Patents Issued in September 11, 2001
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Patent number: 6286343Abstract: A device for the selection of the sinkers for the manufacture of designed terry cloth knitwear on circular knitting machines and stocking knitting machines. Each sinker (13) is capable of oscillations in a vertical plane between a canceled, resting position, in which its tail end (21) is not intercepted by a return cam (24), and an operating position, in which its tail end interacts with the return cam for the longitudinal movements of the sinker. The sinker also has a bottom part that interacts with inlet and outlet cams, and the sinker can be moved from the canceled, resting position to the operating position by a selection device acting on an oscillating selector associated with the shaft of the sinker.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Sangiacomo S.p.A.Inventor: Fulvio Sangiacomo
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Patent number: 6286344Abstract: A washing machine with a tilted tub assembly is disclosed. In the washing machine, the tub assembly is suspended and supported within an upright housing at a predetermined angle relative to the perpendicular of the housing. The tilted position of the tub assembly within the housing is stably held by damper hangers, shock absorbing units and/or elastic support units. The tilted tub assembly is convenient to users while putting or taking laundry into or out of the tub assembly. The tilted tub assembly also forms complex and active water currents suitable for preventing laundry from being entangled during a washing operation. The washing effect of the washing machine is thus improved with a reduced deviation of the washing effect. The washing machine almost completely prevents its drive motor from being overloaded and conserves the operational time while washing laundry. This saves water and electric power during a washing operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Si Moon Jeon, Dong Won Kim, Young Hwan Park, Oh Hun Kwon, Kyung Hwan Kim, Tae Hee Lee
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Patent number: 6286345Abstract: A card key operated locking mechanism has a connecting mechanism for connecting and disconnecting a locking device with a manual operated handle, a controller for controlling the connecting mechanism in accordance with card key insertion or removal, a latch mechanism to allow the connecting mechanism to maintain connection of the locking device with the handle, and a releasing mechanism to release the latch mechanism upon operation of the handle. The card key operated locking mechanism allows a user to rotate the handle one time upon removal of the card key.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: New Taecor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seok-Jin Kim, Dong-Jun Jang, Jeong-Wuk Kim
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Patent number: 6286346Abstract: A method and apparatus including conditional add and conditional add/subtract instructions are provided for use in the instruction set of a medical device instruction processor. More specifically, the conditional add and add/subtract instructions are provided to add two operands if a predetermined condition is satisfied within the instruction processor hardware. Additionally, the conditional add/subtract instruction may be used to subtract one operand from another operand if the predetermined condition is not satisfied. These instructions are adapted for use in implementing an efficient, interruptible, firmware-controlled multiplication or division mechanism. The inventive system allows multiplication or division operations to be interrupted at various intermediate points during the multiplication or division operation to thereby reducing interrupt latency.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Hocken, Jr., Kevin K. Walsh, Jeffrey D. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 6286347Abstract: A door lock system includes a clutch mechanism for a lockset and has particular applicability in conjunction with lever handles. Two coupling assemblies are selectively rotatably coupled by a coupling pin. One coupling assembly is rotatably coupled to the lockset actuator. The other coupling assembly is rotatably coupled to the exterior door handle. A drive assembly includes a motor and employs an injector which has a movable arcuate shoulder and which selectively controls the position of the coupling pin to provide for the locking and unlocking functions.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Harrow Products, Inc.Inventor: George Frolov
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Patent number: 6286348Abstract: A strip thickness controller for a rolling mill, which is capable of reducing a delivery-side strip thickness deviation due to an eccentricity of a backup roll even in a rolling mill incapable of easily performing a kiss-roll.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Kunio Sekiguchi, Yosuke Tonami, Takashi Chujo
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Patent number: 6286349Abstract: The invention relates to a flatness measurement and control system for metal strip, which makes it possible to obtain improved strip or coil quality by a simple and effective measurement of departures from flatness and to control the finishing parameters through the evaluation of a line pattern on the strip surface or on the end face of a coil as it is coiled.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignees: Betriebsforschungsinstitut VDEh-Institut fur angewandte Forschung GmbH, Gesellschaft fur Optische Messtechnik GmbH, Krupp-Hoesch-Stahl AGInventors: Ulrich Müller, Gustav Peuker, Detlef Sonnenschein, Detlef Winter, Michael Degner, Gerd Thiemann
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Patent number: 6286350Abstract: A hot-forming machine for the hot-pressing of workpieces comprises a die (5), an associated extendable and retractable ejector (7) and a forwardly and backwardly movable press ram (1). The ejector (7) is connected to a control piston (8) arranged displaceably in a pressure chamber (28). Liquid can flow out of the pressure chamber (28) via a liquid outlet bore (24) and a liquid discharge line (23). By means of a throttle (25) arranged in the liquid discharge line (23) the outflow of liquid and therefore the repulsion of the extended ejector (7) by the forwardly moving press ram (1) are delayed in such a way that a workpiece (4) arranged between ejector (7) and press ram (1) is pre-upset and descaled outside the die (5).Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Hatebur Umformmaschinen AGInventors: Raymond Schönenberger, Andreas Matt, Michael Suter
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Patent number: 6286351Abstract: The invention concerns an engraved surface of a deformation tool which deforms a workpiece with an active medium, wherein the deformation tool has a pressure agent feed for the active medium and an engraved surface according to the desired final contour of the workpiece. Accordingly deformation methods are performed with hydro-deforming as well as of internal high-pressure metal forming of a wall of a workpiece by the engraved surface of the tool by way of the pressure medium. Upon withdrawal of the workpiece the pressure medium can pass to the engraved surface of the tool, during the deformation of the following workpiece no contact between the engraved surface and the workpiece wall occurs due to the pressure agent adhering to the engraved surface, whereby undesired deformations occur on the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Dr. Meleghy Hydroforming GmbH & COKGInventor: Bernd Schulze
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Patent number: 6286352Abstract: A stretch roll forming apparatus has multiple roll forming stations arranged serially so that a sheet metal workpiece can be advanced through the stations in sequence. Each station includes a pair of roller dies supported by an inboard support station and by an outboard support station, in spaced apart relationship, so that the roller dies are each rotatable about a horizontal axis. The roller dies are configured to shape a sheet metal workpiece which is advanced between them. At least one of the roll forming work stations is a stretch roll forming work station. In this station, the roller dies each have a frusto-concial shape. The roller dies are positioned such that the taper of one extends from the inboard support to the outboard support while the taper of the other extends from the outboard support to the inboard support.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Pullman Industries, Inc.Inventor: Gerald Hackstock
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Patent number: 6286353Abstract: A process for producing at least one structured metal sheet, a process for producing a laminated metal sheet pack and an apparatus for producing structured metal sheets, include initially subjecting a strip of sheet metal to a structuring operation to form a structure having a structural height which is greater than a theoretical or desired structural height. The structuring operation is followed by a calibration operation in a calibration unit. The structure is guided through two rollers of the calibration unit in such a way that the height of the structure once it has passed through the calibration unit corresponds to the theoretical or desired structural height.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbHInventor: Rolf Brück
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Patent number: 6286354Abstract: The work rolls of two sets of roller groups are held within one-piece metal chock in a rolling mill. A one-piece metal chock in which the driving side and operating side are separate then provides support at the upper part of the rolling material, with support similarly being provided at the lower part using another pair of single piece metal chocks. Two sets of roll groups can then be arranged close to each other, strip walking and strip curving can be prevented, and a rolling mill, rolling method and rolling installation that are easy to maintain and provide superior rolling efficiency can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Kajiwara, Yoshihiko Iida, Yasutsugu Yoshimura, Kouichi Seki, Ryohei Konose, Mitsuo Nihei
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Patent number: 6286355Abstract: A rolling mill with working rolls and with multipart support rolls. The rolling mill includes of a basic body with a plurality of rolling bearings which are arranged next to one another on the basic body in its longitudinal direction. The outer rings of the bearing rotatably support a sleeve which surrounds the rolling bearings and bears with its inner surface, all-round, on the outer surfaces of the outer rings of the rolling bearings and the outer surface of which forms the roll barrel of the support roll. Three rolling bearings, of which the middle rolling bearing is designed as a tapered rolling bearing, are provided over the length of the basic body. In this case the two outer rolling bearings are designed as cylindrical roller bearings and an eccentric bush motively rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the basic body is arranged between the two cylindrical roller bearings and the basic body.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: SMS Demag AGInventors: Dieter Figge, Wilhelm Schwerdt
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Patent number: 6286356Abstract: An apparatus for machining a web-shaped workpiece includes a workpiece supply for supplying workpiece rolls each of an elongate thin metal sheet, a processing machine for machining the elongate thin metal sheet into caps, a workpiece feeder for feeding the elongate thin metal sheet to the processing machine, and a product feeder for automatically separating the caps from scrap and feeding the caps to a product collecting mechanism. The apparatus is capable of efficiently and quickly producing various products from the elongate thin metal sheet.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaaki Sakaguchi, Kazumasa Harada, Shuji Nakata, Masayoshi Sekino
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Patent number: 6286357Abstract: Process for manufacturing a shaped metal can comprising, on one hand, a bottom (1) and a peripheral wall (2) having a succession of regions of different diameters and, on the other hand, a lid crimped or seamed on the peripheral wall (2). The process comprises producing from a metal blank a cylindrical preliminary can comprising a bottom and a peripheral wall of diameter equal to a given diameter D of a region (2A) of the peripheral wall 2 of the can, effecting a necking operation on a part of the peripheral wall of the preliminary can situated above the region (2A) of the given diameter D of the peripheral wall (2) of the formed can to bring it to a diameter D1 less than the given diameter D, and effecting at least one expanding operation on a part of the peripheral wall situated above the region (2A) of the given diameter D.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1996Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: SollacInventors: Michel D'Amore, Patrick Erhard, François Muia
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Patent number: 6286358Abstract: Pliers for crimping work pieces include a first stationary handle (1) and a second movable handle (2). The first and second handle (1, 2) are designed and arranged to be movable with respect to one another and to be operable by one hand. A first pivot jaw (3) is connected to the first stationary handle (1) to form a stationary pliers portion. A second pivot jaw (4) is connected to the second movable handle (2). A common joint (5) pivotally connects the stationary pliers portion and the second pivot jaw (4). A first die (35) is arranged at the first pivot jaw (3). A second die (36) is arranged at the second pivot jaw (4). The first and second die (35, 36) together form a crimping die (8), and they are designed and arranged to contact one another in a closed position of the pliers in a separation plane (26).Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: WEZAG GmbH WerkzeugfabrikInventors: Horst Beetz, Kurt Battenfeld
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Patent number: 6286359Abstract: A method of testing frequency characteristics of a laser displacement/vibration meter by the use of a novel which can cope with a broader frequency range and finer micro-level displacements to enhance the reliability of the displacement/vibration meter. Upon applying impact on one end face of a round metal rod, an elastic wave pulse which propagates through the metal rod generates a stepwise dynamic displacement of the other end face of the rod when reflected there. This dynamic displacement is measured simultaneously by a reference laser interferometer with a reference laser beam and a laser displacement/vibration meter with unknown frequency response characteristics, followed by comparison of measurement data over a frequency range to determine the frequency response characteristics of the unknown laser displacement/vibration meter.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Director-General of the Agency of Industrial Science and TechnologyInventor: Akira Umeda
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Patent number: 6286360Abstract: A gas analyzer (10) integrated into the main passageway (11) of a breathing circuit includes pressure-drop flow element (12) that measures a pressure drop across an orifice, an acoustic flowmeter (14) measures the speed of sound in the gas mixture, and a SAW device (20) from which the viscosity of the gas mixture is determined. The dielectric constant of the gas mixture is determined from the capacitance of spaced-apart charged plates of a capacitor (22) through which the mixture passes. The gas mixture density is determined from the measured pressure drop and flow rate, while the gas mixture specific heat is determined from the density and speed of sound in accordance with known relationships. The individual concentrations of five constituents of a mixture of gasses can be determined by solving five equations relating the independently measured properties of the gas mixture to the individual constituent concentrations.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Metasensors, Inc.Inventor: Tadeusz M. Drzewiecki
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Patent number: 6286361Abstract: An apparatus for detecting pressure in a hollow fan blade of a turbofan gas turbine engine comprises a magnetostriction transducer arranged in a sub chamber of the fan blade which is interconnected to a main chamber. A magnetic coil is arranged in the fan casing of the turbofan remote from the fan blade, and an alternating current is supplied from a supply to the magnetic coil to produce an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field causes the magnetostriction transducer to generate vibrations in the fan blade and the magnetostriction transducer. A magnetic search coil detects changes in the magnetic field, which corresponds to the vibrations, and a processor analyses the vibrations to determine if there has been a change in the resonant frequency of the vibrations which is indicative of a change in the pressure in the fan blade. The processor supplies a signal to a display or to an alarm. The change in the pressure is indicative that the fan blade is cracked and needs replacing.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventors: Alan R Jones, John R Webster, Ian D Brown, Duncan Pollard, Rodney D Greenough
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Patent number: 6286362Abstract: The present invention generally provides a leak detector having at least two partial pressure analyzers. The leak detector comprises a pumping system, a trace gas detector, and a residual gas analyzer. The leak detector is attachable to a test object, such as a vacuum system, and the pumping system operates to draw a vacuum therein. The residual gas analyzer determines the presence of oxygen, nitrogen, and other components of air in the test object. A trace gas, such as helium, provided to the exterior of the test system is monitored by the trace gas detector which may be a magnetic sector mass spectrometer. The residual gas analyzer and the trace gas detector may be operated simultaneously or independently.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: John Daniel Coffman, Jeffrey Gordon Lorge
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Patent number: 6286363Abstract: A multi-element fluid sensor system for determining the health state of a fluid. The sensor system includes at least two sensors for collecting data relating to a particular parameter (e.g., pH, temperature, conductivity, chemistry, viscosity) of the fluid. The at least two sensors may be integrated onto a semiconductor base so as to provide for a micro sensor for in situ monitoring of the fluid. The system also includes a data fusion processor operatively coupled to the at least two sensors. The data fusion processor processes the fluid data to at least compensate for information fragmentation attributed to using the at least two sensors. The data fusion processor may condense the data, combine the data, evaluate the data and interpret the data.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLCInventor: Frederick M. Discenzo
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Patent number: 6286364Abstract: A method and a system for measuring the spin decay rate of a golf ball. The system includes an indoor testing area, a launching device, and a measuring device positioned at a final position along the ball's flight path. When the ball is launched by the launching device, the measuring device measures the spin rate and speed at the final position. Then, the launching device can launch the ball at the speed and spin rate of the final position and a new final speed and spin rate are measured again. The spin rate difference from launching to the final position is used to determine the spin decay rate. By using discrete spin decay rate measurements, the spin decay rate profile of a golf ball during its entire flight can be measured in the indoor area.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Steven Aoyama, William Gobush, Diane I. Pelletier, Charles A. Days, George Costa
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Patent number: 6286365Abstract: The method for determining segment times (Tk) required for controlling an internal combustion engine includes providing a transducer disk (17) connected to a camshaft of the engine with a plurality of markings equally spaced from each other on the transducer disk; measuring respective segment times (Tk) between detection of corresponding pairs of markings on the transducer disk (17) by means of a camshaft sensor (21); triggering fuel injection events and combustion events in order to trip acceleration events at a substantially constant camshaft rotation speed; determining a resulting acceleration quotient (Qk) for a current segment time as a quotient of the current segment time divided by a preceding segment time and correcting a following segment time by means of the acceleration quotient (Qk) for the current segment time. The method is not performed when the internal combustion engine has a crankshaft with a properly working crankshaft sensor for measuring crankshaft rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Tobias Lang, Michael Zimmermann
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Patent number: 6286366Abstract: A technique for determining the charge air temperature within an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle without using a dedicated temperature sensor. The technique includes identifying a non-linear dynamic model based on the physical concepts of thermal transfer and system identification technique. The charge air temperature model uses several available physical measurements from the vehicle, including inlet air temperature, engine coolant temperature, vehicle speed, manifold pressure, engine speed, exhaust gas recirculation condition, and the engine fan on/off state. The model parameters are determined based on specific vehicle characteristics, and collected data from the vehicle. The charge air temperature is predicted by the model at regular predetermined intervals from the physical measurements, the vehicle parameters and the charge air temperature from the previous time.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Gang Chen, Zhijian James Wu, Anson Lee, Kerry D. Franks, Timothy L. McDonald, James R. Tamm
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Patent number: 6286367Abstract: A multiphase flowmeter (30) is mounted on the piping via which a multiphase fluid flows out from a hydrocarbon well, so as to measure the flow rates of the various phases of the fluid. A back-pressure valve (34) is placed in the piping downstream from the flowmeter (30) so as to enable the pressure in the flowmeter to be adjusted, whereby the flow conditions of the fluid in the flowmeter (30) can be made compatible with the measurement domain of the flowmeter.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Gérard Segeral
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Patent number: 6286368Abstract: A wetting balance includes a load cell for suspending a specimen above a crucible containing a molten braze pool. A lift supports the crucible for vertical lifting thereof to effect an immersion cycle of the specimen in the pool. A controller operates the lift and determines first contact with the pool by measuring force changes thereat and produces a measured force log during the immersion cycle. In operation, the lift is operated for a predetermined time following first contact for immersing the specimen to a predetermined depth in the pool.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Harvey Donald Solomon, Ronald Edward Delair, Leslie Homer String
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Patent number: 6286369Abstract: A high sensitivity, Z-axis, capacitive microaccelerometer having stiff sense/feedback electrodes and a method of its manufacture on a single-side of a semiconductor wafer are provided. The microaccelerometer is manufactured out of a single silicon wafer and has a silicon-wafer-thick proof mass, small and controllable damping, large capacitance variation and can be operated in a force-rebalanced control loop. One of the electrodes moves with the proof mass relative to the other electrode which is fixed. The multiple, stiffened electrodes have embedded therein damping holes to facilitate force-rebalanced operation of the device and to control the damping factor. Using the whole silicon wafer to form the thick large proof mass and using thin sacrificial layers to form narrow uniform capacitor air gaps over large areas provide large capacitance sensitivity. The manufacturing process is simple and thus results in low cost and high yield manufacturing.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Navid Yazdi, Khalil Najafi
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Patent number: 6286370Abstract: A method using ultrasound for detecting the presence of coatings on metal surfaces is described. The characteristics of resonant sound waves established within a metal plate are altered by the acoustic impedance of any coatings present on the surface of the metal in the vicinity of the waves. The amplitude and width of the resonant features are most directly affected and can readily be detected. For example, a reduction of approximately a factor of ten in resonance amplitude has been observed when ice is permitted to coat the surface of the plate. A resonant ultrasound condition is impressed on the plate using a transducer attached thereto on the side of the plate opposite to the coating. A receiving transducer is located next to the resonance inducing transducer. Thus, ice can be detected on the surface of an airplane wing surface using transducers located within the wing's interior.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: Naveen Neil Sinha
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Patent number: 6286371Abstract: The invention concerns a monitor head for ultrasound control by pulse echo process, in particular for producing a brief ultrasound pulse, unipolar as far as possible, comprising an oscillator/transmitter (26) and an oscillator/receiver (32), each provided with electrodes (28, 30, 34, 36). The oscillator/transmitter (26) and the oscillator/receiver (32) are made of the same material. The oscillator/transmitter (26) and the oscillator/receiver (32) are arranged directly one behind the other, in the sound propagation direction, in particular flat-bonded one on the other.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Krautkramer GmbH & Co.Inventors: Johannes Büchler, Manfred Rost, Torsten Niederdränk
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Patent number: 6286372Abstract: A pressure differential measuring transducer has measuring membranes arranged side by side on one side of a membrane disk and a common fluid space allocated to them. To obtain a measured electric quantity which is proportional to a pressure difference and is independent of changes in static pressure with such a measuring transducer, a part of the membrane disk carrying a first measuring membrane is accommodated from the side in the interior of a tube with a seal, said tube being acted upon by a first pressure at its one end and at its other open end. Another part of the membrane disk having a second measuring membrane extends into an interior space of a container adjacent to the tube to which a second pressure can be applied.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Moriz Von Rauch
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Patent number: 6286373Abstract: A system enclosing a Coriolis flowmeter in a explosion proof housing. The explosion proof housing is structured in a way that the housing can withstand an explosion of volatile material inside the housing. The explosion proof housing prevents sparks and heat inside the housing from igniting volatile material outside the housing. Any gaps or openings in the explosion proof housing provide a flame path of sufficient length to cool a flame or hot material escaping from the housing. The use of the secondary housing as an explosion proof compartment allows the use of a driver having greater power as well as conventional leads inside the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Ernest Dale Lister, John Richard McCarthy, Curtis John Ollila, Anthony Pankratz
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Patent number: 6286374Abstract: A preload measuring apparatus to measure the preload of a rolling bearing that includes a bearing support, a pressurization device, an excitation device, a vibration sensor, and a control section. The bearing support supports a rolling bearing by supporting both ends of a shaft inserted into an inner ring of the rolling bearing. The pressurization device loads a predetermined weight in the axial direction onto the rolling bearing. The excitation device applies vibration onto the rolling bearing by the drive of the piezoelectric elements. The vibration sensor detects the vibration generated on the rolling bearing by the vibration application of the excitation device. The control section operates the excitation device in the situation that the pressurization device presses the rolling bearing, and obtains the resonance frequency by the output signal from the vibration sensor and calculates the preload of the rolling bearing according to the obtained resonance frequency before the predetermined weight as loaded.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Kudo, Takashi Maeda, Nobuo Iwatani, Hiroshi Shibazaki
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Patent number: 6286375Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating vapor extraction from the headspace of a septum-sealed vial containing a sample to be analyzed. The vial is heated, driving dissolved volatile organics out of solution and into the vapor headspace. A first end of a hollow probe penetrates the septum of the sample vial and is submerged within the sample. The second end of the probe is connected to the first port of a two-port gas-tight valve. A first end of a flexible tube is connected to the second port of the valve. The second end of the tube is submerged in a heated liquid source. In one embodiment, the vapor is extracted from the vial through the septum by a vapor extraction means. During vapor extraction, the valve is opened, thereby connecting the vial to the heated liquid via the tube, thereby allowing the liquid to replace the vapor as it is extracted for analysis from the otherwise closed headspace volume. In an alternate embodiment, the heated liquid source is pressurized.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Clyde Ward
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Patent number: 6286376Abstract: A particle size distribution analysis sample dilution apparatus in which a sample consisting of a batch of a slurry of particles is deposited on an inclined plate of a progressive sample delivery system from which a continuous supply of water progressively washes off the sample and dilutes it. The initially diluted sample is further diluted with water continuously supplied in a funnel from which the further diluted sample passes under gravity along a conduit to a particle size distribution analyzer through which the diluted sample flows continuously. The conduit may include a mixing chamber to which water is continuously supplied to further dilute the sample prior to analysis.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Malvern Instruments LimitedInventors: Gregory Paul Davidson, Stephen John Fielding, Robert James Henry Jennings
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Patent number: 6286377Abstract: Operation of a medium voltage spring powered circuit breaker is analyzed by determining the linear position of a selected driven part of the circuit breaker operating mechanism. When the charged closing springs of the operating mechanism are released, the selected driven part, such as a vacuum interrupter stem or push rod, moves to a new linear position as actuated by the release of the charged closing springs. Linkages are provided to the driven parts. LVDT sensors engage each of the linkages to determine the linear positions of the driven parts. A processing unit collects operation data for the operating mechanism when the charged closing springs are released to actuate and produce linear movement of the driven parts. The operation data includes a plurality of the linear positions of the driven parts. A microprocessor-based routine and interface outputs the operation data.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: James J. Benke, Francois J. Marchand, Norman Davis, Nagar J. Patel
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Patent number: 6286378Abstract: To reduce abrasion of the pinion and the ring gear, a coil spring and a plate are arranged between the inner circumference of the plunger and the output shaft. The plate is adapted to the rear end of the thrust spline of the over-running clutch to transmit the elastic force of the coil spring to the thrust spline.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koichiro Kamei, Shigeru Shiroyama, Akira Kuragaki, Hidekazu Katayama
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Patent number: 6286379Abstract: In a shifting mechanism housed in a case a first relatively rotating member rotates about an axis. A second relatively rotating member is selectively coupled and decoupled with the first member. A selector is moveable for actuating the coupling to mutually connect and disconnect the members. A resilient connection is provided between the coupling and selector. A method for shifting multi-speed axles without significant driver interaction by automatic synchronization is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Loring Yester, Michael Glenn Fodor, John H. Tanzer
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Patent number: 6286380Abstract: A select mechanism for executing select operation and a change speed mechanism for executing change speed operation are incorporated into the automatic speed-change apparatus. The change speed mechanism is provided with a change speed motor 14 capable of controlling forward and backward rotation, a single or a plurality of intermediate shaft gear mechanisms 16 reducing and then transmitting the speed of the rotation of the speed change motor and each consisting of a large diameter gear 17, a small diameter gear 18 and an intermediate shaft 19 parallel to a select and change speed pull-rod 2, a change speed gear 24 engaged with the intermediate shaft gear mechanisms to transmit rotation and fixed to the select and change speed pull-rod 2, and a change speed sensor 28 provided on the outer end of the select and change speed pull-rod 2 and detecting the operating angle of the pull-rod 2 in rotation direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Aichi Kikai Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshio Imao, Eiji Takeyama
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Patent number: 6286381Abstract: A gear preselect system is provided for a transmission having dual input shafts in order to delay a gear preselect change until the last moment possible. The transmission controller determines the speed at which the next shift will occur and determines the preselect speed at which the preselect should occur in order for the preselect to take place prior to the time for shifting to the next gear. When the current vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the preselect speed, the transmission controller preselects the next higher gear.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Richard G Reed, Jr., Jeffrey R. Cherry
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Patent number: 6286382Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear (10) comprises a rack (14) and a housing (12) for receiving the rack. The housing (12) has a chamber (42) for receiving a rack supporting yoke (70). The chamber (42) has a threaded portion (44) with internal threads (45). A rack supporting yoke (70) is disposed in the chamber (42) and supports the rack (14) for movement in the housing (12). An externally threaded yoke plug (90) is screwed into the internal threads (45) of the threaded portion (44). An externally threaded lock nut (120) is screwed into the internal threads (45) of the threaded portion (44) and into abutting engagement with the yoke plug (90) to lock the yoke plug in the housing (12).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Steven P. Spagnuolo, Kenneth N. Douglass
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Patent number: 6286383Abstract: This invention relates to improvement of a ball screw unit in which a nut member meshes with a screw shaft via a plurality of balls circulating endlessly. The balls are disposed freely rotatably in line at a predetermined interval in a ball arranging member formed in a belt-like shape. If a relative rotation occurs between the nut member and screw shaft, the balls circulate in the infinite circulation path with the ball arranging member. Guide pieces are projected to both sides of the ball arranging member and guide grooves for accommodating each of the guide pieces are formed along the entire circumference of the infinite circulation path. Therefore, the ball arranging member is introduced by the guide grooves and circulates in the infinite circulation path without being fluttered.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeki Shirai, Hidekazu Michioka, Shigeru Ebina, Ryuji Takeda
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Patent number: 6286384Abstract: A shift control apparatus for use in a change-speed gearbox of motor vehicles includes a housing, a selector shaft axially slidably and rotatably supported in the housing and operatively connected to a gear selector lever for axial displacement of the selector shaft to realize a preselection of a shifting lane and rotation of the selector for shift into a selected gear, a shifter finger secured to the selector shaft and engaging slidable shifter forks or shifter bars, and a restraining mechanism for preventing a misshift between a reverse gear and a forward gear positioned in a same shifting lane. The restraining mechanism includes a transmission element mounted in fixed rotative engagement to the selector shaft and having a flanged edge, and a restraining member rotatable and axially moveable in parallel relationship to the selector shaft. The restraining member has a locking surface forming a deflector ramp for support of the flanged edge of the transmission element, thereby effecting a deflection, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: INA Wälzlager Schaeffler oHGInventor: Peter Schnapp
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Patent number: 6286385Abstract: A shift lever device includes a shift lever which allows selection of an arbitrary shift range by shift operation and which is rotatably supported by a structure that breaks when an axial impact force above a preselected magnitude is applied to the shift lever. The breakage of the supporting structure allows safer absorption of an impact force applied to the shift lever. The breakable supporting structure may take the form of a portion of a thin portion of a circular wall forming a bearing that rotatably supports the shift lever, or a frangible pin or bracket that pivotably supports the shift lever.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1997Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Masaya Nishimura, Kazuhiro Sato, Masaki Fujita, Yoshitaka Watanabe, Hitoshi Kanazawa, Noriyasu Shamoto
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Patent number: 6286386Abstract: An apparatus that can return a payload to a known orientation after unknown motion, without requiring external power or complex mechanical systems. The apparatus comprises a faceted cage that causes the system to rest in a stable position and orientation after arbitrary motion. A gimbal is mounted with the faceted cage and holds the payload, allowing the payload to move relative to the stable faceted cage. The payload is thereby placed in a known orientation by the interaction of gravity with the geometry of the faceted cage, the mass of the system, and the motion of the payload and gimbal. No additional energy, control, or mechanical actuation is required. The apparatus is suitable for use in applications requiring positioning of a payload to a known orientation after arbitrary or uncontrolled motion, including remote sensing and mobile robot applications.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Barry L. Spletzer, Gary J. Fischer, Michael A. Martinez
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Patent number: 6286387Abstract: A three-dimensional manipulator comprising: a single operation grip 11 which is moved to an arbitrary position within a definite range of three-dimensional space and inputs current coordinates; a first operation input 2 for holding the operation grip 11 with at least five degrees of freedom; a second operation input 2A for holding the operation grip 11 with at least six degrees of freedom; and grip displacement amount detection mechanism 5 for detecting a change of position and direction of the operation grip 11. The operation grip 11 is formed in a bar shape whose one end serves as a grip portion 111 and whose other end is held by the first and the second operation inputs 2, 2A at two positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Yoshitaka Adachi, Takahiro Kumano, Akio Ikemoto
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Patent number: 6286388Abstract: A brake pedal assembly 12 for a vehicle includes a pedal 14 and a foot pad 16 operatively engageable by the operator of a vehicle. The pedal assembly 12 also includes a collapsible push rod 22 connected between the pedal 14 and a hydraulic actuator assembly 20. The push rod 40 has a transverse slot 44 formed therein with a tapered surface 46 that increases in separation distance from a first end 48 toward a second end 50. A pin 42 is disposed in the second end of the slot 44 for connecting the push rod 40 to pedal 14 during normal vehicle operation. The pin 42 is movable toward the second end of slot 44 upon experiencing a force greater than a predetermined force threshold. In doing so, pin 42 deforms slot 44 of push rod 40 in an energy consuming manner to reduce the amount of force otherwise applied to pedal 14. Accordingly, the pedal assembly 12 reduces forces that may otherwise be transferred to the operator of the vehicle during a collision.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Edward Brewer
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Patent number: 6286389Abstract: A parking brake actuating assembly that has a lockout structure constructed and arranged to enable a lockout operation to be performed by applying tension to the brake cable opposite the brake activating direction so as to rotate the take-up member in the cable slackening direction against the biasing force of the take-up spring until the take-up member reaches the lockout position and the lockout structure is caused to move towards and into the releasable retaining position thereof in response to the take-up member moving into the lockout position thereof to thereby releasably lock the take-up member in the lockout position thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.Inventor: George Papadatos
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Patent number: 6286390Abstract: A torsional vibration damper, in particular for clutches, includes a primary structural unit and a secondary structural unit which are rotatable relative to one another and connected to each other by a spring arrangement (7) including at least one thrust piston (71). At least the secondary structural unit (2) interacts with the thrust piston (71) of the spring arrangement via a contact surface with a radially directed surface component, wherein the contact surface (4) is formed on a separate third structural unit (3) situated between the secondary structural unit (2) and the spring arrangement (7), thereby ensuring a structurally simple heat insulation for a torsional vibration damper.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Rohs-Voigt Patentverwertungsgesellschaft mbHInventors: Ulrich Rohs, Hans Rohs, Dietmar Heidingsfeld
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Patent number: 6286391Abstract: A locking differential in which the two side gears comprise end toothings facing one another, and the differential component is a differential disc with end toothings on both faces, with the end toothings on each face co-operating with one of the side gears' end toothings. The number of teeth of each pair of inter-engaging end toothings differs by one, and the ratio of the number of teeth of both pairs of toothings is unequal. The differential disc is mounted to wobble between the side gears so that, by means of diametrically-opposed portions of its two sets of end toothings, it engages the associated sets of end toothings of the side gears. The desired ratios of the numbers of teeth exist if the differential disc is provided with end toothings with identical numbers of teeth, and one side gear comprises a set of end toothings having one tooth fewer (z=n−1) and the other side gear having one tooth more.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: GKN Viscodrvie GmbhInventor: Theodor Gassmann
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Patent number: 6286392Abstract: A hitch cover for the hitch tube of a vehicle includes a bottle opener. One illustrated hitch tube cover includes a wire form attached thereto for being inserted into the hitch tube and securing a face plate across the open end of the hitch tube. A lock or pin extends through the conventional hitch tube openings, passing through the wire form to prevent removal of the hitch cover. Also illustrated are face plates which have the bottle opener as an integral part thereof or an insert formed as a part of the face plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Bergamot IncorporatedInventor: Kenneth Wayne Smith