Patents Issued in September 11, 2001
-
Patent number: 6286643Abstract: A parking brake mechanism in the duo-servo type drum brake includes a link type shoe drive mechanism for expanding a pair of brake shoes and an operating force generator for inputting a shoe operating force into an input lever of the shoe drive mechanism according to the brake operation. The parking brake mechanism also includes a parking brake lever pivotally supported by one brake shoe, wherein a shoe operating force is inputted into the input lever by swing of the parking brake lever, and the brake shoes are expanded via the shoe drive mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshifumi Maehara
-
Patent number: 6286644Abstract: An active vibration isolator includes a vibration isolation platform on which an object to be isolated from vibration is mounted, an air-spring actuator which supports the vibration isolation platform, the air-spring actuator including a valve, which is subjected to feedback drive, a vibration measurement device which measures vibration of the vibration isolation platform and outputs acceleration and velocity signals, a position measurement device which measures position of the vibration isolation platform and first, second and third feedback loops. The first feedback loop feeds back an output of a force measurement device, which measures a working force applied by the air-spring actuator to the vibration isolation platform, thereby controlling the working force supplied by the air-spring actuator. The second feedback loop has a PI compensator and signals of the vibration measurement device are fed back to an input side of the compensator, for producing damping and spring effects which act upon the platform.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinji Wakui
-
Patent number: 6286645Abstract: A protective strip is fastened to the outer surface of a luggage shell by one or more fastening plates which are attached to the inner surface of the luggage shell. The protective strip is provided with a plurality of retaining bodies, whereas the fastening plates are provided with a plurality of projections corresponding in location to and engageable with the retaining bodies of the protective strip. The fastening plates are attached to the inner surface of the luggage shell such that the projections of the fastening plates are engaged with the retaining bodies of the protective strip via the through holes of the luggage shell.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: Sheng-Chin Chen
-
Patent number: 6286646Abstract: Conductor system for warehouse cranes or transporters servicing warehouse shelving. Each shelving unit contains a conductor with conductive elements which have been mounted in a vertical plane. At least one warehouse crane or transporter and an assembly carrier is coupled respectively to a warehouse crane or transporter and a collector trolley is connected by means of opposite and preferably shaped leaf springs to an assembly plate attached to the assembly carrier of the warehouse crane or transporter. Each collector trolley contains carbon brushes and wheels. One end of the leaf springs is attached to the assembly plate and the other end of the leaf springs is attached to a mounting plate carrying the carbon brushes. The leaf springs press the wheels of the collector trolley onto the conductor and the carbon brushes of each collector trolley onto the conductor's conductive elements. Collector trolley suitable for use in such conductor systems.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.Inventors: Corstiaan Jacob Van Zijverden, Andre Pieter Willem Van Zaalen
-
Patent number: 6286647Abstract: A lockup device 4 of a torque converter 1 is provided with a first piston 43 and a second piston 42 that are axially movable in accordance with pressure changes. Particularly, the pistons 42 and 43 of the lockup device 4 of the torque converter 1 are configured to suppress a drag torque while keeping a sufficiently large torque transmission capacity. The first piston 43 is movable in a space C in accordance with changes in pressure in the space C. The first piston 43 is arranged close to a friction surface of the front cover 2. The second piston 42 is movable in the space C in accordance with changes in pressure in the space C. The second piston 42 is designed to push the first piston 43 toward the friction surface of the front cover 2.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventor: Yoshihiro Matsuoka
-
Patent number: 6286648Abstract: A lockup device 4 of a torque converter 1 is provided with a damper mechanism 44, which is axially movable together with a piston. Particularly, the lockup device 4 of a torque converter 1 is provided with a simplified structure that reduces production costs. The lockup device of a torque converter basically includes a clutch coupling portion and a damper mechanism 44. The damper mechanism 44 has a plurality of first claw portions 61, a drive member 50, a driven member 51, a plurality of torsion springs 52 and a first piston 43. The first claw portions 61 are fixedly coupled to the turbine 11. The driven member 51 has a plurality of second claw portions 59 that are axially movably and non-rotatably engaged with the first claw portions 61. The drive member 50 radially positions the driven member 51.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventor: Yoshihiro Matsuoka
-
Patent number: 6286649Abstract: A unidirectional drive for a multi-part construction toy. A circular first drive element is received within the cylindrical wall of a second drive element. Each drive element has angularly oriented fixed drive teeth projecting toward the other. The outermost dimension of the first drive element is such as to enable it to rotate in one direction within the second drive element, without driving engagement to cause the second element to rotate. At least one of the drive elements is free to move radially with respect to its axis of rotation such that, when rotated in a driving direction, relative radial displacement between the two drive elements causes the respective drive teeth to become positively engaged for maintaining the two drive elements in positive driving relation. An extraordinarily simple and inexpensive one-way clutch drive is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Connector Set Limited PartnershipInventor: Robert Gleim
-
Patent number: 6286650Abstract: In order to reduce an electromagnetic clutch in an axial size, a ring-shaped leaf spring connects an armature to a hub. The leaf spring has an outer ring portion connected to the armature, an attachment portion connected to the hub and located inner than the outer ring portion, and a connecting portion for connecting the outer ring portion and the attachment portion. A plurality of rivets of the armature are disposed at the outer ring portion. An embossed portion for generating an initial deflection on the leaf spring is disposed at an intermediate portion between the rivets in the circumferential direction of the outer ring portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yasuo Tabuchi, Toshihiro Hayashi
-
Patent number: 6286651Abstract: The externally threaded surface of a clutch adjusting ring is provided with circumferentially spaced friction-enhancing plugs, preferably formed of nylon. The plugs are friction fit into bores located between the first and last threads of the externally threaded surface. The nylon plugs are slightly longer than their bores and, therefore, the top surfaces of the plugs extend slightly beyond the externally threaded surface. As the externally threaded surface of the ring is threaded into the cover, the corresponding internally threaded surface of the cover cuts through the radially extending plugs located in the threads of the ring. The plugs frictionally grip the cover thereby preventing, or greatly reducing, the amount of play in the adjusting ring, yet allowing the ring to be readily turned manually.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: PMX, Inc.Inventors: Philip J. Mazziotti, Joe E. Gears, Jr., Laurence Lee Glessmer
-
Patent number: 6286652Abstract: The invention refers to a conveyor track with rollers for transport goods—in particular to a track with small-diameter rollers for workpiece carriers—provided, seen in the conveying direction, with multiple, consecutively arranged, braced support rollers which are a component of a side bar and bolt-equipped roller chain, whose bolts jut out sideways over the side bars and on which conveyor track support elements that proceed in the conveying direction are supported, and where the support rollers jut out over the side bars and the support elements in the direction of the transport goods.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Mannesmann A.G.Inventor: Heinz W. Schmidt
-
Patent number: 6286653Abstract: A coin sorter, wherein a front cover, a gate rail and a solenoid out of independent parts constituting the coin sorter are supported so that they can be detached with a snap action respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon ConluxInventors: Ryoji Yamagishi, Masato Yagi
-
Patent number: 6286654Abstract: A conveyor system has a load support structure which enables loads to be moved along the conveyor. The load support structure has an input position at which loads can be placed into the conveyor system, an unload position at which loads can be removed from the conveyor system and a load storage area located between the input position and the unload position. The conveyor system also includes a plurality of sensors including an input sensor which senses when a load is at the input position, an unload sensor which senses when a load is at the unload position, and a filled sensor which determines when a pre-selected portion of the load structure has been filled with loads. A propulsion system moves loads along the load support structure. One such propulsion system includes a tram which reciprocates along the load support system. A control system responds to the sensors to cause the propulsion system to move one or more loads to the unload position whenever the unload position is empty.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.Inventors: Theodore S. Gorniak, John H. Zelina, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6286655Abstract: A paper handling system includes first and second inclined conveyors. The first inclined conveyor operates at a first speed and has an output end. The second inclined conveyor operates at a second speed and is operably positioned to receive paper output from the first inclined conveyor. The second speed is greater than the first speed. The inclined conveyors are preferably inclined at an angle in the range from 15° to 35°. By transporting the paper up the inclined conveyors, upper layers of paper are allowed to slide down over lower layers of paper thereby creating a thinner stream of paper.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Advanced Sorting Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael R. Grubbs, Garry R. Kenny
-
Patent number: 6286656Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A “corner”-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a “best” package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Pao-Ter Huang, Christopher Chunsheng Cai, Joseph P. Snyder, Jr., John H. Lecko, Jaroslav Janik, Rajan Chandrakant Penkar, Peter Douglas Jackson
-
Patent number: 6286657Abstract: Apparatus for transporting cartons of cigarette packets or analogous block-shaped commodities employs an indexible turret which advances a series of successive equidistant commodities along an arcuate horizontal path into the inlet of a straight horizontal second path defined by an elongated reach of an endless belt conveyor. The conveyor carries spaced-apart receptacles each defined in part by an outwardly extending retaining element affixed to the belt conveyor, and in part by a two-armed lever which is pivotably mounted on the conveyor and is biased by one or more springs to an idle position in which the respective receptacle can receive a commodity from the turret during travel past the inlet of the second path. A commodity which is in the process of entering a receptacle at the inlet bears upon one arm of the lever against the spring bias to thus move the other arm to a position in which the other arm cooperates with the retaining element to advance the commodity along the second path.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Schnabel
-
Patent number: 6286658Abstract: A vibratory conveyor employing an amplitude compensator to substantially impede the conveyor bed from moving beyond a given range of vibration amplitude is described. The amplitude compensator coacts with the conveyor bed as the vibrational amplitude of the bed increases in response to an increase in the mass of conveyed product, or to an increase in the vibrational force produced by the vibratory drive to impede or substantially eliminate premature wear or mechanical failure of leaf springs which support the bed.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.Inventor: David W. Hufford
-
Patent number: 6286659Abstract: A conveyor roller for motorized conveyors including a lateral friction torque limiting mechanism to drive a roller tube via a rotation driving element. The torque limiting mechanism includes a first friction surface associated with the roller tube and a second friction surface associated with the drive element. The second friction surface is made of a magnetic material. The first and second friction surfaces are applied one against the other through a magnetic field generated by permanent magnets. When the force required to rotate the roller tube is higher than the frictional force between the first and second friction surfaces, slippage will occur between the first and second friction surfaces, stopping the rotation of the roller. The drive element includes ventilation channels to thereby cool the friction surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: GEBO Conveyors, Consultants & Systems, Inc.Inventor: Zmaj Petrovic
-
Patent number: 6286660Abstract: A substantially S-shaped side frame for a roller conveyor has a first duct section defining an exterior opening and a second duct section defining an interior opening. Necessary operating components, such as controllers, and associated wiring may be installed in the first duct section. Roller shaft support brackets are installed across the interior opening with a certain longitudinal pitch. The shafts of a plurality of laterally extending rollers are installed in through holes provided in the brackets to define a conveyor path for transporting articles. The brackets each include opposed slots for mounting to opposed rails for the second duct section. The opposed slots in the brackets include an inwardly tapered portion that allows the brackets to be rotatably inserted between the opposed rails. Each bracket may include one or more through holes for stably supporting the roller shafts.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Key Handling Systems, Inc.Inventor: W. Scott Kalm
-
Patent number: 6286661Abstract: A pallet for carrying dynamo-electric machine component workpieces of different dimensions is provided with first and second support members, at least one of which is movably mounted on the pallet so that the distance between the support members can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of differently dimensioned workpieces. The pallet may include an aperture which allows a removal device to pass through and remove a workpiece from, or deposit a workpiece to the pallet. Each movable support member is releasably locked so that a user may unlock and adjust the support members to a desired position.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Axis USA Inc.Inventors: Rossano Galassi, Antonio Randazzo, Maurizio Mugelli
-
Patent number: 6286662Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp (10) for holding sheet-like objects, having a support (12) on which a clamp tongue (20) is fixed. A clamping jaw (32) is stored in a guide slot (30) in the support (12) in such a way that it can move both in and against the direction of closing (S). When the clamping jaw (32) moves from open position (34) in closing direction (S), the clamp end (42) is displaced along the path of movement (46), until it rests against the clamp tongue (20) or an adjacent object. As the clamping jaw (32) continues to move in closing direction (S), the clamp end is driven back from the path of movement (46), and a clamping force for holding the object is formed as a result of the elasticity of the clamping jaw (32).Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Ferag AGInventor: Jacques Meier
-
Patent number: 6286663Abstract: In a conveyor device having a conveyor belt revolving around at least two rollers, in which at least one of the rollers is held rolatably on a rotary bearing, and is displaceable at least partly in the axial direction relative to the rotary bearing, it is proposed that a rotary bearing be used that has a bearing part that is rotatable about the axis of the roller held thereon; the roller held on the rotary bearing is provided with a structural component that penetrates the rotary bearing and is coupled in a manner fixed against relative rotation to the bearing part and is displaceable in the axial direction relative to the bearing part.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Bucher-Guyer AGInventor: Eduard Hartmann
-
Patent number: 6286664Abstract: The present invention includes a parts feeder system capable of being used in either a first mode without an auxiliary hopper or in a second mode with and auxiliary hopper. The parts feeder system includes an enclosure having an opening therein. In the first or manual-feed mode, the parts feeder system is replenished my manual filling thereof, and in the second or auxiliary hopper-feed mode the opening in the enclosure accommodates an auxiliary hopper. When the auxiliary hopper is used, the dispensing chute of the auxiliary hopper is positioned over the supply of the parts feeder. Additionally, the enclosure of the parts feeder system is configured with grooves so that it can be secured by a minimal number of fixation elements and can therefore be easily attached and removed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: S. Neal Graham
-
Patent number: 6286665Abstract: A gated conveyor 10 includes a conveyor tray 12 having a substantially planar tray floor 14 and tray sides 16, 18. A powered drive mechanism 30 cyclically moves goods along the tray. A gate mechanism 40, 70 includes a flexible gate sheet 42, 82 transversely movable from an opened position to a closed position. A floor opening is provided in the tray floor and a side opening is provided in at least one of the tray sides 16, 18. The gate sheet moves transversely with respect to the tray floor and vertically with respect to the opening in the tray side. According to the method of the invention, the opening in the tray side extends upward from the tray floor a distance greater than the anticipated depth of the goods moving along the tray, such that goods are not pinched when the flexible gate sheet is moved to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventors: Paul B. Svejkovsky, Paul A. Svejkovsky
-
Patent number: 6286666Abstract: The invention relates to a container for storing contact lenses. The inventive container can be filled with a liquid for wetting the contact lenses, and consists of a bottom container part and a top container part. Said top container part can be closed on the bottom container part in such a way that the container is water-tight. A receiving part for receiving the contact lenses is located in the bottom container part. A lid part which is provided in the top container part interacts with the receiving part in the bottom container part when the container is closed.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Stefen Umdasch Design KGInventor: Stefan Umdasch
-
Patent number: 6286667Abstract: A palm-top calculator and name card combination, which includes a top cover shell and a bottom cover shell pivoted together, a partition board pivoted to the cover shells on the inside for closing on the inside of the top cover shell to hold storage name cards in the top cover shell, and a calculator pivotally mounted in a rectangular center opening at the bottom cover shell, wherein male and female positioning means are respectively provided at the bottom cover shell and the calculator for securing the calculation between two reversed positions in the center opening at the bottom cover shell.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: Ming-Te Lee
-
Patent number: 6286668Abstract: A flat article carrying case includes corrugated sheet material which substantially wraps about the entire case with the exception of the lateral sides of the case. A handle is attached to the front side of the carrying case. Two frame members, forming the lateral sides of the carrying case, are provided for providing stiffness and rigidity to the case, when covered with corrugated sheet material which is flexible along a direction parallel to the frame members but substantially rigid or stiff in the transverse direction extending between the frame members. However, it will be evident that different covering sheet materials may be used, in which case different numbers of frame members may be needed to provide requisite stiffness or rigidity to the resulting carrying case.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: Allen Moses
-
Patent number: 6286669Abstract: An easy to use handyman package for storage and application of one or more contents, such as a two part reactive adhesive and applicator. The package consists of a backing card, a membrane, and a blister cover sheet. The backing card is formed with a number of holes, and a membrane covers the card to seal the holes. A blister cover sheet is laminated to the membrane and includes a number of blisters which correspond in position to the holes formed in the backing card. In one example the package can have three blisters containing two reactive substances and an applicator. During use, folding motion of the package causes the contents to erupt from the package, allowing mixing, application, and disposal an easy task.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: Nelson Collie
-
Patent number: 6286670Abstract: A container for containing first and second components that are to be mixed with one another. The container includes a divider and a barrier mechanism. The divider isolates a first compartment containing the liquid component from a second compartment for containing the powder. A vacuum source is placed in fluid communication with the second compartment. The vacuum source is of sufficient size and pressure to cause the first component to be drawn through the second component to ensure thorough admixing of the first and second components after the integrity of the divider has been compromised. The barrier mechanism is disposed between the second compartment and the vacuum source and forms a barrier to resist infiltration of the first component but permit the passage of gas into the vacuum source. A method for forming a compound using the container of the present invention is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Biomet, Inc.Inventor: Daniel B. Smith
-
Patent number: 6286671Abstract: A case for holding two compact discs including first and second cover parts pivotally connected together so that they can be pivoted between a closed position facing each other and an open position and characterized by a tray comprising a planar body portion and an anchor portion, the tray body portion including an annular rosette of fingers on each side thereof for releasably securing a compact disc thereto, the tray body and the tray anchor being pivotally connected together and the tray anchor being secured to one of the cover parts. As a result, when the cover parts are pivoted to an open position the tray body can be pivoted about the tray anchor to facilitate installation and removal of compact discs from both sides of the tray body. The separate tray body and anchor portions together with the nature of the pivotal connection therebetween provide a structure which is strong and long-lasting and which is compatible with automated assembly techniques.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventors: Tak Lun Liu, Kwok Din Lau
-
Patent number: 6286672Abstract: A sleeve for storing a disc shaped object, said sleeve comprising a first and second sleeve part, which are hingedly connected to each other by means of a hinge member, said sleeve parts comprise two flaps, folded towards each other along a fold line, said first and second sleeve part comprising a first and second circle segment shaped sliding groove, respectively located in such a manner that in a closed position of said sleeve, they extend along a quarter of a circle, said hinge member being located at a corner of said sleeve forming a middle point for said quarter of a circle, said sleeve further comprises a first and second connecting member, located in said first, respectively said second groove and connecting the sleeve parts to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: N.V. MetagraInventor: David Dos Santos
-
Patent number: 6286673Abstract: A convertible carrier for golf clubs in which the carrier comprises a base member having a top portion, an elongated middle portion and a bottom portion; and a plurality of discrete elongated tubular members attached to the base member in a spaced apart relationship; wherein the carrier can be closed.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: David M. Robertson
-
Patent number: 6286674Abstract: The present carrying bag is comprised of a primary container with a primary opening which is closed with a primary zipper for receiving personal items, such as books. Primary straps are attached to the front of the primary container. A ball container is detachably connected to the back of the primary container with a connecting zipper along the periphery of the ball container and on the back of the primary container. The ball container is comprised of a basketball basket for clearly indicating that it is a place to put in a basketball. The ball container is maintained in its shape by a first rib in a rim of the basket, and second ribs in a conical panel of the basket. A lid attached to the top of the ball container is detachably connected to the rim of the basket by a rim zipper. Divided compartments are thus provided for the ball and personal items to provide enough room for them and to prevent them from mixing. The ball container may be detached from the primary container by unzipping the connecting zipper.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventors: Ada Richard, April Lytle
-
Patent number: 6286675Abstract: A blade disposal apparatus includes a blade disposal unit and a holder unit. The blade disposal unit is formed with a slot sized to receive a razor blade and with a vertical channel and horizontal grooves which allow the blade disposal unit to be readily secured to a variety of different objects using ties. The blade disposal unit is also ergonomically shaped with curved corner portions which also make it safer. The blade disposal unit is formed with visible indicia, such as instructions for using the apparatus and/or safety information, which cannot readily be removed, obliterated or tampered with. For example, the visible indicia are formed from raised and/or sunken portions of the blade disposal unit. The holder unit includes a main compartment sized to receive the blade disposal unit. The holder unit is formed such that the visible indicia are exposed (i.e., visible) when the blade disposal unit is inserted into the holder unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Pacific Handy Cutter, Inc.Inventor: G. Gerry Schmidt
-
Patent number: 6286676Abstract: A cassette accommodating case formed integrally of a lower half 1 and an upper half 2 has a cassette insertion opening 3 at is one side surface. A finger-insertion opening portion 24 used for drawing a cassette is formed through an upper surface of the upper half 2. A reel stopper member 9 in which a pair of reel stopper pieces 11, 11 capable of rising and being pressed down and engaged with reel hub apertures 32a, 32b of a compact cassette 30 is fixed on a bottom surface of the lower half 1. A traverse U-letter shaped slit groove 13 is formed through a portion of the base late where the reel stopper pieces 11, 11 are planted, thereby the reel stopper member being formed as a reel stopper member having a flexible base plate 10c which is flexibly deformed.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Kazumoto Yatabe
-
Patent number: 6286677Abstract: A coil cap cover for a cylindrical coil of aluminum stock provides round portion 20 sized to fit either end of the cylindrical coil of aluminum and a substantially rectangular attached skirt portion 60 which covers an adjacent portion of the cylindrical sidewall of the coil. A welded region 70 connects a perimeter edge of the round fabric portion to an upper edge of the fabric skirt portion, creating a three-dimensional coil cap. An overlap weld 80 fastens the upper edges of the ends of the skirt portion together with a segment of the perimeter of the round fabric portion. A crimp weld 90 fastens a lower corner of each end of the skirt portion together. In a preferred version of the invention, an overhang region radially outward from the welded region provides a plurality of curved blades separated by curved notches. A portion of each blade may be folded over the edge of the coil, depending on the diameter of the coil.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventors: William G. Gabrio, Andrew N Barrett, Craig G. Dolsby
-
Patent number: 6286678Abstract: A refill pack of light weight low mass material containing an array of replacement pipette tips for a reusable tip rack. The refill pack comprises a support plate with an array of holes containing pipette tips arranged in an organized manner and including a guide for centering and guiding the support plate onto the tip rack with distal end portions of the pipette tips aligned with corresponding holes in an organizing tray in the tip rack, the support plate including vertically extending lateral support means adjacent at least some of the holes in the plate to engage sides of the pipette tips to laterally support such tips against lateral rocking on the plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Rainin Instruments Co., Inc.Inventor: James S. Petrek
-
Patent number: 6286679Abstract: A fixing element (30) retains an article (20) from moving inside a container (10). The container (10) has a base (11) and a cover (19). The fixing element (30) has a tape-like portion (31) that is bent around a corner (21) of the article (20), thus retaining the corner (21) and urging the article (20) against two side walls (15, 16) of the base (11) of the container (10).Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Agfa Gevaert N.V.Inventor: Lieven Dirx
-
Patent number: 6286680Abstract: A pack of bags and a method for producing the bags made of thermoplastic foil, wherein the bags are interlocked into a pack at least in an area of an edge strip and have a perforated tear-off line formed below the interlocked area for separating the bags from the interlocked edge strip. A bag bottom is formed by a weld seam in the area opposite the edge strip wherein, for the purpose of reducing the bag width, each bag of a pack is folded around folding edges extending in a longitudinal extension of the bag and in the folded position is interlocked in an edge area with the pack. The tear line of the folded bags stamped into the pack of bags is designed in a form of sickle-shaped incisions, wherein the sickle-shaped incisions extend as far as the longitudinal sides of the pack of bags and are cut through the bags, so that the folded bags are separated at their outer lateral edges from the interlocked edge strip and connecting strips are formed between the sickle-shaped incisions.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: Karl-Heinz Hofrichter
-
Patent number: 6286681Abstract: A ventilated plastic bag particularly adapted for carrying hot food from fast food restaurants includes the following components. Front and rear wall sections are connected together to define a closed bottom area and an open top area. A handle or handles are provided in the top area and include a cut out of the front and rear wall sections creating reduced strength regions with resulting high potential for carrying around at least part of the cut out. Closely spaced micro-perforations extend through the wall sections in at least a major portion of the plastic bag other than the reduced strength regions to provide ventilation to an interior food carrying area of the plastic bag while not further weakening the reduced strength regions and increasing the potential for tearing of the bag.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.Inventors: Harry Wilfong, Jr., Wade Fletcher
-
Patent number: 6286682Abstract: A medical alert message kit containing medical stamp emblems to be applied to the human body for the purpose of communicating a medical condition or directive. The medical stamp emblem is releasably attached to a backing liner and includes a printed medical condition, message or image on a surface of porous, non-woven, compacted tissue substrate with an adhesive. The method includes applying the emblem on an area of medical interest readily observable by medical personnel.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Mywil, Inc.Inventor: Rodolfo d'Arbelles
-
Patent number: 6286683Abstract: A multiple-piece corner post used for cushioning and supporting large appliances is provided. The corner post is made from two or more structural members joined together. The multiple structural members are shaped into the desired shapes and then joined together near the ends to form a generally “L” shaped corner post. Similarly shaped structural members may be nested to save space during shipping prior to assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Argriculture, Sonoco Development, Inc.Inventors: John F. Hunt, Yanping Qiu
-
Patent number: 6286684Abstract: A container for integrated circuit wafers provides protection for the wafers from mechanical shock and electrical charges. The wafers are mechanically protected by top and bottom cushions and side cushions. The top and bottom cushions each have foam within a membrane or film enclosure. The enclosure has openings so as to allow gas to pass in and out. The side cushions have resilient projections that protect the edges of the wafers. The side cushions are interposed between flanges of the top and bottom cushions. The individual wafers are separated from each other by leaf separators made of film. The film for the separators and the top and bottom cushions can be the same type. The film has a first layer made of a polymer with dissipative material therein and a second layer made of a polymer without the dissipative material. The first and second layers are coupled together. The insulating layer is placed into contact with a circuit side of the wafer. The dissipative material can be carbon.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventors: Ray G. Brooks, Timothy Brooks, Steve L. Fowler, Robert A. Neal
-
Patent number: 6286685Abstract: A system and method for sorting semiconductor substrates based on substrate thickness. The invention includes weighing each semiconductor substrate to be sorted, and then calculating the thickness of each substrate from its mass, area and density. The system may be configured to automatically sort the substrates according to the weight-based thickness calculations.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: SEH America, Inc.Inventors: Oleg V. Kononchuk, Stephen L. Martin
-
Patent number: 6286686Abstract: A centrifugal jig has a container mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The container is separated into an axial region and a peripheral region by ragging material supported by a screen. The peripheral region is composed of a series of hutch chambers with reciprocating wall portions located radially outside the screen, for repetitively dilating the ragging. The disclosed hutch chamber construction has a reciprocating wall portion which includes convergent wall surfaces that narrow toward the hutch chamber concentrate outlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Lowan (Management) Pty LimitedInventors: Christopher George Kelsey, Ian McKenzie
-
Patent number: 6286687Abstract: Method and apparatus for the vibration screening of coating powders in particular, wherein a screening cloth is used, which is supported loosely on a screen frame and fixed to a clamping frame, wherein the screening cloth may additionally be supported on co-vibrating braces.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: DuPont Performance Caotings GmbH Co, KGInventor: Franz Schuller
-
Patent number: 6286688Abstract: A compliant wafer comb assembly for use in transferring semiconductor wafers between wafer cassettes, wafer carriers, or other wafer holding devices. The compliant wafer comb includes a plurality of slots in which wafer(s) can be held while being transported. The slots are parallel to each other and downward sloping from one end of the comb to the other. The sloped arrangement causes a single wafer at a time to become engaged with the comb when a batch of wafers is transferred from a cassette or wafer holding device to the comb, allowing the compliant features of the comb to compensate for the misalignment of each wafer individually. The comb is coupled to a static base structure by a set of independent column springs which permit motion of the comb slots in any direction necessary to compensate for a wafer's misalignment. This permits transfer of a misaligned wafer or wafers from a cassette or other carrier to the comb without damaging the wafer(s).Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1997Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: SCP Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Victor B. Mimken, Tom Krawzak
-
Patent number: 6286689Abstract: The apparatus includes two side members each having a plurality of spaced apart slats formed on its inner side with adjacent slats forming a slot. The side members have upper edges which slant upward and rearward from the upper ends of their front edges. Each rearward of an adjacent slat has its top and bottom edges located at a level above the top and bottom edges respectively of the adjacent slat. The side members are supported such that their slats face each other and are spaced from each other to form a flooring sample receiving space. A floor is coupled between the two side members at the bottom edges of the slats. Each slot of one side member is aligned with a slot of the other side member to form a plurality of pairs of slots with each pair of slots and the floor being adapted to support a flooring sample. Each of the side members and its slats are formed as an integral member molded from plastic material.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Miramar Designs, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Sherwood, Chris Roberson, Clay Bibb, Tom May
-
Patent number: 6286690Abstract: A product display strip is formed of an elongated metal strip, arranged to be suspended in vertical orientation in front of conventional product display shelving, to provide highly visible special product display facing in both directions along a store isle. The strip is formed with integral, product support tongues, extending upward and outward from the body of the strip, alternately in opposite directions, allowing product to be displayed on both sides of the strip. Upper extremities of the product support tongues are oriented generally vertically to inhibit accidental dislodgment of displayed packages.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Trion Industries, Inc.Inventor: David R. Thalenfeld
-
Patent number: 6286691Abstract: A metallic or hard plastic storage shelf including four vertical rods provided at each corner of one or more shelves, with the upper ends of the vertical rods including fasteners for direct securement of the storage rack to a pair of routinely spaced apart rafters, as located within a garage, attic, manufacturing plant, machine shop, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Industrial Wire Products, Inc.Inventors: Fred D. Oberhaus, Michael L. Gusdorf
-
Patent number: 6286692Abstract: A mounting system includes either a double wing bracket or a single wing bracket. A double wing bracket includes a U-shaped member adapted to embrace the opposite sides of a vertical pallet rack frame member. A plate is attached to the U-shaped member and includes holes for mounting hinge members. The hinge members are used to mount a door display frame for pivotal movement about a door display frame axis. A door frame and a door are mounted within the door display frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: EMCO Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Kelly Hemping