Patents Issued in September 25, 2001
  • Patent number: 6293283
    Abstract: A fingernail cover includes a decorative topper to fill the gap between the outgrown artificial fingernail and the cuticle of the underlying natural fingernail. The fingernail cover may also include a decorative sleeve to slip over the tip of the artificial fingernail. The fingernail cover may be used to conceal damaged fingernails, to maintain an attractive appearance of artificial nails without requiring application of nail polish, or to increase the strength of the artificial or natural fingernails. The fingernail cover may be fabricated from a material selected from among metal, gold, silver, other precious metals, metal electroplated with precious or other metal and colored injection molded plastic, particularly “neon” colors. Also, instead of sizing the decorative topper to fill the indicated gap, the topper may instead be sized to cover the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Michele Washington
  • Patent number: 6293284
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for virtual color makeover of a customer's face. A digital image is taken of the customer's face. Natural skin color is determined by a differential analysis among at least two different sites along the face to identify an area without color. The identified area without color is then used as a basis for projecting the customer's face with the natural skin color. Consultant's choice of preprogrammed color palettes matching the measured natural skin color is then projected on the facial image. A customer's personal choice such as fashion, natural or go-to-work looks can be registered for modifying the consultant's choice color palette. The selected color palette can then be identified as a set of color cosmetic products which are provided to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard T. Rigg
  • Patent number: 6293285
    Abstract: A device for styling hair in which a plurality of spacers are slidably mounted on parallel, longitudinally-disposed elastic strands which, when not in use, are normally not under tension. In the preferred embodiment, the spacers (e.g., beads) preferably are of at least two significantly different sizes and are disposed in a pattern according to which each bead (other than the two end beads) is adjacent to two beads of a different size or color thus facilitating identification when the device is being mounted on the hair at the back of a person's head. The number of spacers preferably is at least equal to one plus the number of locks of hair selected for inclusion and retention in a particular geometric styling configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Bernadine Schach
  • Patent number: 6293286
    Abstract: The invention concerns a compact, comprising a lid and an open-work compact body, receiving a product reserve contained in a base cup. It further comprises a sealing joint (6) fixed to the base cup (5) and pressed tight on the compact body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 6293287
    Abstract: A dental floss having improved abrasion resistance composed of dental fibers coated with a UV-curable resin, and a method for producing a dental floss having improved abrasion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Anglin, Casper W. Chiang, Larry H. Luebbert, Michael F. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6293288
    Abstract: Cleaning liquid supply nozzles 32 are provided within a processing tank 30 for cleaning semiconductor wafers W. A distilled water source 31 and the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 32 are connected via a distilled water supply pipeline 33 and a chemical supply tank 36 and the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 32 are connected via a chemical supply pipeline 35. A flow-rate adjustment valve 37 is provided in the distilled water supply pipeline 33, and the supply of distilled water from the distilled water supply pipeline 33 to the processing tank 30 and the supply of a chemical from the chemical supply pipeline 35 to the processing tank 30 are switched by a switching valve 34.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Naoki Shindo, Shigenori Kitahara, Hironobu Hyakutake
  • Patent number: 6293289
    Abstract: A vent for a dishwasher provides a valve with dual actuation, either to be electrically actuated according to a cycle of the dishwasher so as to close during periods of high noise generation, typically the wash cycle, and opened during the dry cycle, or to be actuated independently of the cycle under pressure differences such as may be caused by interruption of the dishwasher cycle and opening and closing of the dishwasher door such as may cause a pressure surge as the introduced cool air is rapidly heated in the interior of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Ark-Les Corporation
    Inventors: Kenyon A. Hapke, Joel C. Bragg
  • Patent number: 6293290
    Abstract: A vehicle wash system is shown and described which is particularly suitable for use in in-bay washing devices, i.e., tunnels or supporting frameworks wherein vehicles are parked and washed while they are stationary. Chemical lines supply chemicals (such as detergents, waxes, etc.) to water lines, and the chemicals and water are mixed in downstream mixing modules. The mixing modules are preferably provided in the form of vessels having enlarged flow areas, and may contain baffles or other turbulence generators therein. The chemical/water mixtures leave the mixing modules in post-mix lines to which gas supply lines may be connected for the purpose of generating foam, which is then delivered in the wash bay from a downstream delivery system. The downstream foam pressure has little or no effect on upstream mixing of chemicals and water, and thus foam having highly uniform properties is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Wonder Wash Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Bruce
  • Patent number: 6293291
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of objects, preferably wafers, in a corresponding apparatus. The apparatus having at least two or more process chambers for receiving and treating the objects as well as a handling apparatus, for example a robot arm, for loading and unloading the process chambers. To date, all the process chambers have been loaded with the objects directly in succession. Accordingly, the actual treatment begins virtually simultaneously in all the process chambers. Furthermore, the necessary cleaning processes in the process chambers are also carried out virtually simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Sperlich, Volker Gajewski
  • Patent number: 6293292
    Abstract: A sun shade, for use by an individual in blocking the sun from the face and head of that individual, in conjunction with an article of outdoor furniture having a furniture member. The sun shade comprises a blocking panel, a clamp for attaching to the furniture member, and a extendible arm for positioning the blocking panel between. the face of the individual and the sun. The blocking panel includes a pair of blocking panel frame members which are selectively bowed outward to stretch a stretchable fabric panel therebetween to define the blocking panel, and selectively straighten to allow for storage of the sun shade while the stretchable fabric folds therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Ben Watzke
  • Patent number: 6293293
    Abstract: The present invention is capable of engagement with a fluid port and capable of being open to create a fluid path, where the valve assembly includes a valve head for closing a fluid path to a port associated with a valve assembly, and a housing, and at least one engagement element formed integrally with the housing, wherein the valve assembly is characterized in that to open the valve assembly the valve head is driven into an engagement element deforming the valve head and creating the fluid path through the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: ITW New Zealand Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Nicholson Wrigley, Tomislav Govorko
  • Patent number: 6293294
    Abstract: A fluid mixing device has an inlet passageway for connection to a primary fluid supply, an outlet passageway; and at least two separate venturi passageways each connected between the inlet and outlet passageways. Each venturi passageway has a throat portion, a first venturi inlet connected to the throat portion of the first venturi passageway and a second venturi inlet connected to the throat portion of the second venturi passageway. The first and second venturi inlets are connected to supplies of two different secondary fluids for mixing into the primary fluid, a first one of the secondary fluids being of lower viscosity than the second. The outlet passageway is spaced a predetermined distance downstream of the venturi inlets to prevent substantial backflow of the first secondary fluid mixture into the second venturi passageway prior to mixing together of the two streams in the outlet passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Hydrosurge, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Loeb, David M. Giuntoli, Hugh O. Williams
  • Patent number: 6293295
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for a sanitary hot water faucet characterized in that it comprises: a receptacle (10) passing all the way through a casing having a T shape, a seat (14) of a valve (15), delimited in the bore near its upstream end, installed in the receptacle from the upstream end: a valve (15) with an elastic element (16) that stresses it toward its so-called closed position and a so-called control rod (17) of the valve, locally comprising a fusible material (19) which, when it is subjected to a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, melts so that the length of the control rod is reduced, thus causing the closing of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Watts Eurotherm, S.A.
    Inventors: Laurent Bongrand, Christian Bommelaer
  • Patent number: 6293296
    Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump device which can facilitate the assembly of a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure regulator by standardizing a pump body or a valve housing. The pump body of the high-pressure pump has a high-pressure valve connection portion on the exterior side including a high-pressure passage which is used to connect the high-pressure regulator, the valve housing of the high-pressure regulator has a high-pressure pump connection portion on the exterior side including a high-pressure passage which is used to connect the high-pressure pump, and the high-pressure valve connection portion and the high-pressure pump connection portion are connected to each other to assemble the high-pressure pump and the high-pressure regulator together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiichi Konishi, Wakaki Miyaji, Masahiko Fujita, Akira Morishita
  • Patent number: 6293297
    Abstract: A tire pressure indicator is mounted onto the fill stem of a tire and provides a window for indicating if the tire has adequate pressure or not. The indicator show adequate, marginal and underinflated conditions by color bands opposite the window. The pressure indicator may be permanently mounted onto the tire and used to fill the tire and maintain pressure in the tire. As the tire is filled the indicator moves from one color band to the next until the indicator shows that adequate pressure has been attained whereupon the hose may be disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventors: Brandon Maldonado, Gene Scott
  • Patent number: 6293298
    Abstract: A water softener valve for controlling water flow to and from a water softener is disclosed that includes a cylindrical shaft extending from said inner surface of a piston chamber that fits into a pressure relief port when the piston is in the service position. The shaft clears the pressure relief port of any debris and closes the pressure relief port during the service cycle. The water softener valve also has a flow meter with at least two helically expanding vanes. A magnet on of the vanes trips a sensor as the turbine rotates, thereby providing means for calculating the flow of water through the valve. The valve also has a flow control button located at an inlet of the valve rather than at the drain, preventing the obstruction of the water flow by regeneration sediment of the tank at the drain. The valve also contains an internal piston port for permitting the free flow of water through the valve during a change in softener cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: iNetWater LLC
    Inventors: Earl Brane, Boyd Cornell
  • Patent number: 6293299
    Abstract: A limiting device for use with a single-handle valve for mixing hot and cold water and for controlling the maximum flow-volume or the maximum temperature of flow through the valve. The device limits the range of motion of the control stem of a single-handle mixing valve. The device comprises a guide template and an insert. The guide template generally defines the range of motion of the control stem, the control stem being positioned within a camming aperture of the guide template, the camming aperture having the same general shape as the range of motion of the control stem. The guide template includes a guide-cover key that prevents any rotary movement of the guide template relative to the single-handle mixing valve, and a guide-insert key. The insert further limits the range of motion of the control stem during engagement with the guide template. The insert includes an insert-limiting edge that further reduces the size of the camming aperture during engagement of the insert with the guide template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Alfred C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6293300
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body formed of a cylinder having upper and lower ends with an inlet port at one end, an outlet port on an opposite end and at least one side outlet port. An annular ring element has upper and lower ends on which are formed upper and lower valve seats, respectively, the ring being sealed around its periphery on each end to the valve body. A central portion of the ring connecting the upper and lower ends has at least one and preferably about 6 to 8 openings therethrough in fluid flow communication with the side outlet port. An actuator assembly fitted in the cylinder includes actuators, concentrically fitted actuator rods valve stems and valve plugs for opening and closing the two valve ports by engaging the valve seats on opposite sides of the ring. The rod for the upper valve seat is in the form of a hollow cylinder concentric and coaxial with the actuator rod for the lower seat, the first and second rods being independently actuatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Dumke, Robert D. Zimmerly
  • Patent number: 6293301
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining the temperature of material contained in fluid conveying devices. The apparatus may include an enclosure having an improved door, mounting bracket, locking mechanism, heating device and a secure structure for accessing the upper portion of the enclosure. An alignment guide and integral tabs are also disclosed which facilitate assembly of the enclosure. A shield-support-bottom enclosure, which allows greater access for maintenance, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Griffin & Cantrell Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Herman W. Griffin, Edgar L. Cantrell
  • Patent number: 6293302
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided which includes a valve member for being shifted between open and closed positions, and a control member having an operative position for maintaining the valve member in the open position until a predetermined fluid level is reached and an inoperative position to allow the valve member to shift to the closed position at the predetermined fluid level. The valve assembly is preferably a two-way valve for use with LP tanks to prevent overfilling thereof beyond the maximum predetermined fluid level. A float assembly rises and falls in substantial correspondence to the rising and falling of the fluid level in the vessel space, and an actuator of the fluid assembly shifts the control member at the predetermined fluid level to the inoperative position to allow the valve member to shift to the closed position for preventing further fluid intake into the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventors: Michael Waters, Chan Yet
  • Patent number: 6293303
    Abstract: A poppet valve moves up and down in a valve operating mechanism in an internal combustion engine. A fixed electrode is supported on a cylinder head, and a moving electrode is carried by the poppet valve. The fixed electrode is connected to a circuit, which together comprises a variable condenser and a resistance. The valve moves up and down during firing operation of the engine. Variation in electrostatic capacitance is detected by means of the two electrodes, transmitted to the circuit via a lead and a ground connection, and converted to a voltage by the circuit, thereby enabling detecting valve position more exactly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Oozx Corporation
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Mori, Makoto Adegawa, Haruki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6293304
    Abstract: A valve includes a fuel passageway and a vent passageway in a single unitary fitting. The valve is externally threaded to be threaded into a hole made in the cap of a fuel container. The fuel passageway includes nipples for attachment of conduits. The vent passageway includes an O-ring to receive a nozzle connected to the fuel passageway and used for conducting fuel from the container to a fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Du-Bro Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Broberg
  • Patent number: 6293305
    Abstract: A fluid flow distributor, to be used with a steam trap, has a single valve body which includes a steam inlet operatively connected to a steam feeding pipe, a steam outlet operatively connected to the steam trap inlet and in selective fluid communication with the steam inlet through a first valve element provided in this fluid communication, and which selectively allows and blocks said fluid communication, a condensate inlet operatively connected to the steam trap outlet, and a condensate outlet which is open to the outside of the single valve body and provided with fluid communication with the condensate inlet thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Spirax Sarco Industria e Comercio Ltda.
    Inventor: Jairo Luiz Soares
  • Patent number: 6293306
    Abstract: A throttle gate valve (10) including an upright, generally rectangular valve housing (12), in which is positioned a linearly movable gate valve (32) for closing off a thru-opening (15) formed in the lower part of housing (12). A pneumatic actuator assembly (14) is provided for moving the gate valve between its opened and closed positions. A throttle vane assembly compartment (16) forms the lower side of valve housing (12) and frames thru-opening (15), and includes a set of throttle vanes (18) rotatably positioned within thru-opening (15), and a drive actuator compartment (20) and motor (21) for controlling the position of throttle vanes (18). A drive actuator (51) is provided for rotating vanes (18) and is sealed by a bellows shield (70) at the point where the drive actuator extends into the interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Arthur Brenes
  • Patent number: 6293307
    Abstract: A cylinder (32) is hermetically attached into an attaching bore (31) formed within a housing (4) and is made to advance and retreat between a take-out position (A) and a charging position (B). A check valve chamber (28) is formed within the cylinder (32). A check spring (43) resiliently pushes a check valve member (29) inserted into the check valve chamber (28) toward a check valve seat (42). The cylinder (32) has an outer surface provided with an actuation portion (50). If the actuation portion (50) is pushed, it retracts the cylinder (32) toward the charging position (B). Provided at a position opposing to the check valve member 29 through a chamber inlet (40) of the check valve chamber (28) is a receiving portion (46), which receives the check valve member (29) on a halfway while the cylinder (32) is retreating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Neriki
    Inventors: Akira Oi, Mari Shiotsuki, Mitsumasa Kagomoto
  • Patent number: 6293308
    Abstract: A miniaturized valve mechanism which has a valve containing a channel with at least one inlet and one outlet opening, as well as a device for closing the channel. In order to provide a valve arrangement which can be produced in the smallest possible size, the valve is controlled by a very small linear motor, the driver of which moves the device for closing and opening the channel by the application of a control voltage to a piezoelectric tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Burkert Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Christoph Hettinger
  • Patent number: 6293309
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control valve apparatus (1) providing reciprocal motion, comprising a spool (2) and sleeve (3), a passage (4) for fluid, which is hydraulic fluid in the embodiment, the passage (4) being openable and closable by the spool (2) and sleeve (3), ports (A, B, C) for fluid, and at least one seal (5, 6), the arrangement being such that a seat of one seal (5) reacts with a seat of another (6) whereby to open the another seal (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Twinwood Engineering Ltd
    Inventor: Kok Yong Lim
  • Patent number: 6293310
    Abstract: A gas panel for use with a tool for manufacturing a semiconductor includes a one-piece manifold body having an inlet for receiving a process gas. The manifold body has at least one lateral wall extending in the general direction of gas flow. The lateral wall includes at least one active device site having an active device thereon. The active device is in gas communication with a gas carrying path formed within the one-piece manifold. The active device may be a manual valve, a pneumatic valve, a pressure regulator, a pressure transducer, a purifier, a filter or a flow controller. The gas is received from the active device at a continuation of the gas flow path in the manifold body and is conveyed to a manifold outlet for ultimate to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Unit Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Redemann, Kim N. Vu
  • Patent number: 6293311
    Abstract: A multilayer composite pipe structure is described. The multilayer composite pipe comprises a hollow inner conduit, a first layer of adhesive, a metallic intermediate layer, a second layer of adhesive, as well as, the outer thermoplastic layer, respectively. The hollow inner conduit is made from any rigid thermoplastic material. The outer thermoplastic layer is made from a rigid, amorphous thermoplastic polymer. This multilayer composite pipe is pressure bearing. In one embodiment, the multilayer composite pipe is solvent cementable; whereas in another embodiment, the multilayer composite pipe is heat fusible. In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the multilayer composite pipe is bendable. Furthermore, the multilayer composite pipe can be used in a fluid conduit system with fittings with an optional insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: PMD Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: John C. Bushi, Girish T. Dalal, Thomas L. Evans, Andrew M. Olah, Theodore J. Schmitz, Andrew L. Auvil, A. Donald Meltzer, Stefanie Hahnen-Schroeder, Anthony Kordecki
  • Patent number: 6293312
    Abstract: A thermoplastic tube for transfer of hydrocarbon fuel comprising an inner fluoroplastic layer and an outer polyamide layer bonded to the fluoroplastic layer wherein an adhesion promoter is included in at least one of the layers is disclosed. The adhesion promoter is an unsubstituted or substituted phenol salt of 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5,4,0]undec-7-ene on a novolac carrier which functions to increase the adhesive bond strength between the two layers. The adhesion promoter provides a chemically bonded adhesion in addition to the mechanical adhesion associated with extrusion or lamination of the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley E. Stripe
  • Patent number: 6293313
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of manufacturing hardened stainless steel tubing, pipe, shafts and assemblies. The present inventions also provides stainless steel shafts, tubing, pipe or assemblies reinforced with stainless steel members brazed and hardened within the shafts, tubing, pipe or assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Edward J. McCrink
  • Patent number: 6293314
    Abstract: A selection system for pile yarns in a gripper Axminster weaving machine has a gripper associated with an elongated pile yarn carrier, and provided to position a number of yarn ends at mutual distance in the length direction of that carrier. Each pile yarn carrier is axially movable in its length direction to present a selected yarn to an associated gripper. A movable selection beam effects the axial movement of the pile yarn carriers, coordinated with the movement of the grippers, by protrusions and notches working together on the pile yarn carriers and on the selection beam. The engagement into each other of the aforesaid protrusions and notches can be selectively controlled in function of the yarns to be selected, in which the pile yarn carriers are predominantly horizontally disposed. The selection beam positively drives the pile yarn carriers in horizontal direction both in forward and in return movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: N.V. Michel Van de Wiele
    Inventor: André Dewispelaere
  • Patent number: 6293315
    Abstract: A device for positioning warp yarns of a weaving loom which are controlled by electrical actuators for forming a shed which includes a first detector common to the warp yarns driven by a plurality of different actuators for detecting the passage of at least one warp yarn into a predetermined position, and a second device for determining a value of a control parameter of an actuator for controlling movement of the at least one warp yarn upon passage into the predetermined position. The process consists in displacing a warp yarn and detecting its passage into a predetermined position and selecting a value of a control parameter of an actuator for the warp yarn upon passage of the warp yarn into the predetermined position and in using the selected value as a control point for controlling an actuator for the warp yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Froment, Dominique Braun
  • Patent number: 6293316
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling with powder a container having an interior and an opening to the interior that is closable by a lid. The method includes the steps of docking the opening in the container with a transfer apparatus including a powder-feed duct and dropping a coupling tube vertically downwardly through the duct to communicate with the interior of the container. The powder is passed vertically downwardly through said transfer apparatus downstream from the powder-feed duct through the coupling tube to said container, with the coupling tube serving to protect internal mechanical parts of said transfer apparatus. During the transfer, a low level of suction is maintained inside the transfer apparatus to avoid any accumulation of the powder and any release of the powder outside the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Gérard Bertolotti, Bernard Defontaine
  • Patent number: 6293317
    Abstract: A device for the application of a liquid substance has a baseplate, in which at least one cavity is recessed, and a container. In operation, the container and the baseplate are moved relative to each other in such a way that during the relative movement the container passes from one side of the cavity to the other side of the cavity. Such a device is particularly suitable for the application of flux, electrically conducting epoxy or soldering paste onto the bumps of a semiconductor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: ESEC Trading SA
    Inventors: Urs Bürgi, Otto Christen, Michael Schlunegger
  • Patent number: 6293318
    Abstract: This emptying station is suited for emptying contents from bulk bags, especially bulk bags containing particulate hazardous materials as their contents. The emptying station includes a bulk-bag receptacle body having a top opening and bottom outlet, a bulk-bag cutting subassembly in the receptacle body, a raisable and lowerable top closure, and a sealing structure. The cutting subassembly includes at least three cutters each having an associated blade facing upwards, with the cutters collectively arranged to define a pyramid having an apex, and puncture pin positioned at the apex to point upwardly. In operation, a bulk bag is suspended from the top closure, then lowered with the top closure to pass the bulk bag into the receptacle body and cause the substantially flat bottom of the bulk bag to be pieced by the puncture pin and cut by the blades of the cutters to start emptying contents from the bulk bags to the bottom outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Manfred Schmidt, Jurgen Ohlemacher, Johannes Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 6293319
    Abstract: An apparatus (22) and method for detecting leaks in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system (24) comprising a cartridge (26) is described. A facility (28) is for fluidly coupling the cartridge (26) to the pressurized system (24). An assemblage (30) is for forcing a secondary fluid (32) out of the cartridge (26), through the fluidly coupling facility (28) and into a service valve (34) of the pressurized system (24). The cartridge (26) has a first open end with an inner nozzle (33) which connects to the system being charged and an outer nozzle (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: UView Ultraviolet Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Phil Trigiani
  • Patent number: 6293320
    Abstract: A precision multi-purpose machining apparatus for facilitating lathing, milling, drilling, sawing or routing operations typically using a rotary-type cutting tool. In a preferred embodiment the multi-purpose machining apparatus of this invention is characterized by an elongated support frame and a cutting tool mount cradle which is adjustably mounted on the support frame for receiving a cutting tool, such as an electric-powered DREMEL (trademark) rotary cutting tool. The support frame is capable of resting in a horizontal position, in which the cutting tool can be fitted with a cutting tool bit and the frame fitted with alternative workstock mounting attachments, to facilitate various lathing operations on a wooden or aluminum workstock. Alternatively, a saw table and saw blade can be removably mounted on the horizontal support frame and the cutting tool becomes a saw motor, the rotating shaft of which is connected to the saw blade by means of a drive belt, to facilitate various sawing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: George M. McGregor, II
  • Patent number: 6293321
    Abstract: A wood planing machine includes a base, a cutter carriage, a motor housing mounted on the cutter carriage and having a vent port, a motor disposed in the motor housing, a rotary cutter mounted on the cutter carriage, a shaft extending from the rotary cutter and driven by the motor, a blower mounted on the cutter carriage and having a fan driven by the shaft, a sawdust-guiding member mounted on the cutter carriage and having a box and a rear spout extending from the box to the rotary cutter to define a sawdust passageway, an air duct in fluid communication with the vent port of the motor housing and the box, a first conduit in fluid communication with the blower housing and the box, a second conduit in fluid communication with the blower housing, and a sawdust collector in fluid communication with the second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Pei-Lieh Chiang
  • Patent number: 6293322
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and mounting sinks to the underside of solid polymer countertops has a framework assembly consisting of a front rail (14) comprising an aligning channel (16), rail assembly brackets (26) and a centering graph (20); side rails (18) comprising template mounting ledges (22, 24) and turn-button attachment means (60); a rear rail (46) comprising mounting ledges (22, 24) and rail assembly brackets (26). A sink positioning/hold-down template (38) comprising a sink positioning opening (42), a clearance opening for faucet hole routing (40), sink hold-down clamp assemblies (44), and notches (50) for positioning permanent sink clamps, is mounted on ledge (22) by means of turn-buttons (60). A sink opening router template (36) comprising a router guide opening for sink (48), an opening for a faucet router template (52), and a faucet router template (32) with router guide openings for a faucet (58), is attached to framework assembly by means of pawl latches (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Wilson-South
  • Patent number: 6293323
    Abstract: An off-road pneumatic tire 10 having a plurality of lugs 14 extending from a first shoulder 16 to a second shoulder 18. The plurality of lugs 14 are separated by a plurality of wide grooves 20. The tire 10 has at least a first lug 22 and a second lug 24. The lugs 14 alternate circumferentially between the first lug 22 and the second lug 24. The first lugs 22 has three tread elements 30, 32, 34 separated by a first and second narrow groove 26, 28, and the second lug 24 has two tread elements 36, 38 separated by a third narrow groove 40. In a preferred embodiment, the respective lugs 14 incline from the first shoulder 16 to the second shoulder 18 and are interconnected by wide groove tie bars 44.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Adrien Alphonse Binsfeld
  • Patent number: 6293324
    Abstract: In a multi-piece wheel rim assembly for a large industrial vehicle, the side rings (40 and 42) are each coated with a layer of carbon steel (60, 69) to form a convex L-shaped bearing surface (56, 66), and the surfaces of the rim base (20) and bead seat (34) which face the side rings are likewise coated with layers of carbon steel (62, 68) to form a concave L-shaped bearing surface (58 and 68), with the sizes and shapes of the bearing surfaces corresponding to each other. The side rings (40, 42) are able to move circumferentially with respect to the rim base and bead seat with reduced fretting and other deterioration of the facing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: FBT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Fredrick B. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6293325
    Abstract: Cold flow is a problem that is commonly encountered in the handling and storage of low molecular weight linear rubbers, such as low vinyl polybutadiene rubber and isoprene-butadiene rubber. This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that the cold flow of such rubbery polymers can be greatly reduced by incorporating a small block of polystyrene therein. The rubbery polymers of this invention which exhibit a low level of cold flow can be synthesized by simply terpolymerizing 1,3-butadiene, isoprene and from about 0.5 phm to about 3 phm of styrene under anionic polymerization conditions in the absence of a polar modifier. It is preferred to utilize batch .polymerization techniques. However, continuous polymerization techniques can also be utilized. This invention more specifically disclosed a rubbery polymer which is comprised of polymer chains containing repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene, isoprene and from about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Wen-Liang Hsu, Adel Farhan Halasa
  • Patent number: 6293326
    Abstract: Load Range C and D radial light truck tires have plies reinforced with 2X or 3X metallic cords. In one embodiment, the plies are two steel cord belt plies and the cords of at least one of the two belt plies has a filament diameter d of about 0.32 mm to 0.40 mm and either a 2X construction and a filament tensile strength in the range of 6908-10740d to 14238-25590d or a 3X construction and a filament tensile strength in the range of 4998-8140d to 9616-17370d. The cords may be located in components such as the belt, carcass, chipper, chafer, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Charles Elmer Hamiel, Italo Marziale Sinopoli, Daniel Ignatius Kowalski, Jr., Ray Allison Young
  • Patent number: 6293327
    Abstract: A pneumatic tubeless tire without an innerliner having a topping rubber layer which includes aligned casecords therein; a rubber composition for the topping rubber layer containing no plasticizer and comprising 100 parts by weight of a rubber component consisting essentially of 50 to 90% by weight of a diene rubber and 50 to 10% by weight of a brominated isobutylene/p-methylstyrene copolymer, and 1 to 10 parts by weight of a tackifier. According to the present invention, there is a durable and lightweight pneumatic tubeless tire without an innerliner in which the topping rubber layer has superior adhesion properties to the embedded casecords and other tire members containing diene rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Minagawa, Kiyoshige Muraoka, Yutaka Kuroda
  • Patent number: 6293328
    Abstract: A portable privacy screen is provided, which enables a user to quickly and easily create a zone of personal space where cosmetics may be applied, clothes put on and adjusted, and changes and improvements in appearance made. The screen is constructed from a plurality of individual, smaller panels and is foldable into a compact and easily carried configuration. The screen may also have a mirror and can carry advertising messages or other printing. The portable screen is arranged in the general form of a triptych, preferably including an upper and a lower array of panels. Each individual array is also in the general form of a triptych. A carrying bag, which is dimensioned to snugly contain the portable screen in disassembled form and itself is sufficiently configured to be carried over the shoulder of a user like a duffle bag, is also provided. The lower array, is reversibly interconnected to the upper array and is held in spaced-apart relation therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Donna A. Fremont
  • Patent number: 6293329
    Abstract: A coil spring drive unit for window covers is disclosed, which comprises a coil spring drive and the combination whose elements are selected from (1) a band shift transmission which provides varying ratio power transfer as the cover is opened and closed; (2) gear means comprising various gear sets which provide frictional holding force and fixed power transfer ratios; and (3) a gear transmission which provides fixed ratio power transfer as the cover is opened or closed. The combination permits the coil spring drive torque to be tailored to the weight characteristics of the window cover such as a horizontal slat or pleated or box blind as the blind is opened and closed, and permits the length of the blind and the distance between the open and closed positions of the blind to be altered for a given rotational distance of the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew J. Toti
  • Patent number: 6293330
    Abstract: A universal head rail assembly includes a front wall and a back wall, wherein the front wall includes a first contour formed on an outer face thereof and the back wall includes a second contour formed on an outer face thereof. A reversible rotator assembly includes a tilt control wand coupled to a gear box configured to selectively rotate a rotator element. The reversible rotator assembly and the tilt control wand are in a first position when the first contour of the front wall is displayed and the reversible rotator assembly and the tilt control wand are in a second position when the second contour of the back wall is displayed. The gear box includes a first universal socket coupled to a gear train positioned on an opposed side of the head rail from a second universal socket that is coupled to the gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventor: Zazu Ciuca
  • Patent number: 6293331
    Abstract: A vibration and shock resistant heat dissipating device for removing heat from a heat generating object is disclosed. The heat dissipating device includes a retaining clip having a central member and a pair of legs depending downwardly therefrom. An aperture is disposed through the central member and defines a central member bore having female threading formed therein. The free ends of the pair of legs are secured relative to the heat generating object. A heat dissipating member having a threaded base portion with a substantially flat bottom surface is adapted to be threadably received in the center member bore so that the flat bottom surface of the heat dissipating member is in flush thermal communication with the heat generating member. A ratchet member is disposed between the retaining clip and the heat dissipating member for controlling threaded receipt of the threaded base portion in the retaining clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Logistics AG
    Inventor: Chong-Sheng Wang
  • Patent number: 6293332
    Abstract: A structure of a super-thin heat plate comprising surrounding bodies having a thin plate shape and supporting body is disclosed. Each supporting body have function of capillarity and is enclosed within the surrounding bodies. The surrounding bodies and the supporting body are connected by a plurality of welding spots, and the edges are properly sealed. The supporting body is distributed uniformly by a whole web structure. Thus, the heat plate wick structure is very stable with a preferred performance of heat transfer and can be finished easily. In mass production, the structure still has a high stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Jia Hao Li