Patents Issued in December 18, 2001
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Patent number: 6330943Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes an opening at one end thereof, and it has at least one internal upper chamber and at least one internal lower chamber for respectively receiving the disc-shaped item and the other materials. These chambers are divided by a support element that is adapted to positively retain the disc-shaped item within the upper chamber. A lid is further provided for closing the opening at the end of the packaging device. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
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Patent number: 6330944Abstract: A multi-function golf bag includes an outer bag of a rigid material functioning as a protective and decorative enclosure and being useable as a functional golf bag, a middle bag of a soft material functioning as a containment system for golf clubs and accessories, and an inner bag of a soft material for containing a plurality of golf clubs. The middle bag is adapted to nest within the outer bag and the inner bag is adapted to nest within said middle bag. The middle bag and the inner bag are removable as a unit from the outer bag and the inner bag is removable from the middle bag. The outer bag, the middle bag and the inner bag can be used separately and individually of one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1997Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Christopher J. DeMichele
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Patent number: 6330945Abstract: A hanging clamshell package has a thermoformed plastic blister with a cover pivotally connected by a hinge to a base. The cover has a curved rearwardly opening front wall. A product bubble protrudes frontwardly from the cover front wall and has a curved front face. A bubble top wall extends between the cover front wall and the bubble front face, and beneath the bubble top wall, a bubble bottom wall extends between the cover front wall and the bubble front face, the forward extension of the bubble top wall is less than the forward extension of the bubble bottom wall, tending to counteract the visual impact of product settling. The base has a curved rearwardly opening base front wall of approximately the same curvature as the cover front wall. A card is clasped between the cover front wall and the base front and is thereby conformed to a curvature approximately matching that of the cover front wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Placon CorporationInventor: Joe Reimer
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Patent number: 6330946Abstract: Apparatus for separating particles such as minerals from a mixture including said particles. The apparatus includes means for generating a rotating magnetic field such as a rotating magnetic drum (71). The apparatus also includes means for exposing the mixture to the rotating magnetic field such that susceptible particles are caused to rotate, and means for exploiting the rotation imparted to the susceptible particles to separate the particles from the mixture. The means for exposing may include a conveyor belt (72) or the like for passing the mixture along a first path (70) relative to the rotating magnetic field. The means for exploiting may include a surface (74) for facilitating movement of the particles along a second path (A) other than the first path.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: KA PTY Ltd.Inventor: Neil Robert Allen
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Patent number: 6330947Abstract: A photocatalytic oxidation purification system includes an ultra violet light source and a filter that comprises a pleated wire mesh substrate with a nanophase metal oxide oxidation catalyst suspended on the substrate, wherein the catalyst is applied without an adhesive using an electromechanical plating process. As a fluid containing organic contaminants is directed through the filter in the presence of ultra violet light from the light source, the catalyst oxidizes and decomposes the organic contaminants into environmentally harmless components. Methods of making the purification system including preparing a solution of catalyst and applying the catalyst without adhesive binding material to the filter substrate electromagnetically.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Ultra-Sun Technologies, IncInventor: Robin Scott
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Patent number: 6330948Abstract: A stable rack for use at a sink suited for holding a kitchen implement, particularly a dish washing scrubber. The rack includes a frame having a cradle on one side for holding the implement, and on the other side, one or more arms to hook over the flange of the sink to suspend the rack on the sink wall. On the same side of the frame, are a suction cup for securing the rack to the wall of the sink, and one or more stabilizer feet for pressing against the sink wall to prevent the rack from rocking on its mounting.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Alfonso Leto
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Patent number: 6330949Abstract: Embodiments of a hanger system are shown and described, each embodiment including a support member and at least one looped cord hanging from the support member. The looped cord includes a cleat or other adjustable fastener for adjusting the diameter of the loop, so that is fits around and securely holds differing sizes of items in the loop, preferably, up off of the ground or floor. The cleat may have sharp exterior corners and notches for gripping an item being held, and sharp interior hole corners for gripping the cord. An attractive hanger may be constructed by using an elongated, straight, narrow bar of wood, plastic, or metal, that has holes bored through it to receive and capture knots in the ends of the cords. Thus, several cords may hang from the support member, spaced several inches or more from each other, so that the cords hang down without tangling and the suspended items do not significantly interfere with each other while hanging or while being hung or removed.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: David T. DeRisio
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Patent number: 6330950Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a hockey stick is displayed by fitting it into cutouts in each of two standard or simulated hockey pucks. In the first embodiment, a standard hockey stick is displayed resting in two hockey pucks centered vertically on a plaque. In the second embodiment, a goalie stick is displayed resting in two hockey pucks offset vertically to compensate for the different design of the stick.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Steve Loika
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Patent number: 6330951Abstract: An improved method of lifting a load includes supporting a load on a first section of an extendible lift assembly, the first section being surrounded by a second section, a hydraulic cylinder being operatively coupled to the first section so as to be capable of lifting the first section, and the first and second sections being supported on and vertically extendible with respect to a base. Then, while the load is supported on the first section, the hydraulic cylinder is extended to extend the first section relative to the second section and the base, thereby lifting the load to a first height. Then, the first section is secured to the second section so as to at least substantially prevent downward movement of the first section relative to the second section. The cylinder is then retracted and operatively coupled to the second section.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: J&R Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Roger L. Johnston
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Patent number: 6330952Abstract: A shock absorbing tow bar for connection between the accumulating trolley and load carriage of a power and free conveyor system is disclosed. The tow bar includes one component that is connectable to the accumulating trolley and another that is connectable to the intermediate trolley of the load carriage. Limited relative shifting is permitted between the components of the tow bar. Moreover, the components are threadably intercoupled so that such relative shifting requires a screwing or unscrewing action that serves to cushion movement between the accumulating trolley and load carriage.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Conveyor Technology Group Inc.Inventors: Gareth D. Summa, N. Duane Smith
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Patent number: 6330953Abstract: A shock absorbing tow bar for connection between the accumulating trolley and load carriage of a power and free conveyor system is disclosed. The tow bar includes one component that is connectable to the accumulating trolley and another that is connectable to the intermediate trolley of the load carriage. Limited relative shifting is permitted between the components of the tow bar. Moreover, the components are threadably intercoupled so that such relative shifting requires a screwing or unscrewing action that serves to cushion movement between the accumulating trolley and load carriage.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Conveyor Technology Group Inc.Inventors: Gareth D. Summa, N. Duane Smith
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Patent number: 6330954Abstract: A can end for a two-piece beverage can including a generally flat radially extending portion; a score panel defined in the generally flat radially extending portion by an arcuate score, the score panel having a central, longitudinal axis projecting in a first axial direction and a second axial direction opposite the first direction; an annular emboss bead formed in the score panel and projecting in a first axial direction; and an annular deboss bead formed in the score panel and projecting in the second axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can CompanyInventors: Tim L. Turner, Robert L. Hurst
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Patent number: 6330955Abstract: A container filled with a freezable mixture for use in refrigeration or temporary cooling purposes. The container of the invention is generally one of the common metal cylindrical containers or cans but may also include both plastic and glass bottles. Normally such containers are unsuitable for holding a freezable mixture due to the expansion of the freezing mixture causing the deformation or rupture of said container. By using a fully soluble eutectic mixture, such as propylene glycol and water mixed at a ratio of 20% propylene glycol, an ice slurry is formed at the temperatures normally present in home freezers. A small gas space is also needed for expansion and contraction of the container contents. When a can or other inwardly flexible container is utilized, a positive pressure within the container, relative to the external pressure, can be maintained with a gas charge.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Vincent Michael Easler, Sr.
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Patent number: 6330956Abstract: A molded plastic bowl is formed with a non-slip molded base. Venting is provided during molding of the base to the pre-formed bowl to allow molding gasses to escape the base molding cavity. Venting can be provided through the floor of the bowl, along its inside or outside upper surfaces or through an overhanging ledge formed in the bowl. Suction can also be applied to the molding cavity to remove molding gasses.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: J.W. Pet CompanyInventor: Jonathan Willinger
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Patent number: 6330957Abstract: The present invention is an automatic medication dispenser that is capable of distributing medication according to at least one prescribed time schedule, such as daily or weekly. The dispenser is capable of signaling to the patient the appropriate time for taking the next dosage of medicine by the activation of appropriate alarms. The dispenser has a housing with a removable cap, the housing adapted to receive at least one circularly shaped medication cassette, the at least one medication cassette being rotatable within the housing; a medication exit slot in the housing which allows medication contained by the at least one medication cassette to be distributed from the at least one medication cassette; a drive system contained by the housing which rotates the at least one medication cassette within the housing and a medication detector which is contained by the housing and detects the distribution of the medication, in combination with at least one removable circularly shaped medication cassette.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Daryl L. Bell-Greenstreet
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Patent number: 6330958Abstract: A light and compact vending machine suitable for use on a table or counter top, uses interchangeable magazines that can be preloaded with goods at a service center and quickly and conveniently installed on or removed from the machine. Each magazine has good-holding stations that differ in numbers and sizes. Each station has an access port on the front of the magazine toward which a spiral rack driven by a mechanism mounted in the machine moves goods. The currency accepted in payment for the goods is automatically dropped into a sealed receptacle at the bottom of the magazine. Each magazine is secured by a door that opens automatically only when the magazine is in place and the machine door has been locked. Personnel servicing the machine by replacing an empty one with a loaded one need not handle the goods or the cash. In some alternate embodiments of the invention, packaged goods and beverage cans slide down along slanted channels toward dispensing gates under their own weight.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventors: Frank Ruskin, Anton K. Simson, Peter C. Brusso, Henri J. A. Charmasson, John D. Buchaca
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Patent number: 6330959Abstract: A tamper evident closure for use on a container has a closure overcap shaped to fit onto a dispensing cap, the dispensing cap being shaped to fit onto the container. The closure overcap is connected to a tamper evident band by fragmentable webs, and the tamper evident band attaches to the dispensing cap, as described below, so that removal of the closure overcap requires the fragmentable webs to be broken, thus providing evidence of the access. The fragmentable webs are strong enough so that it is only easy to break the fragmentable webs one at a time. The dispensing cap includes an upwardly extending cam that functions to break the fragmentable webs one at a time when the closure overcap is twisted with respect to the dispensing cap.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Richard C. G. Dark
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Patent number: 6330960Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible container for dispensing liquids capable of providing precise dosage of the liquid. The container comprises an upper liquid reservoir and a lower liquid reservoir separated by a gasket, a longitudinal tube extending through the gasket and comprising a slot, and a dispensing tip having a longitudinal sleeve extending therefrom that also comprises a slot and is disposed concentrically around the upper end of the longitudinal tube. Liquid may be transferred from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir by the application of pressure on the lower reservoir while the two slots are aligned. In a preferred embodiment, the container is rendered child-resistant through the provision of a cap.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.Inventors: Michael Faughey, John Lonczak
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Patent number: 6330961Abstract: An elongated pouch having various storage pockets thereon is provided, for storage of personal articles therein, and is mounted upon a forearm of a user of the pouch such as the driver of an automobile. A personnel communicator device is positioned within the pouch, the personnel communicator device having a data transmission portion, typically a keyboard and a character display screen, facing the driver of the vehicle for facilitating data exchange between the driver and the personnel communicator device while operating the vehicle. The screen generated characters are displayed along a line parallel to the length of the forearm of the driver of the vehicle to facilitate easy reading of the characters by the driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Anita Arriola Borja
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Patent number: 6330962Abstract: An eyeglass holder attachable around the neck of, or to an article of clothing worn by the user for supporting a pair of eyeglasses. The eyeglasses are supported facing away from the user by the bridge and folded stems of the eyeglasses. A biasingly extendable retaining member elastically holds the bridge from substantial movement while enhancing adaptability of the device to a very broad range of eyeglass sizes and shapes. A support member which receives the bridge of the eyeglasses preferably includes a length of deformable wire or the like molded within, and extending at least part way through, the upright member and the support member which allows the support member to be repositioned for better eyeglass stem support and retention.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Luis Rodriguez
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Patent number: 6330963Abstract: Apparatus for connecting wood members with a connector plate segmented from a continuous strip of connector plates. The connector plates have integral nails extending from one face of the plate. The apparatus includes a feeder for feeding the strip forward to a position where the connector plate is segmented from the strip. A driver drives the segmented plate into the wood members. The apparatus has a table for the emplacement of the wood members in a pattern for being fastened together. The table is mounted for movement between a position out from under the driver for emplacement of the wood members and a position under the driver for the driving of a segmented connected plate down for penetration of its nails into the wood members. The table also has slots and locating stops to facilitate holding the wood member is the pre-selected pattern on the table.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Marc Olden, Kathy Liuhui Jin
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Patent number: 6330964Abstract: Apparatus for applying fasteners during endoscopic surgery includes a handle portion, a triggering mechanism and a fastener application. The fastener applicator is detachable from the handle portion by virtue of a rotational locking system and may be replaced with a new fastener applicator having a fresh load of vertically stacked fasteners. The fastener may be formed around a single point on an anvil. The fastener applicator having only one actuated part in its applicator mechanism, and makes use of biased springs controlled by the position of the actuated part for the remaining part of the mechanism. Another embodiment of the invention deploys a plunger/ratchet assembly and pawl within the handle portion of the apparatus to ensure that the apparatus applicator mechanism will not reverse in the middle of a triggered application stroke.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Helmut L. Kayan, James E. Jervis
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Patent number: 6330965Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device can be used with both articulating and non-articulating disposable loading units and has a sensing mechanism for sensing the type of disposable loading unit secured to the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Keith L. Milliman, Frank J. Viola, Joseph Orban, III, Randolph F. Lehn
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Patent number: 6330966Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic welding machine comprising an X-Y-Z moving mechanism (100) with three linear motion devices each driven by a motor (101, 102, 103) with a self-locking drive. The X-Y-Z moving mechanism (100) has a handle (41) with integrated sensors (a . . . f) which is to be held by an operator. The sensors (a . . . f) are coupled to a control unit (300) and the motors (101, 102, 103) of the X-Y-Z moving mechanism (100) can be moved exclusively in accordance with the output signals of said sensors (a . . . f).Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Roman Eissfeller GmbHInventor: Roman Eissfeller
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Patent number: 6330967Abstract: A solder interconnection uses preferably lead-rich solder balls for making a low temperature chip attachment directly to any of the higher levels of packaging substrate. After a solder ball has been formed using standard processes, a thin cap layer of preferably pure tin is deposited on a surface of the solder balls. An interconnecting eutectic alloy is formed upon reflow. Subsequent annealing causes tin to diffuse into the lead, or vice versa, and intermix, thereby raising the melting point temperature of the cap layer of the resulting assembly. This structure and process avoids secondary reflow problems during subsequent processing.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1997Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joseph M. Milewski, Charles G. Woychik
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Patent number: 6330968Abstract: A file folder includes a front sheet and a rear sheet made of a rigid material which are connected to each other by a flexible back. At least one of the sheets has an inwardly directed flap. Connecting pieces connected to side edges of the flap keep the flap spaced from the respective sheet to which the flap is attached, with the connecting pieces attached to the respective sheet and the flap by mechanical connections, for example mortise and tenon joints. Locking elements prevent the mortise and tenon joints from losening.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Unibind (Cyprus) LimitedInventor: Guido Peleman
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Patent number: 6330969Abstract: A cleaner calculator for maintaining a count representative of the number of times that a garment has been worn between dry cleanings. The cleaner calculator includes a tag stem with an attachment section for hanging the cleaner calculator, a promotional label area for promoting the dry cleaner, and a base section. The cleaner calculator also includes a turn-dial indicator rotatably mounted on the base section of the tag stem. An indexing mechanism provides an indexed engagement between the turn-dial indicator and the base section of the tag stem. Count indicia are provided with numbers ranging from three to five as determined by the specific dry cleaner. The count indicia indicate the number of times a piece of clothing has been worn between dry cleanings, and the count indicia can be incremented each time the garment is worn by rotating the turn-dial.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Sandro Villaraut
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Patent number: 6330970Abstract: A global time calculator includes an insert and a sleeve. The insert is marked on both its sides (or on a single page slide insert on one side) with vertical columns of incremental time designations, and may or may not contain a stop mechanism. The insert is slidable and connected with the sleeve so as to be shiftable in a vertical direction. Both sides of the sleeve (or in some embodiments a single side of the sleeve) have areas for obscuring vertically aligned time designations that are in excess of unobscured time designations.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Edward E. Whalen
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Patent number: 6330971Abstract: A system and method for tracking semiconductor wafers through processing operations performed at a plurality of stations. A reader reads information relating to and identifying the wafers from a tag mounted on a wafer carrier. The tag has a memory which includes a plurality of pages storing the information. A plurality of antennas are connected to the reader. The antennas each have a transmission range which defines a reader position and the reader and tag communicate by radio frequency signals via one of the antennas when the carrier is at the respective reader position. A host computer and reader communicate in accordance with an interface protocol by which the host computer commands the reader to read the stored information from one or more selected tag pages and the reader provides the stored information read from the selected tag pages to the host computer.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.Inventors: Frank Robert Mabry, James Scott Rhodes
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Patent number: 6330972Abstract: A method and apparatus for error correction enhancement for decoding data collection symbols encoding data characters, special function characters, and error correction characters comprising: (i) reading a machine readable symbol; (ii) attempt to decode the symbol; (iii) selecting a group of n successive characters, where n is equal to the number of error correction characters in the symbol; (iv) attempt to solve an error correction equation while treating the group of characters as erasures; and (v) repeatedly selecting groups of successive characters and attempting to solve the error correction equation until the equation is solved or until there are no more groups of n successive characters.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1998Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP CorporationInventors: Christopher A. Wiklof, H. Sprague Ackley
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Patent number: 6330973Abstract: The invention relates to systems and techniques for reading optical codes, and more particularly to code reading systems with plural imaging or scanning modules pointed in various directions toward a target volume, which increase the likelihood that a code symbol on an arbitrarily oriented object in the target volume will be read. Other aspects of the invention relate to use and configuration of hand held readers, docking devices, operator side rails, arched tunnels and mirrors for increasing the coverage of the system, Additional aspects of the invention relate to components associated with point of sale installations or code reading terminals including integrated scales, input pads, system controls and displays.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Raj Bridgelall, Howard Shepard, Edward Barkan, Robert Sanders, Mitch Maiman, Paul Dvorkis, Joseph Boriotti, Mark Krichever, Vladimir Gurevich, Alexander Breytman
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Patent number: 6330974Abstract: An apparatus that permits high resolution imaging of low contrast one and two-dimensional symbols includes a housing having a window and an electro-optical element disposed within the housing behind the window. At least two laser diodes are mounted externally to the housing adjacent to the window. The laser diodes respectively provide beams that intersect at a point within a field of view of the electro-optical element, and the beams provide light to the electro-optical element through the window that has reflected off a symbol positioned at the intersection point. The laser diodes may be selectively or automatically triggered upon the symbol being positioned at the intersection point.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1996Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventor: H. Sprague Ackley
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Patent number: 6330975Abstract: An image capture system (100) having an image capture module (102) and a terminal unit (104) captures both photo images and coded images. An alterable optical path of the system (100) operates in a first configuration when capturing coded images and in a second configuration when capturing photo images. Captured images are presented on a display (114) as they are captured. A user of the system (100) may parse through captured images to select one or more of the captured images for permanent storage and/or transmission to a remote location. The system (100) operates to identify coded targets within captured images, to prompt the user to select one or more of the identified coded targets and to decode the selected coded targets. The image capture system (100) may direct a user to reposition the system (100) so that a decodable coded image will be captured. The image capture system (100) communicates over wireless and wired networks with remote computer systems (307), personnel, and mobile units (307).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Alan G. Bunte, Arvin D. Danielson, Dennis A. Durbin, James D. Bennett
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Patent number: 6330976Abstract: Automatic actions can be obtained through a network using an area of marking medium with machine-readable markings that encode an action/medium identifier. The action/medium identifier identifies an action that can be produced through the network, and also identifies the area of marking medium. For example, it may include a globally unique or network-wide page identifier as well as an action identifier that can be used to produce an action described by data associated with a counterpart digital page. Or it can include both a page identifier and a location identifier, with the location identifier also identifying an action that relates to the page's digital counterpart. Or it can include a document identifier and an action identifier. Or it can be a globally unique or network-wide sticker identifier that can be used to identify a document, a peripheral device, or another object to which the sticker is attached, and that also produces an action through the network.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Marc Dymetman, Max Copperman
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Patent number: 6330977Abstract: Coin-shaped one-wire communication modules with a flange for mounting convenience may be attached to contact extensions on items such as work totes for ease of communication. A host computer can keep track and locate multiple items which have mounted communication modules with use of a single data line and a single ground line for all of the modules.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Dallas Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Steven N. Hass, Michael L. Bolan, Nicholas M. G. Fekete, Robert D. Lee
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Patent number: 6330978Abstract: An electronic purse card value system (10) includes terminal devices (12). Each terminal device includes a processor (26) which is in operative connection with a memory (28) and a modem (36). The processor is further in operative connection with components of the terminal device including a customer interface (14) through which inputs are accepted and outputs are delivered, a card reader (22) and a printing device (30,34). The terminal devices are operative to communicate with host computers (42,44,46) through a communication system (38). The system is operative to carry out transactions in which data representative of value is loaded and unloaded from integrated circuit chips on customer cards (24). Data representative of value is stored in the memories of the cards such that certain value amounts are stored in one memory area while other value amounts are stored in a second memory area.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Diebold IncorporatedInventors: Rafael Molano, Lawrence Gianfagna, Douglas E. Roth, Ed Kurtek, Alan Goulet, Robert D. Symonds, Robert Bradley Gill, William Biwer, Mike Walsh, Julie Welsh, Richard Gebhard, Joel Spice-Kopischke
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Patent number: 6330979Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner where a foot mode and a foot/defroster mode can be set, when a target temperature of air blown into a passenger compartment is higher than a predetermined temperature, the foot mode is selected. However, even if the target temperature of air is higher than the predetermined temperature, the foot/defroster mode is selected in place of the foot mode when an outside air temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature and when a vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined speed. In the vehicle air conditioner, because the foot/defroster mode can be suitably automatically selected based on a fog-generation condition of a windshield, both fog-preventing performance of the windshield and heating performance of the passenger compartment are improved during heating operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kouji Yamashita, Satohisa Yoshida, Makoto Umebayashi, Seiji Kamei, Hiroyuki Hotta, Hidekazu Uramune
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Patent number: 6330980Abstract: In a hydronic heating system including a heating element that is a length of tubing that conducts water and is against a radiating metal plate, all mounted in a floor, wall or ceiling, the element being held by two spaced apart providing an elongated space for holding the tubing adjacent the plate, the metal plate is in two separate pieces that are attached to an edges of the spaced apart boards and combine when they abut each other at installation to provide a metal groove into which the tubing is inserted and held snugly with a substantial part of the tubing in direct intimate thermal contact with the metal.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Joachim Fiedrich
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Patent number: 6330981Abstract: A fuel injection valve for an internal combustion engine includes an armature assembly including an injector needle reciprocable between a closed position and an open position; a needle seat for receiving the injector needle in the closed position, the needle seat including a central opening therethrough; a discharge orifice disk disposed downstream of the needle seat, the discharge orifice disk directing fuel toward a desired location; and a turbulence generator disposed upstream of the discharge orifice disk.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventors: John F. Nally, Jr., William A. Peterson, Jr., Farid H. Miandoab, Hamid Sayar
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Patent number: 6330982Abstract: This invention relates to a hammer mill used for feed processing, food processing or chemical industries. The said hammer mill has a casing, a rotor arranged in the casing and is provided with several hammers, and a vibrating screen with an active power source located around the rotor. The vibrating parameters can be set for control. In the cross section of the rotor, the width of the screen in the horizontal direction is more than that in the vertical height and it is symmetrical at the left and the right.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventors: Xin Guo Yu, Qi Cheng Le
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Patent number: 6330983Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing device that includes a cassette with a magnetic tape accommodated therein and a coupling element connected to the magnetic tape that can be loaded into the device. The device also includes a pull-out element which can be coupled to the coupling element to form a pull-out assembly. The pull-out assembly can be guided to the reel hub of a take-up reel along a guiding path. The device has a first guide and the coupling element has a second guide for guiding the pull-out assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventor: Andreas Augustin
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Patent number: 6330984Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an improved method for delivering a continuous strip material to a spool upon which it is to be wound. The method includes the step of reducing the effective width of the continuous strip material prior to its being wound on the spool by shaping the strip material into an arcuate cross-section. The shaping means is rotatable about an axis parallel with the axis of the spool. The method includes moving the shaping means axis of rotation while winding the strip material on the spool and maintaining the shaping means axis of rotation parallel with the spool.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Brandy Cyan Barker, Donald Chester Kubinski, Rodney Taylor Moffatt, Christopher David Dyrlund
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Patent number: 6330985Abstract: A link for use in an aircraft engine mounting system includes a span section having a first connector formed (at one end thereof and a second connector formed at another end thereof. A lumped mass is disposed on the span section for placing the resonant frequency of the link away from engine excitation frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Alan Manteiga, Cornelius Harm Dykhuizen, Thomas Peter Joseph, Christopher James Wilusz, Robert Eugene Troup, Ethan Boger, Anthony John Franceschelli
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Patent number: 6330986Abstract: An electrothermal zoned de-icing system for an aircraft employs a heat-conducting tape bonded to the leading edge of an aircraft structure. The heat-conducting tape has a spanwise parting strip area, and first and second ice accumulation and shedding zones. The tape comprises a non-metallic electrical and heat conducting layer consisting of flexible expanded graphite foil laminated to an outer heat-conducting layer, in which the thickness of the flexible expanded graphite foil layer in the parting strip area is always greater than the thickness of the foil layer in either of the ice accumulation and shedding zones. Therefore, the parting strip area has a decreased electrical resistance, a greater flow of current, and becomes hotter than the zones in which the foil layer is thinner.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Northcoast TechnologiesInventors: Robert B. Rutherford, Richard L. Dudman
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Patent number: 6330987Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing satellite proximity operations such as inspection, recovery and life extension of a target satellite through operation of a “Satellite Inspection Recovery and Extension” (“SIRE”) spacecraft which can be operated in the following modes (teleoperated, automatic, and autonomous). The SIRE concept further consists of those methods and techniques used to perform certain (on-orbit) operations including, but not limited to, the inspection, servicing, recovery, and lifetime extension of satellites, spacecraft, space systems, space platforms, and other vehicles and objects in space, collectively defined as “target satellites”. The three basic types of SIRE proximity missions are defined as “Lifetime Extension”, “Recovery”, and “Utility”. A remote cockpit system is provided to permit human control of the SIRE spacecraft during proximity operations.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: David R. Scott
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Patent number: 6330988Abstract: An apparatus for star catalog equalization to enhance attitude determination includes a star tracker, a star catalog and a controller. The star tracker is used to sense the positions of stars and generate signals corresponding to the positions of the stars as seen in its field of view. The star catalog contains star location data that is stored using a primary and multiple secondary arrays sorted by both declination (DEC) and right ascension (RA), respectively. The star location data stored in the star catalog is predetermined by calculating a plurality of desired star locations, associating one of a plurality of stars with each of the plurality of desired star locations based upon a neighborhood association angle to generate an associated plurality of star locations: If an artificial star gap occurs during association, then the neighborhood association angle for reassociation is increased.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Hughes Electronics CorporationInventors: Yong Liu, Yeong-Wei Andy Wu, Rongsheng Li
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Patent number: 6330989Abstract: A conduit guide is disclosed for attaching bicycle cables or conduits to the bicycle frame. Basically, the conduit guide includes a strap and a retainer. The strap and retainer are designed to secure a bicycle conduit to the bicycle frame without exerting any substantial radial compressive force on the conduits. The strap is preferably a plastic tie-type of band clamp. Of course, other types of band clamps can be utilized. The retainer includes a U-shaped conduit retaining portion and a foot portion. The foot portion includes a first foot section and a second foot section integrally formed at the ends of the leg sections of the conduits retaining portion. A strap receiving recess is formed between the foot portion and the conduit retaining portion to secure the retainer to the bicycle frame without exerting a compressive force on the conduit. In alternate embodiments, a bridge is formed between leg sections for added stability.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yoshifumi Okamoto
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Patent number: 6330990Abstract: My invention comprises a mechanical universal bag holding device. More particularly, my bag holding device is designed to support a bag which can be expanded and lengthened while filling. My device basically comprises in its most basic embodiment: a cylindrical transverse hollow piping and angled arms which are connected to the hollow pipe and operate as supports for a bag or container. In other embodiments my bag holder can be attached to a dolly in construction work, or manufactured as a smaller version for kitchen use.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Raymond Haubrich
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Patent number: 6330991Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises in various embodiments an apparatus for mounting an element on a chassis. In a first embodiment, the apparatus for mounting an element on a chassis comprises a housing and a clip. The housing has an opening and is attached to the chassis. The clip is pivotably connected to the chassis and pivots between first and second positions. The clip engages with the housing in the first position. The element is free to move through the opening when the clip is in the second position and is held in the housing when the clip is in the first position. In a second embodiment, the apparatus for mounting an element on a chassis comprises a plurality of protrusions and a clip. The protrusions are located on the chassis. The element is stopped from sliding in at least one direction when placed on the chassis between the protrusions. The clip is pivotably connected to the chassis and pivots between first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Craig L. Boe
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Patent number: 6330992Abstract: A device for supporting a camera. The device includes a cushion, a strap, and apparatus. The cushion has a pocket disposed on the upper surface thereof, at one corner thereof. The upper surface of the strap has a first portion of hook and loop fasteners thereon that are disposed on the pair of free terminal ends of the strap. The lower surface of the strap has a second portion of hook and loop fasteners thereon that are disposed on the pair of free terminal ends of the strap. The second portion of hook and loop fasteners on one free terminal end of the strap releasably mates with the first portion of hook and loop fasteners on the other free terminal end of the strap so as to allow either free terminal end of the strap to overlap and engage the other free terminal end of the strap.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventors: Robert D. Swayhoover, Patricia A. Swayhoover