Patents Issued in October 2, 2001
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Patent number: 6295898Abstract: An angle-adjustable wrench includes a handle having a front end and two parallel lugs forwardly extended from the front end, a pivot connected between the lugs of the handle, and a wrench head turned about the pivot within 180° relative to the handle, wherein the wrench head has a retaining area and an adjustment area arranged in parallel and facing the front end of the handle between the lugs, and a stop member is coupled to the handle and moved along the front end of the handle between the lugs between a first position where the stop member is engaged with an arc-like, recessed, toothed portion thereof with the retaining area to lock the wrench head, and a second position where the stop member is disposed in contact with the adjustment area for enabling the wrench head to be turned about the pivot relative to the handle.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
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Patent number: 6295899Abstract: A wrench includes a drive head having an opening and a number of notches each having an inclined surface. The inclined surfaces each has one end located closer to the center of the head and the other end distal to the center of the head. A barrel is rotatably received in the head and has a bore for receiving a fastener and has a number of channels for receiving a drive insert each. The sliding engagement of the drive inserts with the inclined surfaces of the head may adjust the drive inserts into and out of the bore of the barrel to engage with fasteners of different sizes.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Wen Kai Lee
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Patent number: 6295900Abstract: A noncircular-based undulating key-receiving configuration, opposed undulating side walls in said configuration, a centerline within said side walls, with the centerline of the configuration lying within inner and outer noncircular perimeters. A key-receiving configuration containing a first undulating configuration within a second undulating configuration. A key having a first body insertable within a second body with both bodies having undulating key configurations thereon. A key-receiving groove having chamfered edges.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: McGard, Inc.Inventors: Bradley J. Julicher, Thomas R. Lanham
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Patent number: 6295901Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a fiber optic connector is disclosed. In one embodiment for a fiber optic connector wrench in accordance with the present invention, the fiber optic connector wrench includes an engagement portion and a handle member having a first portion with a first longitudinal axis and a second portion with a second longitudinal axis. The engagement portion is rigidly connected to the first portion. A collapsible joint joins the first portion to the second portion where the first longitudinal axis is aligned with the second longitudinal axis when a torque less than a predetermined value is applied to the collapsible joint and where the first longitudinal axis is offset from the second longitudinal axis when a torque greater than or equal to the predetermined value is applied to the collapsible joint.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: TyCom (US) Inc.Inventor: Hovhannes Habib Mardirossian
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Patent number: 6295902Abstract: A hand tool comprises a head and a handle fastened at one end thereof with the head. The handle comprises a body, and a protective sleeve fitted over the body such that the protective sleeve and the body are held securely together by two fastening members, which are located in two opposite side walls of the protective sleeve and are connected by at least one connection member.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Chung-Chiang Lin
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Patent number: 6295903Abstract: A torque applying hand tool, and a method for making the same, is provided which includes a shank having a tool end adapted to applying a torque to a member engaged thereby and a handle engaging end portion opposite the tool end. An innermost handle layer made of a relatively hard and tenaciously adhering thermoplastic material is molded to form a first molded part. The handle end portion of the shank is fixed within the first molded part. An intermediate inner handle layer of a relatively hard thermoplastic material is molded on the first molded part in fixed torque applying relation thereto to form a second molded part. An intermediate outer handle layer of a relatively hard thermoplastic material is molded onto the second molded part in fixed torque applying relation thereto to form a third molded part.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: The Stanley WorksInventors: J. David Tipper, Gary Scott
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Patent number: 6295904Abstract: A fastener driving assembly or tool includes a metal handle having opposite ends with an elongated driver shaft projecting from one end and a swivel knob installed on the other end. An electrical insulator is installed between the handle and the driver shaft and an insulating filler secures the shaft, insulator and handle together. The handle includes a recess for storing a lever arm or breaking bar adapted to outwardly pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle and driver shaft. A pivot rotatably connects one end of the lever arm with the handle.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: James Webb
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Patent number: 6295905Abstract: A toolholder apparatus is provided for holding a cutting tool adjacent a rotating workpiece. The apparatus includes a mounting block base and a mounting block body slidably supported on the base. A first adjustable connector connects the body to the base so that a position of the body on the base can be adjusted in a first direction toward the workpiece. A center adjustment block slidably engages the body. A second adjustable connector connects the center adjustment block and the body so that a position of the center adjustment block on the body can be adjusted in a second direction transverse to the first direction and transverse to the rotational axis of the workpiece. A head is detachably mounted on the center adjustment block. The head is removable from the center adjustment block by sliding movement in a third direction transverse to both of the first and second directions.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Peterson Tool CompanyInventors: John D. Hargis, Mark G. Charleton, Lawrence A. Ballew, Fred E. Chaffin, Clifford M. Garcia
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Patent number: 6295906Abstract: The present invention is a method for advancing and cutting tube blanks into desired lengths and ejecting the unusable piece of tubing remaining after all of the usable cuts have been made. The machine for cutting the tubes of the present invention is preferably a standard supported shear type cutting machine and the ejection of the tube is accomplished via a pusher that is mounted for reciprocation on a carriage such that when the last piece of usable tubing has been cut from the tube blank the pusher may be activated to eject the tubing from the cutting machine.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Production Tube Cutting, Inc.Inventor: Terry Kiger
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Patent number: 6295907Abstract: Ultrasonic techniques are applied to the measurement of wooden members to detect splitting during sawing operations and thereby allow modification of sawing technique or change in saw cut placement.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignees: Perceptron, Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of AgricultureInventors: Mark E. Schafer, Robert J. Ross
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Patent number: 6295908Abstract: An apparatus for forming a number of holes in a medium includes a selector, a hole forming device and a controller. The selector selects the number of holes to be formed in the medium, with the number of holes being selected from at least two predetermined numbers such as two and three. The hole forming device forms the holes in the medium. The controller controls the hole forming device to form in the medium the number of holes selected by the selector.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Canon Virginia, Inc.Inventors: Ronald C. Holzhauser, Charles A. Moore
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Patent number: 6295909Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for cutting metal sheet having two rotatable drums, wherein the metal sheet passes between the drums for cutting. Each of the drums has a cutting blade moved into and out of cutting position by an axial actuator rod. The cutting blade includes two sets of rollers bearing against one of a pair of profiled side surfaces of the axial actuator rod.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Kvaerner Technology & Research LimitedInventors: Simon Schofield, John Berry, Brian Cooper
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Patent number: 6295910Abstract: A circular saw includes a clutch assembly to surround the rotating blade shaft of the saw. The blade shaft is rotated by a shaft having a gear at one end. The clutch assembly includes a clutch gear to engage with the rotating pinion. The clutch gear is held to the blade shaft by a shaft washer that has a frictional material laminated to one end. The shaft washer is pressed to the clutch gear by spring washers.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: S-B Power Tool CompanyInventors: Daniel K. Childs, Michael Holzer, Jan P. Houben
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Patent number: 6295911Abstract: A break line launch energy damper and recoil limiting system for line charges absorbs and dissipates launch energy over time during deployment of line charges. This system limits the amount of recoil energy that can act upon the line charge and allows for linear deployment without recoil that might hinder the effectiveness of the rear lengths of the line charge. An elongate strength member connects the line charge to an inertial drag, such as a parachute and/or container for the line charge. A plurality of lines having different tensile strengths are appropriately connected to sequentially part when their tensile strengths are exceeded to thereby absorb and dissipate energy during deployment of the line charge.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1998Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, Gilberto Irizarry
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Patent number: 6295912Abstract: Redundant explosive transfer between two explosive carrier devices is accomplished by inserting into a transfer sub or gun head a non-moveable explosive means for receiving the detonating cord which, at its first end, establishes a gap from an adjacent positive alignment insert (PAI) and wherein the length of explosive means is sufficient to assure detonation between the explosive means and the detonating cord in the event that the detonating cord shrinks due to the temperature of well applications. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a positive alignment insert consists of an aluminum insert housing having an annular region of imbedded explosive. The annular region of the explosive-filled insert is typically annularly lined with an aluminum sleeve for protecting the explosive within and maintaining an annular region of sufficient diameter to allow for the passage and placement of the detonating cord and booster.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: John D. Burleson, Joseph A. Henke, Duc B. Nguyen, James M. Barker
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Patent number: 6295913Abstract: A hydraulic pump assembly (10) for powering a hydraulic torque wrench (24) is air-powered and has hydro-pneumatic control circuitry (39) which continues operation of an air motor (18) which drives the hydraulic pump (16) for a post-advance period after an advance actuator (55) is deactuated. Operation of the pump (16) is continued for a period sufficient to retract a double-acting torque wrench (24), to permit subsequent advances of the wrench (24) within the post-advance period without restarting the pump (16) or to permit a single acting wrench to be moved from one fastener to the next within the post-advance period without restarting the pump (16). Operation of the pump (16) is terminated when the post-advance period expires if the advance actuator (55) is not reactuated, so as to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary heating of the hydraulic fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Applied Power Inc.Inventor: Lawrence P. Rothering
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Patent number: 6295914Abstract: A pressure intensifier for fluids, particularly for hydraulic liquids, includes a piston/cylinder arrangement with a low pressure side provided with a low pressure connection and a high pressure side provided with a low pressure connection and a supply connection, as well as an intensifier piston constructed as a double diameter piston arranged between the low pressure side and the high pressure side. The pressure intensifier further includes a valve slide member which alternatingly connects the low pressure connection to a pressure source and a negative pressure source, wherein the control valve is connected through a control line to the piston/cylinder arrangement, so that the pressure in the control line acts on a first side of the valve slide member. The control valve is configured such that a constant force acts on a second side of the valve slide member.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1997Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Iversen Hydraulics ApSInventor: Jesper Will Iversen
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Patent number: 6295915Abstract: According to the invention, a servo ratio regulating member is disposed on the front end face of the valve body for abutment against the rear end face of a reaction disc. The servo ratio regulating member comprises an engaging portion which is engaged with a portion of a reduced diameter formed on the front end face of the valve body, and an abutment portion continuing from the engaging portion and projecting forwardly for abutment against the reaction disc. An external diameter D″ of the abutment portion as well as an external diameter of the reaction disc which is seated thereon are greater than an external diameter D of the outer periphery of the valve element, reducing the proportion of a brake reaction which is transmitted to a driver. With this arrangement, a higher servo ratio can be established with an arrangement which is simplified and inexpensive as compared with the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Bosch Braking Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Makoto Watanabe
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Patent number: 6295916Abstract: A brake booster (12) having a housing (14,16) with a control valve (70) located in an axial bore (54) of a hub (50) carried by a movable wall (22,24). The movable wall (22,24) separates the interior of the housing into a first chamber (26,26′) and a second chamber (28,28′). The control valve (70) in a first mode communicates the first chamber (26,26′) with the second chamber (28,28′) to provide for equal pressures therein and in a second mode communicates the second chamber (28,28′) with a surrounding environment to create a pressure differential across the movable wall (22,24). A reaction member (96) carried by the movable wall (22,24) communicates an operational force created by the pressure differential into an output push rod (94).Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch CorporationInventor: Charles Byron Horner
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Patent number: 6295917Abstract: A lost motion cylinder has a hydraulic cylinder having a moving piston therein wherein the piston head divides the cylinder into first and second compartments; a first conduit connected to the second compartment of the cylinder to deliver a flow of lubrication oil therein; a second conduit connected to the upper portion of the cylinder to return oil therein to a reservoir; a third conduit interconnecting the first and second conduits; a first check valve in the first conduit to permit oil to flow only towards the cylinder; a second check valve in the third conduit only to permit oil to flow from the second conduit to the first conduit; and an adjustable flow control element in the second conduit whereby the flow of oil from the cylinder to a reservoir can be selectively adjusted wherein trapped oil in the second conduit will cushion the cylinder on the upward stroke of the piston; and trapped oil in the first and second conduits will cushion the cylinder on the downward stroke of the piston.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Curt D. Richardson
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Patent number: 6295918Abstract: A diaphragm (10) for a fluid pump, accumulator, pressure regulator, or similar device comprises two major components: (1) a central body portion (12) having a first degree of flexibility; and (2) a peripheral portion (14) having a second degree of flexibility that is less than that of the central body portion. In one embodiment, this lesser degree of flexibility is effected by forming the peripheral portion (14) of the diaphragm into a material thickness that is greater than that of the central body portion (12). In another embodiment, the lesser degree of flexibility of the peripheral portion (14) is effected by forming the peripheral portion from a material that is dissimilar to that of the central body portion (12), the peripheral portion material having a degree of flexibility that is less than that of the central body portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons
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Patent number: 6295919Abstract: A braking device having a flange (21) of master cylinder (2) secured to a pneumatic booster (1) by a nut (3) screwed onto a through-bolt (13) that extends through a front shell (111) and a rear shell (112). The through-bolt (13) has a threaded front end (131) and a shoulder (132) for holding a front wall (111) in alignment with the master cylinder (2). The nut (3) has a barrel engaged in a hole (211) in the flange (21) and is screwed onto the front end (131). A collar (32) on the nut (3) acts on the flange (21) to press the flange (21) against the front shell (111). The barrel (31) of the nut and shoulder (132) of the through-bolt (13) have first and second respective sections (S1, S2) which face each which engage the front shell (111) with the first section (S1) being larger than the second section (S2) such that the front shell (111) crumples on receipt of a impact force.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Cédric Leboisne
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Patent number: 6295920Abstract: The invention pertains to insulated coffee makers and insulating accessories for use with insulated and non-insulated coffee makers. A coffee press brews coffee from a mixture of ground coffee and boiling water placed in a heat resistant container. The mixture is allowed to brew for a specified period after which a plunger affixed to a filter screen is pushed downward in the container. This separates the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee. Coffee press coffee makers provide a superior flavor, however heat tends to dissipate rapidly from the container. The invention includes an insulated cylindrical brewing container. Another variant is an insulated insert fitted onto the coffee press lid. Still another is an insulating jacket extending from the top rim of the coffee press to its base with openings provided for the handle and the spout. The jacket may include an openable means to secure the jacket about the handle. The jacket could also include a hinged flap to seal the spout.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventors: Elliot Barden, Sheila S. Turner
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Patent number: 6295921Abstract: A juice extractor for citrus fruits includes a base, a vertical column, a cylindrical element attached to the column, and a cone-shaped juice collecting tray placed on the cylindrical element. A lower fruit holder is located on the juice collecting tray, and a perforated cone-shaped vessel is placed over the lower fruit holder. An upper fruit holder, a pressing device and a handle are also provided, the pressing device consisting of a hollow body, a fixation sleeve member and a connecting rib.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Stoimmen N. Stoev
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Patent number: 6295922Abstract: A bundling system can convert a shingled stream of goods into successive bundles of goods. The system has a conveyor assembly with an upstream and a downstream section for (a) longitudinally passing the shingled stream of goods from the upstream to the downstream section, and (b) repeatedly interrupting passage of goods for creating a gap in the shingled stream of goods. The system also includes a reciprocatable table located downstream of the conveyor assembly for detaining and collecting goods there into a stacked bundle. Also included is a pusher for extending and pushing the stacked bundle off the table. The reciprocatable table is arranged to rise past the pusher without interference when the pusher is extended.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Nu-Tech Printing Machinery, Inc.Inventors: John Salamone, Gregory Balcerek, Leakat Hanif
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Patent number: 6295923Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stamping distinguishing marks on parts moving in the feed direction of a roll line, comprising at least one mark-holder for holding a mark, the mark-holder being placed on the circumference of a stamping wheel. The inventive device comprises an eccentric stamping wheel which is mounted so as to rotate in a stamping unit and which can be accelerated in rotation by means of driving mechanism in synchronism with the speed of the parts to be stamped with a distinguishing mark. The stamping wheel applies a force on the parts to be stamped with a distinguishing mark which can be adjusted continuously and constantly. It is possible to adjust the horizontal, vertical and possibly oblique orientation of the stamping position of the stamping wheel. The inventive device is also characterized in that it comprises a range measuring device for the moving parts, which is used to control a horizontal driving mechanism for tracking the stamping unit carrying the stamping wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Seeber Engineering GmbHInventor: Bruno Berger
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Patent number: 6295924Abstract: A stencil printing apparatus includes a main body, a drum unit having a drum substantially in a cylindrical shape and attachable to and detachable from the main body, a drum detecting device for detecting a kind of the drum unit mounted to the main body and a control device for carrying out an auto idling operation prior to a successive perforating operation in a case when a non-operational time period of the main body exceeds a previously set time period or when the drum detecting device detects interchanging of the drum unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Riso Kagaku CorporationInventors: Masahiro Nishihata, Yoshikazu Murayama, Yoshihiro Hayashi
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Patent number: 6295925Abstract: In a flexographic tag and label press, a mid-driven infeed tension controlling system is installed between the printing/drying section and the converting section of the press. By creating two separate tension zones, one for printing and one for converting, the mid-driven infeed tension controlling system improves color to color registration in steady state run tolerances, improves make ready times and waste factors, and improves the register of products upon the starts and stops of the press as well as facilitating roll changes and random material roll splices.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Sarni/Bria Flexographic LLCInventors: Michael P. Sarni, Peter A. Bria
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Patent number: 6295926Abstract: There are provided a plate-making sheet and a printing device for printing on the plate-making sheet. The plate-making sheet is in the form of a strip and for being printed with stamp characters to be engraved on a stamping face of a stamp, in parallel with a process for making the stamp, for permitting checking of the stamp characters and for indication of the stamp characters on a back surface of the stamp. The plate-making sheet comprises a backing sheet, and an adhesive sheet laminated on the backing sheet and having a surface to be printed with the stamp characters. The surface of adhesive sheet is formed with a character check area to be printed with the stamp characters for permitting the checking of the stamp characters, and at least one indication character area to be printed with the stamp characters for the indication of the stamp characters. In the printing device, a printing mechanism prints stamp characters in a character check area and at least one indication character area.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Hideo Sodeyama, Kenji Watanabe, Takuya Suetani, Kiyoshi Ogawa
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Patent number: 6295927Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a lithographic base including a support and a hydrophilic cross-linked layer having a total volume of pores of more than 0.0007 cm3/g of the lithographic base. The hydrophilic cross-linked layer contains a hydrophilic binder, TiO2 particles and a low molecular weight polyhydric alcohol or a liquid amide as a drying control chemical additive.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Agfa-GevaertInventor: Eric Verschueren
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Patent number: 6295928Abstract: A printer includes a printer carrier having a surface for receiving ink for transfer printing onto a carrier material, such as paper. Areas of the surface print carrier are ink attracting and others are made ink repelling. The ink repelling areas are formed by providing the surface with a layer of a substance in a solid phase, such as water in the form of ice. The ice layer repels the ink as it is applied so that the ink is only held on the surface of the print carrier at the areas that are ice free. The ice layer is formed by cooling the surface using a cooling mechanism to form a coating of frost due to condensation. A surface tension reducer for water is coated on the surface prior to cooling the surface. A laser or other radiation emitter structures the ice layer to form the print image.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Océ Printing Systems GmbHInventors: Joachim Heinzl, Robert Link
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Patent number: 6295929Abstract: The present invention provides a media handling system for an imaging system, such as an external drum platesetter. Separate input and output trays are provided, thereby allowing pre-staging of a second printing plate while a first printing plate is being imaged. The input tray is positioned over the output tray to reduce the floor space (i.e., footprint) of the imaging system.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Agfa CorporationInventors: William W. Tice, Christopher Evans, Aaron Mirmelshteyn, Phillip A. Rombult, David B. Larsen, Dennis W. Dodge, Thomas E. Robinson, James D. Roberge, Thomas Marincic
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Patent number: 6295930Abstract: A circuit breaker includes, a cylindrical portion having a gunpowder and a exploding unit for exploding the gunpowder by application of electric power to the gunpowder, the cylindrical portion being provided with an opening at at least one end; a base material securing the cylindrical portion, at least the surface of which is made of insulating material; a conductor fixed to the base material and having a break portion located at a position opposite to the opening of the cylindrical portion, the break portion being broken by explosive force of the gunpowder; a first metallic cover portion covering the cylindrical portion and the break portion; and a second metallic cover portion covering the base material from an opposite side to the cylindrical portion, wherein the first and second cover portions are fixed to the base material by directly connecting the first and second cover portions each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1998Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignees: Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Kume, Motonori Kido, Yoshiyuki Miyazaki, Hideaki Toyama, Akio Matsumaru, Jun Yasukuni, Kenjiro Nishida, Junya Amano, Ayumu Kimura, Hiroshi Hori, Mitsuru Tanigawa
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Patent number: 6295931Abstract: An apparatus and method for electronically controlling ordnance fuzes by sensing magnetic fields proximate the ordnance via a magnetic field sensor. The sensor is preferably a giant magnetoresistance detector. For spinning ordnance, in-flight cumulative range can be calculated by counting turns of the spinning ordnance. Ordnance may be armed a pre-determined time after exit of the ordnance from a weapon firing the ordnance as determined by the magnetic field sensor. The invention is also of a giant magnetoresistance sensor and method for making same and an apparatus for and method of sensing angular velocity for spinning ordnance.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: TPL, Inc.Inventors: David W. Cutler, Eric S. Boltz, Raymond L. Jarratt, Jr.
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Patent number: 6295932Abstract: An electronic safe arm & fire (ESAF) device has a common module and a pair of programmable devices that are readily configurable to different missile types. The ESAF device has a first static arming switch that is controlled by the first programmable device and a second static arming switch that is controlled by the second programmable device. The ESAF device has a firing module that has an exploding foil initiator. The common module and the firing module can be configured as a standalone module in close proximity to a warhead or can be integrated into a warhead. The common module has some inputs that are used by all the missiles in a group for the same signals; some inputs that are used by all the missiles, but for different signals; and, some inputs that are used by some of the missile, but not by all of the missiles. The common module has an input port for a separation signal, a communications port for a fuze data signal, and an input port for a signal that can be used to determine safe separation.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: James P. Kane, III
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Patent number: 6295933Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-lethal projectile for a firearm composed of a novel, soft and elastic, composite material comprising a polymeric organic matrix and a pulverulent metallic filler, with a relative density of between 4 and 22, dispersed in the polymeric matrix. The composite material has a relative density of between 1.0 and 2.9 and a Shore A hardness of between 2 and 30. The polymeric organic matrix is a crosslinked polybutadiene comprising polybutadiene chains with a mass of between 500 and 10,000 connected by bridges. The projectile according to the invention makes it possible to neutralize an animal or a person without endangering his life and without inflicting serious injuries, even when firing at a short range of less than 5 m.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: SNPEInventors: Bernard Dubocage, Jacques Maucourt
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Patent number: 6295934Abstract: An obturator is provided for a projectile launched from a gun barrel. The projectile has a mid-body annular groove that includes a shaped surface. The obturator includes an annular ring having an inner surface in contact with the shaped surface of the annular groove of the projectile. The annular ring further includes an outer surface. When the projectile is in the gun barrel, the outer surface of the annular ring contacts an inner surface of a bore of the gun barrel. The radial distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the annular ring substantially equals or exceeds the radial distance between the shaped surface of the annular groove and the inner surface of the bore of the gun barrel at at least one point when the projectile is positioned in the barrel. This feature restricts a flow of charge gases from an aft end of the projectile to a forward end of the projectile when the projectile is launched from the gun barrel.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Joseph E. Tepera, James A. Henderson
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Patent number: 6295935Abstract: An initiator (50) for rupturing a burst disk (36) in an air bag inflator (10) includes a body of ignitable material (112) for, when ignited, generating combustion products. A base (52) supports the body of ignitable material (112), and an electrically energizable member (80) for igniting the ignitable material, on the inflator (10). The initiator (50) also includes a cap (90) sealed to the base (52). The cap (90) encloses the ignitable material (112) and maintains the ignitable material in position on the base (52). At least a first portion (94) of the cap (90) is releasable from the base (52) under the force of the combustion products of the ignitable material (112) to enable movement of at least the first portion of the cap away from the base and into engagement with the burst disk (36) to rupture the burst disk.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Swann, Ahmad K. Al-Amin, Jess A. Cuevas, Bryan W. Shirk, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe
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Patent number: 6295936Abstract: A portable tow device (20) for selective attachment to a tow line (24) having a length includes a handle (32). The tow device also includes a locking member (28) rotatably attached to the handle. The locking member includes first and second bearing members (28a) and (28b) and an elongate slot (42). The tow device further includes a lever arm (30) attached to the locking member for selectively rotating the locking member between a locked position, wherein the tow line is clamped between the first and second bearing members for propelling a person along a surface at a rate substantially equal to the rate of the tow line, and an unlocked position, wherein the tow line passes freely through the tow device.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Thin Line Concepts, Inc.Inventor: Gale Dahlstrom
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Patent number: 6295937Abstract: An intake/exhaust type combustion equipment capable of permitting oxygen in a proper amount required for stable combustion to be constantly fed to the combustion equipment, irrespective of outdoor air conditions. An intake air temperature detection sensor is arranged for detecting a temperature of combustion air fed to a burner by a combustion air feed fan and an oxygen data output element is arranged for outputting oxygen data corresponding to an oxygen concentration in combustion air depending on the temperature detected by the intake air temperature detection sensor. The oxygen data output element outputs oxygen data on the oxygen concentration or a variation in oxygen concentration based on the detected temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Toyotomi Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Nakanishi, Tomohiko Takeuchi, Hiroyuki Onogawa
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Patent number: 6295938Abstract: The invention is a soil preparation device for use with a planter row unit of the type which includes a front face, a furrow opener to the rear of the front face, a seed dispenser, and a furrow closer to the rear of the furrow opener and seed dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: William J. Stephan
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Patent number: 6295939Abstract: The invention relates to a press-wheel assembly of the kind used with seed planting machines and which includes a press-wheel (11) formed by a pair of mating wheel halves (11′, 11″), the inner wheel half (11′) being provided with an integrally formed hub (13) which projects through a central bore formed in the outer wheel half (11″), the projecting hub portion being constructed and arranged so as to permit the fitment of a protective end cap (14) within its open outer end. The cap (14) when fitted to the hub (13) has its skirt surrounded and thereby protected by the walls of the projecting hub portion. Openings (28) in the projecting hub portion are provided to allow the insertion of a hand tool for manually removing the end cap from the wheel hub. Desirably the cap (14) is secured to the inside of the hub by means of an interference fit.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Ronald Emin Arthur Emms
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Patent number: 6295940Abstract: One or more workpieces are positioned on the outer surface of a mandril which has a first longitudinal slot oriented in a longitudinal direction. A lift finger is disposed in the first longitudinal slot in a rest position and configured to be lifted out of the first longitudinal slot in a lift position to lift a portion of the workpieces outwardly relative to the outer surface of the mandril. A pinching device is used to pinch the lifted portion of the workpieces, which may be stitched with a stitching device. The mandril is movable in the longitudinal direction to feed the workpieces. The mandril includes a second longitudinal slot for housing a feed roller shaft, which protrudes from the second longitudinal slot to contact the workpieces. The feed roller shaft is rotatable to rotate the workpieces relative to the outer surface of the mandril. An alignment device is provided for alignment the workpieces and stabilizing the workpieces for precise processing.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Sew-Fine, LLCInventor: Harry Shonteff
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Patent number: 6295941Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for feeding accurately a material to be stitched in a sewing machine.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Mishin Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ikuo Tajima
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Patent number: 6295942Abstract: A fixture for securing a water craft to a dock includes a linear rigid shaft, terminating at one end with a ring. The shaft is integral with an exterior surface of the ring which provides a first internal machine thread. A disk shaped element provides a first external machine thread for threadedly engaging the first machine thread of the ring. The disk shaped element further provides a pair of opposing arms, extending outwardly from its opposing sides. A pair of spaced apart washer disks are threadedly engaged with the shaft such that rotation in a first rotational sense drives the washer disks together for gripping a dock, and rotation in an opposite sense drives the washer disks apart for loosening the invention from its mount.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Tracee A. Leonardson
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Patent number: 6295943Abstract: Towing apparatus for towing a personal watercraft at a desired distance behind a tow boat includes towing units having straight tubular walls, the towing units diverging from the personal watercraft toward the tow boat, each towing unit including a central tow line tensioned between the ends of the tubular wall, with each tubular wall in compression, enabling managed flexing of the wall of each towing unit for controlled lateral and altitudinal movements of the personal watercraft relative to the tow boat while maintaining the desired towing distance between the personal watercraft and the tow boat.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventors: Donald O. Brushaber, Donald Brushaber
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Patent number: 6295944Abstract: A tethering system for a floating boat dock that allows both vertical and horizontal motion of the dock in response to changes in water level while maintaining the dock in a constant position relative to the moving shoreline. The system comprises cables attached to earth anchors, maintained under constant tension and mechanically coupled to rolling ground contact elements that bear against the bottom of the body of water.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: J Timothy Lovett
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Patent number: 6295945Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of flying and a means of securing pennants, logos, flags or indicia on a vehicle. It is desired in some special cases to display pennants, logos, flags or indicia on a vehicle. The vehicle mounting bracket used for this purpose according to the present invention can secure said pennant, logo, flag or indicia, at one end, and at the other end be attached onto the door, trunk, hood or window of a vehicle. Further, the mounting bracket can secure the pole of a pennant, logo, flag or indicia onto a convertible car, nonconvertible car, van, truck, lorry, etc, in a vertical or horizontal position.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Charles Umunna Amanze
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Patent number: 6295946Abstract: A signaling device is mated with a conventional container to develop a change in state for indicating that the container has been accessed. In conjunction with a refuse container having a body and a cover connected to the body of the container by a hinge, the signaling device takes the form of a flag which is coupled with the hinge of the container so that the flag can move between a lowered position in which the flag lies over the cover of the container, and a raised position in which the flag extends upwardly from the container, providing the desired change in state. In use, the flag is automatically moved from the lowered position to the raised position when the cover is opened, signaling that the container has been accessed. The flag is automatically returned from the raised position to the lowered position as part of the procedure which is used to later empty the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Cardinal Automation, Inc.Inventor: John P. Kasik
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Patent number: 6295947Abstract: A device for coating food products with granular material, for example breadcrumb material, comprises a rotating conveyor belt which is permeable to the granular material and on which the food products can be held, guide plates which extend beneath at least a section of the top part and the bottom part of the conveyor belt, a feed, which opens out above the top part of the conveyor belt, for the granular material, a diverter for guiding the granular material from the top part to the bottom part of the conveyor belt and back, as well as a conveyor for conveying granular material from the top part of the conveyor belt to the feed. A selection device to which granular material is fed from the top part of the conveyor belt is situated between the top part and the bottom part of the conveyor belt, via which selection device the selected granular material is fed to the bottom part of the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Koppens B.V.Inventor: Hendrikus Antonius Jacobus Kuenen