melting a solder formed on the electronic device or the circuit substrate to bond the electronic device and the circuit substrate. The process includes the steps of feeding a liquid onto lands on the circuit substrate, aligning and mounting the electronic device on the lands, placing the circuit substrate in a treating vessel and heating the circuit substrate. The heating step includes controlling a pressure of an atmosphere in the treating vessel, hot-melting the solder to prevent at least a portion of the liquid from evaporating until the electronic device and the circuit substrate are bonded and to permit the liquid to evaporate after the electronic device and the circuit substrate are bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Katayama, Hiroshi Fukuda, Shinichi Kazui, Toshihiko Ohta, Yasuhiro Iwata, Mitsugu Shirai, Mitsunori Tamura
  • Patent number: 6269999
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip mounting method to prevent the occurrence of particles created while mounting the semiconductor chip onto a substrate using ultrasonic thermocompression bonding. The mounting method of the present invention utilizing ultrasonic vibrations involves the following steps: a semiconductor chip having conductive bumps on its main surface is held by its back via an elastic film using a suction tool having a suction hole, the semiconductor chip is positioned against a substrate provided with connection wires corresponding to said conductive bumps, and the semiconductor chip is mounted onto the substrate in such a manner that the conductive bumps connect to said connection wires, and ultrasonic vibrations are applied from the suction tool to the semiconductor chip via said film while said semiconductor chip is being pressed against said substrate in order to bond said conductive bumps with said connection wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Tomohiro Okazaki, Kenji Masumoto, Mutsumi Masumoto, Katsumi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6270000
    Abstract: In a wire bonding method for connecting first and second bonding points, after bonding a primary ball to a first bonding point and then the wire to the second bonding point, a secondary ball is formed by electrical charge on a tail end of a wire that extends out of the tip end of a capillary, this secondary ball is ball-bonded to an arbitrary point near the second bonding point, and then the wire is cut so as to leave a tail of wire out of the tip end of the capillary. A primary ball is formed at the end of the tail by electrical discharge and is bonded to a next first bonding point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shinkawa
    Inventor: Shinichi Nishiura
  • Patent number: 6270001
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of manufacturing a pulley with integral bearing comprising a sheet metal pulley mounted on the outer race of a bearing. The pulley is a close sliding fit on the outer race. The interstice between the pulley and the race is at least partly filled with a low-melting-point filler metal which, when heated, melts and diffuses by capillary action into the interstice between the pulley and the race, at least partly filling the interstice and fastens the pulley to the race when it solidifies. The filler metal is advantageously a brazing alloy having a melting point much lower than that of the parts to be joined together. Applications of the method include the manufacture of belt tensioning pulleys with integral bearings, as used on automobile vehicle engines, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: SKF France
    Inventors: Vedran Tadic, Manfred Brandenstein, Johannes Van De Sanden
  • Patent number: 6270002
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for arranging fine balls serving as a ball bump particularly on electrodes on a semiconductor chip, electrodes on a semiconductor-mounting substrate, or electrodes on a semiconductor device. It is made possible to remove small-diameter balls by, firstly, using a pre-arrangement plate for arranging the balls and using two diameters for the ball trap holes of the pre-arrangement plate. Secondly, occurrence of a ball suction abnormality and the time required for sucking the balls is reduced by using the pre-arrangement plate and a ball feeder. Thirdly, a ball suction abnormality to the ball arrangement device is determined by detecting the air flow velocity in an evacuation route of the ball arrangement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Micrometal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Hayashi, Kouhei Katoh
  • Patent number: 6270003
    Abstract: A cup-shaped cake container formed by bending a paper sheet. The container has a bottom and a sidewall. Step portions are formed in the sidewall. The step portions act against the restoring force of the material. A curved transitional wall is formed between the bottom and the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Hirano Shiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kunihiro Hirano
  • Patent number: 6270004
    Abstract: A tubular composite container includes a paperboard body ply wrapped into a tubular shape, and a polymer film liner ply wrapped into a tubular shape and adhered to the inner surface of the body ply. The liner ply has a circumferential length when unwrapped and flat that is less than that of the body ply so that the liner ply is substantially uncompressed circumferentially. A strip of polymer film liner material is wrapped onto a mandrel and overlapping edge portions of the liner strip are heat sealed together by first preheating the liner strip to a temperature below the sealing temperature of the heat seal material on the edge portions of the liner strip, and then further heating the overlap region of the liner strip to at least the sealing temperature to cause heat sealing of the edge portions. A paperboard strip is coated on an inner surface with adhesive and is then wrapped about the liner and adhered thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Drummond, Alan Williams, Ray Adams
  • Patent number: 6270005
    Abstract: A packaging assembly is provided for containers such as plastic tubs with snap-on removable lids. A carton is provided to receive multiple containers co-planar arranged to form a tier. The containers are also stacked one on top of another to form multiple tiers. The carton includes minor flaps having recesses for at least partially receiving removable lids on a lower iter, to prevent lateral shifting of one container in the tier with respect to another upon application of an inward force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Enciso