Patents Issued in March 19, 2002
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Patent number: 6357058Abstract: A pool structure having a fluid discharge apparatus for conducting water supplied from a pump in a decorative fashion proximate the perimeter of the pool structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Vincent Biancamano
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Patent number: 6357059Abstract: A spa pool has an enclosing wall that has at least one inflatable chamber, and a plumbing system retained in the interior of the wall. The plumbing system includes a plurality of jet nozzles, and a plurality of hoses that couple the plurality of jet nozzles. The wall can have two openings that communicate the interior with the exterior of the spa pool, the two openings including a first opening coupled to an inlet for receiving water into the interior from a pump, and a second opening coupled to an outlet for delivering water from the interior to a pump.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Pleasure Time Products (HK) LimitedInventor: Vincent Wai Shun Lau
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Patent number: 6357060Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting and removing standing water from the hydraulic plumbing system that circulates water in a whirlpool bath. The apparatus includes a pneumatic pump fluidically coupled to the whirlpool hydraulic plumbing system of a whirlpool bathtub, such that air pressure from the pneumatic pump can be used to flush standing water out of the hydraulic plumbing after each use of the whirlpool bathtub. An ozone generator is pneumatically connected to the pneumatic pump, such that the air circulated by the pump is enriched with ozone or ozonated. The pneumatic plumbing connecting the pneumatic pump to the hydraulic plumbing system is positioned substantially above the maximum water level allowed in the tub and also substantially above the hydraulic plumbing system.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2001Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Cary Gloodt
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Patent number: 6357061Abstract: The inflatable bath air mattress cushion includes an inflatable back cushion portion, an inflatable mat cushion portion connected to the inflatable back cushion portion, a pair of inflatable side cushion portions connected to opposing sides of the inflatable back cushion portion, and an inflatable upper pillow cushion portion connected to the inflatable back cushion portion at the head end of the bath air mattress cushion. The inflatable back cushion portion, mat cushion portion, side cushion portion and upper pillow cushion portion each have inflation valves and suction cups on the bottom side, and a top covering of a layer of fabric.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Denise M. Gonzalez
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Patent number: 6357062Abstract: A futon frame that has a seat piece and back piece pivotably joined to one another so that they can occupy substantially flat and also angled configurations relative one another. In the flat configuration the pieces serve as a couch or futon, and in the angled configuration they serve as a couch or sofa. The joined seat and back pieces move in rollers in appropriately positioned slots in side arms and legs which are joined at each distal end to the seat and back pieces. Each of the flat (sleeping or bed) or angled (seating or couch) position or configuration of the pieces is held stable for use by the rollers that become lodged in the ends of the respective guide slots. A solid block is attached below the back piece that engages the seat piece when the frame is converted from bed to couch. The block allows the seat piece to be used as an efficient lever to raise the back piece without major physical effort while the edge of the seat piece is pushed and used as a lever handle.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Harlee InternationalInventors: William J. Woll, Steven F. Leichter
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Patent number: 6357063Abstract: A wheeled dolly assembly for a patient carrier device has a box frame with a foldable footrest. Interchangeable wheels are mounted to an axle to facilitate rapid and easy movement of the dolly when a patient is strapped onto the patient carrier. The patient carrier device, such as a backboard, is retained in the box frame with adjustable pressure plates. Optional handles are mounted to the backboard through slots pre-formed in the backboard.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Daniel W. Selby
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Patent number: 6357064Abstract: A device for assisting a disabled person to rise from a bed to a standing position is provided by the invention. The device includes a planar base with a plurality of casters attached to its bottom surface to enable rolling movement of the device across a floor. A support structure which extends vertically from the upper surface of the base is defined by a vertical members and at least one horizontal member connecting the vertical members, the support structure being closed on three sides and open on a fourth side. A pair of mating hinge components are provided for releasably connecting the device to a bed frame thus forming a pivot point. The device is thus pivotable from a position facing the bed for access of a disabled person thereto and is pivotable ninety degrees to enable egress therefrom. A first hinge component is affixed to a vertical member of the support structure adjacent to its open side.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Donald Totsky
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Patent number: 6357065Abstract: A variable width bariatric bed including a frame having a modular configuration with front end, rear end and middle frame sections that are detachable from one another to facilitate storage, transport and relocation through narrow entrances. A series of electric motors carried by the frame apply pushing forces to raise a plurality of mattress support deck sections to adjust the contour of a mattress. Each of the mattress support deck sections has a pair of pull out extensions that are adapted to slide outwardly and in opposite directions from a retracted position to an extended position at which the mattress support deck sections have a relatively wide width to support a correspondingly wide (e.g. 48 inch) mattress. Such mattress includes a mattress body and a pair of (e.g. foam or air filled) mattress extensions that are releasably connected at opposite sides of the mattress body and seated upon the pair of pull out extensions of the mattress support deck sections.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Mellen Air Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Craig D. Adams
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Patent number: 6357066Abstract: A patient support device, and more particularly, a patient support device which provides improved full-body comfort to conscious patients immobilized for one or more hours while undergoing imaging or interventional procedures. The patient support device preferably comprises a foam for supporting the body and inflatable bladders for providing adjustable comfort to the cervical, lumbar and patellar regions of the patient. Arm restraints which safely and securely position patient's arms laterally on a narrow support (table).Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Carla Terzian Pierce
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Patent number: 6357067Abstract: A multipurpose snow tool for backcountry travel being a modified ice ax having a toothed pick at one end, an adze at the other and a shank therebetween having holes therein large enough to reduce weight without compromising structural integrity. The shank having shock absorbing upper spacers thereabout for insertion into the upper portion of a shaft of varying length depending upon user's physique. Lower spacers surround a combined reversible integrated spike saw held within said shaft, said spacers enclosing a pair of locking buttons supported by leaf springs to secure the spike saw in the lower shaft and to permit easy withdrawal therefrom and reversal for saw use. Furthermore, the invention includes a shovel blade having a sleeve like projection sized to snugly fit around the lower portion of said shaft which is always ready for use when attached while said spike is exposed. Thus, by depressing both buttons simultaneously, the spike saw is removed and reversed.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Nathanael Whalen Jones
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Patent number: 6357068Abstract: A combination tool includes a tool head having a jaw mechanism with two jaws lying in a tool head plane. A first handle is pivotably attached to the jaw mechanism and rotatable in a first direction about a first pivot axle lying in the tool head plane, between a nested position wherein the first handle lies coplanar with and adjacent to the jaw mechanism and a deployed position wherein the first handle is coplanar with and remote from the jaw mechanism. A second handle is pivotably attached to the jaw mechanism and rotatable in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, about a second pivot axle lying in the tool head plane, between a nested position wherein the second handle lies coplanar with and adjacent to the jaw mechanism and a deployed position wherein the second handle is coplanar with and remote from the jaw mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Harold J. Carson, Harold J. Carson, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin, William P. Debley, Jr., Robson L. Splane, Jr.
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Patent number: 6357069Abstract: The present invention relates to a barrier laundry including a room (10) through which soiled laundry (16) enters and a clean room (12) separated from room (10) by a sealed barrier (14), an apparatus (19) is provided in barrier (14) for hermetically transferring the laundry. The apparatus (19) is used to introduce the soiled laundry (16) from the reception room (10) in leaktight bags (24) located in the clean room (12) without at any time breaking the leaktightness of the sealed barrier (14). The closed leaktight bags (24) full of laundry are routed into a washing machine (26) located in the clean room. The bags are designed to release the laundry at the start of the washing cycle.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Electrolux Systemes de BlanchisserieInventors: Cyril Grandpierre, Charles Scardina
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Patent number: 6357070Abstract: A cleaning machine that can simultaneously perform the cleaning operations of sweeping, scrubbing and burnishing is provided. The cleaning machine is battery-operated and is driven by a riding operator. A pivotal door is located at the rear of the cleaning machine. The burnishing assembly is pivotal with the door. Upon opening the door, access to a battery pack and a cart that supports the battery pack is available. The battery pack can be removed from the cleaning machine at its rear using the cart. A charged battery pack with cart is then positioned in the battery storage assembly of the cleaning machine to replace the removed battery pack and cart. A pair of ramp members facilitate desired placement of the cart and battery pack within the cleaning machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Daniel C. Venard, Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara
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Patent number: 6357071Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning edges and/or bevel areas of substrates. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cleaning mechanism that cleans particles off the edge of the wafer based upon friction at the contact point between the wafer and a rotating belt.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1998Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Monsour Moinpour, Ilan Berman, Young C. Park
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Patent number: 6357072Abstract: A toothbrush assembly for brushing one's teeth and rinsing one's mouth includes a toothbrush having a longitudinal handle with a brush head at one end of the handle and a rinsing attachment including a sloped inner recessed surface area to produce a fountain-like effect when a stream of water contacts therewith.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Kenneth S. Zinn
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Patent number: 6357073Abstract: A toothbrush has a push rod, mounted inside a shank, that is operated by a lever. The push rod extends to a remote end of an elongate flexible head attached at a first end to the shank. The push rod can be used to pull the remote end of the head towards shank so that a convex shaped head adopts a planar or concave shape when desired.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Choy Heung Yue
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Patent number: 6357074Abstract: A cleaning brush, particularly toothbrush, has a handle and an elongated brush head, which comprises a flexible bristle carrier tapering in longitudinal cross-section from the handle to the front end of the brush head and bristles fixed thereto. The bristle carrier is formed from two longitudinally, successively arranged portions interconnected in transitionless manner and made from materials having differing characteristics and at least the front portion is made from an elastomer. The materials, cross-sections and bending length of the portions are so chosen that the front portion is deflectable with a smaller radius of curvature than the other portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: CORONET-Werke GmbHInventor: Georg Weihrauch
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Patent number: 6357075Abstract: A hairbrush contains bristles formulated with powder formed from the mixture of both extreme infrared radiation material and poly-element minerals, which are then mixed into a plastic material, and attached to a bristle base of the hairbrush.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Create Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazutoshi Kaizuka
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Patent number: 6357076Abstract: A suction nozzle unit for a vacuum cleaner unit includes a casing formed with a suction inlet, a pair of front wheels located at the front of the casing, and a pair of rear wheels located at the rear of the casing. The suction nozzle unit also includes a shaft pin for rotatably supporting the front wheels and an arrangement, for moving the casing up and down relative to the shaft pin so as to raise and lower the front end of the casing relative to the surface to be vacuumed. As a result the front end of the unit can be moved up and down as necessary depending, for example, on the depth of pile of a carpet being vacuumed, thereby increasing ability of the unit to travel over the carpet during vacuuming.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Samsung Kwang-Ju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Byung-jo Lee
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Patent number: 6357077Abstract: A spring loaded caster includes a support plate adapted to be affixed to the underside of an article to be transported. Two caster legs depend downwardly from the support plate. The caster legs are spaced apart and preferably substantially parallel with each other. Each of the caster legs includes an elongated slot for receiving an axle. A pair of spring brackets is provided that are of a generally L-shaped or U-shaped configuration and are disposed on an outer surface of a corresponding caster leg. The spring bracket may include wear plates. A spring sleeves is disposed on an underside of one leg of the spring brackets. Additionally, two or more spring block including an axle receiving segment that includes a passage for receiving an axle therethrough are provided. On each spring block, a spring is held in place by a spring pin and is received in a corresponding spring sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co.Inventors: Lester R. Jones, Jr., Patrick L. McCartney
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Patent number: 6357078Abstract: An assembly for releasably holding a movable closure element in a desired position relative to a support. The holding assembly has a first part with a first element and a first actuator and a second part with a second element and a second actuator. The first part is connectable to a closure element, with the second part connectable to a support for the closure element. At least one of the first and second elements is movable relative to a support and/or closure element to which the at least one of the first and second elements is connected to allow the first and second elements to act, one against the other, so that the first and second elements realize a holding position as a closure element to which the first part is connected is moved towards and into the desired position.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Tri/Mark CorporationInventors: Ricci L. Marzolf, Bruce E. Kallevig, Bruce E. Frohman, Craig J. Helton
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Patent number: 6357079Abstract: An improved slide groove fixing device for use of curtains has a single-track slide body, a movable abutting seat, a transversely U-shaped clamping seat, a supporting spiral member, and an adjusting bolt.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Ching Feng Blinds Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Pey-Son Hsu
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Patent number: 6357080Abstract: A retractable handle includes a handgrip, pairs of first tubes, second tubes and third tubes slidably coupled to one another, two first locating devices and two second locating devices adapted to lock the first tubes or the second tubes in the extended position or received position, wherein the second locating devices each include a casing, having a top hole, and a passageway which have a first end hole and a second end hole at two distal ends thereof, a slide moved in and out of the top hole of the casing, the slide having a first sloping face and a second sloping face, a main elastic member against between the slide and the casing, a first retaining member and a second retaining member respectively positioned in the passageway, the first and second retaining members having a respective sloping face respectively against the first sloping face and second sloping face of the slide, which cause the first and second retaining member to move in and out of the first end hole and second end hole respectively when tType: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: James Tsai
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Patent number: 6357081Abstract: A disjoinable hinge mechanism having a locking cam is provided. The hinge mechanism includes a hinge assembly having a hinge pin which pivotably couples a first hinge structure to a second hinge structure. The hinge mechanism also includes a cam pivotably coupled to the hinge pin and a third hinge structure which includes a cam follower. The cam is positionable between a released position and an engaged position. The cam does not engage the cam follower when positioned in the released position. The cam engages the cam follower when positioned in the engaged position. The cam is adapted to be moved into the engaged position when an associated closure member is moved into a closed position. Thereafter, the cam remains in the engaged position during normal operation of the closure member. The second hinge structure may also include a set of locator pins which engage mounting apertures in the third hinge structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventor: Frederick F. Bender
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Patent number: 6357082Abstract: A restraint mechanism for limiting the angular rotation of a first and a second component which move about a common hinge comprising a restraining arm adapted to extend along a portion of the first component in the direction of the hinge and having a change of direction away from the hinge, and an attachment member for attaching the restraint mechanism to said first component.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.Inventor: Bassel H. Daoud
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Patent number: 6357083Abstract: A system for processing plant material is provided which separates plant fibers from the woody portions of the material to produce a commercially desirable length of fiber and to grind the shorter woody portions that have been separated from the longer fibers to a desirable size which has found use in certain commercial applications. The current system is well suited to process the tough fibers of the North American strain of flax straw, and will also find utility in processing other bast fibers, such as jute, hemp, ramie, and kenaf.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Durafibre Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Stratton, Michael Yaholnitsky, Philip J. LeDuc, Leslie G. Hill, David H. Kelly
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Patent number: 6357084Abstract: A device for securing and carrying currency, having a strap having a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, a length, a width and a thickness; a fastening mechanism having a first element and a second element, the first element being located on the second side of the strap proximal to the second end of the strap, and the second element being located on the first side of the strap proximal to the first end of the strap; and a thumb tab secured to the strap at or near the first end of the strap and extending outwardly from the strap in the width direction and normal to the length.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Christopher J. Haidon
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Patent number: 6357085Abstract: A tension member termination device optimized for terminating flat tension members having compressible outer coatings, the device including a wedge and a socket each having cooperating surfaces positioned at a predetermined angle for clamping the tension member therebetween. The angle reliably secures the tension member while avoiding deleterious pressure and stress upon the tension member. The invention also provides a safety clamp for optional use with the tension member termination device.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Richard J. Ericson, Dennis J. Rehmer, Pedro S. Baranda
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Patent number: 6357086Abstract: A first extension member has a head coupled to a first zipper head and a tail having a male connector and an elongated generally flat intermediate portion between the head and the male connector. A second extension member has a head coupled to a second zipper head and a body with a female connector that receives and locks the male connector and receives and permits free sliding movement of the elongated flat intermediate portion. The female connector prevents removal of the male connector therefrom to prevent opening the zipper beyond a predetermined position based on the length of the elongated intermediate portion. Because the male connector is positioned generally at the end of the tail and the elongated intermediate portion is generally flat, the tail may slide freely within the female connector between the head and the male connector so that the zipper is therefore not locked in any fixed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Mark Changfeng Ye
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Patent number: 6357087Abstract: A molded surface fastener including a flat substrate and a plurality of first engaging elements molded of the same material integrally with each other. Each engaging element is composed of a stem portion standing from a surface of the flat substrate and an engaging head portion protruded from a tip of the stem portion at least in a side direction perpendicular to a molding direction. A thickness of each engaging element in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the engaging head portion increases gradually from a top portion of the engaging head portion to a base end of the stem portion. Maximum lateral widths of front and rear end faces of the engaging head portion of each engaging element a viewed in the molding direction are different from each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: YKK CorporationInventors: Toshiaki Takizawa, Ryuichi Murasaki
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Patent number: 6357088Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: George A. Provost, Mark J. Condon, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky, Paul J. Serbiak
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Patent number: 6357089Abstract: A clip for a sheet electrode, which is capable of easily and reliably pinching a sheet electrode, and capable of minimizing the number of parts, thus facilitating the assembling. This clip is constructed such that a movable plate (20) provided with slots (25) to be engaged with supporting axes (13) is engaged with a substrate (10) having the supporting axes (13), and a conductive leaf spring (30) which is bent in the near middle thereof is interposed between the substrate and movable plate so as to keep them in an opened state. After the insertion of a sheet electrode (50), the movable plate is pivoted against the force of the leaf spring so as to close and pinch the sheet electrode. When the movable plate is further shifted forward along the slots, the movable plate is fixingly engaged with the substrate, thereby maintaining the pinching of the sheet electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mikio Koguchi, Yoshikazu Kobayashi, Akiyasu Tsurushima
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Patent number: 6357090Abstract: A plug of a twist latch is comprised of a main body, knob body and fixing plate. The main body has a shaft-bearing portion provided on a base, whose outer shape is an ellipse and having a circular hole portion inside. An upper portion of the shaft-bearing portion is a contracted diameter portion while a lower portion thereof is an expanded diameter portion. Several protruded ridge portions are provided on the expanded diameter portion to form an engaging portion. The knob body has a knob portion of an ellipse-trapezoidal shape having a shaft portion extended from a bottom face thereof. The shaft portion is divided along an axis thereof. This shaft portion is rotatably fit into the shaft-bearing portion. The fixing plate has a hole portion in which the shaft-bearing portion can be inserted, and is formed with fitting portions that can be fit onto an engaging portion, on the periphery of the hole portion. When this plug is mounted on a cloth, the shaft-bearing portion is inserted from a back side of the cloth.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: YKK CorporationInventor: Ryukichi Murai
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Patent number: 6357091Abstract: An apparatus includes a lockable element (16) and a buckle (12). The buckle (12) includes a base (28) that defines a passage (32) into which the lockable element (16) is insertable, and a latch (42) movable to lock the lockable element against movement in the passage. The buckle (12) also includes a sensor (60) and a magnet (62). The magnet (62) is movable from a first position to a second position when the lockable element (16) is inserted into the passage (32). The magnet (62) creates a magnetic field of a first flux density acting on the sensor (60) to cause the sensor to provide a first output when the magnet is in the first position. The magnet (62) creates a magnetic field of a second flux density, different than the first flux density, acting on the sensor (60) to cause the sensor to provide a second output, different than the first output, when the magnet is in the second position. The magnet (62) has an interference fit with one of the lockable element (16) and the buckle (12).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventor: Scott D. Devereaux
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Patent number: 6357092Abstract: A buckle which is used to removably fasten two pieces of webbing, strap or the like together requires two distinct actions for its opening and thus is “double locking.” A latch member is pivotally supported on a frame by means of a support shaft. A first strap end is fixedly attached to one end of the frame. A second strap end to be attached to the first strap end is removably attached to one end of an adjuster member. The other end of the adjuster member is T-shaped. The frame has a pair of opposing ledge portions which extend opposite the base portion of the frame, opposing slots being formed between these portions. The top of the “T” of the adjuster member fits into the slots to retain the adjuster member to the frame when tension is placed on the second strap end portion thereby providing a first locking action. The latch member has a detent formed thereon which engages a detent on the end of the ledge portion of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Ancra International, LLC.Inventor: Ward C. Burrows
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Patent number: 6357093Abstract: A fastener for preventing undesirable, accidental loosening of a shoelace during use. The fastener includes a holder piece made up of a serrate shank to be inserted through an eyelet of a shoe and an integral flat head adapted for pressure contact with the inner surface of a flap of the shoe. A fastener cap is put into engagement with the serrate shank on the outer surface of the flap for fastening purposes. A washer is interposed between the flap and the fastener cap and provided with the first through hole free passage of the shoelace and the second through hole for free passage of the serrate shank.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Yuji Takahashi
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Patent number: 6357094Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool comprising feeding system to linearly feed a slide to be fed (5). Each feed gear comprises a first and a second feed mechanisms provided to be in a parallel manner and spaced apart from each other by a specified interval therebetween, wherein each feed mechanism comprises a linear feed-driving means, a feed-moving body which engages with the feed-driving means and moves along the feed-driving means, and a position sensor to detect positions of the feed-moving body along the feed-driving means. Each feed gear further comprises a first and a second support mechanisms respectively connected to each feed-moving body of the first and the second feed mechanisms with rotatably supporting the slide to be fed (5), and a controller (60) for controlling operations of the first and the second feed mechanisms respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignees: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd., Intelligent Manufacturing Systems InternationalInventor: Yoshiaki Sugimoto
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Patent number: 6357095Abstract: The burnishing head for hard disk processing includes a solid body having generally rectangular surfaces, including an upper surface, a burnishing pad surface, a front surface, a rear surface and two side surfaces. A plurality of burnishing pads are disposed upon the burnishing pad surface. The pads are shaped such that each pad has a burnishing edge that is generally parallel to said front surface and therefore orthogonal to the direction of media travel. The burnishing pads are preferably configured such that one frontward leading pad is centrally disposed proximate the front surface of the head, followed by two middle pads that are disposed in a spaced apart relationship. A single centrally disposed rear middle pad is formed behind the two middle pads, and two rear pads are disposed in a spaced apart relationship at the rear surface of the head. In the preferred embodiment the pads are generally triangular in shape and the outer surface of the leading and rearward pads is tapered.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Shanlin Duan, Wei-Ming Lee, Wai C. Leung
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Patent number: 6357096Abstract: A suspension dowel and bushing remover device for easily and quickly removing dowels and bushing from suspensions on trucks and buses.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventors: Cleve C. James, Roger James
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Patent number: 6357097Abstract: A hub puller device to simplify the removal of the hub from the wheel bearing on front wheel drive cars when maintenance is required. In the preferred embodiment, the device includes a U-shaped frame, a forcing screw, traveling nut and a pushing piece. A maintenance technician installs the forcing screw to extend through the open cylindrical section of the hub and mounts the pushing piece and the traveling nut on the forcing screw adjacent the cylindrical section. Next, the technician installs the frame to wrap around the spindle housing such that one member abuts the front surface of the spindle housing. The other frame member braces the receiving end of the forcing screw and prevents linear movement of the forcing screw. With the setup completed, the maintenance technician rotates the forcing screw and prevents rotation of the traveling nut.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: James M. Lundgreen, Larry W. Betcher, Dennis D. Hanson
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Patent number: 6357098Abstract: Devices and techniques for placing and bonding identical elements to holes in a substrate where spacer balls and a reference surface are used to achieve the desired accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Terastor CorporationInventors: John Berg, David Kindler, David Kent, David Buswell
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Patent number: 6357099Abstract: A method of forming a metal feedstock from wasted metal products is disclosed. The method includes the steps of crushing the metal products into pieces; magnetically separating sheet-shaped ferrous scraps and ferrous cast blocks from the crushed pieces; placing the cast blocks between the sheet-shaped scraps to make a sandwich structure; and pressing the sandwich structure to form a metal feedstock.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Takano, Tetsushi Yonekawa, Yoshihiro Ogawa, Takashi Okada
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Patent number: 6357100Abstract: Riveting apparatus wherein a planetary roller screw delivers the high forces required for actuating the fastener upset tooling. In order that precise control of the entire upset operation may be obtained, a servo-controlled electric motor operates the actuator. In order that different machining operations may be performed on a workpiece without having to provide an actuator for each tool, the tools are engaged in turn by the actuator for performing riveting and other machining in succession.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1998Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: General Electro-Mechanical CorporationInventors: Thomas H. Speller, Jr., Bernhard Kittelberger, Robert J. Kellner, Mark J. Andrews, Bradley M. Roberts
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Patent number: 6357101Abstract: An apparatus for installing rivets or other fasteners through a workpiece includes an automated machine disposed on one side of the workpiece and a hand-held tool that is manipulated by a single worker located on the opposite side of the workpiece. The automated machine includes an end effector supporting tools such as a drill and a riveter. The automated machine also includes a guide structure adapted to be releasably affixed to the workpiece, and a carriage that travels along the guide structure and supports the end effector so that the end effector can be positioned in various locations along the surface of the workpiece where fasteners are to be installed. The end effector includes an electromagnetic clamping device, and the hand-held tool includes a magnetic clamping block that is attracted by the clamping device to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The end effector generates a positioning signal and the hand-held tool includes a detector for detecting the positioning signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Branko Sarh, Trent Logan, David Stanley
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Patent number: 6357102Abstract: A system including an apparatus and method for assembling an insert and a cutter bar into a subassembly for use in dental floss dispensers. The insert includes a body portion defining an arbor for rotatably supporting a spool of dental floss and a superstructure contiguous with the body portion. The superstructure includes cutter bar receiving structure adapted to be grippingly engaged by a cutter bar having a cutting blade portion. The apparatus includes a rotatable assembly wheel having multiple pockets for receiving inserts, which wheel is rotatable into a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of assembly stations. An insert is inserted into a wheel pocket in a first direction at a first assembly station, a cutter bar is pushed onto the insert's cutter bar receiving structure at a second assembly station and the subassembly is discharged in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion at a third assembly station.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1995Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Comapnies, Inc.Inventor: Gary A. Benner
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Patent number: 6357103Abstract: A simulated stained glass art object and a method for its production comprised of a wooden picture frame containing a pane of glass onto which a polymeric film bearing the art image is bonded and embedded with an epoxy resin. The art images are printed onto the film from a computer with an inkjet printer. The images are loaded into the computer either by scanning photographs or by uploading files from a digital camera. The glass pane may be modified to minimize reflected light or to absorb UV wavelengths. A mirror can be installed behind the art images to reflect light back through the images and to improve the appearance of the object when viewed.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: William Joseph Sikorski
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Patent number: 6357104Abstract: A tubular intraluminal graft in the form of a tubular diametrically adjustable stent having a tubular covering of porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene which is less than 0.10 mm thick. The covering may be on the exterior surface of the stent, or on the interior surface of the stent, or both. The covering may be affixed to the stent by an adhesive which is preferably fluorinated ethylene propylene.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: David J. Myers
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Patent number: 6357105Abstract: An oxide superconducting wire of an anisotropic oxide superconductor comprises a core part of the wire and a superconducting layer enclosing the core part so that specific crystal axes of the oxide superconductor are oriented toward the core part. A method of producing a wire of an anisotropic oxide superconductor comprises the steps of arranging a metal sheath around a metal rod for forming a core part of the wire and charging powder of the oxide superconductor in a clearance between the metal sheath and the metal rod for preparing a composite material, and plastically working the composite material so that the metal sheath is larger in reduction of area than the metal rod.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1997Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Hikata, Hidehito Mukai, Kenichi Sato
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Patent number: 6357106Abstract: A method for mounting parts, and an IC card and its manufacturing method. The method reduces the number of steps, increases productivity, lowers costs, and miniaturizes the chip. A first electrode of the IC chip for processing signals received from a coil is connected to an internal end of a coil pattern formed on a first substrate, and an external end of the coil pattern and a second electrode of the IC chip are connected via a jumper wire.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsumasa Oku, Takashi Akiguchi, Shinji Murakami, Yutaka Harada, Norihito Tsukahara, Mitsunori Yokomakura, Kenichi Sato
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Patent number: 6357107Abstract: The invention relates to an inductor comprising a plurality of interconnected conductive segments interwoven with a substrate. The inductance of the inductor is increased through the use of coatings and films of ferromagnetic materials such as magnetic metals, alloys, and oxides. The inductor is compatible with integrated circuit manufacturing techniques and eliminates the need in many systems and circuits for large off chip inductors. A sense and measurement coil, which is fabricated on the same substrate as the inductor, provides the capability to measure the magnetic field or flux produced by the inductor. This on chip measurement capability supplies information that permits circuit engineers to design and fabricate on chip inductors to very tight tolerances.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kie Y. Ahn, Leonard Forbes