Patents Issued in October 2, 2001
  • Patent number: 6295998
    Abstract: A system is provided to prepare deionized water having a 100% saturated concentration of a gas, e.g., nitrogen, at a hot temperature, e.g., 50-85° C., and an attendant pressure, e.g., atmospheric pressure, to clean a semiconductor wafer, e.g., of silicon. The gas concentration of a first deionized water portion having a predetermined concentration of the gas at a cold temperature, e.g., 20-30° C., is adjusted in a gassifier chamber having a pressure pump and a pressure sensor, to provide a predetermined under-saturated concentration of the gas at the cold temperature. The temperature of the adjusted gas concentration first water portion is then adjusted by mixing therewith a second deionized water portion having a predetermined concentration of the gas at a predetermined very hot temperature, e.g., 80° C., in a predetermined ratio in a mixer having a temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignees: Infineon Technologies North America Corp., International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephan Kudelka, David Rath
  • Patent number: 6295999
    Abstract: Semiconductor wafers are cleaned using megasonic energy to agitate cleaning fluid applied to the wafer. A source of energy vibrates an elongated probe which transmits the acoustic energy into the fluid. The probe has a solid cleaning rod and a flared or stepped rear base. In one form, the probe is made of one piece, and in another, the rod fits into a socket in the base. This enables a rod to be made of material which is compatible with the cleaning solution, while the base may be of a different material. A heat transfer member acoustically coupled to the probe base and to a transducer conducts heat away from the transducer. A housing for the heat transfer member and the transducer supports those components and provides means for conducting coolant through the housing to control the temperature of the transducer. In another arrangement, an end of the housing is coupled between the transducer and the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Verteq, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario E. Bran
  • Patent number: 6296000
    Abstract: A pre-clean deluge system for cleaning automobile white bodies including a cleaning solution filtration and distribution system. The filtration system includes a series of filters specially adapted to remove metal particles from the cleaning solution. The distribution system includes deluge cannons that are position so as to deliver cleaning solution to the interior of the white body in a location during the white body travel so that the particles flushed therefrom are introduced into a small tank prior to a main tank in which the white body is subsequently immersed. The distribution system also provides regulated flow of cleaning solution to the deluge cannons, as well as a bypass to facilitate cycling of cleaning solution for end-of-shift filtration purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: John McTighe, Derek Heath, Jeff McKinley, Shawn Guthrie, Gene Hunt
  • Patent number: 6296001
    Abstract: A rib assembly for multiple-fold umbrella includes: an aluminum top rib pivotally secured to an upper notch formed on a top portion of a central shaft, an aluminum stretcher rib pivotally connected between the top rib and a lower runner slidably held on the central shaft, a plastic intermediate rib interconnected between the top rib and an aluminum or plastic outer rib, an aluminum connecting rib pivotally connected between the stretcher rib and the intermediate rib, and a spring rib slidably coupled to the intermediate rib by a ring member fastened on the intermediate rib; with the plastic intermediate rib interconnected among those light ribs for strengthening the rib assembly substantially made of light-weight materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6296002
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lightweight collapsible enclosure. The enclosure is adapted to attach to or about a folding chair. The enclosure provides vertical and lateral spans about and above the folding chair. A canopy is disposed over the spans to create an enclosure. The enclosure is readily collapsible with a folding chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Minas Tashchyan
  • Patent number: 6296003
    Abstract: A tent having a fabric body defining an internal volume and a door for entering and exiting the internal volume and for providing ventilation to the internal volume. A continuous zipper is located on the periphery of the door and on the door opening. A pair of zipper slides is configured for traversing the continuous zipper enabling the door to completely open, completely close and open partially in any one of a number of orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Sierra Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Howe, Theodore Ganio
  • Patent number: 6296004
    Abstract: A sun shield capable of protecting persons or plants against the harmful effects of incident radiation and being formed from a substantially transparent flexible material (13) which at least substantially absorbs and/or reflects incident radiation in the ultraviolet and infrared frequency ranges and which may be repeatedly folded without becoming damaged. The supple, flexible and durable transparent material (13) may be mounted on a framework (14) to be attached to, for example, a child's car seat (11) or pushchair (26) or to serve as a parasol or canopy, or to protect plants from excessive ultraviolet or infrared radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Linda Carol Gordon
  • Patent number: 6296005
    Abstract: A collapsible blind and decoy apparatus (10) for attracting wild game wherein the apparatus (10) includes a blind/decoy unit (12) supported by a collapsible framework unit (11). The blind/decoy unit (12) includes a blind/decoy member (50) having a first sheet (51) of material (52) that is at least semi-transparent with a front surface (56) that is provided with an opaque decoy element (55) that is contoured, colored and configured to resemble a selected species of wild game for the purpose of attracting wild game towards the apparatus (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventors: B. Monte Williams, Lincoln Scott Williams
  • Patent number: 6296006
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for sealing leaks in electrical insulators and other equipment without the need for depressurizing that equipment. The system and method may be readily adapted to seal any joint, regardless of its configuration. In addition, while the system and method provide an effective and sure seal, the seal may be readily removed in order to change out the leaking component at a future date. A tubular seal is maneuvered into position to encircle the leaking joint. A reinforcing layer is applied over the seal. The seal is then filled with sealant under pressure. The seal isolates the sealant and its direct hydraulic pressure from the operating components to prevent the sealant from contacting those components, while simultaneously providing sufficient force against the leaking joint to stop the leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Koppl Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Wegner
  • Patent number: 6296007
    Abstract: A fluid control valve which comprises a valve body structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough and a first sealing surface means and a closure structure for controlling the fluid flow through the passage with the closure structure having a second sealing means adapted to engage the first sealing means to shut off fluid flow through the valve wherein there is formed in the valve body structure an annular groove proximate the first sealing means for the positioning therein of an electrical heater cable overlaid with a heat conductive layer, the heated cable extending into and out of the valve bodies so as not to interfere with the operation of the valve, the electrical heater cable in communication with a source of electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph Cifune
  • Patent number: 6296008
    Abstract: A switchover valve for switching over from one supply of pressure fluid to another supply thereof in response to failing or failure of the one supply. The valve has a valve body having two inlets for connection thereto of the respective pressure fluid supplies and an outlet. A valve member is movable in the valve body between a position establishing communication for delivery of fluid from one inlet to the outlet and blocking flow from the other inlet to the outlet and a position establishing communication for delivery of fluid from the other inlet to the outlet and blocking flow from the one inlet to the outlet. The valve member is subject to pressure of fluid supplied to the one inlet for moving it from the first-mentioned position to the second-mentioned position and to pressure of fluid supplied to the other inlet for moving it from the second-mentioned position to the first-mentioned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Boyer, David A. Pryor
  • Patent number: 6296009
    Abstract: An arm-driven sleeve valve utilizes a single pin connection to transmit torque from a shaft of the sleeve valve to a pair of arm portions suspended therefrom for controlling the flow of fluid from the valve by axially moving a gate. The single pin connection is centrally positioned between the arm portions and ensures the each of the arm portions exerts an equal force on the gate, regardless of torsional deflection of the shaft. Use of the invention allows arm-driven sleeve valves to be driven asymmetrically from only one of opposite axial ends of the shaft without tending to bind the gate against the main body of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hartman, Brian T. Hartman
  • Patent number: 6296010
    Abstract: This invention is an automatic shut-off valve and gauge for tires during inflation. Configured as a double stem valve joined either on the outside or inside the rim of the tire. One stem serves as an air valve for inflating tires with a metal or plastic line attached to it extending into the second stem, which is a valve that regulates the air pressure in the tire. Air supplied during inflation of the tire causes a linkage to move and open a vent to the atmosphere which was otherwise closed. A spring loaded valve is designed to open when the air pressure in the tire exceeds the correct operating pressure and to allow excess air to escape to the atmosphere. A retracting and extending indicia is provided on the top of a spring loaded valve to indicate when the tire is properly inflated to a preset pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Gerard Michael DeLauer
  • Patent number: 6296011
    Abstract: A three position valve suitable for use in a trigger nozzle assembly is disclosed which is suitable for use in kitchen utensil rinsing areas has a valve housing with a bore, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A biased slidable member is positioned in the bore and provides for fluid flow between the fluid inlet and outlet when the valve is in a first position. High flow and stop flow positions are also provided upon compression of the trigger. The valve can be employed in conjunction with a combined spray and aerator head, as well as a hose take-up assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: John C. Esche, Erich D. Slothower, David J. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 6296012
    Abstract: A returnless fuel regulator includes a diaphragm assembly dividing the regulator into a control chamber for calibration purposes and a fuel chamber in communication with fuel under pressure from a supply and a fuel rail which receives fuel under regulation pressure. The regulator includes a spring-biased valve element which is opened to a greater or lesser extent by movement of the diaphragm assembly. In the diaphragm assembly, a post is spring-biased into a predetermined position relative to the diaphragm assembly to engage the valve element. The spring is formed of a shape memory alloy which elongates in response to a predetermined temperature of the fuel within the regulator to open or further open the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Jason T. Kilgore, Barry S. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6296013
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure/flow rate control valve comprising a valve-opening/closing section having a valve plug which is installed with an elastic member having a substantially tapered cross section at one end, a stem which is displaceable integrally with the valve plug and which is installed with a packing disposed between a pair of disk sections separated from each other by a predetermined spacing distance, and a spring member which is fastened to one end of the stem, for seating the valve plug on an annular projection in accordance with the action of resilient force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Hosono, Qinghai Yang
  • Patent number: 6296014
    Abstract: A check valve attached to an inner wall of a main body of a fuel tank ensures a sufficient seal of the main body from outside, without increasing the required number of parts. The check valve communicates with a fuel conduit of a fuel inlet pipe and functions to prevent liquid fuel and fuel vapor in the main body from flowing through the fuel inlet pipe and being released to the outside. The check valve is opened by a flow of fuel in the fuel inlet pipe and allows the flow of fuel to be introduced into the main body. The check valve includes a casing with a fuel outlet, a valve disc, and a fixation plate. The valve disc is movable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the fuel outlet of the casing. The fixation plate has one end inserted in an end of the casing and the other end welded to the main body. This arrangement enables the main body to be securely sealed from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsushi Miura, Hiroyuki Sato, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6296015
    Abstract: A speed controller has a pilot check valve having a first body which has a first fluid inlet/outlet port defined in an end thereof and a pilot port defined in an opposite end thereof. A flow control valve has a second body integral with the first body. A pipe joint has a third body which has a second fluid inlet/outlet port defined in an end thereof and, the third body being integral with the second body. A flow adjustment screw is disposed in the flow control valve and extends into a fluid passage which interconnects the first fluid inlet/outlet port and the second fluid inlet/outlet port, for adjusting a rate of flow of a fluid under pressure in the fluid passage. A valve body is disposed in the pilot check valve for opening a fluid passage which interconnects the first fluid inlet/outlet port and the second fluid inlet/outlet port in response to a pilot fluid pressure supplied from the pilot port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noritaka Morisako, Shizuo Mori
  • Patent number: 6296016
    Abstract: A valve, for example a tapered plug valve, having two obturators each rotatable between open and closed positions. The angle between the rotational axes is at least about 90° and may be 180°. The handles used to rotate the obturators are preferably on the same side of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: BTR plc
    Inventors: Christopher Jack Parker, Peter Alfred Gorman
  • Patent number: 6296017
    Abstract: A highly durable, inexpensive valve seat and valve unit are achieved by using a synthetic resin for forming the valve seat. The synthetic resin valve seat is equipped with a first valve aperture and a second valve aperture for inflow, and a third valve aperture for outflow. At least either the first valve aperture or the second valve aperture is set in communication with the third valve aperture through a communication hole of a movable valve seat, or the first and second valve apertures are closed by the movable valve seat. A protuberance that slidably contacts the movable valve seat is formed on a surface of the synthetic resin valve seat that opposes the movable valve seat and on the opening edges of at least the first valve aperture and the second valve aperture such that the protuberance surrounds the first valve aperture and the second valve aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventor: Genichi Kimizuka
  • Patent number: 6296018
    Abstract: A fluid power assist rack and pinion steering gear assembly (10) includes a torsion bar (70) having a support portion (80) rotatable within an internal bore (60) of an input shaft (50). A circumferential groove (82) is located on the support portion (80) of the torsion bar (70). A compliant ring (90) in the groove (82) engages a cylindrical inner surface (56) in the input shaft (50) to enable rotation of the support portion (80) of the torsion bar (70) within the internal bore (60) of the input shaft while limiting relative radial movement between the support portion of the torsion bar and the input shaft. A hitch pin (100) has a first portion (106) disposed in a hitch pin opening (110) in the pinion (18) and a second portion (112) disposed in a hitch pin opening (116) in a valve sleeve (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Jack L. Place
  • Patent number: 6296019
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure medium system with at least one valve and one pressure medium supply, whereby a differential pressure can be purposely controlled in a positive and negative pressure area, especially for controlling a torque converter lockup clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Bruno Müller, Manfred Homm
  • Patent number: 6296020
    Abstract: Methods of controlling fluid flow through microchannels by use of passive valves or stopping means in the microchannels is presented. The passive valves act as pressure barriers impeding flow of solution past the stopping means until enough force is built up to overcome the force of the pressure barrier. Well planned use of such stopping means acting as passive valves allows the flow of fluids through microchannels to be regulated so as to allow fluids to be mixed or diluted after being introduced via a single channel, or to be split into multiple channels without the need for individual pipetting. Flow through the multiple channels can be regulated to allow a series of sister wells or chambers to all fill prior to the fluid flowing beyond any one of the sister wells or chambers. The filling of sister wells or chambers in this manner allows all wells or chambers to undergo reactions in unison. The use of air ducts to prevent trapping of air in the microchannels is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: BioMicro Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. McNeely, Arnold R Oliphant, Mark K. Spute
  • Patent number: 6296021
    Abstract: A leak repair device composed of an elastomeric seal having an outer toroidal portion radially of a central axis and a continuous membrane portion integral with and peripherally enclosed by the toroidal portion. The elastomeric seal is held by a semi-rigid flexible cover member which has a plurality of parallel slots extending across the surface of the cover member. As the cover member is compressed radially against a rigid pipe, the slots permit the cover member to bend to the contour of the pipe. The toroidal portion of the elastomeric seal is compressed against the pipe to seal the leak and the membrane portion encapsulates the leak region to further seal the escape of fluid through the leak repair device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Sachwin Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wing G. Lew
  • Patent number: 6296022
    Abstract: A woven fabric, in particular a label, having a region formed from a ground weave which defines a background, with the region including an array of spaced apart dots formed by yarns exposed on the surface of the ground weave, and with the array of spaced apart dots collectively defining a machine-readable code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: J&J Cash Limited
    Inventor: John Charles Lowe
  • Patent number: 6296023
    Abstract: A piece of woven fabric cut to production size for the manufacture of articles of work clothing for protection from heat, flames, and electric arc effect is characterized by a 3/1 frame casing having approximately 36 threads per centimeter of chain and approximately 23 threads per centimeter of weft. The overall mixtures of chain yarn and weft yarn are approximately 41 percent viscose, approximately 30 percent to 41 percent meta-aramide, approximately 17 percent to 29 percent paramide, and approximately 1 percent polyamide with a carbon core, and by doubled yarns with count No. 40/2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventors: Manfred Gehrhardt, Britta Smeulders, Reinhilde Burg, Michael Görmer
  • Patent number: 6296024
    Abstract: A fluid recovery sleeve, comprising a wall having an inner wall surface forming a fluid communication passage, a top surface having an opening for receiving a salvage container to be drained, and a bottom surface having an opening for receiving a recovery container to catch fluid drained form the salvage container. The bottom and top surfaces are formed from the wall. The openings provide an entrance and an exit for the fluid communication passage. The bottom opening of the sleeve is placed over the neck of a recovery container. The salvage container is inverted and its neck is placed in the top opening of the sleeve. Remaining or leftover fluid drains from the salvage container, through the fluid communication passage of the sleeve, and into the recovery container. The sleeve is preferably constructed of an elastic material to provide a seal around the necks of the containers and to support the inverted salvage container above the recovery container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Michael A. Oestreich
  • Patent number: 6296025
    Abstract: A chemical delivery system which utilizes multiple techniques to achieve a suitable chemical purge of the chemical delivery system is provided. A purge sequence serves to purge the manifold and canister connection lines of the chemical delivery system prior to removal of an empty chemical supply canister or after a new canister is installed. More particularly, a purge technique which may utilizes a variety of combinations of a medium level vacuum source, a hard vacuum source, and/or a liquid flush system is disclosed. By utilizing a plurality of purge techniques, chemicals such as TaEth, TDEAT, BST, etc. which pose purging difficulties may be efficiently purged from the chemical delivery system. The chemical delivery system may also be provided with an efficient and conveniently located heater system for heating the chemical delivery system cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Craig M. Noah, Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6296026
    Abstract: A chemical delivery system which utilizes multiple techniques to achieve a suitable chemical purge of the chemical delivery system is provided. A purge sequence serves to purge the manifold and canister connection lines of the chemical delivery system prior to removal of an empty chemical supply canister or after a new canister is installed. More particularly, a purge technique which may utilizes a variety of combinations of a medium level vacuum source, a hard vacuum source, and/or a liquid flush system is disclosed. By utilizing a plurality of purge techniques, chemicals such as TaEth, TDEAT, BST, etc. which pose purging difficulties may be efficiently purged from the chemical delivery system. The chemical delivery system may also be provided with an efficient and conveniently located heater system for heating the chemical delivery system cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Craig M. Noah, Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6296027
    Abstract: A fueling assembly for a fuel tank of an engine driven welder. The engine driven welder has a housing having a top portion, a side portion and a fueling cavity. The fueling cavity is formed in the top portion and the side portion of the engine welder housing. An engine and a fuel tank are located within the housing. The fueling assembly includes a filler tube, a fuel gauge and a grommet to seal the filler tube and fuel gauge in the fueling cavity. The fuel gauge has a fuel level indicator and a fuel level sensor that extends through the filler tube and into the fuel tank. The fuel level indicator registers a plurality of fuel levels in the fuel tank. The grommet is a one piece structure having a lower intermediate section which includes an opening to provide access to the filler tube opening and the fuel level indicator. The side section of the grommet has flanges to connect the grommet to the engine welder housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Bender, Donald R. Parmelee
  • Patent number: 6296028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile oil change device suitable for transporting to a remote site of an automobile movement of the automobile into an enclosure carried by the device and conducting an oil change in the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Daryl R. Oakland
  • Patent number: 6296029
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved centering of a workpiece in a planer machine includes centering sectional shoe assembly positioned in close proximity to opposed cutting heads, between the cutting heads and a centering feed assembly. The shoe assembly includes a plurality of individually movable pressure shoe sets, comprising an upper shoe and a lower shoe. Each shoe set is operatively connected to a closed circuit, double rod end hydraulic cylinder assembly which selectively and independently positions the shoe set responsive to the surface to the workpiece. A pressure device is also operatively connected to each shoe set to provide a centering force. In use, as the upper or lower shoe of a shoe set is forced away from the centerline of the workpiece, the opposing shoe would automatically move the same amount. The shoe assembly thus centers each and every workpiece independent of the amount of stock removal required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Timesavers, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Grivna
  • Patent number: 6296030
    Abstract: A tire and wheel assembly for a forklift type vehicle includes a rim having an annular well to enable fitting of tubeless tires and a tire having an aspect ration of 58% or less. The tire is inflated to a pressure of at least 125 pounds per square inch (psi) and has fabric cross plies extending a distance of at least 30% up the inner face of the side walls of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Jordan Sidney Fishman
  • Patent number: 6296031
    Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire in which both end portions of a plurality of carcass plies are mounted respectively to left and right bead cores to fold back from an inner side to an outer side of the tire. Fold back portions of the carcass plies constituting the outermost sides on inner sides of the bead cores are laminated onto unfolded portions of the carcass plies. Carcass cords of the carcass plies are intersected with each other between the laminated layers. A length of the fold back portion is longer than any of fold back portions of the remaining carcass plies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hikomitsu Noji
  • Patent number: 6296032
    Abstract: A laminator/printer for laminating, cleaning, imprinting and trimming print media, capable of printing on the print media and the laminate with a single print head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Zih Corp.
    Inventors: Danny Louie, Faustin Marentes
  • Patent number: 6296033
    Abstract: A tape applicator includes a frame. A blade is affixed to the frame. A guard is mounted on the frame and extends from the frame beyond the edge of the blade. The guard is deflected as the tape is drawn across the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignees: Clements Industries, Inc., Ben Clements & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Clements
  • Patent number: 6296034
    Abstract: An image-forming material removing apparatus capable of continuously peeling image-forming material such as toner from the recording medium while, with simple structure, maintaining high quality will be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kodera, Tadakazu Edure
  • Patent number: 6296035
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for removing a coating from synthetic resin products, such as an automobile bumper, to obtain improved coating removal rate and improved productivity. A resin material having a coating applied thereto is rolled between a resin-side roll and a coating-side roll which rotate at different peripheral speeds. A shear stress is applied to the interface between the resin material and the coating, thereby removing the coating from the resin material. Pressing means press the coating-side roll towards the resin-side roll with a predetermined force. The resin-side roll and the coating-side roll apply a normally fixed shear stress between the resin material and the coating, ensuring stable coating removal and improved productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamamoto, Toshikazu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6296036
    Abstract: An automatic-shutter system functions as a counter-measure to the in-band frequency agile laser threat posed to the eyes of pilot(s)/operator(s). Ideally it is desirable to protect the operator from every laser pulse including the first. However, the lack of fast shutters or optical gates (faster than a micro-second) suitable for visible usage has prevented the protection from a first pulse threat. The automatic-shutter system detects the first pulse and provides protection against any subsequent pulses. This is achieved by a multi-directional detector system for actuating shutters on the aircraft/vehicle. The detector, after detecting a pulse of laser light, further comprises processing means in electrical communication with the multi-directional detector for processing a detected pulse of laser light and to generate a signal responsive thereto. A plurality of shutters can be individually or group dropped in response to shutter actuating means to provide protection against subsequent pulses of laser light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William F. Otto, Vernon H. Ayre, John K. Dempsey, Richard D. Milton
  • Patent number: 6296037
    Abstract: Foam core vanes useful with door or window coverings and which may be hung vertically or horizontally include an outer fabric cover and an inner foam core. Preferably, the vanes are shaped to have a blunt forward edge, gently curving sides and a pointed rear edge, resembling an air foil. A method of preparing the vanes includes injecting foam producing chemicals into a fold of the outer fabric as the fabric enters a mold section comprised of upper and lower molds moving along tracks. The foam expands to press the fabric into the mold and cures during travel through the mold section. A rotary knife cuts the foam core vanes to the desired length. Preferred foams are urethane and polyisocyanurate foams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan K. Ruggles
  • Patent number: 6296038
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes a number of door panels slidably engaged with a track and a leader end secured to one end of the door panels. A retaining device forms a channel for receiving the leader end and has a pair of opposite resilient stops trapezoidal in cross-section and extended inwardly into the channel for engaging with the leader end and for retaining the leader end within the retaining device. The retaining device may be secured to a supporting abutment, usually a wall member, or may be secured to and moved in concert with the leader member of another sliding door subassembly for coupling the sliding door subassemblies together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Chang Than Chen
  • Patent number: 6296039
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for windlocking a curtain over an opening in a building is disclosed and claimed. The windlocking curtain resides to the exterior of the window, door or other opening and protects it from the intrusion of air, water or debris. In its upper position the windlocking curtain permits normal use of the opening and in its lower position it secures the opening. A flexible corrugated curtain has tension rods therethrough and the tension rods run in tracks on each side of the curtain and necessarily on each side of the opening. Interengagement of the tension rods with the tracks is accomplished by deformations in the rods that are referred to as interrupts. In one embodiment the rods are successively longer from top to bottom of the curtain and their interrupts matingly wedge with angled tracks to secure the curtain. In another embodiment the interrupts matingly engage parallel tracks upon the application of force due to wind, fluid (usually water or sea water) or debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corporation
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Donald Bruce Kyle, Kelly Ray Green, Harry Edward Asbury
  • Patent number: 6296040
    Abstract: A roller screen includes a gauze screen, a roll-up mechanism for the gauze screen, a pull beam connected to the free end of the gauze screen, guides for guiding the pull beam and the side edges of the gauze screen. Furthermore spring hooks are used which cooperate with cams present on the ends of the pull beam. The spring hooks are mounted in the ends of the guides remote from the roll-up mechanism on a base which fits in the end of a guide. The spring hooks extend substantially in a longitudinal direction of the guides. The spring force of the hooks can be adjusted by an adjusting screw mounted in the base. The adjusting screw extends substantially perpendicularly to the hook and is accessible via an opening formed in a side wall of the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Hamstra-Weesp B.V.
    Inventor: Henk Schaap
  • Patent number: 6296041
    Abstract: A window guard for preventing children, house pets or objects from inadvertently passing through an open window comprising, in combination, an upper nesting tube subassembly (40U) and a lower nesting tube subassembly (40L); a retaining net (52) coupled between the subassemblies; flange (20U), flange (20L), flange (32U), and flange (32L); and hitch pin (30A), hitch pin (30B), hitch pin (30C), and hitch pin (30D) used to secure the subassemblies to the flanges. The elongated subassemblies are offset from each other, then extended across the window opening. Metal screws are employed to secure the flanges, and thus the entire window net (18), to a window frame; thereby creating an extended configuration for shielding an open window. The window net is adaptable to a variety of window frame sizes or constructions, while providing complete coverage across the entire width of the window opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald Patrick Cicero
  • Patent number: 6296042
    Abstract: A window curtain tieback device, the structural configuration of which is comprised of a clip mount positioned at the bottom end of a body that provides for the tacking of a window curtain, with the body of the clip mount having a bottom wall surface of a certain thickness and, furthermore, a recess formed in the bottom end. A draw bar is inserted into the recess and, furthermore, after the draw bar has been inserted, a joint section is formed between it and the bottom wall surface of the body. Internally positioned in a hole through the top end of the draw bar is a torsion spring and, furthermore, the top end of the draw bar is hinged via an insertion pin to the vertical surface of a top support member at the side of the body. The hooked section of the top support member is insertionally positioned in the joint section formed between the bottom end of the body and the draw bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Kae-Jye Hung
  • Patent number: 6296043
    Abstract: Spraycasting method involves directing an atomized metal or alloy spray at a collector disposed in a spray chamber and controlling temperature of the spray in flight in the spray chamber and of the atomized metal or alloy as it is deposited on the collector by a spray chamber pressure control technique that involves in-situ evacuation of the spray chamber during spray deposition to a maintain spray chamber gas partial pressure less than about 400 torr. Such low spray chamber gas partial pressure provides a higher temperature of the atomized spray in flight in the spray chamber and of the sprayed material as it is deposited on a collector in the spray chamber effective to reduce deposit porosity, reduce grain layering or banding, and provide a uniform grain through the thickness of the deposit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Howmet Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kim E. Bowen, Douglas S. Potter, David A. Cook, David P. Ingersoll, Jack W. van Heest, Ranes P. Dalal
  • Patent number: 6296044
    Abstract: In a method for injection molding of metallic mixtures, a metallic substance with a high melting point is mixed with a metallic substance having a lower melting point that serves in part as a binder material, and the mixture may be blended to form a homogenous feedstock for injection molding, or the mixture may be introduced directly into an injection molding apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Brooks, Wenbo Yang, Ronald G. Iacocca
  • Patent number: 6296045
    Abstract: A ceramic-metal composite that is tough and stiff has been prepared and is comprised of an inert ceramic (e.g., alumina) embedded and dispersed in a matrix comprised of a metal (e.g., aluminum), a reactive ceramic (e.g., boron carbide) and a reactive ceramic-metal reaction product (e.g., AlB2, Al4BC, Al3B48C2, AlB12, Al4C3, AlB24C4 or mixtures thereof) wherein grains of the inert ceramic have an average grain size greater than or equal to the average grain size of grains of the reactive ceramic. The ceramic-metal composite may be prepared by forming a mixture comprised of an inert ceramic powder (e.g., alumina) and a reactive ceramic powder (e.g., boron carbide), the inert ceramic powder having an average particle size equal to or greater than the average particle size of the reactive ceramic powder, forming the mixture into a porous body and consolidating the porous body in the presence of a metal (e.g., aluminum) to form the ceramic-metal composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Richard T. Fox, Aleksander J. Pyzik, Chan Han
  • Patent number: 6296046
    Abstract: An edge dam position control method and device in a twin roll strip casting process calculates the reduction ratio and rolling force of rolls to obtain the height of a solidification point, and adjusting the height of an edge dam during casting to correspond to the obtained height of the solidification point. It minimizes the force applied to the edge dam during casting, reduces the degree of wear of the edge dam, and improves the quality of edge portions of both sides of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignees: Pohang Iron & Steel Co., Ltd., Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology
    Inventors: Seong In Jeong, Dong Koon Kim, Je Myeong Song
  • Patent number: 6296047
    Abstract: An integrated plant for the production of elongated metal products, such as bars and rods, is described in which the product is initially cast in continuous caster equipment and conducted toward a rolling mill which is positioned in-line with the continuous caster equipment. A tunnel furnace is disposed between the continuous caster equipment and the rolling mill for heating, equalizing and/or holding the product at a predetermined rolling temperature and a descaling assembly operates to descale the product prior to delivery to the rolling mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Danieli Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gianpietro Benedetti