Patents Issued in October 29, 2002
  • Patent number: 6470570
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a heat exchanger tube (14) for a heat exchanger (10) in which a continuous insert (26), having convolutes transverse to the length of the tube are located into a continuous shell as the shell is being formed. After placing the insert (26) into the partially open shell, the shell is closed and sealed as it passes through a bonding device (64) to seal the longitudinal edges of the shell to each other and the insert to the internal walls of the tube. The continuous shell with the inserted fin insert is subsequently sliced to produce individual cooling tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Livernois Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Larry P. Prater, Richard P. Stoynoff
  • Patent number: 6470571
    Abstract: Method for producing a decorated adjuster for a necklace or choker in which a tube of elastic is inserted into a metal pipe to thereby form a raw material. The raw material is moved along a longitudinal axis while being rotated and pressed between a pair of molds having adjoining concavities formed between ends of the mold and in opposed relation to concavities in the other mold. The concavities have a shape gradually approaching a hemispherical form in a direction from an entry end to an exit end whereby the last concavity has a hemispherical form such that the raw material is progressively formed into a shell element. The shell elements have an inner surface coated with the elastic material and are formed upon the continual movement of the raw material through the molds. The shell elements are separated from one another and a pair of opposed through apertures are formed to thereby form the decorated adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Namiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromasa Namiki
  • Patent number: 6470572
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a shaped-spring assembly. The method and apparatus utilizes a spring forming apparatus which facilitates the forming of shaped springs without adversely effecting the characteristics of the spring, and a magazine arrangement which stores and loads shaped springs, while maintaining the shape of the springs. The magazine arrangement further permits the storage of a plurality of the shaped springs without fatiguing a leading edge of the spring. With the apparatus and method of the present invention, it is possible to load empty shaped spring cavities at a select location, such as at a field site, and also have a steady supply of shaped springs available for quick replacement. The forming apparatus is designed so as to easily cooperate and/or be mounted onto the magazine arrangement so as to facilitate the transfer of shape springs which are shaped by the forming apparatus into the magazine arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Scott M. Fitzgerald, Jan A. Chrisler, Daniel M. Pagano
  • Patent number: 6470573
    Abstract: The method of making a vehicle body panel includes blow molding all or a substantial portion of the vehicle body panel and then securing attachments to openings formed on the blow molded body or to peripheral portions of the blow molded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Patent Holding Company
    Inventor: Sassan Tarahomi
  • Patent number: 6470574
    Abstract: A ticket scraping device for use with a commemorative coin comprises a two-piece housing having a front section releasably connected to a rear section and defining an opening in a lower end of the housing. The front section further defines a centrally disposed circular aperture while the rear section defines a longitudinally extending slot. The scraping device further includes a slider member having an annular clamping member removably disposed in the housing for releasably holding a coin. The slider member further includes an actuator button disposed in a recess formed in the outer surface of the rear section and having a flange which extends through the slot and is releasably coupled to the clamping member. Therefore, the clamping member along with the coin held thereby may be slidably extended through the opening in the lower end of the housing and retracted within the housing. When extended, the coin is useful for scraping a protective film from a game ticket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: George E. Strumke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6470575
    Abstract: A pruner comprises a first handle comprising a jaw on a first end thereof and a handle portion on a second end thereof, a second handle having an end pivotally mounted to the first handle, a first roller and a second roller rotatably mounted in the second handle and each including an outer periphery, and a cutter comprising a first end that cooperates with the jaw for performing a cutting function and a second end having a sliding portion. The cutter has an intermediate portion pivotally connected to the intermediate portion of the first handle. A portion of the outer periphery of the first roller and a portion of the outer periphery of the second roller are located in the moving path of the sliding portion of the cutter for guiding the sliding portion of the cutter during relative pivotal movement between the first handle and the second handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 6470576
    Abstract: A battery powered circular saw is provided with a novel motor housing and handle assembly having a rearwardly extending primary handle inclined 15° to 40° relative to a rearwardly longitudinally extending tubular housing member. A battery pack is attached to the rear end of the primary handle and is provided with an elongated projection which extends into the elongate tubular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: One World Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Watson
  • Patent number: 6470577
    Abstract: An angle measuring device having a graduation carrier, a scanning plate, a detector arrangement on a stationary element for measuring a rotational position of the graduation carrier with respect to the scanning plate around a first axis of rotation, wherein the scanning plate with the graduation carrier is rotatable with respect to the detector arrangement around a second axis of rotation; and the first and second axes of rotation extend parallel with respect to each other and are radially distanced from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Tondorf, Wolfgang Holzapfel
  • Patent number: 6470578
    Abstract: A cylindrical column of light is formed by the reflection of a laser light plane radially emitted by a main laser light plane source at the inner, mirrored surface of a 45° projector cone. A conical column can be generated and projected by intercepting and reflecting the cylindrical column of light using a diverting cone inside the 45° projector cone. The cylindrical or conical laser light column is set to have the same geometric characteristics of an intended attachment. When the column is properly projected on a surface, it will form an outline representing the desired pattern of intersection of a cylindrical or conical attachment with the surface. The column of light is provided by an illuminator assembly that carries the main laser light plane source, the projector cone, and the diverting cone. The illuminator assembly is carried on a portable support stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: P&G Development Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmed M. Phuly, Gary Gitelman
  • Patent number: 6470579
    Abstract: Position and angle are measured by a linear device having an elongate frame comprising a pair of parallel arms joined by a cross-arm, each of the arms terminating with an adjustable foot so that the device may be leveled, thereby establishing a level reference platform from which position and direction may be determined. A support bracket is adapted for rigid engagement with the elongate frame and is linearly positionable on it. A laser beam source is removably engagable with the support bracket for positioning a laser beam in a selected and known direction. The feet are spaced for clamping the T-bar sections of a dropped ceiling so as to enable the placement of further T-bars, roof joists and other structural members at selected angles. The arms provide parallel, spaced apart grooves for mounting the apparatus onto the T-bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Harold Allen
  • Patent number: 6470580
    Abstract: The pendulum assembly comprises a permanent magnet disposed in the vicinity of a pendulum, a U-shaped yoke by which most of the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet is gathered and passes through, and a rotation shaft. The direction of axis of the rotation shaft is parallel to the direction of magnetic poles of the permanent magnet. Eddy current brakes are inserted into the spaces between one of the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet and one of the ends of the yoke, and between the other magnetic pole the magnet and the other end of the yoke. This construction achieves a more compact and shorter tilt sensor which is resistant to disturbances such as geomagnetism and other magnetic fields and vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaharu Ushihara, Nobuharu Katsuki
  • Patent number: 6470581
    Abstract: A dual chalk line marker device having two chalk line spools that are adjustably movable with respect to the housing or base. The spools are adjustable in order to vary the separation width between the chalk lines so that different widths of joist or roofing shingle can be properly marked for disposition upon a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Walter Kolodzieski
  • Patent number: 6470582
    Abstract: A measure to use to draw a line perpendicular to a reference line. The measure comprises a top surface with opposite first and second ends and opposite first and second edges that extend between the first and second ends. The top surface has a first set of indicia that represent a first scale and a second set of indicia that represent a second scale. The first and second scales are distance scales and have a common zero point. The second scale is a multiple of the first scale. The first and second scales are used to construct the two sides and the hypotenuse of a right triangle with one of the two sides being on the reference line so that a line perpendicular to the reference line can be constructed with little or no calculations required by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Rencon
    Inventor: Mark L. Renko
  • Patent number: 6470583
    Abstract: A CCD laser displacement gauge is movable in three directions, that is, a vertical direction and two directions perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane, and this gauge can be moved to a insulation displacement connecting center so as to detect a insulation displacement connecting height, the presence/absence of a wire, abnormal insulation displacement connection and a wire projecting amount. The insulation displacement connecting height, the wire presence/absence and the abnormal insulation displacement connection are detected by measuring a height of an upper surface of a wire sheath from a reference position at the position of the slot (at a middle position between two terminals if these terminals are juxtaposed). Whether or not the wire projecting amount is proper is determined by detecting the presence/absence of the wire at a position obtained by subtracting an absolute value of a tolerance from a normal projecting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Itaya
  • Patent number: 6470584
    Abstract: A probe arm for locating a probe on a machine includes a signal conditioning circuit which produces probe status signals to be sent to the machine. The signal conditioning circuit includes two LEDs mounted on the arm and which are differently coloured to provide a visual indication of probe status e.g. probe ready or probe triggered. One of the LEDs has twice the efficiency of the other and therefore to maintain consistent illumination one is driven with twice the current of the other. Thus by monitoring the current through the LEDs in a sensing circuit at the output terminals of the signal conditioning circuit the status of the probe is communicated to the machine. Power to the probe and signal conditioning circuit is provided from the machine via the output terminals so that only two wires are required to connect the arm to the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Renishaw, PLC
    Inventor: Matthew A Stoodley
  • Patent number: 6470585
    Abstract: A marking device is disclosed to enable the placement of an indicator mark on one side of a sheet of material to mark the approximate periphery of a stationary object. The device consists of a base containing at least one inking transfer with a marking surface raised above the base surface. Multiple flexible self-hinges, each having a width, a thickness, a first end and a second end extend, from the first end, at an angle from the first surface of the base. Each of the self-hinges as a contact pad, positioned parallel to the base and adjacent to the second end of the self-hinge. The self-hinges extend from the base a distance sufficient to prevent the sheet material from contacting the inking transfer without the application of sufficient pressure to compress the self-hinges. In one embodiment, the base contains positioned to receive the self-hinges and contact pads during compression. The second surface of the base has affixing members to enable the base to be positioned on the item to be marked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: William A. Barr
  • Patent number: 6470586
    Abstract: A simplified light weight squaring tool used by pipe fitters in conjunction with templates or pipe fitters tables for laying out pipe intersect angles and geometry as required for cutting and joining pipe of various sizes at various angles. A rugged tool intended primarily for on sight use, comprises a self centering straight edge arranged for guiding and scribing of lines on flat surfaces, curved surfaces or across the diameter of a pipe face, an integral adjustable protractor level, allowing for fast and accurate perpendicular and angular orientation of the straight edge when used in the vertical plane and a self aligning extension arranged for expanding the capacity of the squaring tool and transcribing angular lines from the ace of pipe sections onto the circumference or outside diameter of pipe parallel to longitudinal centerline of the pipe as required for layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Matt C Kneipp
  • Patent number: 6470587
    Abstract: A system for part measurement and verification is disclosed. The system comprises a set of design criteria specifying a part and a fixture with gage blocks for positioning the part, where each of the gage blocks represents a known position. At least one probe is operable to measure the scalar values of the part and the gage blocks. A handheld information processor or computer is coupled to the probe for receiving the measurements and is operable to transform the measurements and compare those measurements to the design criteria to in order to verify the part. A method for part measurement and verification is disclosed. The method comprises eight steps. Step one calls for specifying the part with a set of design criteria. Step two requires storing the design criteria in a handheld information processor. Step three provides placing the part in a fixture with gage blocks at known locations. In step four, the method provides for configuring the handheld information processor to receive part measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton Dale Cunningham, James McKinnon Fitch, James Jeffery Howard, James Paul Koesters, Michael Alan Leenhouts, Eric Dewayne Moore
  • Patent number: 6470588
    Abstract: A measuring system comprises a flexible tape fabricated of an essentially inextensible material with a short leading edge and a short parallel trailing edge, long parallel side edges, a front face and a rear face. An attachment member is secured to the tape adjacent to the leading edge and adapted to be releasably secured to an object to be measured whereby the remainder of the tape may be wrapped around the object for determining an approximate diameter. Indicia on the front face includes equally spaced major markings, equally spaced minor markings at every tenth between the major markings, and miniature markings between the minor markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Pilger
  • Patent number: 6470589
    Abstract: A power return tape in the form of a measuring tape including a case, a blade wound within the case graduated in marked increments, an exposed end hook at one end of the blade for unwinding the blade and drawing it from the case, and with at least one of the exposed hook and a length of the blade adjacent thereto cooperating to form a grasping tool for falling objects, in a manner separate and apart from the employment of the marked increments on the tape in making linear measurements—and particularly attractive for mechanics working from ladders and/or at other heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: William G. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6470590
    Abstract: A brake device for a tape rule is provided that comprises a housing composed of an upper housing and a lower housing, a control device having a brake button portion and a release button portion. The brake button has an extended supporting arm formed thereon that includes a confining slit. A brake strap having a spring tongue with a protuberance formed at its end is displaced by the control device. With this structure, the control device is assembled in the housing with both the brake button and the release button extending out of the housing. The brake strap is guided in slide slots formed on the housing such that the protuberance of the spring tongue is mated with the top edge of the slide slot formed on the lower housing. The top end of the brake strap is received in the confining slit, the bottom end thereof is disposed near the surface of the tape. The detaining or releasing function of the brake can be performed with the aid of resiliency of the flexed spring tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Shih-Lin Lee
  • Patent number: 6470591
    Abstract: A device for measuring five parameters which define the riding position of a bicycle, which device may also be used as a jig to guide adjustment. The five parameters measured are: position height, saddle setback, saddle angle, reach to the bars, and bar angle The device treats these parameters as functions of a given rider's anatomy, and compensating adjustments factor out changes in crank length, height of shoe sole or height of pedal which would otherwise alter a rider's “reach” to the pedals. The device includes the scales and gauges needed to perform all measurements or to be used as a jig, as well as the fittings needed to attach it to a bicycle. No other tools are needed, and no disassembly of the bicycle, including crank bolts or cranks, is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: John C. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 6470592
    Abstract: A process is provided for freeze-drying medicaments and foodstuffs comprising dissolving the foodstuffs or medicaments in a solvent, introducing the solution formed into a shell comprising a desiccating chamber of a shell-tube freeze-drying device to cause the solution to freeze in a tubular layer, and crushing and comminuting the freeze-dried liquid with a comminuting device to obtain a powder product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Kyowa Vacuum Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromiti Akimoto, Ryouji Sunama
  • Patent number: 6470593
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ejector device for vacuum drying having at least first and second passages for connecting a first chamber with a second chamber, wherein the chambers are arranged substantially at right angles with respect to each other, and the ejector is adapted to vacuum dry the inside of the second chamber by means of high speed air flow toward the first chamber. The flow toward the first chamber preferably travels through the second passage from the first passage, on the side opposite the first chamber, to induce a negative pressure in the first passage. This way, the change in kinetic energy draws the stagnant air and steam existing in the second chamber into the inside of the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Delta Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyu Young Seo
  • Patent number: 6470594
    Abstract: A highly moisture-sensitive element and method of making such element includes an encapsulation enclosure encapsulating all of the highly moisture-sensitive electronic devices on a substrate and a sealing material positioned between the substrate and the encapsulation enclosure to form a complete seal between the substrate and the encapsulation enclosure around each highly moisture-sensitive electronic device or around groups of highly moisture-sensitive electronic devices, wherein the substrate or encapsulation enclosure, or both, contain vent holes and vent hole seal material or wherein the seal material contains gaps prior to spacing the substrate and the encapsulation enclosure within a predetermined range and the gaps are filled in by spreading the sealing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Boroson, John Schmittendorf, Peter G. Bessey, Jeffrey P. Serbicki
  • Patent number: 6470595
    Abstract: A process and a device for continuously drying protein-containing sludge, in particular sewage sludge, in a fluidised bed (20) inside a drying container (13). A drying gas flows through the fluidised bed (20) while partially de-watered sludge (6) in granulate form (21) is added to the fluidised bed (20) while dried sludge (10) is withdrawn therefrom. The granules (21) are formed without admixture of dried substances and are granulated preferably at the same time as they are pressed. Sewage sludge may thus be dried without admixture or recycling of dried substances, so that a highly efficient plant is obtained. In addition, a granulated dry material is produced which may be used in various ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungsgesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Peter Gaiser, Ulrich Plantikow, Dieter Kowalczyk
  • Patent number: 6470596
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Kato, Kouji Nishihata, Tsunehiko Tsubone, Atsushi Itou
  • Patent number: 6470597
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for removing water from a material are disclosed. The material can be selected from the group consisting of fibrous webs, textiles, plastics, non-woven webs, building materials, or any combination thereof, and may comprise an agricultural product, a food product, a pharmaceutical product, a biotechnology product, etc. The process comprises providing a material; providing an oscillatory flow-reversing impingement gaseous media having predetermined frequency; providing a gas-distributing system designed to emit the oscillatory flow-reversing impingement gas onto the material; and impinging the oscillatory flow-reversing gas onto the material, thereby removing moisture from the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Keith Stipp
  • Patent number: 6470598
    Abstract: An adjustable deckel profiler is disclosed, for use in apparatus for drying a moving paper web. The profiler is a slidable member which interacts with impingement air to control and adjust the air against the moving web. Means are provided for adjusting and setting the profiler relative to cross machine drying air profiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri Inc.
    Inventor: Volker J. Ringer
  • Patent number: 6470599
    Abstract: A climbing shoe includes an inner sole, an outer sole and a molded middle sole between the inner sole and the outer sole. The middle sole is concave in shape. The outer sole conforms to the concave shape of the middle sole. The concave shape allows the outer sole to hook on a rocky ledge. The molded middle sole provides a structure that causes the concave outer sole to substantially maintain the concave shape when pressure is applied to the outer sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Young Chu
  • Patent number: 6470600
    Abstract: The martial arts shoe is comprised of a sole and an upper attached thereon. The sole has a raised rim. A rib is attached to the sole on an outer side of the shoe for providing better grip and for protecting the outer edge of the foot. A rigid insert is embedded in the rim for additional protection. The rim has gaps on the sides near the front to enable a toe portion of the sole to bend back more fully for front kicks. A tread pattern on the bottom of the sole includes suction cups along the outer edge for grip, transverse grooves at the toe area for grip, longitudinal grooves behind the toe area for fore and aft sliding, and concentric circular grooves at the ball and heel areas for pivoting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy Louie
  • Patent number: 6470601
    Abstract: A watch-containing shoe for allowing the user to know the time without having to carry or wear a watch. The watch-containing shoe includes a shoe having a top portion and side portions and including a tongue member having a top, a first end and a second end which is securely attached to the top portion; and also includes a watch being securely attached to the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Robert W. Zane
  • Patent number: 6470602
    Abstract: An improved single-stage snow thrower including a wheeled frame assembly for supporting the snow thrower upon a ground surface and a driven impeller capable of being placed in ground contact to forwardly propel the snow thrower across the ground surface. A handle assembly including a user interface is further provided to permit the operator to selectively control the normal force associated with the driven impeller, and thus selectively control the propulsive drive force of the snow thrower. A bail control assembly may be provided upon the handle to permit the operator to selectively control a downward movement of the impeller to selectively control the degree of impeller ground contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Donald M. White, III, Thomas J. Beckey, John T. Gill
  • Patent number: 6470603
    Abstract: A walk behind self-propelled crawler snowplow includes a snowplow mechanism driven by an engine via a belt drive power transmission mechanism, and an overload protection device associated with the belt drive power transmission mechanism for protecting the engine against overload. The overload protection device comprises a tension sensor for detecting the tension in an endless belt and generating an electric overload signal to disengage an electromagnetic clutch in the belt drive power transmission mechanism when a belt tension greater than a predetermined value is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jitsumi Hanafusa, Masanori Takeishi, Kenji Kuroiwa
  • Patent number: 6470604
    Abstract: A snowplow attachment for mounting to the front end of a vehicle that includes both a push blade operable during forward movement of vehicle and a pull blade operable during reverse movement of the vehicle. The pull blade drops down in front of the push blade such that pushed snow can then be pulled back. The snowplow can get up close to permanent structures such as buildings and remove snow therefrom. During the push mode, the pull blade is raised to avoid interference with pushed snow. The snowplow can include side plates located on the ends of the blades for containing the snow and prevent snow from escaping out the sides, thereby increasing the volume of snow moved by the plow during one sweep. According to one embodiment, the snowplow includes a push blade assembly that is adapted to mount directly on the vehicle and a movable pull blade carried by the push blade assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Farmers' Factory Company
    Inventors: Gerald T. Foster, Paul Burton, Robert W. Norton
  • Patent number: 6470605
    Abstract: A reduction system using water pressure and vacuum excavation and including a water supply tank, water pump, vacuum pump, slurry collection tank, a system for tilting the collection tank, handheld reduction tool, and a drive system. The reduction tool, or wand, is used to deliver high pressure fluid, such as water, to the ground in order to loosen soil directly in front of the tool. The tool includes diametrically opposed nozzles which are angled with respect to one another such that pressurized water delivered from the nozzles is directed in a fashion to slice the ground in a generally spiral or helical fashion as the tool is pressed downward into the ground. As the soil is loosened by the pressurized water delivered from the nozzles, the loosened soil is sucked away to form a hole in the ground, and such loosened soil (a slurry when mixed with the water) passes upwardly through the tool in a vacuum air-flow created by the vacuum pump and is deposited in the slurry collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: John William Gilman, Edward Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6470606
    Abstract: A vehicle such as bull-dozer provided with a blade comprises a vehicle body having an operation room and is provided with a forward portion monitoring apparatus such as television camera set for picking up an image of a forward portion of a blade, and a display device on which an image of the forward portion of the blade monitored by the forward monitoring apparatus is displayed and the displayed image is observed in an operation room of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuichi Nagahiro, Toshio Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6470607
    Abstract: A method is provided for constructing an underground wall in a trench, include using multiple chains on an endless chain cutter and individually controlling the speed and/or direction of the chains, various configurations of cutter bits and agitator bars on the chains, a technique for assembling the endless chain cutter in a horizontal position outside of a starter trench, then erecting the endless chain cutter to a vertical position in the starter trench. A guide frame straddles the starter trench. The endless chain cutter is repeatedly moved within the guide frame, then the guide frame is re-positioned until the entire length of the trench has been excavated. A central portion of the trench may be cut deeper than outer portions to create interlocking joints between adjacent wall sections and added stability for the resulting wall. Side gap barriers seal gaps between the sides of the endless chain cutter and side walls of the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: SCC Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Osamu Taki
  • Patent number: 6470608
    Abstract: A networking card has a plurality of pages for bearing at least one of a greeting or other message, a drawing and an object added to the networking card by successive recipients of the networking card. The networking card can be purchased by an initial sender. That person can add a message to a first page of the card and then send it to a first recipient. The first recipient in turn can add his or her own message to the networking card, for example on a second page of the networking card, and then send the card on to a second recipient. The process can be repeated until for example all of the pages have been used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Brian J. P. H. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6470609
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for promoting the sale of a showerhead enables a prospective customer to evaluate the showerhead in a relaxed setting and separate from competing showerheads, while at the same time providing in a fixed, permanent, readily viewed location the information necessary to contact the manufacturer or seller of the showerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Dannenbaum
  • Patent number: 6470610
    Abstract: A retroreflective sign includes a rigid sign board and a retroreflective sheeting having a structured surface. The structured surface has cube corner elements formed therein, and is bonded to a surface of the sign board to define a plurality of cells. The cells protect the cube corner elements from moisture and dirt, which could adversely impact the retroreflective performance of the film. By sealing the structured surface directly to the sign board, rather than to an intermediate seal film and then to the sign board, a simpler prefabricated sign construction is achieved. In some embodiments, interconnected raised sections are used to define the seal cells. The raised sections can be incorporated into the structured surface of the retroreflective sheeting or into the surface of the sign board. Methods for making the disclosed sign boards are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Paul J. Northey
  • Patent number: 6470611
    Abstract: A two-position vertically adjustable sign system is used for mounting display media to an associated vertically oriented rack or shelf. The adjustable sign system includes a frame having upper and lower frame members for supporting the media. The system further includes mounting brackets for mounting to the shelf or rack. Each bracket defines an opening therein and has an engaging wall that extends from a rear portion of the bracket inwardly of the opening. A slide beam is associated with each mounting bracket, and is fixedly connected to the frame at the upper and lower frame members. Each beam is slidingly received in its respective mounting bracket opening for vertically adjusting the frame between a display position and a storage position. The beams each include an engaging flange extending from a rear portion thereof for engagement with its respective bracket engaging wall to maintain the frame in the display position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Cormark, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Conway, Scott Padiak
  • Patent number: 6470612
    Abstract: An assembly and method for mounting two panels where a first member is mounted to, into or from a support, a second member is threaded to said mounted first member, and a third member is threaded to said second member when it is already threadingly engaged to said mounted first member, wherein said second member has a portion extending through a hole in a first panel and into said first member so as to retain between the first and second member the first panel and wherein the third member has a portion extending through a hole in a first panel and into said second member so as to retain between the first and second member the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Dynamic Marketing Group Limited
    Inventor: David Grenville Pountney
  • Patent number: 6470613
    Abstract: A label holder for mounting on a shelf channel having an intermediate portion with front and rear surfaces and upper and lower forwardly-projecting flanges, has front and back panels and a shelf channel clip extending from the back panel. A base portion of the shelf channel clip extends from a middle point of the back panel. A shelf channel lower flange-engaging projection extends rearwardly from a rear surface of a lower flange-engaging portion and contacts an upper surface of the lower flange of the shelf channel, and is sized and shaped to limit downward movement of the label holder with respect to the shelf channel. A shelf channel rear surface-engaging portion contacts the rear surface of the intermediate portion of the shelf channel at a point between the upper and lower flanges of the shelf channel. A forwardly-facing C-shaped portion of the shelf channel rear surface-engaging portion has an opening facing the rear surface of the intermediate portion of the shelf channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Trion Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Wildrick
  • Patent number: 6470614
    Abstract: A cartridge follower for pushing against cartridges in a tubular magazine of a shotgun. A front face of the follower has at least one forwardly protruding member offset from the center of the front face to be tactilely distinguished from a cartridge in the magazine, but which cannot contact a central primer of a backwards cartridge. A method for determining whether a shotgun is empty includes providing such a follower in the magazine, inserting a finger into the outfeed end of a magazine, and attempting to feel the protruding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: David A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6470615
    Abstract: An insert for a firearm having a large diameter portion extending a predetermined axial distance into a breech and a small diameter portion adapted to fit within the chamber of a barrel. The predetermined axial length of the larger diameter portion has a length long enough to prevent a hammer from striking a firing pin and short enough so that the hammer can be cocked and released by the trigger. In an embodiment a lock means prevents the insert from being removed from the firearm without authority. In another embodiment, a handle is used as a flag or for cocking. The firearm may be dry-fired for practice purposes without striking the firing pin. The insert is also readily visible so that a quick inspection of the firearm will confirm that the firearm is in a safe state. The present invention may be made to accommodate many different firearms and may also be used to safely dry-fire a firearm. The insert of the present invention also provides more realistic dry firing, greatly improving the effect of training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: William H. Peterken
  • Patent number: 6470616
    Abstract: A flex-plate adapter for a takedown firearm has front and rear sections. The rear section includes adjustment screws to change the gap between the front and rear sections. Guide pins are included for assuring proper alignment between the front and rear sections. The adjustable gap between the front and rear sections of the flex-plate adapter provides compensation for thread wear. A magazine cutoff provides a manual cutoff for retaining ammunition in the magazine whether the rifle is assembled or disassembled. A cutoff lock prevents the accidental movement of the magazine cutoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: David Richard Clay
  • Patent number: 6470617
    Abstract: A folding firearm comprises a stock supporting a receiver, the receiver defining a bore for receiving a first end of the firearm barrel. A forearm is operably pivotally connected to the stock. The forearm includes a barrel securing mechanism having a securement member. The firearm barrel has a surface adjacent to the first end for engaging the securement member. The securement member is matingly engageable with the surface of the barrel. The securement member, in response to pivotal movement by the forearm, moves into engagement with the surface to urge the first end of the barrel into the bore of the receiver when the firearm is pivoted into a firing position. The firearm also includes a locking mechanism capable of selectively locking the forearm in the firing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas M. Gregory, Robert A. Kincaid
  • Patent number: 6470618
    Abstract: A cartridge shell casing collector and method therefor capable of allowing a user to easily collect shell casings discharged from a gun without having to bend over or come into direct physical contact with the discharged cartridge shell casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: David A. White
  • Patent number: 6470619
    Abstract: A scent dispensing device for luring an animal to a hunter. The scent dispensing device includes a housing. The housing has a top portion and a bottom portion. The top and bottom portions are removably securable to each other such that a lumen is defined between the top and bottom portions. The bottom portion has an opening therein. The housing has an aperture therein. A rod is positioned in the housing. A nub extends away from and is integrally coupled to an end of the rod. The nub extends through the opening. A crank means for rotatinig the rod with respect to the housing is coupled to the nub. A flexible elongate member has a first end and second end. The first end is coupled to the rod. The second end of the flexible elongate member extends through said aperture. Scented fluid is placed in the lumen so that the flexible elongate member is coated with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Troy L. Snyder, Pamela E. Snyder