Patents Issued in November 12, 2002
  • Patent number: 6477749
    Abstract: A magnetic tack for fastening items to a metal magnetic surface. The magnetic tack includes a knob connected to a body consisting of a plate, a magnet and a non-magnetic cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Lodestone Fasteners, LLC
    Inventor: Howard J. Reiter
  • Patent number: 6477750
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surface fastener having a high durability, in which an engaging element yarn for forming loop-like or hook-like engaging elements is fixed firmly to a foundation fabric in a simple configuration. In a surface fastener foundation fabric woven with warps and wefts, the engaging element yarns for forming the loop-like, hook-like or mushroom-like engaging elements are woven into the foundation fabric at a predetermined interval, and cross-woven warps are woven with the engaging element yarns to fix the engaging element yarns to the foundation fabric at before and after each of loop portions of the engaging element yarns. Further, warps of thermal melting yarns are used as the cross-woven warps which are melted so that the engaging element yarns may be welded to the foundation fabric. Consequently, a surface fastener having good feeling and is excellent in strength and flexibility is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhisa Okawa, Norinaka Hirokawa
  • Patent number: 6477751
    Abstract: A securing member or tether clip for swagging a table cloth, fabric or other similar material, has a base for gathering the table cloth to form a swag. The base includes a first end and a second end. A first arm is swingably connected to the first end of the base. A male member is connected the first arm, the male member has a neck and a head connected to the neck. A catch extends the arm. A second arm is swingably connected to the second end of the base. A female member is connected to the second arm for receiving the male member. A first hinge is connected between the first arm and the base. A second hinge is connected between the second arm and the base. A hook and loop fastener includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to the clip. An augmenting attachment is connected to the second portion of the hook and loop fastener. The second portion connects the attachment to the first portion of the hook and loop fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: David Baumdicker, Susan E. Baumdicker
  • Patent number: 6477752
    Abstract: A lock (1) for a necklace, bracelet or such ornament, which lock is provided with a carbine hook (2) defining an eye-shaped space and with an end eye (3), which carbine hook (2) is provided with a hook portion (4) and a locking portion (5), which locking portion (5), in an open position of this locking portion, extends at least partly into the eye-shaped space (R) so that a passage (D) is formed in the carbine hook eye, through which passage the end eye (3) is movable to fix the end eye (3) to the carbine hook (2), to which end eye (3) a safety element is fixed, which locking portion, in an operative position of the end eye (3) relative to the carbine hook (2), cannot be brought into the open position, which safety element, in a swung position of the end eye (3) relative to the carbine hook (2), is moved out of the eye-shaped space (R) so that the locking portion can be brought into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Nicolaas van der Greft
  • Patent number: 6477753
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved buckle for a vehicle safety restraint from which more accurate and reliable information on seat belt usage can be obtained. The buckle comprises a buckle head with a passageway for receiving a buckle tongue, and releasable means for locking the tongue in the passageway. A tag such as a coded magnetic strip or a microchip is provided encapsulated in the material of the tongue and a detector is provided in the buckle head in close proximity to the tongue passageway. A detector is provided to suitably read the tag code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David Burke
  • Patent number: 6477754
    Abstract: A decorative device adapted to be slideably attached to a shoelace at its lowermost, horizontally transverse portion as it engages the eyelets of a shoe includes a structure foldably adjustable between open and closed states. The structure has a window top portion, a middle portion having display material, and a securing bottom portion. In the close state, the top, middle and bottom portions are in overlying disposition, causing the display material to be visible through the window portion, and forming paired passageways for engaging the shoelace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Raymond H. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6477755
    Abstract: A gear burnishing system has a pre-checking station for determining an amount of burnishing processing needed by the gear to be burnished, and a gear burnishing station for performing the burnishing operation on the gear according to parameters set by the pre-checking station. In a preferred embodiment, the pre-checking station determines the condition of the gear within one of a plurality of pre-set ranges for the burnishing operation. In this manner, appropriate gear burnishing parameters can be applied depending on the actual condition of the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Sil Han
  • Patent number: 6477756
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing a split-ring on a sink flange to install a garbage disposer unit includes a first cylindrical member that is disposed co-axially with respect to a second cylindrical member. The cylindrical members are adapted for at least limited longitudinal movement with respect to each other. The first cylindrical member is used to temporarily retain the split-ring in an expanded position proximate an annular groove that is provided in the sink flange. The second cylindrical member is used to displace the split-ring off of the first cylindrical member and onto the annular groove of the sink flange where it is needed to complete installation of the garbage disposer. According to a preferred embodiment the first and second cylindrical members are not attached to each other and final installation of the snap-ring to the sink flange is accomplished by applying a downward pressure to the sink flange from above the sink while supporting the device from below the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Edward Orton Newcomer
  • Patent number: 6477757
    Abstract: A pressing tool for the unreleasable connection of two tubes comprises a pressing loop consisting of at least two segments and a tongs-type pressing clamp. The segments situated in the closing areas of the pressing loop and the free ends of the two halves of the pressing clamp are equipped with mutually corresponding coupling devices having a hinge-type construction. Thus, the pressing clamp can be swivelled with respect to the plane of the pressing loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Franz Viegener II GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Walter Viegener
  • Patent number: 6477758
    Abstract: The grease filter remover is a device that by working the handle the head pivots moving the stationary fingers. Moving the handle up and out will pivot top of head inward moving lower fingers out and top fingers in. Moving handle down and inward will pivot bottom of head inward moving lower finger inward and top of finger outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald J. Krebel
  • Patent number: 6477759
    Abstract: A method is provided for processing a handle tool. Raw material formed into the hand tool is firstly hardened by heat treatment. A surface of the hand tool is polished after hardening. A layer of metal is deposited on the surface of the polished hand tool to provide an anti-rust effect and/or anti-corrosion effect. A local area of the layer of metal deposition on the surface of the hand tool that is grasped during use is sanded to provide an anti-slide section. A numerical size area of the hand tool is covered by a local sanding mask before local sanding to thereby form a clear numerical size mark in the local area after local sanding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 6477761
    Abstract: A thin metal sheet is laminated to form in advance a plurality of core units (of a circular cylinder shape) having the thickness of 1/N (N is a natural number of more than 2) of a predetermined thickness in the laminating direction and this plurality of core units is laminated again for securing so that the whole stator does not cause any mode of oscillation in the diametric direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ohashi, Yoshihito Asao, Toshiaki Kashihara, Kyoko Higashino, Katsumi Adachi
  • Patent number: 6477762
    Abstract: In the described device a wire (18), which is fed in by a wire guide (20), is wound on a shaping body (10) provided with recesses (16), of a rotatably driveable template (10, 12) and, in the course of the rotation of the latter, is cyclically pushed into the recesses (16) by radially movable outer shaping elements (12). Subsequently the wave-shaped wire windings are transferred into longitudinal slits of a coil receiver (34), which is positioned axially in front of the shaping body (10) and is essentially maintained fixed against relative rotation during the winding movement. In order to obtain complete wave windings over the circumference in a simple manner, it is provided that the shaping of the end of the last winding of a wave winding is finished in the allocated recess (16) by means of an additional inward movement of at least one of the shaping elements (12) in a different angle of rotation position of the template (10, 12) than during the cyclically performed shaping movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Elmotec Statomat Vertriebs GmbH
    Inventor: Sadik Sadiku
  • Patent number: 6477763
    Abstract: A method for making a wire-wound rotating part for an electrically driven machine, wherein a sheet metal pack and a commutator spaced therefrom are attached to a shaft, and conductive strands are wound around the sheet pack and the commutator to form a generally ring shaped winding. The method further comprises axially compressing the winding and simultaneously moving the commutator closer to the sheet pack. The method is particularly useful for making electric fans for motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Eduardo Santander, Jean-Michel Pigeau, Dominique Templer, Pierre-François Desesquelles
  • Patent number: 6477764
    Abstract: A computer hard drive assembly device is described which can include a turntable, a motor, and a control. The turntable can include a platform configured to secure computer hard drive components to the turntable. The motor can be coupled to the turntable by a rotating drive shaft which allows the motor to rotate the turntable. The control can be coupled to the motor and is coupled to engage the motor. A method for computer hard drive assembly using the device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Banta Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Dine, Francis A. Guidry
  • Patent number: 6477765
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a method of fabricating a thin film magnetic write transducer and the resulting write transducer structure. The method starts with the formation of a bottom pole of the write transducer on a base layer or substrate. This is followed by the formation of a write gap layer, formation of a coil, and formation a coil insulating layer. A thin top pole inner layer is then deposited over the entire structure. Next, a thick top pole outer layer is formed over the top pole inner layer. Preferably, the top pole outer layer is formed by plating through a photoresist mask that defines the top pole shape. Finally, the top pole inner layer is milled using the top pole outer layer as a mask. The top pole produced by this method has parallel sidewalls that are helpful in writing narrow data tracks. Use of the photoresist mask during plating of the top pole outer layer and ion milling of the top pole inner layer provides good dimensional control of the top pole's width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Charles Herrera
  • Patent number: 6477766
    Abstract: An axial type electronic component inserting apparatus is provided for inserting into holes of a board a pair of lead wires of each of axial type electronic components connected by a tape at regular intervals. A first kind of the components have a larger tape interval and a second kind of the components have a smaller tape interval. The apparatus includes a pair of centering chucks having recesses for contacting both sides of the body of the component, and being movable in a symmetrical manner with respect to the center to adjust the body of the component from both sides of the main body while the recesses come in contact with both sides of the body of the component, thus resulting in centering of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Imai, Hideaki Watanabe, Hiromi Kinoshita, Dai Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6477767
    Abstract: A method for removing a braiding layer of a coaxial cable which includes a core conductor; a layer of insulator coated over the core conductor; a layer of braiding layer encapsulated the insulator; and 4) an outer insulator, comprises the steps of a) removing a section of the outer insulator to expose a section of the braiding layer; b) dipping the section of the braiding layer into a solder bath such that the braiding layer is coated with a layer of solder to form a consolidated section; c) scoring a cut along traverse section of the consolidated section and dividing the consolidated section into first and second portions; d) bending the consolidated section along the cut to break the first and second portions; and e) removing the first portion and exposing the inner insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jim Zhao
  • Patent number: 6477768
    Abstract: A method for establishing an electrical connection between a first contact surface and a second contact surface, with a wire-bonding tool being used to provide a contact wire between the contact surfaces by bonding the contact wire to the first contact surface and subsequently leading it to the second contact surface, bonding it to the latter, and subsequently separating it using the wire-bonding tool. After the contact wire has been separated from the second contact surface, the wire-bonding tool is used to provide the contact point with an additional contact securing element via the contact wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ingolf Wildner
  • Patent number: 6477769
    Abstract: A method for assembling an impedance controlled connector using conventional connector shells and inserts and corresponding connector pins and sockets. Controlled impedance cables are prepared and physically arranged for termination in a conventional connector shell in a configuration which enhances the impedance control characteristic of the assembled connector. Assembly of the connector is effected using conventional materials and tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Lamatsch, Gerard A. Drewek, JoAnn M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6477770
    Abstract: A method of forming a drip loop in a cable. One method includes trapping a first portion of the cable between a first cable retaining portion of a bracket and an object and forming an arc in a second portion of the cable. A third portion of the cable is trapped between a second cable retaining portion of the bracket and the object to retain the arc in the second portion of the cable. Other methods include forming arcs in one or more cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Dickens
  • Patent number: 6477771
    Abstract: A terminal crimping apparatus (21) comprises a lower crimper (23) for supporting the lower side of a flat part (6) of an electrically connecting terminal (42); an upper crimper (25) arranged above and opposite to the lower crimper (23) and having molding faces (25a, 25b) for bending to deform the point portions of piercing parts (7, 8) opposite each other by relatively moving toward the lower crimper (23); terminal guides arranged as being movable along and relative to the outer sides of the piercing parts (7, 8) of the electrically connecting terminal (42) disposed on the lower crimper (23) so as to control the piercing parts (7, 8) from falling; and circuit body holders (32, 33) arranged above and opposite to the terminal guides (27, 28) for elastically holding the flat circuit body (1) in cooperation with the terminal guides (27, 28) while the upper crimper (25) moves toward the lower crimper (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Asakura, Yasumichi Kuwayama, Masanori Onuma
  • Patent number: 6477772
    Abstract: A method for mounting a load sensing proportion valve assembly of an automobile includes the steps of securing the crank member of the assembly to a side of a rotating shaft, which rotatably attaches the crank member to the proportioning valve of the assembly, using a first connecting member having a first rotating direction. Thereafter, a rod, which is connected to the rear axle housing of the automobile, is connected to the crank member through a slit formed in the crank member using a second connecting member having a second rotating direction. Finally, the first connecting member is removed so as to allow the crank member to be rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Co.
    Inventor: Sang-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 6477773
    Abstract: The steam cooling circuit for a gas turbine includes a bore tube assembly supplying steam to circumferentially spaced radial tubes coupled to supply elbows for transitioning the radial steam flow in an axial direction along steam supply tubes adjacent the rim of the rotor. The supply tubes supply steam to circumferentially spaced manifold segments located on the aft side of the 1-2 spacer for supplying steam to the buckets of the first and second stages. Spent return steam from these buckets flows to a plurality of circumferentially spaced return manifold segments disposed on the forward face of the 1-2 spacer. Crossover tubes couple the steam supply from the steam supply manifold segments through the 1-2 spacer to the buckets of the first stage. Crossover tubes through the 1-2 spacer also return steam from the buckets of the second stage to the return manifold segments. Axially extending return tubes convey spent cooling steam from the return manifold segments to radial tubes via return elbows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ian D. Wilson, Ronald R. Wesorick
  • Patent number: 6477774
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for initially performing a heat treatment process on a closed channel structural member to facilitate the subsequent performance of a magnetic pulse welding process so as to manufacture a vehicle frame component or a portion of a vehicle frame assembly. Initially, a workpiece is provided that is preferably formed from a closed channel structural member having a circular or box-shaped cross sectional shape. The workpiece is subjected to a scanning heat treatment process, wherein the workpiece is heat treated in a continuous and longitudinal manner from one end to the other. Preferably, the workpiece is supported vertically during the scanning heat treatment process to prevent the shape thereof from becoming distorted. The scanning heat treatment process is preferably a retrogression heat treatment process, wherein the workpiece is rapidly heated to a sufficient temperature that provides for full or partial softening thereof, followed by relatively rapid cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Marando, John L. Kichline, Jr., Richard L. Stuck
  • Patent number: 6477775
    Abstract: A device for opening a sealed container, the device comprising, a first arm having a proximal and distal end, a second arm having a proximal and distal end, a cutting device, and at least one guiding device, wherein the guiding device is disposed on one of the first and second arms. Furthermore, the guiding device is adapted to receive a double seam of a sealed container, thereby preventing the device from slipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: Dale Scribner, John Schwaner
  • Patent number: 6477776
    Abstract: A pair of rotational peeling pliers. The pliers include an upper and lower half part and an adjustment member, wherein, the middle sections of the upper and lower half parts are connected to form an upper and a lower clamping arm on the front section as well as an upper and lower handle on the rear section of the pliers. The upper clamping arm has a knife, and the lower clamping arm has wire recesses. When one of the recesses is filled by a wire, and the upper and lower clamping arms are pressed to get close to each other, the knife cuts into an outer insulation layer on the wire to peel it. The adjustment member includes a fixing seat, the knife and an adjustment portion. The fixing seat is inserted in the receiving groove with the bottom thereof fixedly clamping the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hanlong Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Beam-Chi Jee
  • Patent number: 6477777
    Abstract: A foldable pocket knife with an attached backbone. The backbone is pivotally attached to the handle of the knife. A finger hole is located in the rear of the backbone and used to pull the knife from a user's pocket and flip the blade to an exposed opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph A. Oliveri
  • Patent number: 6477778
    Abstract: A variety of sighting device embodiments for use on projectile type weapons including a scope type sight for archery and barrel supporting sights for guns. Some sights utilize a predetermined length of a light gathering flourescent fiber having a distal end at which gathered light is focused. The fiber or fibers are arranged in various configurations and/or pairs in predetermined relations for exposing the ends in a sighting plane visible to the user of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Tru-Glo, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. Lorocco
  • Patent number: 6477779
    Abstract: A translatable archery bow sight assembly that allows the sight to be vertically adjusted with a rotating shaft located within a vertically oriented carriage thereby protecting the shaft, rotation of the shaft causing a sight bracket to raise and lower whereby the sight bracket is adapted for receiving a sight pin, the shaft being rotated by a knob, and the knob including a polymeric bushing in contact with the carriage, the archery bow sight assembly including a stop means for retarding the movement of the pin, the stop means, for example, being surface features included in the knob such as notches which mate with a ball and a spring located within a bore in the carriage. The sight bracket is closely fitted around the carriage and includes bracket sleeves and rubber gaskets to insure a tight fit between the sight bracket and carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Toxonics Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott O. Slates
  • Patent number: 6477780
    Abstract: A archery bow sight for facilitating the user's ability to focus on the target and the aiming pin at the same time without losing focus on either subject. The archery bow sight includes a sight tube for viewing into by the dominant eye of the user. The sight tube is elongate, with a first end for orienting toward a user and a second end being for orienting toward a target. The sight tube comprises a perimeter wall defining a lumen extending between the first and second ends of the sight tube. A light pin assembly is provided for creating a point of light on a light tip in the lumen being viewable through the first end of the sight tube for aligning with a targe. The second end of the lumen of the sight tube is substantially entirely closed against light transmission therethrough for preventing light transmission through the second end of the sight tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Robert C. Aldred
  • Patent number: 6477781
    Abstract: There is shown a spirit level device having a basic body element and a bubble element which pivots around an axis in its inclination towards the basic body element. An adjusting bubble element is fixed at the basic body element so that the middle part thereof is aligned parallel to the axis. The basic body element has an essentially L-formed profile whereby the adjusting bubble element is on one side which is angled at 90° in respect of the angle side, and the pivotable bubble element is on the other side of the angle of the basic body element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Hans P Blatt
  • Patent number: 6477782
    Abstract: A gauge device and the associated method of using the gauge device to set the cut angles of a carpenter's mitering tools. The device includes a handle that has a longitudinal axis. A first arm is pivotably connected to the handle. The first arm has at least one straight edge. The straight edge of the first arm creates a first angle relative the longitudinal axis of the handle. A second arm is also pivotably connected to the handle. The second arm has a straight edge that creates a second angle relative the longitudinal axis of the handle. A spanning mechanism is provided that selectively maintains symmetry between the first angle of the first arm and the second angle of the second arm. The second arm is selectively detachable from the spanning mechanism and is movable to a retracted position. The second arm is retracted when the gauge device is used to set the cutting angle on a mitering tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Howe
  • Patent number: 6477783
    Abstract: An angle measuring device for use in a gyratory compactor. The device is a self-contained unit which is placed in the bottom of the mold and the asphalt or other material being compacted is placed on top of it. Inside the device is a carrier which has two vertically aligned probes which project out from it and touch the walls of the mold. One probe is fixed to the carrier; the other can move independently of the carrier. The difference in extension between the two probes is related to the angle of compaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Transportation
    Inventors: Thomas Philip Harman, Paul Andrew Fuchs, Jr., Thomas Emil Brovold
  • Patent number: 6477784
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine including a support platform for supporting an object. Scanning means is supported by the support platform. The scanning means includes a probe assembly and a non-contact scanner. Drive means is connected to at least one of the probe assembly and the non-contact scanner for moving the probe assembly and non-contact scanner relative to each other. The probe assembly includes a probe movably disposed in a guide tube. The probe includes a shaft and a tip integrally formed from either a fiber-optic or non-fiber-optic material. The tip extends from the guide tube so as to be detectable by the non-contact scanner. The tip may include one or more stylus. During operation the tip contacts the object and the non-contact scanner detects the tip to determine the corresponding coordinates of the object. A light source illuminates the tip for improved detection of the tip. When the probe is formed of a fiber-optic material, light is emitted through the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Mycrona GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Schroeder, Frank Brossette, Stefan Hombach
  • Patent number: 6477785
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a measuring tape having a quick and effort-saving retracting device, comprising a front casing, a rear casing, a measuring tape axle base, a reverse axle, a reverse gear, a fastener, a gear casing, and a driving axle rod; more particularly a measuring tape that provides a retraction for a long-distance measurement and a device having a quick and effort-saving effect for enhancing the practicability of a measuring tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Cheng-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 6477786
    Abstract: Liquid is removed from batches of substrates by apparatus and methods for drying substrates that have been wet in an elongated liquid bath. The substrates are moved relative to the bath and an elongated gas-filled volume at rates of movement selected according to the location of the batches of substrates in the bath or the volume. As an example, the substrates and the bath are separated at a controlled rate to form a thin layer of liquid on each substrate as each substrate enters the gas-filled volume. The gas-filled volume is defined by an elongated hot chamber and hot gas directed into the volume and across the substrates and out of the volume continuously transfers thermal energy to the substrates . The flow rate of the gas into the volume is related to introduction of the substrates into the bath to avoid disturbing the liquid in the bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignees: Lam Research Corporation, Oliver Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver David Jones, Kenneth C. McMahon, Jonathan Borkowski, Scott Petersen, Donald Stephens, Yassin Mehmandoust, James M. Olivas
  • Patent number: 6477787
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating and cooling a substrate are provided. A chamber is provided that comprises a heating mechanism adapted to heat a substrate positioned proximate the heating mechanism, a cooling mechanism spaced from the heating mechanism and adapted to cool a substrate positioned proximate the cooling mechanism, and a transfer mechanism adapted to transfer a substrate between the position proximate the heating mechanism and the position proximate the cooling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ratson Morad, Ho Seon Shin, Robin Cheung, Igor Kogan
  • Patent number: 6477788
    Abstract: A shoe includes an upper with a gaiter which has a top end, a bottom end, and two opposite lateral sides interconnecting the top and bottom ends. The gaiter further includes, adjacent to the lateral sides thereof, fasteners to engage one another so as to place the gaiter in a closed position. A zipper has a first zipper strap attached to an inner surface of the gaiter between the lateral sides and between the top and bottom ends of the gaiter and spaced from the bottom end of the gaiter. A second zipper strap to complement with the first zipper strap is attached to the upper adjacent to the top end of the upper. The zipper is therefore concealed within the gaiter and is prevented from contacting external debris, mud, sand or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Eddie Chen
  • Patent number: 6477789
    Abstract: A shoe insole has a plurality of superimposed, thin, apertured, mesh and/or fabric layers at its front end region, and a heel-operated pump for pumping air through openings in the apertured layers. The layers occupy a minimal height and easily fit within footwear having a low overhead toe region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Cheng
  • Patent number: 6477790
    Abstract: A water-resistant and floatable footwear and method of manufacture therefor are provided, the footwear comprising a sole including an outsole and insole, an upper member affixed to the sole, wherein said footwear is floatable in water. In particular, the insole of the footwear is constructed of the material “marine buoy;” that is, the insole has an inner structure and an outer coating, the inner structure being constructed of a thermoplastic resin and the outer coating being constructed of a vinyl polymer. The footwear is advantageously water-proof and provides buoyancy in water. The upper members of the footwear may also be constructed of the marine buoy material and they may be configured as a continuous strap or flaps that are detachably attached to each other. The outsole of the footwear may be configured in close conformity with the insole, or it may include a peripheral border extending upwardly and around the insole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: Mary K. Boncutter, Wilson Chao Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 6477791
    Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole with a stability element constructed of a material and configured for controlling, in a preselected manner, the rotation of the forefoot portion of the article of footwear around the longitudinal axis with respect to the rearfoot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: adidas International B.V.
    Inventors: Simon Luthi, Frans Xavier Karl Kalin, Jeffrey E. Gebhard, Charles D. Kraeuter
  • Patent number: 6477792
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vapor-permeable composite insole, comprising the steps of gluing at least one pad of vapor-permeable textile material to a respective work area of a first layer of flexible material, and applying a second layer of relatively soft material to area or areas of the first layer, not affected by the pad or pads. The method comprises also the step of obtaining at least one through opening at the or each work area of the first layer. The step of gluing at least one pad to a respective work area of the first layer is realized on at least a work area located at the ball or sole portion of said insole. A composite insole obtainable with such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Stonefly S.p.A.
    Inventor: Adriano Sartor
  • Patent number: 6477793
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for promoting an ergonomically proper leg and foot posture while cycling are disclosed. A cycling shoe has a rigid outsole with a heel portion, a forefoot portion forward of the heel portion, a toe portion forward of the forefoot portion, an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface has a pedal contact area underlying the forefoot portion. The pedal contact area defines a base plane, and the upper surface of the outsole is sloped laterally with respect to the base plane along substantially the entire width of the forefoot portion, at a predetermined varus-compensation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Pruitt, Carl Bird, Luke Fryer
  • Patent number: 6477794
    Abstract: The invention relates to a planing device mounted on machines for processing ice. The inventive device is used in the area of the ice surface located close to the barrier and comprises a blade which is mounted with the carrier thereof on the lateral wall of the planing side that is provided on the machine. The planing device rests with an edge on the ice surface. The invention is characterized in that the blade can be moved from a lifted non-operating position into the working position by means of a driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Toronto GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6477795
    Abstract: An excavator data acquisition and control system and process for characterizing the subsurface geology of an excavation site, and for utilizing the acquired data to optimize the production performance of an excavator is disclosed. A geologic imaging system and a geographic positioning system are employed to initially survey a predetermined excavation site or route. A geologic characterization unit may also be employed to enhance the geologic imaging data. The acquired data are processed to provide detailed geologic and position data for the excavation site and utilized by a main control unit to optimize excavator production performance. In one embodiment, the main control unit accesses a geologic filter database, which includes geologic profile data for numerous types of geology, when analyzing unknown subsurface geology. Removing geological filter data content corresponding to known geology from the acquired geologic imaging data provides for immediate recognition of unknown and suspect subsurface objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Greg Stump
  • Patent number: 6477796
    Abstract: A tip of a tooth assembly for a ground engaging implement or bucket is constructed with a necked down portion to provide the tip with a reduced cross-section sufficient to cause the tip to fail at the necked down portion when the tip is subjected to a sufficiently large vertical load in order to prevent the breakage of an adapter on which the tip is mounted. The tip also has side ears with side surfaces that are disposed at a slight angle relative to their mating side surfaces of the adapter ear pockets so as to diverge away from the side surface of their respective ear pocket. This construction prevents the distal ends of the ears from contacting the side surfaces when the tip experiences high side or lateral loads in order to alleviate lateral loads from being exerted on the distal ends of the ears through lateral contact with the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Erwin D. Cornelius
  • Patent number: 6477797
    Abstract: A method for spreading a laundered rectangular cloth including picking up a portion of the cloth so that the cloth is suspended from the picked portion, and trailing the cloth on a support to position one corner portion, being the trailing end of the cloth, at a predetermined location on the support. After the corner portion has been gripped, the cloth is supported horizontally. The cloth is regripped at two, horizontally spaced apart positions transferred to a conveyor so that a length of one edge of the cloth is straightened and positioned in the downstream end of the conveyor. The straightened edge is grasped and displaced toward a horizontal support bar extending in a direction parallel with the displacing direction to hang the cloth thereon with the opposing short edges being straightened. One of the straightened short edges is fixed to suspend the cloth therefrom in a spread state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Tokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nozomu Takahashi, Hiroshi Anzai
  • Patent number: 6477798
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a license plate to a motor vehicle having a spare tire mounted to a rear panel. The apparatus includes a mounting portion, a display portion and a latch assembly. The mounting portion is adapted to be pivotally interconnected to the motor vehicle for rotation about a pivot axis to selectively provide access to the spare tire. The display portion is carried by the mounting portion and is adapted to be oriented in a substantially vertical plane and spaced apart from a rear surface of the motor vehicle such that the spare tire is mounted to the motor vehicle interbetween the rear surface and the display portion. The latch assembly is operative for releasing/engaging a striker interconnected to the rear panel. The latch assembly is attached to the display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer L Giesey, James S McMahan, Carl J Schultz, Jeffrey M Niemi, Robert P Langer, David B Hansen
  • Patent number: 6477799
    Abstract: A self-orienting logo assembly so that the logo is always in a horizontal orientation. In the preferred embodiments the logo is located on a disk. The disk is weighted or otherwise designed to have its weight distributed nonuniformly. The disk is located inside a housing. The housing is attached to the computer or other equipment bearing the logo. When the housing is located in a vertical plane the disk rotates to allow the logo to remain horizontal. The disk can be rotationally mounted to the housing or can be suspended in liquid. In an alternate embodiment the disk can have a magnet incorporated so that when the disk is in a horizontal orientation it can act as a compass. In another embodiment a portion of the disk is removed and the housing contains an additional logo or wording. The rotation of the disk can then cover or expose the additional logo or wording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P.
    Inventors: Carol Erickson, Kenneth Jansen, David R. Wooten, Guy McSwain, Michael F. Angelo, Keith Lutsch