Patents Issued in January 14, 2003
  • Patent number: 6505809
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for shaping and molding material having two sidewalls, two end walls, a bottom and at least one partition. The two sidewalls have grooves spaced at predetermined intervals on an inside surface for receiving a partition and a bottom ledge for retaining the bottom. The inside surface has a plurality of openings sized for receiving holding members and may have a variety of shapes. The bottom is shaped to mate with the shape of the inside surface of the sidewalls. The two end walls include locking mechanisms for holding the various components of the apparatus together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: West Wind Traders, Inc.
    Inventor: Cathy J. Reed
  • Patent number: 6505810
    Abstract: The present invention is a pinch valve for connection between an upstream pipeline and a downstream pipeline. The pinch valve includes a fixed conical reducer having an inlet end, an outlet end and an inside surface with an inside diameter which gradually reduces from the inlet end to the outlet end, resulting in a substantially conical-shaped inside surface. The inlet end of the fixed conical reducer attached to the upstream pipeline. The pinch valve also includes a flexible full port sleeve having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of the flexible full port sleeve attached to the outlet end of the fixed conical reducer and the outlet end of the full port sleeve attached to the downstream pipeline. The pinch valve further includes a pinching mechanism positioned adjacent the flexible full port sleeve and configured to constrict the flexible full port sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Andre T. Abromaitis
  • Patent number: 6505811
    Abstract: A fluid control valve assembly including a microvalve for controlling fluid flow in a fluid circuit having a relatively high fluid pressure requirement, such as vehicular brake system, is fixed to an associated fluid distributing substrate with a high-pressure fluid connection. The fluid distributing substrate is provided with fluid passages adapted for connection to a fluid source to provide communication between the fluid source and the microvalve device. The connection between the microvalve and the fluid distributing substrate may include metallic connections forming electrical current paths between the microvalve and the substrate; solder joints forming part of the pressure boundary of the high-pressure fluid connection; underfill formed of elastomeric or other adhesive; and bonding between the substrate and the microvalves in only selected portions of the surface of the microvalve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Barron, Anil K. Kollipara, Edward Nelson Fuller
  • Patent number: 6505812
    Abstract: A valve assembly including a body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve seat having a passageway. An electrical solenoid assembly moves a valve member upon being energized to control fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet ports. The valve assembly also includes a fluid-tight bellows positioned to apply a force to the valve member, and a pressure balancing passageway connects the inlet port to the bellows. The valve assembly further includes a housing received over the solenoid assembly and having a flange received against the valve body. A seal is positioned between the flange of the housing and the valve body, and a collar is secured in a continuous manner to the valve body over the housing flange, thereby securing the housing to the valve body and applying a sealing force to the seal in a substantially even manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey V. Anastas
  • Patent number: 6505813
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body defining an inlet and an outlet, and a passageway for flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. An attachment member is in removable engagement with the valve body at one of the inlet and the outlet. A pipe coupler is releasably secured to the valve body by the attachment member. The pipe coupler is adapted for attachment to a pipe end by sweating. The pipe coupler defines one, two or three inlets and one outlet. The attachment member is threadedly attached to an internal wall or an external wall of the valve body. The valve assembly is, e.g., a ball valve, a check valve, or a gate valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Watts Investment Company
    Inventors: Timothy P. Horne, Dale S. Tripp
  • Patent number: 6505814
    Abstract: A fluid controller (1), having a valve body (4) having flow paths used as inlet and outlet for a bonnet (5), and an operating mechanism (7) moving the diaphragm in vertical direction, wherein the flow paths of the valve body communicates with each other through a protrusion-free communication path (8), the diaphragm is fitted closely to the communication path when lowered so as to close the flow path and, when raised, the center part of the diaphragm is recessed and its part near the outer periphery part is protruded, and also a curved surface (52) to which the outer upper surface (63) of the protruded part is closely fitted is formed on the bonnet at the inner lower surface of a diaphragm holding part (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Fujikin
    Inventors: Jyunji Satou, Hisatoshi Akamoto, Makoto Iwata
  • Patent number: 6505815
    Abstract: An extendable base and support extension for a transportable lift making the legs of the base hollow with leg extensions telescopically received within the legs allowing the effective length of each leg of the base to be increased. Removable fork extenders have been provided that may be mounted over the outer surfaces of the forks to extend their effective lengths. The combination of base leg extenders and extensions for the forks provide a transportable lift with the versatility necessary to accommodate to any fender-tire configuration combination. When the legs of the base are extended, the distal ends of the extensions of the legs have wheels mounted in them so that the entirety of the lift is supported on the wheels at the end of the extensions and the wheels behind the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Stertil B.V.
    Inventor: Jean Dellamore
  • Patent number: 6505816
    Abstract: A jack with a rotary handle sleeve is disclosed. The handle sleeve 4 of a jack is locked to a rotary supporting seat 3. The rotary supporting seat 3 passes through the pump 2 and washers to be locked to the base 1 of the jack. Thereby, handle sleeve 4 may rotate rightwards and leftwards. The oil return valve 10 is connected to a flexible shaft for controlling the opening and closing of the oil return valve 10. A steel ball bearing or a thrust bearing can be installed between the rotary supporting seat 3 or the base 1 of the jack so that the handle sleeve 4 may rotate freely. The handle sleeve 4 and the rotary supporting seat 3 have a design for confining the lower limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Shin Fu Corporation
    Inventor: Victor Hung
  • Patent number: 6505817
    Abstract: A framework removal tool is provided. A lever arm connects to a rounded extension. The lever arm is rotated to remove a stake or pry away framework. The rounded extension has a width wider than the bar. The rounded extension provides broad support for rotating the lever arm without damaging any concrete. A notch is provided in the rounded extension. The notch comprises an aperture along the width of the hollow cylinder shaped extension. The notch contacts framework or stakes for removal from set concrete. The framework is placed within the notch for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Lowell F. Witter
  • Patent number: 6505818
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a cable erection technique using a plastically deformable coil comprising a metal wire formed in a spiral shape and synthetic resin coated on a surface of the metal wire, wherein said coil is inserted outside around a tensile line drawn between utility poles, the coil is elongated until its plastic deformation for forming a series of cable arrangement spaces inside the spiral, and a cable is extended, added or extracted through the cable arrangement space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignees: Daimei Telecom Engineering Corp., Daimei Telecom Ltd., Misaku Densetsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Nimiya, Zenichi Komine, Akira Kuno, Norio Takemura, Katsunori Misaku, Kazue Misaku, Kaoru Takagi, Makiko Barker
  • Patent number: 6505819
    Abstract: An improved blocking member and vegetation barrier for the bottom of fences. A ground covering member has first and second opposite ends and opposite rolled under edges, and it somewhat rigid but somewhat flexible. The ground covering member can be placed directly on the ground even if the ground undulates relative to the fence bottom, and can be kept in that position once the riser is secured to the fence. The ground covering member can be resilient and create reactionary force if it is pressed against the ground. This can further assist in maintaining the blocking member and vegetation barrier in a fixed position relative the ground and the fence. The device can be made in lengths that can be interconnected with one another and/or installed between fence posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Gary L. Damon, Jerry L. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6505820
    Abstract: To reduce the danger of bodily harm to occupants of vehicles that leave the roadway, a guardrail system includes a guardrail terminal and a guardrail. The guardrail terminal includes cutting members positioned to cut said guardrail as guardrail moves within said guardrail terminal and the guardrail terminal moves with respect to the guardrail to cut the guardrail when impacted by a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kothmann Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean L. Sicking, Brian G. Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 6505821
    Abstract: A carburetor for an internal combustion engine including a body having an air inlet opening and air outlet opening. A throat is disposed in the body between the air inlet and outlet openings. A slide assembly is movably disposed in the body for crosswise movement across the throat. The slide assembly includes a stepped portion upstream of the throat and the lower portion of the air inlet opening is narrowed for concentrating and compressing the air entering the throat. A reservoir containing fuel is attached to the body. The fuel reservoir includes a fuel outlet located in the throat. An adjustable metering rod extends through the slide assembly and throat into the fuel reservoir. A recessed scoop is located in the body above the air inlet opening and is in air flow communication with the fuel reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: William H. Edmonston
  • Patent number: 6505822
    Abstract: A liquid-sealed vibration-proof device is constructed so that a partition dividing its interior into a main and a subsidiary liquid chamber comprises an orifice member having an orifice, a partition plate member provided subjacently in contact with the orifice member, and an elastomeric membrane interposed between a central plate section of the orifice member and the partition plate member. The elastomeric membrane includes a central plate-form portion held and pinched by the orifice and partition plate members, and a diaphragm portion extending outboard it to terminate at an open end which is slidably brought in pressure contact with an annular wall section of the orifice member. Openings are provided in the central plate section and the partition plate member holding and pinching the central plate-form portion, which is partly exposed to both chambers, as an elastic membrane capable of elastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hikofumi Yamamoto, Kentaro Yamamoto, Yukio Takashima
  • Patent number: 6505823
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for suction-holding a semiconductor pellet on a positioning stage of a bonding apparatus without causing the pellet to be misaligned after positioning thereof including a suction force control device. The suction force control device comprises a suction-switching electromagnetic valve, a suction force-adjusting electromagnetic valve, a vacuum source, a compressed air source and a throttle valve so that a semiconductor pellet is held on a positioning stage by a suction force that is weak enough that a positioning claw can move the semiconductor pellet for positioning; and upon completion of the positioning, the semiconductor pellet is held to the positioning stage by a suction force that is stronger than the weak suction force used for positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shinkawa
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ushiki, Hirofumi Moroe
  • Patent number: 6505824
    Abstract: A clamping frame for a plastic sheet thermoforming apparatus and which is designed for gripping and retaining the peripheral edge of the plastic sheet. The frame includes a pair of pivotally interconnected jaws which are pivoted between open and closed positions by an air cylinder actuator. The actuator is mounted to one of the jaws, and the operative pressurized air is fed to and removed from the actuator via fluid delivery lines which are located within the interior of the jaw to which the actuator is mounted. External air hoses are thereby avoided, and the air streams which flow through the jaw have a cooling effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Dynamic Plastic Solutions
    Inventors: Gerry Jurs Laughlin, Paul David Spies
  • Patent number: 6505825
    Abstract: A work holder support arm for supporting a work article at a desired orientation with respect to a support structure is provided with a first clamp (12) having clamped and unclamped states for coupling with the support structure. The first clamp (12) has an opening therethrough for accommodating the support structure, and there may be provided a through-hole arranged transverse to the opening. A shaft portion (27) is coupled to the first clamp (12), the shaft portion (27) having a longitudinal bore therethrough arranged to be axial in registration with the through-hole of the first clamp. Additionally, a second clamp (11) couples with the work article and has clamped and unclamped states. A tube portion (14) is coupled to the second clamp (11) for accommodating telescopically therewithin the first shaft portion (27). An expansion portion (30) is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion (27) within the tube portion (14) and is provided with a threaded section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Erie Automation Company
    Inventors: Richard E. Hurst, Mark A. Crongeyer
  • Patent number: 6505826
    Abstract: A device for separating or singling sheets, which have been piled up to form a stack, in a feeder of a sheet-processing machine, having a transport element with a guide edge, includes a device for matching the shape of the guide edge to the contour of the topmost sheet at a front side of the stack, as viewed in a sheet transport direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Markus Gerstenberger, Andreas Henn, Wolfgang Luxem, Tobias Müller, Thomas Wolf
  • Patent number: 6505827
    Abstract: Springs 34 and 35 are located on the back face of a paper cassette, between a movable plate 32 and a bar 31, coupled with a side edge aligner 27. A slot extending in the direction in which a spring load is generated is formed in the movable plate, and a hook portion is formed at the end of the spring in the direction in which the spring is extended or contracted. The length of the slot and the length of the spring end in the direction in which the spring load is generated differ for the individual springs, and correspond to the distance the movable plate is displaced. That is, a size difference is defined for each spring until the spring load is applied. During the insertion of the paper cassette, the movable plate is displaced by the mechanism constituted by the groove cam 41 and the boss 36a, and in accordance with the displacement, different spring loads are multiply applied the paper side edge aligning member via the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Kawakami, Kiyoto Komuro, Toshikazu Kotaka, Takashi Akahane, Yasumichi Okuda
  • Patent number: 6505828
    Abstract: A delivery of a machine for processing sheet-like printing materials, includes sheet grippers passing through a gripper path during operation, an actuating element adjustable from adjustable basic positions into an extreme position and the reverse and, at locations of the gripper path corresponding to the basic positions and the extreme position, serving for shifting the sheet grippers from a closed, sheet-conveying operating state into an open operating state, a linkage mechanism provided for adjusting the actuating element, and an actuating drive for actuating the linkage mechanism, the linkage mechanism being movable between a predeterminable extreme position corresponding to the extreme position of the actuating element, and adjustable starting positions corresponding to one of the adjustable basic positions of the actuating element; and a machine for processing sheet-like printing materials including the delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Seitz, Roland Hirth, Bernhard Maul
  • Patent number: 6505829
    Abstract: A sheet treating apparatus for avoiding electrostatic charge accumulation discharges the sheet P, bearing an image thereon, onto discharge sheet stacking trays provided on the side part of the main body, and receives the trailing end of the sheet by the side part of the main body, and is provided with a grounding member for grounding the sheet by contact with the trailing end of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Wataru Kawata
  • Patent number: 6505830
    Abstract: An output paper stacking device includes a tray installed at a position lower than a paper discharge opening of a printing apparatus so that printed paper sheets discharged through the discharge opening can stack sequentially. Guide levers are installed to project upward through respective through slots provided in the tray for guiding both sides of the printed paper sheet, and for aligning the paper sheet at a predetermined position. A supporting unit for rotatably supporting the guide levers is provided so that one end of each guide lever can be balanced by another end of the guide lever in a state in which one end of the guide lever projects upward through the through slot of the tray. Thus, the output paper stacking device according to the present invention guides and aligns a paper sheet with guide levers having simple structures and which do not require any external driving power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Il-Kwon Kang
  • Patent number: 6505831
    Abstract: A method for the register-true alignment of sheets (1) before the transfer to a sheet-processing machine with the assistance of a carrier (7,9) that is movable in the machine cycle and is driven as a function of a signal, in order to feed the sheets individually to an aligning stop. To permit exact and reliable alignment even at high machine speeds with an uncomplicated mechanism, the signal is generated when a sheet edge (12) to be fed passes a predetermined location between the carrier (7,9) and aligning stop (5), and in response to the signal, the carrier performs a preset movement, identical from sheet to sheet, by which the carried-along sheet (1) is fed to the aligning stop with a speed greater than zero, but substantially less than the maximum sheet speed during the feeding movement. The method is particularly suitable for side-edge alignment, but is also suitable for leading-edge alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Henn, Bernhard Wagensommer, Juergen Maass, Burkhard Maass
  • Patent number: 6505832
    Abstract: A variable acceleration TAR. The properties and dimensions of the sheets in a stack are entered by a user or determined automatically. Since it is known from either customer provided input or automatic sensing what sheet length and resulting pitch size are feeding from any tray, the acceleration profile for the TAR is customized according to how much time is available to bring the sheet to transport speed in a given pitch zone. For longer sheet length with higher mass, there is also more acceleration time available and can reduce the required acceleration to a value that the motor and drive nip friction can handle thereby keeping motor size down and making more efficient use of the available torque of the motor with no added cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Moore, Leonid Buchman
  • Patent number: 6505833
    Abstract: First and second feeding roller pairs are disposed at positions upstream and downstream of a recording position to record an image onto a recording sheet. Each of the first and second feeding roller pairs includes a capstan roller and a pinch roller, which are located below and above a passage of the recording sheet. The capstan roller and the pinch roller has plural orbital grooves arranged along an axial direction, to relax the strain of the recording sheet with respect to the widthwise direction of the recording sheet. The depth of the orbital grooves of the pinch rollers are set to 0.3 mm, which is shallower than that of the orbital grooves of the capstan rollers. The shallow orbital grooves of the pinch rollers are capable of suppress the curl of the recording sheet effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Kato, Youichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 6505834
    Abstract: An embodiment providing a seal assembly for turbomachinery for controlling flow of a fluid medium in a fluid path comprises a casing having an internal pressure load path and a seal carrier chamber. A movable seal carrier is disposed within the seal carrier chamber and interposed between the pressure load path and an external flow path. In addition, a pressure selecting apparatus is coupled to the pressure load path to control flow therethrough. Moreover, the position of the movable seal carrier moves in response to a pressure differential determined by the pressure selecting apparatus between the pressure load path and the external flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Osman Saim Dinc, Mehmet Demiroglu
  • Patent number: 6505835
    Abstract: The brush seal includes a plurality of bristles located in grooves along opposite sides of a single carrier. The grooves extend at a predetermined cant angle relative to radii of a sealing surface about which the brush seal extends. The grooves are formed between ribs which terminate in tips deformed to overlie the bristles in the groove and thereby retain the bristles on the carrier. An epoxy overlies the carrier surfaces and grooves to facilitate their retention. The brush seal may be fabricated by rolling knurled rollers with oblique cutting ribs along opposite surfaces of the carrier to form the grooves. The bristles are then wrapped about the carrier and in the grooves. Subsequently, the tips of the ribs defining the grooves are deformed to overlie and retain the bristles in the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wei Tong, Zhang-Qing Zhuo
  • Patent number: 6505836
    Abstract: A non-contact type shaft sealing device comprising a stationary sealing ring (9) disposed to axially oppose a rotational sealing ring (2) provided on a rotational shaft (1) of a device that will be shaft-sealed, wherein a number n of air inlets (9b) provided in the stationary sealing ring (9) is in a range of 3 to 24; a bore diameter d of a throttling mechanism provided in each of the air inlets (9b) is in a range of 0.05 to 3 mm; and concurrently, a dimensionless quantity &agr; defined as &agr;=8 hD/nd2 where h=inter-sealing-surface gap, and D=shaft diameter, is 1≦&agr;≦200. Thereby, ensuring stable sealing characteristics in the non-contact type shaft sealing device, and furthermore, minimizing consumption of a barrier gas to be fed through the air inlets (9b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., LTD
    Inventor: Fuse Toshihiko
  • Patent number: 6505837
    Abstract: A compliant foil seal comprising at least one smooth resilient foil for facing a rotor and at least one bump foil for providing film riding stiffness and controlled deformation of the smooth resilient foil for providing an effective seal which is capable of operating reliably in the presence of large rotor excursions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Mohawk Innovative Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Hooshang Heshmat
  • Patent number: 6505838
    Abstract: A pressure regulator uses a pliable seal to segregate a pressure confinement volume from the remaining cylinder volume. The pliable seal has a cross section comprising a pair of apexes that are disposed into grooves incorporated into the piston and the cylinder internal wall. The radii of the pliable seal establish a rolling contact to ensure pressure seal in the presence of seal deformation. The seal promotes linear regulator response and minimizes hysteresis causes by frictional forces of prior art piston rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Tactair Fluid Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Cavaliere
  • Patent number: 6505839
    Abstract: There are disclosed a first gasketed cover which has excellent sealing properties and comprises a cover body composed of a thermoplastic resin and a gasket composed of a thermoplastic elastomer and integrated with the cover body; a second gasketed cover which has excellent sealing properties and is capable of preventing the generation of noises due the vibration of the cover and which comprises a cover body, a gasket composed of an elastic body and integratedly attached to the cover body, and a member composed of the elastic body of a type same as or different from that in the gasket and integratedly installed on at least part of the cover body plane portion excluding the gasket portion; an electronic equipment cover which is capable of preventing pressure difference between the inside and the outside thereof and which comprises a cover body and a membrane composed of an elastic body and installed on a hole placed on the plane portion of the cover body, in which the cover body is integrated with the membrane;
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Youichi Nishimuro, Shinichi Toyosawa, Kunio Machida
  • Patent number: 6505840
    Abstract: A chuck includes a generally cylindrical body having a nose section and a tail section. The tail section is adapted to rotate with the drive shaft, and the nose section has an axial bore formed therein. A driver is axially movably disposed about the body. A generally cylindrical sleeve is rotatably mounted about the body. A grip is mounted in the body in communication with the axial bore and in operative communication with the driver. The driver is in communication with the sleeve and the body so that, in a first state of the chuck, rotation of the sleeve with respect to the body in a closing direction moves the grip toward the axis of the axial bore and so that, in a second state of the chuck, the driver is axially reciprocal with respect to the sleeve and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark S. Huggins, William H. Aultman
  • Patent number: 6505841
    Abstract: A spacer for snowboards which, in the region between the snowboard boot (22) and the snowboard (20), in addition to the snowboard binding (21), provides a non-positive connection between the snowboard boot (22) and the snowboard (20) and contributes to enlarging of the bearing surface(s) (4.1, 4.2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Dakuga Holding Ltd.
    Inventors: Hansjürg Kessler, Peter Martin, Jürg Kunz, Gian-Paul Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6505842
    Abstract: A container for a stack of newspapers includes bottom, side, and back walls and a substantially open front to facilitate stacking newspapers in the container, and inspecting the stack for non-paper contaminants. A pair of rotatable wheels on the bottom of the container, and a base on the bottom of the container are adapted to rest on a horizontal supporting surface such as a floor. A pair of inwardly extending lips on the front of the container restrain the stack of papers when the container is tilted and rolled from one location to another. The container bottom slopes downwardly away from the open front of the container, and the back of the container slopes upwardly away from the open front to promote forming a stack which is slightly inclined to vertical when the container rests on the horizontal surface. External means on the container facilitate picking up the container and dumping the stack of papers in a collection truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Floyd S. Butterfield, Michael S. O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 6505843
    Abstract: A device for transporting a container includes a frame and a boom coupled to the frame for maintaining a container in an upright position during movement of the device. The device prevents contents of the container from spilling during transport. The device is collapsible so that it can be easily and compactly stored when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Dale Williams
  • Patent number: 6505844
    Abstract: A door transporting and support system for allowing an individual to easily transport and install a door within a doorjamb. The door transporting and support system includes a base having a door receiving channel, a pair of first arms extending from the base, a pair of second arms extending from the base, a plurality of caster wheels attached to the arms each by an adjustable threaded shaft, a plurality of support rods extending from the arms, and a plurality of support members removably attached to the support rods in a vertical manner. The base includes a pair of parallel side walls that define the channel. The height, angle and position of a door retained within the base are determined by the position of each threaded shaft of the caster wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: David Hallman, Neil Hallman
  • Patent number: 6505845
    Abstract: A jogging scooter is constructed to include a base holding a set of tracker rollers, two tracks mounted on the tracker rollers and arranged in parallel, a front wheel rack provided at a front side of the base, two front wheel holders respectively pivoted to the front wheel rack and linked by a link and supporting a respective front wheel, a steering column mounted on the front wheel rack and coupled to the link for steering control, a rear wheel axle mounted in a rear side of the base and supporting a pair of rear wheels, and two gears meshed together and respectively mounted on the rear wheel axle and the rear tracker roller for transmission of rotary force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Long Fong
  • Patent number: 6505846
    Abstract: A bicycle cable locking system in which a double length cable stowed in one of the frame tubes automatically surrounds the head as it is withdrawn from a stowed position to an extended position, and a double or single length cable stowed in one of the frame tubes that automatically retracts back into the stowed position when it is released from an extended position. The ends of the cable may be secured with an in-line lock integral to the cable or with a pad lock by constructing the ends the cable as a loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: E Z Lock, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6505847
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a suspension mechanism that is built into the rigid frame members of a vehicle such as a motorcycle to provide a softer ride while preserving the clean look of the rigid frame. The vehicle has a wheel mount for a wheel, a steering head for a steering handle, and a vehicle frame. The suspension mechanism comprises a lower frame member of the vehicle frame extending from the wheel mount, and an upper frame member of the vehicle frame extending from the wheel mount and being disposed above the lower frame member. An upper frame arm of the vehicle frame extends from the steering head and is movably coupled with the upper frame member at a location between the steering head and the wheel mount. The upper frame member is slidable relative to the upper frame arm along an upper arcuate path centered around a pivot axis disposed between the upper frame member and the lower frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Paramount Custom Cycles
    Inventor: Aaron Greene
  • Patent number: 6505848
    Abstract: A coupling device is provided for receiving and securing a ball, the ball being attached to the structure to be coupled, including a tow vehicle in the case of a trailer hitch application. Various embodiments of the device for both tongue and “goose neck” trailer hitch applications are included, which provide for simple and effective latching and unlatching, including operation from the perimeter of the vehicle. Hands free latching is provided for all coupling embodiments. A pivoting ball support with one or more recessed faces is rotated and displaced as the ball enters the device, and is returned to a position whereby the ball is prevented from exiting the device. Various provisions are made for retaining the pivoting ball support in this position after such latching has occurred. Provisions for unlatching include various handles and hand pushed structure. Vertical adaptations are provided for use on gates and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: David Richard Brown, Danny Richard Brown, Stacy Ray Brown
  • Patent number: 6505849
    Abstract: The ball clamp coupler includes a coupler housing wherein a coupler socket is defined, with the coupler socket having a bottom socket opening to allow insertion of a hitch ball. A rear wall is also defined within the coupler housing interior adjacent the coupler socket. A ball clamp moves within the interior of the coupler housing between an open (uncoupled) state wherein the ball clamp is substantially removed from the coupler socket, and a closed (coupled) state wherein the ball clamp is substantially inserted within the coupler socket. During such motion, the ball clamp is guided against the rear wall, whereby engagement of the hitch ball will situate the ball clamp between the hitch ball and the rear wall. The ball clamp is driven by a clamp driving member which extends from the interior of the coupler housing to its exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Fulton Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Wayne Ebey
  • Patent number: 6505850
    Abstract: An airbag covering cap including a support layer and a covering layer of different elasticities, having at least one tear-off line along which the airbag covering cap tears open when the airbag is deployed. The covering layer is weakened by a groove in the region of the tear-off line and the support layer extends into this groove. The covering layer has a section adjacent to the section of the support layer, which extends into said support layer. The edge between the sections of the support and covering layers, each extending into the other layer is configured as a tear-off edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Helfrich, Norbert Vath, Thomas Klein, Bernhard Kress, Norbert Wolleb, Tomás Sieira, Hans Martin Hauck
  • Patent number: 6505851
    Abstract: A gas bag restraint device for restraining an occupant comprises a gas bag module, which has a gas generator and a gas bag with a gas bag wall. The gas bag wall has a front wall facing the occupant, which front wall has a center section with a depression, in relation to an inflated state of the gas bag, so that an annular gas bag chamber surrounding the depression is formed. The device further comprises a module covering which on inflation of the gas bag opens an outlet opening, and a fastening device for the center section, with which the center section is prevented from a movement out of the gas bag module even in the inflated state of the gas bag, so that the depression is formed. The fastening device includes a reinforcement insert integrated into the module covering and fastened to the gas bag module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralph Frisch
  • Patent number: 6505852
    Abstract: A safety device housed in a motor vehicle and used in the field of automobile safety has an impervious inflatable metal bag fixed to a support, a pyrotechnic charge, and an ignition device intended to be connected to a source of electrical current. The bag includes a first metal sheet which has a central orifice, an intermediate fixing zone attached to the support and a peripheral fixing zone and a solid domed second metal sheet which has a peripheral fixing zone. The two metal sheets are fixed together at their peripheral fixing zones. The pyrotechnic charge is contained in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Livbag SNC
    Inventors: Franck Lebaudy, Christian Perotto
  • Patent number: 6505853
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (28) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable away from the roof into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The device (14) has a perimeter (50) defined by an upper edge (52) positioned adjacent the roof (28), an opposite lower edge (54), and front and rear edges (56 and 58) spaced apart along the upper and lower edges. The device (14) includes overlying panels secured together along the perimeter (50) to define an inflatable volume (34) and is free from association with an inflatable tube. An inflator (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the device (14). A flexible elongated member (90) extends through the device (14) and is coiled around a portion (70) of the inflatable volume (34) of the device. The member (90) has a first end (92) and an opposite second end (94) fixed to the vehicle side structure (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignees: TRW Inc., Simula, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Brannon, Wael S. Elqadah, Timothy A. Swann, John P. O'Loughlin, James K. O'Docherty, Nathan R. Butters
  • Patent number: 6505854
    Abstract: An inflatable vehicle safety system having a source of inflating gas and an inflatable bag in which a flat, woven hose connects the gas source to the inflatable bag using minimal connecting hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Robert W. Sands, John G. Higgins, Kevin J. Keeslar
  • Patent number: 6505855
    Abstract: An air bag body (1) is expanded by charging air therein after being expanded in a flat surface shape. Next, by gently gripping the air bag body (1) by upper and lower blades (26, 25) radially arranged in a radial direction of the air bag body (1), height in a radial direction of the air bag body (1) is linearly restricted along the upper and lower blades (26, 25). Next, a plurality of movable blocks (24) are forward moved toward a center of the air bag body (1), and upper and lower panels (12, 11) of the air bag body (1) are accumulated. At this time, the upper and lower panels (12, 11) of the air bag body (1) are folded in a state of being apart from each other so as to form a wave shape. Next, the air bag body (1) is rotated, a portion left in a tab shape is wound around a periphery, and a center protruding portion of the air bag body (1) is pressed from an upper side, whereby a front surface deploying portion (35) is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Nishijima, Tetsuji Endo, Kazuhiro Kaneko, Toshiyuki Sugiyama, Yoshinori Goto, Masaki Ueno, Masahito Ishizuka, Mikio Ochiai
  • Patent number: 6505856
    Abstract: A steering device for motor vehicles has a steering shaft that is guided by a guide box (3) which is connected to a retaining console and, for example, clamped. The console has at least one sliding surface (8) along the axis of the shaft (1) which allows for a displacement path (20) with respect to the chassis (18) in case of a collision. A clamp (17) is provided for axial retention of the console (6) in an initial position of the displacement path (20). In this way at least one part of the clamped surface is slanted in relation to the vertical clamping device so that the clamping surfaces can move away from each other when the steering shaft is displaced and clamping is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Krupp Presta AG
    Inventors: Hans Jöhr, Rudolf Lüthi, Jürg Oetliker, Kurt Marxer, Markus Marxer, Ronald Meier, Christian Lutz
  • Patent number: 6505857
    Abstract: Arrangement for a steering system (1) for a vehicle having a steering wheel (2) and a main shaft (3, 8, 10) which is connected to the steering wheel (2) and also suspended in the vehicle. The main shaft (3, 8, 10) is also connected to a steering gear which belongs to the steering system (1) and comprises an input shaft (12) for transmission of a rotary movement of the main shaft (3, 8, 10) to said steering gear. An end portion of said main shaft (3, 8, 10) facing the input shaft (12) is terminated by a first deformation (13) adapted for locking interaction with a second deformation (14) in the input shaft (12), by means of which said rotary movement is transmitted to the steering gear. A method is also disclosed for mounting a steering system (1) in a vehicle. By means of the invention, an improved mounting of a steering system (1) in a vehicle is provided, in particular a simple mounting and a secure connection between a main shaft and a pinion of a steering gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Volvo Personvagnar AB
    Inventors: Tore Fosse, Arash Houshmand
  • Patent number: 6505858
    Abstract: A customizable configurable photocube system includes a photocube and a label sheet. The photocube has a plurality of blocks each having a plurality of sides. The label sheet has a plurality of labels that are attachable to corresponding sides of the blocks. The label sheet is configured to be printed upon in a commonly used office printing machine such as an inkjet printer or a color copier. A user may print a number of images onto the label sheet, thereafter removing the labels from the label sheet and attaching the labels to sides of the blocks in such a manner that a configurable photocube is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003