Patents Issued in January 15, 2002
  • Patent number: RE37506
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding plastic articles in two colors, particularly, the bodies of magnetic tape cassettes, in which a strong bonding force is provided between the two portions without having to form a recess and projection on the joining edges of the two portions. A slide core, which is moved in and out of a primary mold cavity between the mold of the two portions of the article, is provided with a tubular passage having an opening within the primary mold cavity along edge portions of the slide core. The slide core is fully inserted into the primary mold cavity to mold the first portion, then partially withdrawn to form a seconary mold cavity in which the second portion is subsequently molded. After molding the first portion, an adhesive is injected through the tubular passage along the edges of the first portion which will join corresponding edges of the second portion to thereby firmly join the two portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Kiyoo Morita
  • Patent number: RE37507
    Abstract: A method of variable length coding/decoding of image data and an apparatus thereof can vary the length of an escape sequence during variable length coding to thereby reduce the amount of transmitted data. The method of variable length coding/decoding includes the steps of loading an initial potential maximum run length; determining a number of bits necessary to express the potential maximum run length, coding a run length using the necessary number of bits and decreasing the potential maximum ran length by an amount equal to the previously coded run length to arrive at a new potential maximum ran length until an end of a block to be encoded has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Je-Chang Jung
  • Patent number: RE37508
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for processing video data signals to generate a time division multiplexed video signal which incorporates a maxima number of fields from successive selected video input signals. The invention provides dual video decoder channels associated synchronisation circuits for generating an early synchronisation signal. The early synchronisation signals are applied to control inputs of the video decoders to enable reading of their output earlier than would normally be possible, avoiding delays in the combining of successive fields of video information in the video TDM signal. The provision of dual channels avoids delays due to lack of synchronisation between the different video sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Interlogix, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Taylor, Marius van der Watt
  • Patent number: RE37509
    Abstract: A method, device, and material for providing a fast switching liquid crystal display employs the ferro electric effect of chiral smectic liquid crystal material. To provide a uniform appearance the liquid crystal material is arranged to have a long cholesteric pitch at a temperature close to a smectic/cholesteric phase transistion temperature. This long cholesteric pitch allows liquid crystal molecules to cool from the cholesteric to smectic phase with a uniform alignment. The smectic material is contained in a cell between wells (2, 3) bearing electrodes (5, 6) and surface treated to provide homogeneous alignment of liquid crystal material (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britian and Northern Ireland
    Inventors: Madeline J. Bradshaw, Edward P. Raynes
  • Patent number: RE37510
    Abstract: A power converter with a self synchronized synchronous rectifier includes one or two drive windings to provide positive drive to the control electrodes of the controlled switches (FETs) of a self synchronized synchronous rectifier. The polarities of these windings am selected so that the switched devices are driven appropriately to rectify the periodic signal output of the secondary winding of the power transformer of the converter. In some arrangements one or two drive windings are included as extra windings in the power transformer and connected to provide the proper polarity drive signals. The turn ratios of the drive windings to the other windings are selected to provide the proper gate drive signal levels. In an alternative arrangement a separate drive transformer may be provided to supply the gate drive signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne C. Bowman, Van A. Niemela
  • Patent number: RE37511
    Abstract: An electrographic printer device is designed for printing web-shaped recording media (10) having different web widths in different operating modes, such as single-colored and multi-colored simplex printing, single-colored and multi-colored duplex printing and for simultaneously printing two recording medium webs in parallel operation. To this end, the units of the printer device such as intermediate carrier (11), transfer printing station (15) and fixing station (18) comprise a usable width of at least twice the web width of a narrow recording medium. The printer device further contains a deflection means (28) following the fixing station (18) and engageable as needed and having an allocated return channel to the transfer printing station (15) via which the recording medium (10) is turned and resupplied to the transfer printing station (15) in single-color or multi-color duplex mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Océ Printing Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Manzer, Manfred Viechter
  • Patent number: RE37512
    Abstract: Method of preparing on a solar cell the top contact pattern which consists of a set of parallel narrow finger lines and wide collector lines deposited essentially at right angles to the finger lines on the semiconductor substrate, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: (a) screen printing and drying the set of contact finger lines; (b) printing and drying the wide collector lines on the top of the set of finger lines in a subsequent step; (c) firing both finger lines and collector lines in a single final step in order to form an ohmic contact between the finger lines and the semiconductor substrate and between the finger lines and the wide collector lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum (IMEC) VZW
    Inventors: Jozef Szlufcik, Johan Nijs, Roland Jozef Fick
  • Patent number: RE37513
    Abstract: A running stability controller is activated upon the instability of a vehicle and controls at least one of an output of an engine, a braking force applied to the vehicle and a gear ratio of an automatic transmission. A manual shifting controller which shifts the automatic transmission according to an operation of a manual shifter is provided. A running stability control detector detects the activation of the running stability controller. A manual shifting control inhibitor operates upon detection of the activation of the running stability controller, and inhibits an operation of the manual shifting controller while the running stability controller is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Hideo Tomomatsu, Kagenori Fufkumura, Hiroji Taniguchi
  • Patent number: RE37514
    Abstract: A dark gray colored glass comprising 100 parts by weight of a soda lime silicate glass as a matrix component and coloring components consisting essentially of from 0.8 to 1.5 parts by weight of total iron calculated as Fe2O3, from 0.1 to 0.3 part by weight of FeO, from 0 to 1.0 part by weight of TiO2, from 0.0005 to 0.015 part by weight of Se, from 0.02 to 0.05 part be weight of CoO and from 0.002 to 0.05 part by weight of Cr2O3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Mizuki Sasage, Takashi Kijima
  • Patent number: RE37515
    Abstract: A cobalt- or ruthenium-containing hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst, subjected to short term, reversible, partial deactivation in a slurry synthesis process can be rejuvenated, i.e., at least about 80+% catalyst activity recovery, by treating the catalyst in the presence of liquid hydrocarbons, preferably the slurry hydrocarbons, with hydrogen at elevated temperatures and pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Willard N. Mitchell
  • Patent number: RE37516
    Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising modafinil in the form of particles of defined size. The particle size of modafinil can have a significant effect on the potency and safety profile of the drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Cephalon, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter E. Grebow, Vincent Corvari, David Stong
  • Patent number: 6338161
    Abstract: Conforming women under and/or outer garments made with loom fabrics and processed materials. Assembled with seams of hook and loom type adhesive at left and right sides of garment and crotch, and the top end is divided by two straps affixed to garment in the back and attaches to the front with fasteners providing shoulder straps, a head opening and two arm openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Khaleelah Ali Muhammad
  • Patent number: 6338162
    Abstract: An electrostatic grounding hand covering in the form of a glove, made from a relatively nonconductive material such as acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, or other polymer or polymer blend, and having an electrically conductive tape on inner and outer surfaces of the glove. The electrically conductive tape runs from the outside surface to the inner and provides a path for an electrostatic charge to pass between an object in contact with the electrically conductive tape and the hand and finally to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Superior Glove Works Ltd
    Inventor: Tony Geng
  • Patent number: 6338163
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a convertible glove assembly adapted to be configured as a conventional, hand encompassing glove unit or as a partial hand encompassing unit wherein the fingers of the wearer (excepting the thumb) are exposed. The device includes a palm portion terminating in four tubular extensions and a finger portion having four finger encompassing sacs adapted to be folded into registry with the tubular extensions of the palm portion. A flap or band on the finger portion overlaps extensions of the palm portion to provide full leak resistant closure. In accordance with a first embodiment, Velcro Brand Fastener components may be interposed between the flap and palm. In a further embodiment the back of one or more of the finger sacs and the back of the palm portion adjacent the cuff are provided with complemental Velcro Brand Fastener connections whereby the finger sacs are maintained in a folded back condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Paris Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Markson
  • Patent number: 6338164
    Abstract: Protective chaps for protecting the shins, knees, feet and chest of a wearer. The protective chaps include first and second leg portions adapted to fit over trousers of a user. Each of the leg portions has a knee portion, and a shin portion. Each of the leg portions is integrally coupled to and extends away from a waist portion. Each of a plurality of pockets is securely coupled to one of the first and second leg portions. A first and second of the pockets is securely coupled to one of the knee portions. A third and fourth of the pockets is securely coupled to one of the shin portions. Each of a plurality of padding members is removably positionable in one of the pockets such that each of the pockets has one of the padding members therein. A primary strap member removably secures the waist portion to the body of a user. A back side of the primary strap member is securely attached to and extends along a top edge of the waist portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: David A. Howard
  • Patent number: 6338165
    Abstract: A headgear assembly for enhanced vision comprising of a guard assembly having an inner surface and outer surface. The inner surface includes a vision enhancing substance while the outer surface includes a light absorbing substance. The guard assembly is mounted to a helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Timothy Biondich
  • Patent number: 6338166
    Abstract: A urinary receptacle for use with both men and women. The receptacle includes a container. A neck portion extends through a top wall of the container. A female adaptor portion is adapted for removable coupling with the neck portion. A handle portion is formed integrally with the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Erma Hereford
  • Patent number: 6338167
    Abstract: This invention is related generally to detachable assemblies and more particularly to novel hardware for easily attaching or removing portable members from stationary structures. A quick acting fastener assembly is described for attaching a portable member, such as a toilet seat, to a stationary member, such as a toilet bowl, for example. The portable member carries a pair of headed pins fixed to the margin thereof and projecting outward to mate with receptacles on the stationary member. Said pins and the mating receptacles are of a unique design such that when the pins are inserted into the matching receptacles the portable member is securely fastened to the stationary member, yet can be removed, disengaged, without any adjustments (levers pulled, fasteners removed, etc.). The distinguishing feature of this invention is in the simplicity of the mechanical hardware, the absence of moving parts, springs, fasteners, levers, or removable nuts, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventors: Richard H. Baker, Krista K. Finigan, Anthony G. P. Marini
  • Patent number: 6338168
    Abstract: A drain covering system for preventing water from going down the drain. The drain covering system includes a basin that has a drain and a drain covering member that includes an outer covering and a weighted core. The drain covering member is positionable over the drain such that the outer perimeter of the drain covering member contacts a portion of the basin around the drain. The drain covering member is adapted for preventing a liquid from passing through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Carolyn E. Valentine
  • Patent number: 6338169
    Abstract: The floating cover has a floating grid anchored to the perimeter walls of the reservoir, and floats over the liquid level inside the reservoir. The floating grid comprises a flexible keel member and an array of flexible buoyant beams affixed to the keel member. A flexible impermeable membrane is affixed to the perimeter wall and is loosely laid over the floating grid. An array of flexible weight lines is anchored to the perimeter walls and is loosely laid over the impermeable membrane. Each weight line is laid at about halfway between an adjacent pair of buoyant beams. The floating grid, the impermeable membrane and the array of weight lines constitute three separate layers that are movable relative to each other without generating destructive stress in the impermeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Claude J. DeGarie
  • Patent number: 6338170
    Abstract: A water-driven whirl shower fixture including one or more spouts and one or more sponges, rolls or similar interchangeable massaging means which can be handled by the user and/or hung on the wall or the bathtub. Said water-driven fixture for having a water massage and/or a shower is provided with rotatable accessories capable of a massaging action and at the same time acting as a shower head, said accessories being disposed on a handle having the shape of a telephone which can either be seized by the user or hung on the wall of the shower and/or the bathtub, said shower handle being used in replacement of the conventional shower heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Fiorentino De Simone
  • Patent number: 6338171
    Abstract: A removable protective liner for use with a sink mounted in a counter top. The liner comprises a bottom panel of a size conforming with the bottom of the sink, four upstanding side panels which conform with the upstanding walls of the sink and an adjacent portion of its peripheral flange. The side panels and bottom panel are adapted to conform with the configuration of the sink so that the liner completely covers the sink. The liner further includes a side drain having an elevated outer end and a bottom interconnecting with side walls and extending from the elevated outer end to an inner end. The inner end of the side drain is adapted to be engaged with an outer edge of a side panel and to extend over the peripheral flange of the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: N. Dawn Dandridge
  • Patent number: 6338172
    Abstract: An all polymeric bed frame including opposing laterally spaced apart, elongated side rails, each of the side rails having first and second ends and comprised of a substantially vertical wall and a horizontal support ledge extending laterally from a lower edge of the substantially vertical wall. The bed frame further includes an end cap positioned at least one of the side rail first or second ends, with end caps adapted for connection to a conventional bed headboard. The end cap is positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the side rails. The bed frame further includes at least two spaced apart slats attached to the horizontal support members between said side rail first and second ends. The said side rails and the said two slats are comprised of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, polypropylene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventors: Harry A. Taylor, T. Michael Rusher
  • Patent number: 6338173
    Abstract: This invention relates to sleeping bags, more particularly to sleeping bags whose outer shell, liner, and insulation characteristics may be varied through selection of various combinations that are particularly suitable for the planned usage. The sleeping bag of this invention comprises a case constructed from two panels whose sides and one pair of ends are attached to one another and the other pair of ends define an opening into the space between the panels. The sleeping bag further comprises an insulation layer that is sized and configured to be easily removable and replaceable through the opening in the case. At least one fastener attaches the insulating layer to the case. Insulation layers having different thermal ratings may be substituted as needed to obtain adequate protection under varying weather conditions. Being removable from the insulation layer, the case may be cleaned and/or aired separately therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Carson A. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 6338174
    Abstract: A spring mattress including a number of interconnected coil spring elements, and a method of manufacturing the mattress. The spring mattress includes the coil spring elements that are interconnected by surface elements, such as strip pieces made from textile or plastic material and extending at least in one plane that is essentially in parallel with a plane of the mattress, with the strip pieces extending between and being attached to pairs of neighboring spring elements, thus interconnecting the spring elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Stjernfjädrar AB
    Inventor: Nils Eric Stjerna
  • Patent number: 6338175
    Abstract: A movable safety tunnel rides on parapets within a bridge. The safety tunnel is locked in place in a respective section of the bridge while maintenance or other operations are performed on that section of the bridge. This allows the traffic to flow through the safety tunnel and along the bridge, and the safety tunnel shields the traffic from any dust or debris. When the maintenance on that respective section of the bridge has been completed, the safety tunnel is unlocked and pushed (and/or pulled) by suitable equipment to the next adjacent section of the bridge; and the safety tunnel is again locked in place as the maintenance is performed. This procedure continues, progressively, along the bridge. In one embodiment, the safety tunnel has a trolley system riding on respective rails constructed on top of the parapets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignees: Orah Constuctive Technologies Incorporated, Alpha Painting & Construction Company
    Inventors: Valery Tsimmerman, Antonios E. Aikaterinidis
  • Patent number: 6338176
    Abstract: A hand-held rotary brush is provided with a handle, a brush head having a hollow space, a tuft of bristles mounted onto a rotary device which is loosely set within the hollow space of the brush head. When the user manually pushes the brush, a frictional force is created which propels the bristles to catch the irregular surface of the teeth, gaps, causing the rotary device to turn to a circular rotating motion. The construction of the rotary brush can be improved by configured the rotary device with tracks and grooves, which sets within matched grooves and tracks of the hollow space to create a rotating path, that allows the rotary device to rotate within the hollow space of the brush head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventors: Lee Y. Smith, Paul A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6338177
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a windshield wiper frame which contains recesses punched on the right and left ribs thereof while decoration strips are fixed in said recesses in order to enhance the beautiful whole appearance and the warning effect. Additionally, a closer contact of the wiper blade with the windshield can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Shern-Yow Lee
  • Patent number: 6338178
    Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly includes a yoke having two arms each formed with two elongated openings between which there is a recess, wherein a spoiler extends from one side of the yoke and has a convex upper side and a concave lower side, a plurality of grooves are formed between the spoiler and the yoke in which the grooves increase in size from two ends thereof such that the groove at an intermediate portion is the largest and the groove at the end is the smallest, and the yoke is formed with a plurality of lugs each extending downwardly through a corresponding one of the grooves, whereby the windshield wiper assembly will give multiple deflecting effects to the wind thus enabling the windshield wiper assembly to move smoothly and steadily on the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Leadership Automotive Parts Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Leu
  • Patent number: 6338179
    Abstract: A bracket 107 for retaining a stair rod 106 includes a first portion 301b for affixing to a stair including means 304 for securing a finial thereto and a seat 301/302 for receiving an end of the corresponding stair rod 106. A second portion 301b is rotatably coupled to the first portion 301a and includes means for retaining the end of corresponding stair rod 106 in the seat of the first portion 301a of bracket 107. Means 402 are also provided for holding the first and second portions of the bracket in engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Warren Blackstone
  • Patent number: 6338180
    Abstract: An assemblable handle includes two elements made of synthetic material, each element connected to a strap that forms a loop. A male element has the general shape of an inverted “T” in cross section and includes a sole and a lengthwise rib. A female element has the general shape of an inverted “U” in cross section with an inside cavity capable of fitting elastically onto the lengthwise rib of the male element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Janisset SA
    Inventor: Gilles Massard
  • Patent number: 6338181
    Abstract: A container for housing produce comprising a generally rectangular bottom, generally rectangular opposed first and second side and end walls extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom, and a pivot member on an upper edge of the first side wall. A lid comprising two panels is provided, each panel having first and second side edges and a hinge edge, the first side edges being detachably and pivotally secured to the pivot member. A hinge operatively connects the hinge edges of the two panels. Resilient flanges are provided on the second side edges of the panels to releasably engage shoulders formed on an upper edge of the second side wall when the lid is closed. To nest multiple containers one within another, the lid is removed from the side wall, folded 180° about its hinge, rotated 90° and placed in the bottom of the container. Another container is then placed in the container and the process is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Philip C. Hwang
  • Patent number: 6338182
    Abstract: A computer has a base and a speaker pivotably attached to the base via a hinge assembly. A cable extends through the hinge assembly to electrically connect the base and the speaker. The hinge assembly includes a pair of bushings fixed to the base, a sleeve fixed to the speaker and a pair of shafts. The pair of shafts is retained in opposite ends of the sleeve and is rotatably received in the bushings for pivotably attaching the speaker to the base. An aperture is defined in one of the bushings, a notch is defined in the sleeve, and a bore is defined through the shaft for providing access to the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Hung Tseng, Nien Chiang Liao
  • Patent number: 6338183
    Abstract: Downstream of a drafting unit of a spinning machine, a condensing zone is provided, in which a drafted fiber strand still in an untwisted state is condensed by bundling. The condensing zone comprises a stationary suction slit, over which the fiber strand to be condensed is transported by an air-permeable transporting element. The suction slit defines the direction of a suction air stream by a guiding edge, which extends diagonally to the direction of motion of the transport element. The air stream positions the fibers of the fiber strand diagonally to the direction of motion of the transport element and so condenses the fiber strand. The suction slit begins with a starting width, which seizes the fiber strand to be condensed in its entire width. Directly downstream thereof the suction slit graduates in the form of a delta into a narrower effective width. The guiding edge continues an edge of the delta without deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Kurt Lang
  • Patent number: 6338184
    Abstract: A manually-operable crimping tool for lockingly securing a seal member upon overlapped end portions of plastic strapping is provided with particular structure such that the resulting crimped seal member and overlapped end portions of the plastic strapping have an undulated configuration whereby the overlapped end portions of the plastic strapping cannot readily become loosened or disengaged with respect to each other under the influence of axially applied tensile forces. The present invention is also directed toward the particularly structured or configured seal member as well as toward the resulting sealed joint formed or defined between the seal member and the overlapped end portions of the plastic strapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Barry R. Angarola, Janusz Figiel, Mathew Breckheimer
  • Patent number: 6338185
    Abstract: A tie-down clip for assisting in the cinching of a rope or other flexible, elongated object. The tie-down clip has an eyelet, a rope attachment means for attachment to a rope and a helical extension extending from the rope attachment means for cooperation with the rope and assisting in cinching of the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Norman W. Solterbeck
  • Patent number: 6338186
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for retaining and/or blocking shoelaces, for sport shoes in particular. The device is in the shape of a tube portion (10), with two parts (11, 12) articulated about a hinge (13), that can be locked in the closed position and unlocked to allow for the insertion or removal of the shoelace in the shape of a bundle. The device is fastened by at least one fastening means to a part integral with the shoe, for instance to a shoelace passing through at least two holes (15, 16, 17, 18) formed in at least one (12) of the two parts of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Philippe Kleinmann
  • Patent number: 6338187
    Abstract: A method and device produce nonwovens by hydrodynamic needling. A nonwoven with a basically clean hole structure on a drum with plastic elevations can be produced by energy-rich water jets. Depending on the thickness of the fibers used in the nonwoven, however, certain fibers can nevertheless be stretched transversely across a hole. In order to avoid or eliminate this, the perforated nonwoven is subjected to singeing flames after drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Gerold Fleissner
  • Patent number: 6338188
    Abstract: A quick change system and method of interchanging molds on plastic extrusion blow molding machines is disclosed wherein a universal standard subplate is provided for use with different blow molding machines on which a variety of different mold units are removably mounted on the standard subplate with the subplate establishing a preselected precisely aligned relation automatically between the mold unit and a machine platen. A quick release locking device is provided between each mold unit and a unitary standard water manifold and detabber assembly. The unitary standard assembly is provided as a one-piece component with fluid connections communicating respectively with water and air supply sources of the water manifold and detabber and which are conveniently maintained attached without being disconnected during detachment of the unitary standard assembly from the mold unit during a mold change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Heise Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wade Allen, Brooks B. Heise, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6338189
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an external cylindrical or conic section shaped fixture which is tightly fit around the same shaped workpiece prior to expansion forming to a final dimension. During expansion forming, the external fixture is also deformed and is therefore designed for one-time use. The external cylindrical or conic section shaped fixture of the present invention is particularly useful for expansion forming of workpieces which contain brazed lap joints. The external fixture restrains, out-of-plane joint rotation and reduces the stress concentrations existing near the lap joints. Additionally, the external fixture provides additional load carrying capability to allow better load distribution during expansion forming. No change is required to the expansion forming machinery or the inner expander dies (jaws) with use of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Allison Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Ruiwen Xu, Stephen N. Hammond, Jacque B. Kennedy, Randolph C. Helmink, Robert A. Testin
  • Patent number: 6338190
    Abstract: A two-component bracket and drive washer combination which provides secure holding of a magnetic sensor while automatically setting an optimal air gap, wherein operation is very quick, easy and reliable and wherein the air gap setting is precisely repeated each time a magnetic sensor is replaced or re-installed. A main bracket component has an aperture and a drive wall at one end of the aperture. A sensor body is connected to the main bracket component and is allowed to touch a reluctor. A reaction bracket has a reaction wall in the aperture opposite the drive wall and is restrained from moving. A drive washer is provided with teeth having a pitch whereby as the washer is pressed between the drive and reaction walls along a transverse axis, the main bracket component is forced to move along a longitudinal axis, thereby moving the sensor body in relation to the reluctor an amount precisely equal to a desired air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Stevenson, Thaddeus Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6338191
    Abstract: The headrest support tubes are secured to the seat frame member not by the usual welding, but by gripping the web of the member between two rings or lock-beads swaged into the metal of the tube. The first ring is swaged-out by compressing the tube. The tube, with the one ring, is then assembled into a through-hole in the web of the frame member. Then, the second ring is swaged into the metal of the tube, on the other side of the web, and the web lies gripped between the rings. The seat frame member may be an I-section extrusion, or a round tube with localized squeezed-flat areas, flanked by flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Bend All Automotive Incorporated
    Inventor: Horst Udo Petersen
  • Patent number: 6338192
    Abstract: The safety device includes an opening/closing cover which isolates a takeout part and an accommodating part of a component feeder unit from each other and which has a sensor for detecting a closed state. The component feeder unit includes the component accommodating part, a feed-out part and the takeout part, and sensors for transmission through voids common to the plurality of set component feeder units. Upon a detection by any one of the sensors during the operation of the machine, the machine is halted. For replacement of the component feeder units, a changeover switch is pressed, by which the detecting function is paused for a specified time period. Thus, a safety device which allows the component feeder units to be replaced even during the operation of the machine can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Kanai, Naoto Mimura, Yuji Miyata, Akira Kabeshita
  • Patent number: 6338193
    Abstract: A method for processing a terminal of a cable including a plurality of fine coaxial cables arranged in parallel and a terminal-processed tape-shaped cable are provided. After sheaths closer to the terminal of a plurality of fine coaxial cables are removed to expose outer conductors, the outer conductors thus exposed are removed in such a way that the entirety of the outer conductors thus exposed are covered with a solder layer, then the solder layer and the outer conductors are separated at a processing groove formed at a predetermined position on this solder layer, and respective portions of the outer conductors closer to the end of the cable relative to the position of the separation are removed in a lump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Kunii, Hideki Saito, Hajime Kimura, Takaaki Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6338194
    Abstract: A method of making an assembly comprised of several circuitized substrates, e.g., printed circuit boards, frictionally retained within a common carrier through the use of appropriate, paired locking means. The method is adapted for subsequent processing (e.g., electronic component attach) of the substrates while assuring substrate retention. Subsequently, the substrates can be readily separated (removed) from the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerhard Benz, Jürgen Finze, Manfred Walker
  • Patent number: 6338195
    Abstract: A connection sheet which firmly bonds electrodes that face each other together by interposing the connection sheet between the electrodes. The connection sheet comprises a first adhesive layer containing a first adhesive having an insulating property and a second adhesive layer containing a second adhesive having an insulating property and a conductive material and placed at least on one side of the first adhesive layer. At the same time of electrode connection, the second adhesive molten has a viscosity equal to or lower than that of the first adhesive when molten. When the electrodes are connected with this structure, the conductive material contained in the second adhesive layer is embedded in the first adhesive layer having relatively high melting viscosity, and part of the conductive material is trapped on the electrodes to be connected in contact therewith. Accordingly, the conductive material can be securely held between the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Tsukagoshi, Yukihisa Hirosawa, Kouji Kobayashi, Tomohisa Ohta, Hiroshi Matsuoka, Itsuo Watanabe, Kenzo Takemura, Naoyuki Shiozawa, Osamu Watanabe, Kazuyoshi Kojima
  • Patent number: 6338196
    Abstract: Heat sinks suitable for use, for example, as semiconductor heat sinks are formed from a unitary precision stamping consisting of at least one rail to which are attached a plurality of heat sink elements. Each of the heat sink elements is attached to the rail by a bridge region of reduced thickness. The heat sinks, supported by the rail member, may be subjected to the anodizing treatment or other surface coating treatment while still attached to the rail. The thickness of the area of reduced thickness is chosen to correspond to the design thickness of the anodized coating. Since the anodized coating penetrates the surface of the part being anodized, by selecting the appropriate thickness for the region of reduced thickness, the anodized coating can be made to fully penetrate the bridge region such that when the heat sink is separated from the rail member, the anodic film completely covers the heat sink, without the presence of bare spots typical of prior art rack-anodized heat sinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Auer Precision Company, Inc
    Inventor: Carl Auer
  • Patent number: 6338197
    Abstract: The manufacturing cost of a multi-stage pulley is reduced without coaxially arranging a plurality of groove forming sections. While a portion between groove sections 103 is being pushed by a pushing roller 204, the groove sections 103 are successively formed. While a portion of workpiece W2 pushed by a groove forming roller 206 to form one groove section 103a and a portion of workpiece W2 pushed by a groove forming roller 207 to form the other groove section 103b are being shifted from each other in the circumferential direction, one groove section (103a) and the other groove section (103b) are simultaneously formed. Due to the foregoing, when the groove sections 103 are formed, it is possible to prevent the deformation of the groove section 103 and the groove section 103 which is adjacent to it. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the yield of the multi-stage pulley 100 without coaxially arranging a plurality of groove forming sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nihon Spindle Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shohara, Mitsunori Adachi, Haruo Suzuki, Yasuji Kasuya, Tetuo Ohno, Yasuo Tabuchi, Masahiro Kinoshita, Shigeo Murata
  • Patent number: 6338198
    Abstract: A pencil sharpener for sharpening carpenters pencils of the type having a generally rectangular cross-section by squeezing a base member and cover member relative to each other repeatedly while the pencil is positioned in one of two openings in the wall of the sharpener to bring cutting blades into cutting engagement with opposed edges of the pencil. One of the openings serves for sharpening opposed walls of the wide portion of the pencil and the other of the openings serves to position the pencil for sharpening the opposed walls of the narrow portion of the pencil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Lewis M. Rolls
  • Patent number: 6338199
    Abstract: A sensor includes a plurality of weight portions which swivel, support parts each of which supports at one end a corresponding one of the plurality of weight portions in the same direction, and a driving part which supplies driving power to the support parts to swivel the plurality of weight portions. The driving part swivels at least one weight portion of the plurality of weight portions in a first direction and a remaining weight portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction so that the angular velocity about an axis parallel to a predetermined swivel locus of the at least one weight portion, excluding an acceleration component in the direction of the axis, can be detected from the difference between a deviation of a swivel locus of the at least one weight portion from the predetermined swivel locus and a deviation of a swivel locus of the remaining weight portion from a predetermined swivel locus thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Chigira, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Masami Sugimori, Susumu Sugiyama