Patents Issued in August 28, 2001
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Patent number: 6279181Abstract: An infant crib in which the mattress is mounted on the frame in a secure position from which the mattress cannot be dislodged by an upward force beneath the mattress. A support panel has a plurality of straps affixed thereto which are of sufficient length to wrap around the surrounding rails or frame members of the crib and to be removably secured such as by Velcro fasteners. The mattress is placed on top of the thus secured panel. The fasteners are of sufficient strength such that when the fasteners are engaged the crib support panel can withstand a force from below the mounted panel of at least 224 pounds to meet safety standards and to prevent unintended dislocation of the crib mattress from its operative disposition. The invention can be embodied in a permanent crib structure or in a portable crib structure. The invention can also be embodied in a playpen or other infant furniture in which a mattress is to be secured.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: West End & Hub Spring CompanyInventor: Barnet Wolf Kessel
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Patent number: 6279182Abstract: A sleeping bag or other sleeping apparatus having a rigid opening means or rigid expanded portion means for providing a rigid mechanical framework for supporting the top/upper layer of the sleeping apparatus or sleeping bag in order to extend and maintain the top/upper layer a predetermined distance away from the bottom layer of the sleeping apparatus or sleeping bag. The rigid opening or expansion portion extends for a predetermined longitudinal length into or through the sleeping apparatus/sleeping bag at any desired location. Such a rigid tunnel-like opening for disposed at the entrance of a sleeping bag would be desirable to provide a non-threatening, inviting entrance for a pet. Such a rigid tunnel-like opening, when disposed at a predetermined location any where along the longitudinal length of a sleeping bag or other sleeping apparatus would serve to prevent the sleeping bag cloth material from irritating a sensitive, injured or irritated body part or appendage of the human or pet occupant.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Barbara Smith
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Patent number: 6279183Abstract: A bed includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame for supporting a body, a peer-to-peer communication network having a plurality of connection points, and a plurality of modules. Each module is electrically coupled to a selected connection point of the peer-to-peer communication network. Each module is configured to perform a dedicated function during operation of the bed, and each module is configured to communicate over the peer-to-peer communication network with selected other modules.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1998Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Kummer, Matthew W. Weismiller, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Stephen R. Shulte
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Patent number: 6279184Abstract: A substantially spherical frameless chair comprising an at least partially gas permeable outer liner, an at least partially gas permeable inner liner positioned inside of the outer liner, and a plurality of polyurethane foam pieces having a density between approximately 1.0 and approximately 3.0 pounds per cubic foot retained within the inner liner. The outer liner includes a first end component having a substantially circular peripheral geometry, a second end component having a substantially circular peripheral geometry, and an intermediate component having a substantially rectangular peripherical geometry wherein the first and second end components are secured to the intermediate component to, in turn, form a substantially spherical outer liner.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Comfort Research, LLCInventor: Daniel C. George, II
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Patent number: 6279185Abstract: A support pillow comprises a cushion body having a medial region and two opposing arms that define an outer perimeter and a generally open well. A cover is disposed about the cushion body and comprises an outer section that extends about the outer perimeter and an inner section that extends about the open well. Further, the inner section has a width in the range from about 1 inch to about 6 inches. Such a configuration facilitates separation of the arms without tearing or damaging the cover while also permitting the pillow to return to its original shape upon release of the arms.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Susan H. Matthews
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Patent number: 6279186Abstract: A utility tool comprises a plurality of separate tools or implements mounted within a single light-weight housing. The tool includes a retractable knife blade and a retractable saw blade which are extendable from one end thereof each under control of a particular locking knob. The knob includes spring mechanism which engages teeth along slots on the side of the housing. A level and a detachable tape measure are mounted on the other end of the housing with a pencil force fit between grips on the upper edge of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventors: Fie Xiong Ge, Perry Gartner
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Patent number: 6279187Abstract: A rotating brush assembly for cleaning shellfish predator screens is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignees: Rutgers, The State University, Trustees of Stevens Institute of TechnologyInventors: Thomas O. Herrington, Jan Nazalewicz, Gef Flimlin
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Patent number: 6279188Abstract: A liquid dispenser and applicator is provided having a reservoir for holding a liquid such as a liquid foundation and having a spout through which the liquid may be dispensed. An applicator is attached to the reservoir and is detachable therefrom. The liquid maybe dispensed through the spout onto the applicator for application to a user's skin. The applicator slides into a track provided on the reservoir and is held in the track by a friction fit. A pump may be provided on the reservoir for dispensing the liquid foundation. The user may pump liquid foundation onto the applicator and remove the applicator from the reservoir and apply the liquid foundation onto the user's skin using the applicator. A lid attachable to the reservoir and enclosing the pump and applicator protects the applicator from dirt and other substances and allows the dispenser and applicator to become portable in a handbag or purse.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventors: Robyn Barwin, Sidney Barwin
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Patent number: 6279189Abstract: An attachment in which the flexible member is rectangular in shape and has limit stops which are affixed at a location between the handle and the head of a brush broom to provide a controlled flexible member at the junction where the handle is attached to the head. Through the use of the controlled flexible member being rectangular in shape, the handle maintains rigidity in the direction in which the brush broom head is moved but is flexible in the lateral direction and therefore can be bent at controlled angles relative to the head. Therefore, when the brush broom head comes in contact with a stationary object such as the leg of a table, the brush broom head will flex or flow around the object without damage to the broom head or object.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Simon Ralph Cassar
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Patent number: 6279190Abstract: A surface treatment apparatus comprising in combination a carrier hub having uniformly spaced parallel slots with narrow outwardly extending openings to receive the aligned heads of a unitary flange like retainer on which are removably mounted a plurality of folded cloth like surface contacting elements. The elements are preferably formed of pliable foam plastic sheeting. This particular arrangement obviates the need for stapling or stitching the cloth like elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Belanger, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Robert J. Wentworth
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Patent number: 6279191Abstract: A wiper blade (10) is proposed, which serves to clean vehicle windows. The wiper blade has an elongated, striplike spring-elastic support element (12), against one band face (48) of which, facing away from the window, a connection device (16) that can be connected to a driven wiper arm (18) is held, and against whose other band face (46), facing toward the window, an elongated, rubber-elastic wiper strip (14) is disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the multi-part support element (12) has two spring rails (30, 32), disposed in longitudinal grooves (38, 40) facing one another of the wiper strip (14), which rails are secured in the longitudinal grooves by at least one holder fitting over their longitudinal edges remote from one another. Simplified and thus economical assembly with improved wiping performance is assured if the holder (34 or 36) is divided in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade (10) into holder parts (33, 35), and if further the holder parts (33, 35) are joined together.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Thomas Kotlarski, Karlheinz Lorenz
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Patent number: 6279192Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly for use in a motor vehicle. An electric motor is operatively connected to and powered by an on-board electrical supply provided by the vehicle. The motor forms a part of a housing mounted within an engine compartment of the vehicle at a location remote from the vehicles windshield. A driving wheel and linkage member convert a rotary output of the motor into a translating and reciprocating driving force. A drive mechanism is mounted proximate a lower edge of the windshield, beneath a cowl portion, and with a first wiper arm pivotally securing to the drive mechanism at a first location and a second wiper arm likewise pivotally securing to the drive mechanism at a second location. An elongated and internally hollowed sleeve extends between the housing and the drive mechanism. The sleeve encloses a flexible and incompressible cable securing to the motor and drive housing at a first end and to the drive mechanism at a second end.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Norwood Enterprise, LLCInventors: Marey C. Conflitti, Robert S. Shank
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Patent number: 6279193Abstract: A secondary wiper to a windshield wiper is provided. The secondary wiper is detachably connected through connectors to an arched arm of the windshield wiper to locate in front of the latter relative to a sweeping direction of the windshield wiper. The secondary wiper includes a hair holder to which multiple lines of hair and a long wiping element are held. When the windshield wiper and the secondary wiper are brought to sweep across a windshield, the multiple lines of hairs on the secondary wiper first sweep granular and/or powdered dust off the windshield, so that such dust would not be brought by the windshield wiper to scrape across and damage the windshield. When the wipers are brought to reversely sweep across the windshield, the long wiping element on the secondary wiper effectively scrape watermarks off the windshield to enhance an overall function of the windshield wiper.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Wen Hao ChenInventor: Wen Hsiung Cheng
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Patent number: 6279194Abstract: A paint apparatus is disclosed having a plurality of trays for use with a paint roller. A paint reservoir within each tray retains the paint. A grid portion is integrally formed in a lower surface of the paint apparatus, and has a plurality of channels and/or projections. The channels are curved, thereby providing increased surface area for the paint roller. The paint apparatus is also included in a kit containing paint application devices, practice paper, and instructional materials. The paint apparatus is further provided with a metering system which includes a plurality of grids and a mesh structure. The stackable grids are placed within the paint reservoir and permit the paint to wick up to a top surface of the stackable grids. During use of the apparatus, a user fills the paint reservoir with paint to a point below the top surface of the stackable grids. The user the rolls the rolling device over the grids, thereby loading the nap portion with paint.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech CorporationInventors: George H. Wakat, James A. Thole
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Patent number: 6279195Abstract: An ergonomically friendly mop bucket with wringer and method of wringing mops and conserving mop fluids including a foot operated wringer, a filter, wheel brakes and assistive drain and dumping arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Blyth S. Biggs
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Patent number: 6279196Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus has a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned and an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base. A fluid dispensing nozzle for applying fluid to the surface and a suction nozzle for picking up fluid and debris from the surface are associated with the base. A clean water holding tank and a detergent holding tank are removably mounted to the handle while a recovery tank is removably mounted to the base. A mixing valve is fluidly connected between the holding tanks and the spray nozzle for changing the mixing ratio of the detergent with respect to the water. The fluid recovery tank includes an integrally molded conduit that extends from the suction nozzle and a mounting for an accessory hose that interrupts the fluid path from the suction nozzle in the conduit and redirects fluid flow through the hose.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2001Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc.Inventors: Timothy E. Kasen, Luke E. Kelly, Charles A. Reed, Jr., Gary L. Smith, Eric R. Metzger
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Patent number: 6279197Abstract: An accessory system for a ductwork cleaning machine that utilizes a vacuum hose having a rotating cleaning brush the vacuum and the power for the rotating brush being supplied from a remote power unit with a rotating drive cable being located within the vacuum hose. The accessories permit more efficient operation of the ductwork cleaning system. The first accessory is an improved nozzle for mounting the rotating brush which permits large vacuum openings without the risk of an operator becoming entangled with the rotating cable. A second accessory prevents the cable from withdrawing within the vacuum hose when the hose is disconnected from the power unit. The third to accessory is attached to the power unit and guides the guide cable into place as the vacuum hose is attached to the power unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: RotobrushInventors: J. Dudley Crutcher, Pat Hyland, Scott Peterson, Craig Smith
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Patent number: 6279198Abstract: A multi-use floor tool, with which the same nozzle can be used in both dry and wet vacuum operation, and which allows for both wet and dry cleaning attachments to be easily attached and removed is disclosed. One such cleaning attachment for dry operation is a bristle brush which, when attached to the nozzle, is able to rotate, such that debris is collected with both the push and pull cleaning motions and such that for each motion, air flows primarily through the side of the nozzle at which debris is being gathered. The attachment for wet operation is a squeegee, which is rigidly attached to the nozzle having an insert which reduces the area of air flow into the nozzle and thereby increases the effectiveness of wet cleaning. This design increases the effectiveness of both wet and dry operation, and allows the operator to effectively clean in both wet and dry conditions while using the same nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Michael F. Martin, Jeffrey L. Young
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Patent number: 6279199Abstract: A heavy duty vertically adjustable spring biased caster comprising a caster wheel mounted upon a pivot shaft within a frame. The pivot shaft is vertically adjustable upon the frame and a spring cradle mounted upon the wheel support pivot shaft and vertically adjustable therewith permits a uniform biasing force to be imposed upon the caster wheel support regardless of the vertical position of the caster wheel within the frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Ross Design & Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Jack R. Plate
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Patent number: 6279200Abstract: A hinge for furniture comprises a bowl (11) intended for being flush-recessed into a piece of furniture. Close to one side (20) of the bowl, arms (12) for hinge articulation are pivotally mounted. The bowl is provided with wings (13) having fastening dowels (14), the dowels having operating levers (16) movable between a position for dowel fastening and a position in which dowels are released. In the fastening position the lever (13) extends over a bowl edge (19) opposite to the side close to the arm pivoting point.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventors: Franco Ferrari, Carlo Migli
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Patent number: 6279201Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for separating particles disposed in a carrier gas being delivered from a distributor to a moving web including a roller, a supply conduit for supplying the particles dispersed in the carrier gas substantially tangentially to the roller at a first speed, the roller rotating at a second speed which is substantially greater than the first speed whereby the particles are separated from the carrier gas, the roller including a discharge opening for discharging the particles toward the moving web and a return line for recycling the carrier gas. A method for separating particles dispersed in a carrier gas is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Valmet Fibertech ABInventors: Stellan Jonasson, Heikki Salo, Lars-Erik Johansson
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Patent number: 6279202Abstract: A lapel pin is provided including a display portion and a post portion moveably connected to said display portion. Preferably, the post portion is hingedly moveably disposed relative to the display portion and the display portion preferably includes a recessed portion for receiving the post portion when the lapel pin is not in use.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: B.A.C. & Associates, Inc.Inventors: George Wojdylak, Mark D. Wojdylak
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Patent number: 6279203Abstract: A two-piece cable tie including a strap and a locking head forming a strap accepting channel with a metal locking wedge positioned within the channel and mounted to the locking head including a groove formed by coining on the embedded end of the metal locking wedge to increase the pull out force of the locking wedge without the need to cut out material of the locking wedge. The coined groove also avoids weakening of the flexure region and still allows for a decrease of the threading force of the cable tie strap.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1996Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Panduit CorpInventors: Larry E. Hundley, Daniel H. Ureche
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Patent number: 6279204Abstract: A combined clip retaining bracket and bag retaining clip. Several channels are formed in the bracket each having a lower opened slot extending the length of the bracket. A clip with two legs pivotally connected together at one of their ends is inserted pivot end first into each of the channels. Along the two facing side surfaces of the clip are a sealing strip and a mating groove used to seal the opened top edge of any bag inserted between them. Any food products, like potato chips, whose bags need resealing may be hung from the clips retained by the bracket's channels. To insure the clips are pressed together properly, the width of the channel is just slightly greater than the total width of the inserted clip. The two legs of the clips are substantially the same length and the channel may have a closed and opened front end.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Gonzalo Fernando Gonzalez
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Patent number: 6279205Abstract: A frictional cord lock for use in locking one portion of a single length of cord relative to another. A first embodiment includes a cylindrical, barrel-shaped member having a cylindrical wall substantially surrounding a longitudinal axis, has a first cord end fixed in one opening in the cord lock. Second and third tear-drop shaped openings lie along a common axis that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis and receive a second portion of the cord, the first opening lying vertically between said the second and third openings. The cord slides freely in second and third openings when pulled along their common axis but locks when subjected to non-axial forces. The non-axial forces pull the cord into the v-shaped portion of the openings pinching the cord and securing them in place. A second embodiment employs a generally horizontal v-shaped channel to lock the cord in place.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Karl T. Steiner
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Patent number: 6279206Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for dismantling a weather strip from the door opening of a discarded automobile. The apparatus comprises a main control body, a working arm pivotally mounted on the main control body, a weather strip remover mounted at the end of the working arm, the weather strip remover pulling the weather strip and detaching it from the body of the automobile, an arm supporter supporting the main control body relative to the door frame of the automobile; and a movable means for transporting the body with the weather strip remover and the working arm to the working area. The weather strip of the door opening is automatically removed from the discarded automobile, thereby reducing cost and labor hours and allowing for recycling of the rubber.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Cheol Min Jin
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Patent number: 6279207Abstract: This invention discloses fasteners characterized by the use of barbs to secure a primary object in place. More particularly, the barbs which are used are critically shaped barbs resulting in considerable increase of the holding force without sacrificing the flexibility of the barbs, and without sacrificing the broad acceptability of various thicknesses of the primary object to be fastened.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: WTPA, IncorporatedInventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6279208Abstract: A clip is disclosed for securing an object such as a tent fabric to an elongate support such as a pole or cable in a manner does not slide along the support but that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The clip includes a hook and a cam-shaped clamp that is manually rotated between an open position in which the cam surface of the clamp is retracted sufficiently to allow easy insertion of the pole or cable, and a clamping position in which the cam surface presses the pole or cable against the interior of the hook.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Robert Gillis
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Patent number: 6279209Abstract: A color slide fastener and a method and apparatus for fabricating the same are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1998Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Young-Chul Kang
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Patent number: 6279210Abstract: An attachment element for a body in a wall. The attachment element has a substantially tubular rigid region for receiving the body, and a flexible region for adaptation to a non-flat contour of the wall. The two regions are joined to one another via at least one elastic intermediate piece.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Manfred Faass, Michael Schneider
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Patent number: 6279211Abstract: A method for continuous conditioning of a rubber blanket such as the type used on compressive shrinkage apparatus is described. The blanket includes an inner bearing surface defining a bearing face and an outer surface defining a web-contacting face. The web-contacting face is contacted under pressure with an abrasive conditioning roll while the blanket is in its regular, web treating operation. The blanket working face can thus be continuously conditioned without the need for lengthy machine stops. In this way, the conventional grinding and cleaning operations can be minimized or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventor: Louis Dischler
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Patent number: 6279212Abstract: A two-piece container for burial of a deceased's remains and personal artifacts. A first container holds the deceased's remains. A second container holds the papers and belonging's that document that person's life. A cylindrical, waterproof tube of metal or plastic holds the two containers when they are buried. Typically, the tube is placed vertically in the ground, with the top portion exposed. The tube can vary in length, thereby allowing more than one set of containers to be buried in a given location. This system has several advantages: less space is needed to bury an entire family; and the tubes can be installed before death making winter burials less of a problem. The cap of the tube can be protected and a headstone can be placed at the site. The cap can be made accessible so that it can be opened as needed to bury another person, or to obtain access to records as needed.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Joseph C. Balch
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Patent number: 6279213Abstract: A device (6) for holding and centering yam tubes (3) for processing while in a vertical orientation on transport disks (2), e.g., for removing a yam remnant (4) at a tube cleaning station. During such processing, the tubes are fixed in place by means of a height-displaceable centering arbor (12) coupled with a circuit arrangement which causes the operating height (h) of the centering arbor (12) to be automatically matched to the length of the respectively provided tube (3). An arresting arrangement (20) assure that the centering arbor (12) is securely fixed in place at each of its operating heights (h).Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: W. Schlafhorst AG & Co.Inventors: Helmut Kohlen, Bernhard Schmitz, Manfred Mund, Jos Rijpstra
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Patent number: 6279214Abstract: Coating composite material sabot parts for reducing depleted uranium corrosion and sealing the surface of a machined composite sabot commences with cleaning the composite material sabot parts. Rinsing the composite material sabot parts, drying the machined composite sabot, and wiping the composite material sabot parts with a solvent follows cleaning. A moisture resistant insulator film is applied on the composite material sabot parts. Excess material is abrasively removed and additional coats are applied. The parts are wiped with a solvent between coats.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Kassuelke, Robert E. Long, Stephen J. Price
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Patent number: 6279215Abstract: In an automatic wire cutting and terminating apparatus having a clamping mechanism (60) that grasps a wire (W) when it is returned from a terminal crimper to a cutting and stripping unit, the clamping mechanism (60) is formed by a first support (63), and upper clamp (64) provided on the first support (63), a second support (65) provided so as to be slidable up and down with respect to the first support (63), a lower clamp (66) provided on the second support (65), and drive source (69) having a cam follower (67) that engages with cams (63c) and (65c) provided on each of the supports (63) and (65), wherein movement of the cam follower (67) by the drive source (69) causes the upper and lower clamps (64) and (66), via the supports (63) and (65) and the cams (63c), to move together or apart.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Yoshiaki Nomoto
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Patent number: 6279216Abstract: A tool for extracting a press fit pin from a pin field in a backplane of an electronic system. The tool includes a shaft having first and second ends, with a chuck mounted to the first end and an abutment mounted to the second end. The chuck has a plurality of jaws adapted to grip the pin therebetween and a weight is slidably mounted on the shaft between the chuck and the abutment. After a pin is held by the chuck, the weight is slid along the shaft to contact the abutment and the kinetic energy imparted by the weight to the shaft acts to pull the pin out of the backplane.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Halliday, Liang Hwang
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Patent number: 6279217Abstract: A system for assembling a railway car body includes an openable-and-closeable rotating cage for receiving and aligning car components, and rotator mechanism coupled to the rotating cage for selectively rotating the rotating cage and components therein. The openable-and-closeable rotating cage may include a plurality of ring members, each ring member including a first portion, second portion, and third portion with the first portion pivotably coupled to the second portion, and the second portion pivotably coupled to the third portion, a plurality of cross members coupled to the plurality of rings, a first end assembly mechanism at a first end of the rotating cage, the first end assembly for holding and aligning an end assembly component, a second end assembly mechanism at a second end of the rotating cage, the second end assembly for holding an aligning an end assembly component, and a locking mechanism for selectively locking one or more of the plurality of ring members in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: TRN Business TrustInventors: Jay S. Gallinger, Keith A. Young
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Patent number: 6279218Abstract: A magnetic striker alignment fixture for aligning a striker with a latch on a door jamb, and a method of use therefor, is described. The fixture includes a substantially planar base of rigid material having an area defining an aperture sized to tightly receive the striker and position the striker in the plane parallel to the base. At least one magnet is disposed on at least one surface of the base so as to hold the base adjacent to the door jamb, with the base being parallel to the door jamb thereby positioning the striker on the door jamb and restricting motion of the striker in the plane of the surface of the door jamb. Optionally, a handle can either be pivotally attached to the base or formed on a surface of the base, so as to permit the fixture to be easily removed from the door jamb. Additionally, an optional elongated member extending from at least one surface of the base can be provided to function as a locator pin and anti-rotation device.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Lawrence J. Lezuch, James N. Owens, II, Lawrence A. Warren, Edward A. Dickens, Thomas P. Ouellette
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Patent number: 6279219Abstract: A roller turret including a turret body having a plurality of mounting holes formed therein such that the mounting holes are arranged in a rotating direction of the turret body, a plurality of roller shafts each including a roller support portion and a stud portion eccentric with respect to the roller support portion and fitted in the corresponding mounting hole, a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on the roller support portions of the respective roller shafts, and a device provided for each mounting hole, for fixing the stud portion to the turret body, at a desired angular position of the corresponding roller shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Takahiro Engineering Works Ltd.Inventor: Yoshihisa Ohsawa
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Patent number: 6279220Abstract: Automatic assembling method and apparatus using a plurality of pallets on a conveyer belt for assembling photographic film cassettes, or the like. Each pallet has a secondary work holder and a primary work holder. Parts of a secondary assembly are sequentially fed to the secondary work holder and are assembled into the secondary assembly in the secondary work holder. The secondary assembly and other parts of a primary assembly are sequentially fed to the primary work holder and are assembled into the primary in the primary work holder.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1997Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiro Esaki
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Patent number: 6279221Abstract: A vehicle driveshaft 10 having first and second splined members 12,16 which are manufactured of aluminum, which are anodized, and which respectively include relatively long and wide respective spline portions 14, 18, thereby cooperatively forming a relatively stiff driveshaft 10.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Visteon Global Tech., Inc.Inventors: Maciej Glowacki, Walter Joseph Golembiewski
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Patent number: 6279222Abstract: A method of manufacturing a brake pad comprising casting a back plate in a mould. The plate is formed with at least one integral projection which overhangs an adjacent surface of the plate. The mould is formed from frangible material and has a recess in the shape of the projection. The mould is formed from particulate material compressed around a projection made of resilient material which deforms to the shape of the projection. The resilient material is withdrawn to form the recess. Metal is cast in the mould including the recess. After solidification of the metal, the mould is broken away from the projection. The method also comprises pressing a mixture containing friction material and curable material against the plate including pressing the mixture around the projection so that it extends beneath the overhang and curing the curable material to form a block of friction material adhered to the plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Federal-Mogul Technology LimitedInventors: Kenneth James Bunker, John David Holme, Alan Jeffory Phillips, Hans Fischer, Peter Gareth Denton
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Patent number: 6279223Abstract: A method for fabrication and testing of a magnichanical sensor for proper operation in detecting the presence of a snap ring during manufacture of an object having the snap ring for clasping a bearing. The magnichanical sensor is comprised of a magnetic field generator and a magnetic switch that are properly aligned on a sensor circuit board. The apparatus adjusts a second position of the magnetic switch with respect to a first position of the magnetic field generator on the sensor circuit board. The apparatus includes an indicator assembly coupled to the magnetic switch for indicating when the second position of the magnetic switch is properly aligned with respect to the first position of the magnetic field generator on the sensor circuit board. The second position of the magnetic switch with respect to the first position of the magnetic field generator is adjusted for proper alignment for both situations when the snap ring is present and when the snap ring is not present.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Honda of America Mfg., Inc.Inventor: Brent C. Rankin
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Patent number: 6279224Abstract: An apparatus having at least two separate workstations to which workpieces are alternately advanced to provide at substantially all times, in at least one workstation, a workpiece ready to be worked on by a tool carried by a shuttle which transfers the tool between the workstations. Desirably, after working on a workpiece in a first workstation, the shuttle carries the tool to a second workstation to work on a workpiece waiting in the second workstation. Simultaneously, the workpiece in the first workstation, that was just worked on by the tool, is moved downstream away from the tool and a subsequent workpiece is advanced into the first workstation so that it is ready to be worked on by the tool when the tool returns to the first workstation. Thus, the tool does not have to wait for a new workpiece to be advanced into position after performing work on a workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Leko U.S.A., Inc.Inventors: John O. Wirtz, Stephanus Petrus Janse van Vuuren
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Patent number: 6279225Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for handling packaged integrated circuits (IC's), particularly for inserting packaged IC's in and removing packaged IC's from low-insertion-force (LIF) sockets. The apparatus includes a precisor having a chip precisor feature for receiving an IC package and a socket precisor feature for receiving a socket in a predetermined alignment relative to the chip precisor feature. One or more releasable chip retainers are provided, such as a vacuum nozzle for pulling the packaged IC into a seated position within the chip precisor feature and a pair of gripper fingers for holding the packaged IC within the chip precisor feature during extraction from a LIF socket.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1996Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Schlumberger Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery Martin, Dave Searfoss, Raymond E. Zeune
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Patent number: 6279226Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing the form of a letter S of an inner lead after bonding in a method of manufacturing &mgr;BGAoIC in which a chip is fixed via an insulating film on a tape carrier on one main surface of which plural inner leads are laid and each electrode pad of the chip is bonded to each inner lead is disclosed. The inner lead is bonded to the electrode pad when the chip is supplied in a fixed position for a bonding tool using a sprocket hole of the tape carrier. Next, the respective positions of the inner lead and the electrode pad are recognized using a feature lead and an electrode pad. Afterward, the center line of the inner lead is recognized, the inner lead is touched to the chip by the bonding tool and after the inner lead is pushed in the direction of the base and bent in the form of a letter S, the end of the inner lead is bonded to the electrode pad by thermocompression by the bonding tool.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1998Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Tokyo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuyuki Ohkubo, Keisuke Nadamoto, Yoshifumi Katayama
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Patent number: 6279227Abstract: An interconnection contact structure assembly including an electronic component having a surface and a conductive contact carried by the electronic component and accessible at the surface. The contact structure includes an internal flexible elongate member having first and second ends and with the first end forming a first intimate bond to the surface of said conductive contact terminal without the use of a separate bonding material. An electrically conductive shell is provided and is formed of at least one layer of a conductive material enveloping the elongate member and forming a second intimate bond with at least a portion of the conductive contact terminal immediately adjacent the first intimate bond.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1996Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventors: Igor Y. Khandros, Gaetan L. Mathieu
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Patent number: 6279228Abstract: A leading edge structure of an aircraft airfoil comprises an outer skin, a front wall extended in the spanwise direction of the leading edge structure in a front section of the space defined by the outer skin so as to form an anti-icing duct together with a front part of the outer skin, and a plurality of ribs disposed in the space defined by the outer skin so as to form hot air passages. A laminar structure is formed by superposing upper and lower sheets of a superplastic titanium alloy, inserting a pair of core sheets of a superplastic titanium alloy between the upper and the lower sheet, and forming release agent layers in predetermined regions between the sheets.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Kobayashi, Michihiko Banno, Kazuaki Amaoka
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Patent number: 6279229Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a heat shield and to a heat shield manufactured with this method. Heat shields of this type are particularly used in the field of the automobile industry. According to the method according to the invention, an insulating material, performed in a suitable contour and consisting of graphite, for example vermiculite, without binding agent, is inserted as an insulating plate (4) between two flat materials (2, 3), consisting of sheet metal, for example. The flat materials (2, 3) are then connected to one another at their edges in a positive or non-positive manner. The insulating material is here compressed, before or after being deposited on the flat material, to form a coherent insulating plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Kai Lemke, Bernd Bretschneider, Giaimi Giacomo, Bruno Görlich, Dieter Grafl
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Patent number: 6279230Abstract: A wheel cover is formed to include a wrap around the circumference of the wheel cover. The wrap is an aesthetic portion of the wheel cover and not a part of a mechanical lock. It is formed in the wheel cover by spinning the wheel cover about its central axis. When the wheel cover is spinning at an appropriate speed, at least one pair of rollers is moved toward the spinning wheel cover. Lock generating rollers provide a force which is directed radially outwardly while wrap generating rollers provide a force which is directed radially inwardly. This force is of such a magnitude that it forces the outer edge of the wheel cover to follow the contour of the rollers. When the wrap is completely formed, the rollers are removed from engagement with the wheel cover and the wheel cover is stopped from spinning. Once the wheel cover is removed from the fixture of the spinning machine, it proceeds with further manufacturing steps to complete the manufacturing thereof before it is mounted to a wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: McKechnie Vehicle Components (USA), Inc.Inventors: Ted E. Eikhoff, David H. Johnson, Dannie J. MacNish