Patents Issued in December 17, 2002
  • Patent number: 6493891
    Abstract: A combination pillow and tote bag for holding a pillow and other items for easy carrying and transportation. The combination pillow and tote bag includes a tote portion. The tote portion comprises a back panel and a front panel. The front and back panels each have a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges. The bottom edge of the front panel is securely attached to the bottom edge of the back panel. Each of a pair of side panels is securely attached to one of side edges of each of the front and back panels such that a bag is defined. A carrying means for carrying the tote portion comprises a strap having a pair of ends each securely attached to the tote portion. A pillow portion may be removably inserted in the tote portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Lucy J. Livingston
  • Patent number: 6493892
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-purpose tool to perform various functions as one tool. More particularly, there is provided a multi-purpose tool including a number of features for various applications and uses. The tool can be used as a hammer, spanner, pincer, pliers, or a tool for holding and removing a concrete nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Jaeyoul Kang
  • Patent number: 6493893
    Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein relate to a multi-purpose hand-held device. Some of the preferred embodiments describe a multipurpose hand-held implement comprising first and second members connected together to move between a first position, in which they form together an elongated body, and a second position. In one preferred embodiment, a multi-purpose hand-held device is described comprising a stapler and/or punch and other fold-out utensils, wherein a module containing the utensils is preferably incorporated into the stapler-punch component assembly. Other preferred embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Ctech AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 6493894
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sonar transducer (10) for facilitating transmission and reception of sonar signals, particularly at high speeds. The sonar transducer includes a transducer element (12) and a transducer housing (14). The housing includes a bottom wall (34) that is continuously curved with no major portion thereof parallel to the bottom face of the element. The bottom wall has a recessed portion (40) that partially forms an acoustic window for facilitating the transmission and reception of acoustic energy, with the acoustic window having a thickness approximately equal to one half or an integer multiple of one half of the wavelength of the acoustic energy. The bottom is preferably bow-shaped to create a positive angle of attack relative to the oncoming water, thereby promoting a laminar flow that reduces turbulence and cavitation and therefore nearly eliminates undesirable attenuation and reflection of transmitted and received energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Garmin Corporation
    Inventors: John Whiteside, Craig Mehan
  • Patent number: 6493895
    Abstract: A truss for distributing a maximum bending moment normally occurring at a midpoint region of a girder (430) includes a first truss segment member (505) having first and second ends, a second truss segment member (420) having first and second ends, a third truss segment member (510) having first and second ends, a fourth truss segment member (425) having first and second ends, and a fifth truss segment member (415) having first and second ends. The first end of the first truss segment member (505) is attached substantially perpendicular to the girder at a first location near the midpoint region of the girder and the second end of the second truss segment member (420) is attached to the second end of the first truss segment member (505). The first end of the third truss segment member (510) is attached substantially perpendicular to the girder (430) at a second location near the midpoint region of the girder. The first location is located between the second location and the first end of the girder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Zachary M. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6493896
    Abstract: An apparatus for use on a surface and responsive to an operator. A head assembly is adapted to carry a device for engaging the surface. An actuator raises and lowers the head assembly relative to the surface. A position control responsive to operator input indicates a head position of the device relative to the surface or range of head positions of the device relative to the surface. The head position or the range of head positions indicates a distance or range of distances, respectively, between the device and the surface. A controller responsive to the position control selectively actuates the actuator to maintain the device in the head position or within the range of head positions as indicated by the position control. As a result, a repeatable position or range of positions of the brush head is obtained, the relative engagement between the head assembly and surface is controlled and the treatment of the surface by the head assembly is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Alto U.S. Inc.
    Inventors: William Stuchlik, Lenard Deiterman, Marvin Curtis, Gerald Courtney, James Keazer
  • Patent number: 6493897
    Abstract: A toothbrush for cleansing the teeth, including a unitary body having a handle with a grip portion having concave indentations formed on a surface thereof, and a neck portion formed with the grip portion and positioned at an obtuse angle thereto. A cross-shaped head is formed with one end of the neck portion and includes a first head member positioned in axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the handle. A second head member is formed with the first, and has a longitudinal axis positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof. Each of the head members includes a preselected transaxial width, and rounded corners defined by respective curves having combined radii of at least seventy-five percent of the transaxial width of the head member. A multiplicity of bristles are attached to both head members and define an enlarged cleaning surface area sufficient to simultaneously engage the upper and lower teeth during brushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Fay H. Culbreth
  • Patent number: 6493898
    Abstract: Multilayer disposable pads for use as wipes or applicators in various applications, including the cosmetic and personal care fields and the medical field. The pads include an absorbent base pad and a flexible handle attached either to an intermediate barrier layer or to the base pad. To form the handle, handle forming material is mechanically folded, employing a pleating/folding machine, prior to being adhered to the barrier layer or to the base pad. In one embodiment, the handle includes a graspable portion made of two facing segments which may be joined along a distal folded edge, and two handle attached portions respectively joined to the facing segments along fold lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: M. J. Woods, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Woods, Marilyn S. Woods
  • Patent number: 6493899
    Abstract: A device to blend wet paint on walls, floors and the like surfaces to create a decorative faux effect comprising a rectangular aluminum plate having side clamps for holding an applicator pad material over a sponge removably attached to the bottom surface of the plate by hook and loop fastening material. The device has a handle which can be either a cantilever steel arm with a plastic grip or a C-shaped handle having both ends attached to the plate. The pad material can be either a fluffy wool, leather, a velvet cloth, a plastic sheet, a terry cloth, a denim cloth, or carpet fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Nathaniel J. Hintz, Shawn C. Spencer, Perry M. Spencer, Scott L. Flanigan
  • Patent number: 6493900
    Abstract: A wiper device is located between a vehicle rear door and a rear window, which is opened independently from the door. An actuator having an output shaft is fixed to the rear door. A pivot disk is fixed to the output shaft. The pivot disk has a coupler hole. The actuator pivots the coupler hole in a predetermined angle range. A pivot shaft having a wiper arm is supported by the rear window glass. A crank lever having a coupler pin is fixed to the pivot shaft. When the rear window glass is closed with the coupler pin outside of the movement range of the coupler hole, engagement between the coupler pin and the coupler hole moves the coupler pin to the angle range of the coupler hole. Accordingly, the crank lever is positively coupled to the pivot disk by a simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Koumo, Yoshimasa Sato, Tetsuya Nakatsukasa
  • Patent number: 6493901
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for supporting paint utensils used during painting, and more particularly relates to a utensil holder that may be secured to a paint tray for supporting a paint roller, paintbrush, paint wheel or the like when not in use. In addition, the present invention efficiently holds the handle of paint utensil in a convenient orientation for quick access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Ulysses Jones
  • Patent number: 6493902
    Abstract: An automatic wall cleansing apparatus is provided that includes a work platform, a lift unit, a supporting frame, a rotatable brush assembly, a blower unit, and a control unit. The work platform is moved up to a working position, by presetting the control unit. The work platform is lifted to the topmost portion of the building and downwardly executes the cleansing work with the aid of air supplied by the blower unit and a rubbing operation by the rotatable brush assembly. From the supply of detergent, cleansing, spraying of clean water, to drying by hot air, all of the steps are carried out automatically and successively without the need of manual operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Chung-Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 6493903
    Abstract: A hand held, battery powered vacuum cleaner has a sealed light compartment over the vacuum opening with a lens that directs a light beam onto the plane of the surface being cleaned at least as close to the nozzle as one inch. The light chamber is smoothly integrated into the top of the nozzle so that the nozzle may illuminate and clean in spaces having low vertical clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Quest Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Orion J. Super
  • Patent number: 6493904
    Abstract: A door closer includes casing fixedly fastened to a door frame, a hydraulic cylinder installed in the casing and holding a hydraulic fluid, a coupling block installed in one end of the hydraulic cylinder, the coupling block having a pivot shaft connected to a door, and a reciprocating mechanism coupled to the coupling block, fluid velocity regulating valves installed in the casing and controlled to adjust the velocity of the hydraulic fluid flowing in the casing, the reciprocating mechanism including a double-threaded adjustment rod for adjusting the spring power of compression springs thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Heng Kuo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Tsao Chiang
  • Patent number: 6493905
    Abstract: A hinge is disclosed comprising a mounting member for mounting to a stationary operational surface and having a hinge portion formed along the longitudinal extent of the mounting member. An elongate shaft is included having a hollow cross-sectional profile and formed along the longitudinal extent of the hinge portion. An elongate mouth is formed at the opening of the shaft and has a cross-sectional profile of smaller extent than the cross-sectional profile of the elongate shaft. A flap attachment member including an elongate hinge member is disclosed having a cross-sectional shape that conforms to the cross-sectional profile of the elongate shaft, and being received in the shaft and retained by the elongate mouth to thereby rotatably couple the flap attachment member to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Dana Stettler
  • Patent number: 6493906
    Abstract: A hinge structure which is invisible from the front of the panel to be opened, the hinge structure comprising a first member which has first and second pins extending upwardly and a second member which has first and second slots to receive the first and second pins respectively, the first slot having an arcuate configuration to permit the first pin to move therein and the second slot having an elongated S-shaped configuration. The use of the two pins enables the door to fully open through greater than 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Charles Matteau
  • Patent number: 6493907
    Abstract: A wire fastener for use in providing a strong, slip resistant structure in which the fastener includes a hump which the wire passes over and includes ears on either side of the hump which are crimped over the wire on both sides of the hump to cause the wire to bend in a double “s” shape over the hump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Engstrom, John Franey, Dan Lochner, Jeff Louwagle, Kevin Mangle, Barry Monson, Brad Terlson, Jim Thoreson, Mike Willis
  • Patent number: 6493908
    Abstract: A clasp for a bracelet, which makes it possible to bring together and to fasten together the two ends of a bracelet in a closed position and to separate these two ends of the bracelet in an open position, includes two pairs of interchangeable linkage members for connecting the ends of the bracelet to the body of the clasp, one of the pairs of linkage members being designed for connection to the ends of a flexible strap and the other for connection to the ends of a band of rigid links. Each linkage member is connected hingedly to the body of the clasp by a locking part which can be operated without the use of a tool other than a ball-point pen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Conseils et Manufactures VI.G SA
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Thalheim
  • Patent number: 6493909
    Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a first item having a connecting mechanism and a second item having a second connecting means for use when the first item connecting means is incompatibly mismatched, inoperative, non-fully functioning or otherwise unconnectable with the second item connecting mechanism. The connecting device comprises a sheet having a first edge and a second opposed edge. A first connection mechanism is secured to the first edge for connecting it to a mismatched, inoperative, non-fully functioning or otherwise unconnectable connection mechanism with the second item connection mechanism. A second connection mechanism is secured to the second edge of the first sheet member for connecting the second edge of the sheet to the second item connection mechanism, so that the first connection mechanism matches the first item connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism compatibly matches, operates, functions or is otherwise connectable with the second item connector mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Paul
  • Patent number: 6493910
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheath/core shoelace having enhanced knot retention and to the method of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Oracle Corp.
    Inventor: Louis Dischler
  • Patent number: 6493911
    Abstract: A cinerary urn receptacle made of stone comprising a cylindrical block hollowed from one first end to a second end and a cover having a sealing portion and an assembling portion, the sealing portion closing the block first end, the assembling portion projecting from the first end, and the second end comprising an internal countersinking for receiving an inner seal to be fitted on an assembling portion projecting from the cover of another identical receptacle to form a funerary column. The method for making such receptacles from a column turned in natural stone consists in carrying out a double coaxial coring of the column in one single operation to form the block that has a cylindrical recess passing through from a first end to a second end and countersinking of an internal portion of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Societe des Fontaites
    Inventors: Robert Troin, Stephane Troin
  • Patent number: 6493912
    Abstract: A method of producing stone set jewelry includes the step of forming at least one affixation groove within the stone to be set in the jewelry. A stone to be set with the present method should have an upper and a lower portion which is at least substantially entirely hidden from view when the upper portion of the stone is viewed. In accordance with the present method the affixation groove should be formed in the lower portion of the stone such that it too is hidden from view when the upper portion of the stone is viewed. A heat setting method is disclosed for improving the bond between the pavilion of the stone and the wax model used in the casting process. The method also includes the deposition of a mounting material within the affixation groove by applying a conventional casting method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: China Diamond Production Company Limited
    Inventor: Nelson Chi-Kai Ho
  • Patent number: 6493913
    Abstract: In a device for hydraulic forming of a tubular component under high inner pressure compressive conditions in a lower die and an upper die of a forming tool, the upper die can be coupled for relative limited movement by at least one piston-cylinder unit containing a hydraulic fluid with the press plunger of a travel-limited mechanical press and the cylinder interior of the piston-cylinder unit can be coupled for providing fluid communication with the interior of the component. Alternatively, in the device for hydraulic forming of a blank under high pressure compressive conditions in a forming tool comprising a lower die and an upper die, the upper die can be coupled for relative limited movement by at least one piston-cylinder unit containing a hydraulic fluid with the press plunger of a travel-limited mechanical press and the cylinder chamber of the piston-cylinder unit can be coupled for establishing fluid communication with the forming space of the forming tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Benteler AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Streubel, Thomas Harbarth
  • Patent number: 6493914
    Abstract: A rebar forming apparatus includes a malleable material supply station for continuously supplying a malleable planar material and a malleable material forming station for forming the malleable material into first and second corresponding shell portions and related rebar products. The apparatus also includes a core pultrusion station and a cladding forming station for respectively forming core and cladding layers. A shell forming station is positioned downstream of the core and cladding forming stations which unites the first and second shell portions to form an outer shell with the core and cladding layers contained therein. The rebar product includes shell portions which are matably configured to form a disposable outer shell over the core and cladding layers. Related reinforcing composite product forming methods also include the use of a removable outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Marshall Industries Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Kaiser, Issam Faza, Brice Marshall Nelson
  • Patent number: 6493915
    Abstract: A method of installing a movable roof assembly in the roof of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle having an open roof construction including a top section with a roof opening and a sliding roof mounted on the roof opening, the sliding roof including a center bar positioned substantially across a mid region of the roof opening for increasing safety of occupants in the vehicle, the center bar being fixedly attached to a rigid body of the vehicle. The center bar is preferably accessible from the interior of the vehicle and is adapted to house at least one vehicle accessory such as roller sun blinds, storage compartments and/or light fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Vermeulen Hollandia Octroolen II B.V.
    Inventors: Eric Petrus Zonneveld, Frits Pieter De Vries
  • Patent number: 6493917
    Abstract: Organizational system for forming customized compartments for compact spaces. A plastic type sheet has pre-perforations formed thereon, for allowing different sized walls and/or floors to be separated therefrom. The sheet can be a thin plastic having side indentations along its edges. Corner connectors can be originally supplied where individual connectors each have four prong prongs/tabs of flat triangular shapes arranged approximately ninety degrees from one another in a cross-shape. Walls/floors can be attached to one another by inserting the prongs/tabs into the side indentations of other walls/floors. The prongs/tabs can separated from the others depending on whether an installer wishes to use a connector to attach two walls/floors together, three walls/floors together or four walls/floors together. When the system is used to make divider walls, other portions can be attached to make a floor for the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Susan Sunka
  • Patent number: 6493918
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting the tabs of a protective seal with edges embedded in a laminate. The base of the device has an annular top having a plurality of cartridge receiving apertures spaced equally from one another. Each hole receives a tab engagement assembly comprising a cartridge, a spring, and a finger have an abutment surface. The finger is pivotally fastened at one end within the slot of the cartridge and is biased away from the cartridge by the spring. When the base is placed in proximate relationship with the laminate seal patch secured to the substrate, the rotating base causes the abutment surfaces of the fingers to drag across the periphery of the laminate seal in a circular motion. The stresses created on the tabs of the protective seal cause the embedded edges to be lifted. The lifted tabs are accessible to the end user and the protective seals may be easily peeled from the substrate when desired by the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Huhtamaki Consumer Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Mark Bell, Ronald Dean Robertson, George Edward MacEwen
  • Patent number: 6493919
    Abstract: A modular door assembly for a vehicle is disclosed having a door frame and a carrier secured to the door frame. A door entry system is secured to the carrier to operate the vehicle door. A window carrier assembly includes a window regulator and motor secured to the carrier. A window pane is attached to the window regulator and is adjustable relative to the carrier in the vehicle door frame. A method of assembling the modular door assembly for a vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald O. Morrison, Lewis B. Duff, Iris Drew, James F. Ventimiglia, Eric Hoisington
  • Patent number: 6493920
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assembling a vehicle. The method comprises providing an open-top cab module comprising a metallic base frame, a plurality of exterior body panels secured to the base frame, and interior cab module trim component. A roof assembly is then provided. The roof assembly comprises a light metallic roof frame, at least one roof panel supported on the roof frame, glass components comprising at least a front windshield supported on the roof frame, and interior roof assembly trim components supported on the roof frame. The roof assembly is then secured to the cab module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David John Hill, Kimberly Ann Lazarz, Matthias Baumann, Matthew John Zaluzec
  • Patent number: 6493921
    Abstract: A method of conveying articles on a transport vehicle from a first location to a second location spaced from the transport vehicle including the step of providing a conveyor system comprising (a) a cart for supporting an article, (b)mechanism for guiding the cart along a predetermined path between the first location and the second location, and (c) mechanism for supporting at least part of the guiding mechanism on a subjacent surface. The method further includes the step of assembling at least part of at least one of the guiding mechanism and the supporting mechanism on site. The method also includes the steps of placing the cart on the guiding mechanism, placing an article from the transport vehicle on the cart, translating the cart with the article thereon from the first location to the second location along the predetermined path, and removing the article from the cart at the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: William Tarkington
  • Patent number: 6493922
    Abstract: A climbing nut is generally trapezoidal and has planar upper and lower faces and paired adjacent faces that are convex and concave, respectively. Opposed faces of the nut are therefore convex and concave, respectively. The convex faces have lateral longitudinally extending leg segments that assist in triangulation and strengthen the nut. The geometry of the faces allows for greater placement options. The nut alternately has one or more asymmetric curved faces. The nut is milled from stock extrusion material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Metolius Mountain Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Phillips
  • Patent number: 6493923
    Abstract: A method of the present invention for manufacturing a small-sized motor relates to cutting or grinding of a shaft end portion of a rotor into a noncircular shape over a predetermined length for establishing a mechanical coupling with a device to be driven. The cutting or grinding work is performed after a laminated core 7, a winding 6, a commutator 5, and a thrust bush 8 are assembled on a shaft 11 to thereby assemble the rotor. Alternatively, a process of cutting or grinding the shaft end portion into a noncircular shape is performed after a casing 1, an end bell 4 to be fitted to an opening portion of the casing 1, and a rotor are assembled into a small-sized motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaichi Mabuchi
  • Patent number: 6493924
    Abstract: A high torque/high speed brushless DC motor system for controlling both the speed and torque of the motor including a rotor and a stator, the stator of the motor including a first, second and third winding. The system further includes means for sensing the position of the rotor and means for selectively configuring the first, second and third windings of the stator in a wye connection when the speed of the motor is less than a predetermined value and configuring the windings in a delta connection when the speed of the motor is greater than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Kumar Das
  • Patent number: 6493925
    Abstract: Powder including at least a superconducting phase is degassed (step S1). After the powder is filled in a silver pipe (step S2), the silver pipe is degassed at a high temperature (step S3). After a plurality of single-core wires are inserted into another silver pipe to attain a multi-core structure, the silver pipe is degassed at a high temperature (step S5). The silver pipe is sealed under a reduced pressure (step S6). Therefore, even when a multi-core superconducting wire is manufactured, a manufacturing method of a superconducting wire capable of preventing swelling of the wire caused by a residual gaseous component can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuyuki Kaneko, Munetsugu Ueyama, Akira Mikumo, Naoki Ayai, Shin-ichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6493926
    Abstract: A method for forming a bi-layer lift-off mask for use in fabricating an abutted junction type GMR read-head sensor with a narrow trackwidth of less than 0.5 microns. The mask has a novel suspension bridge structure that avoids problems associated with bilayer lift-off masks of the prior art, namely insufficient or excessive undercutting of the lower layer that produces fence formations in the conducting lead layer or collapse of the mask structure rendering removal difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cherng-Chyi Han, Rodney Lee, Mao-Min Chen, Pokang Wang
  • Patent number: 6493927
    Abstract: A chuck for holding an object, including one or more linear motors which include one or more linear stators, two or more moving members which are movable along the linear stator or stators, independent of each other, and one or more guide members which guide each of the two or more moving members along the linear stator or stators, and two or more holding members which are supported by the two or more moving members, respectively, and which cooperate with each other to hold the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeyoshi Isogai, Hiroshi Katsumi, Masato Ando
  • Patent number: 6493928
    Abstract: An electronic unit manufacturing apparatus includes: a cream solder printer for printing cream solder on one side of a printed-circuit board; a chip placement machine for placing a plane-mounted part on the printed-circuit board on which the cream solder is printed; a first reflow furnace for fixedly securing the plane-mounted part to the printed-circuit board; a solder application machine for applying a larger amount of cream solder than that printed by the cream solder printer in the vicinity of holes made in the one side of the printed-circuit board; and a second reflow furnace for inserting pins of a deformed part into the holes made in the printed-circuit board from an opposite side thereof and fixedly securing the pins of the deformed part to the printed-circuit board, wherein in the second reflow furnace. In the second reflow furnace, temperature on the opposite side of the printed-circuit board is set lower than temperature on the one side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Shinbo, Kazuhiko Tsuyama, Toshinobu Miki
  • Patent number: 6493929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a guide tool, the said guide tool is capable of assisting one end of a coaxial cable to be coupled to an end connector; it comprises of a body installed with a guide mechanism therein, the said guide mechanism possesses a guide tube for guiding the cable central conductors of different regulations; the said guide tube can move along the direction of the axle line by the elastic element for rapidly and precisely inserting the central conductor and the dielectric into the columnar member of the end connector and further becomes the best auxiliary tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Holland, Chi-Fu Chang
  • Patent number: 6493930
    Abstract: A framing station arrangement that includes a bottom plate support device to receive a bottom plate of the car body to be attached thereto. An engaging robot brings separate components of the car body into engagement with the bottom plate. Preassembly devices are used to preassemble the separate components of the car body to the bottom plate and/or to each other in order to obtain the external shape of the car body. A support system having multiple separate framing elements used to support the preassembled car body. At least one other engaging robot is used to bring at least a part of the framing elements into engagement with the support system and/or another framing element. A locking unit that joins at least two separate framing elements together and to the bottom plate support device or at least to three other framing elements to form a support net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventor: Juha Raami
  • Patent number: 6493931
    Abstract: In a component mounting device in which a component is picked up and mounted on a circuit board by a suction nozzle, an amount of displacement between a center position of the suction nozzle 11 and that of the picked-up component 12 is measured, and when it is larger than a preliminarily determined value, a warning is generated indicating that the parts cassette 3 from which the component 12 has been fed is in abnormal condition, as well as the mounting action of the component 12 is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Hirano, Yoshinori Sakai, Tateo Nakashima
  • Patent number: 6493932
    Abstract: A method of using a socket to electrically interconnect a microelectronic assembly having electrically conductive joining units and a substrate having electrically conductive contacts includes providing a socket having a plurality of apertures with deflectable, resilient lip regions, and positioning the socket over the substrate so that the plurality of apertures are in substantial alignment with at least some of the electrically conductive contacts of the substrate. The microelectronic assembly is then juxtaposed with the substrate so that the socket is between the microelectronic assembly and the substrate and so that the joining units of the microelectronic assembly confront the contacts of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventor: Belgacem Haba
  • Patent number: 6493933
    Abstract: Stitchable electrical components have flexible, conductive leads and are encased, at least partially, in sealed packages. Conductive threads, yarns, or fiber bundles are patterned onto a flexible substrate (e.g., a textile panel). To form a circuit, the component leads are conductively stitched, spot welded, or otherwise joined to a textile panel so as to form connections between at least some of the stitched leads so as to form an electrical circuit. Alternatively, leads stitched into or otherwise joined to a textile pattern may be welded or otherwise permanently joined to flexible or non-flexible component leads to form a circuit. Multiple panels of circuitry so formed may then be physically and electrically joined at various locations by a combination of stitching, welding, and/or other joining means, preferably with interposed insulating layers, to form a multilayer flexible circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: E. Rehmi Post, Neil Gershenfeld
  • Patent number: 6493934
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J. Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6493935
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device package. A substrate includes a first terminal coupled to the substrate. First and second conductive traces are formed on the substrate and are electrically coupled to the first terminal wherein the first conductive trace is provided to electrically couple a first bondwire to the first terminal and the second conductive trace is provided to electrically couple the second bondwire to the first terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Mozdzen
  • Patent number: 6493936
    Abstract: A steam turbine blade made of Ti-base alloy comprising an &agr;+&bgr; type phase in which a difference of a tensile strength is small between a blade portion and a dovetail portion, a tensile strength at a room temperature of the dovetail portion is equal to or more than 100 kg/mm2 and a suitable toughness is commonly provided together with a strength, as a steam turbine blade having a length of 43 inch or more, a method of manufacturing the same, a steam turbine power generating plant and a low pressure steam turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Doi, Mitsuo Kuriyama, Shigeyoshi Nakamura, Shinya Imano, Takeshi Onoda
  • Patent number: 6493937
    Abstract: A manufacturing method provides ink-jet writing engine modules for use with a compatible hard copy engine module, a hard copy apparatus based thereon, and methods of manufacturing, operation, and use. Fluidic and electronic partitioning for ink-jet hard copy apparatus is redefined. Modular separation of a hard copy engine from a writing engine allows a replaceable writing module containing all of the key elements of the ink-jet writing system based on writing system technology requirements, particularly for those most likely to age or fail as a result of time, frequency of use, or end-user actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: James P Axtell, Trudy L Benjamin, David J Lowe, Preston D. Seu, Blair M. Kent
  • Patent number: 6493938
    Abstract: The invention concerns a thermoplastic-coated roll for a paper/board machine, a method for manufacture of the roll, a composition of a thermoplastic coating for the roll, a method of calendering by using rolls in accordance with the invention, and paper/board manufactured by means of such rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Tommi Vainio, Juha Koriseva
  • Patent number: 6493939
    Abstract: A flange includes a housing having a body with a reinforcing member encased within the housing. The flange can be configured to house a bearing. The flange can alternatively be configured to act as a leveler for machinery. The flange is formed by a) preparing a mold for the housing, b) preparing a metallic band for insertion into a space in the mold, c) suspending the band within the mold, d) introducing a thermosetting material into the mold to encase the band, and e) cooling the thermosetting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6493940
    Abstract: The system includes an appliance for personal body care, a pump and a holder. The appliance comprises a treatment device for carrying out a body-care treatment under the influence of a fluid. The fluid is held in the holder and can be pumped to an outlet opening by means of the pump. The holder includes a flexible wall, and the pump is detachable from the holder and is detachable from the appliance. This combination of measures makes it possible to adapt the dimensions of the holder to an ergonomic shape of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Willem A. Westerhof, Marinus C. Hansen, Johannes H. Van Toor
  • Patent number: 6493941
    Abstract: A foil-type electric razor includes a coaxial motor and cutter. The coaxial relationship between the motor and the cutter permits a simplified suspension and drive assembly. The driven end of the cutter is supported and driven by a flexible drive shaft connected to the motor shaft. The opposite end of the cutter is supported for rotation by a flexible support shaft extending from the cutter to a bearing mounted accessory drive stud. Both the drive shaft and support shaft are constructed from coil springs. The coil spring shafts effectively combine the suspension, drive and support functions that in the prior art required multiple components. An optional nose hair trimmer may be driven by the flexible support shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Good Nature Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying Man John Wong