Patents Issued in March 18, 2003
  • Patent number: 6532831
    Abstract: To provide a rotation sensor for detecting a relative rotation angle, which shows little variation in detection accuracy even in the presence of disturbances. The rotation sensor detects a variation in impedance of each of two exciting coils (12b) which is produced depending on the strength of eddy currents induced in first and second rotors (11, 13), and determines a relative rotation angle on the basis of a difference between the amounts of both variations. A first conductive layer (11a) is provided on at least one of the opposite sides of the first rotor as viewed along a rotation axis, and consists of a plurality of portions arranged in a circumferential direction of the first rotor with predetermined spaces between. The stationary core (12) is so arranged that a core body (12a) holding the two exciting coils (12b) is symmetrical with respect to a plane normal to the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dongzhi Jin, Fumihiko Abe, Kengo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6532832
    Abstract: A torque transducer for measuring torque transmitted in a rotating as well as a stationary shaft. The torque transducer comprises a transducer shaft 1 arranged with a cylinder-shaped magnetoelastic region 2 fixed to the cylindrical periphery of the transducer shaft, which cylinder-shaped magnetoelastic region is permanently magnetized in the azimuthal direction. The transducer shaft with the cylinder-shaped magnetoelastic region is surrounded by a winding 4 which is supplied by an alternating current. Further, the winding is connected to a phase-sensitive detector 5. According to the present invention, a magnetic and non-linear ferromagnetic material 3′ is arranged in physical contact with the cylinder-shaped magnetoelastic region 2. The advantages are that the transducer shaft is manufactured independently of the magnetic properties of the shaft material and may substantially consist of a ferromagnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Roozbeh Shahcheraghi, Jarl Sobel, Kent Blomkvist, Hans Ling
  • Patent number: 6532833
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for noncontact measurement of torque applied to a torque-bearing member such as a shaft. The method involves the use of a piezoelectric transducer mechanically coupled to the shaft for rotation therewith, and having electrical characteristics responsive to applied torque. Electrical signal characteristics are changed by the torque-dependent transducer characteristics. The electrical signals are coupled to the outside (non-rotating) world by at least one capacitive coupler. In one embodiment, an fixed-frequency oscillator produces signal, and the transmission of the signal is affected by the torque-dependent resonant frequency of the transducer. In another embodiment, the transducer is coupled in the feedback loop of a circuit to form an oscillator, in which the frequency is responsive to the torque. A transducer may be placed and distributed in a protective holder. The holder may be pierced in particular locations in order to increase or decrease its sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ryszard Marian Lec
  • Patent number: 6532834
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor for measuring a pressure applied to an elastic member includes a capacitive plate disposed adjacent to the elastic member so as to define a gap between a planar conductive surface of the elastic member and a corresponding planar surface of the capacitive plate. The gap, capacitive plate and elastic member together define a capacitor having a characteristic capacitance. The sensor further includes an elongated electrical conductor characterized by an associated inductance value. The conductor is fixedly attached to and electrically coupled with the capacitive plate. The gap between the capacitive plate and the elastic member varies as a predetermined function of the pressure applied to the elastic member so as to vary the characteristic capacitance. The capacitor and the electrical conductor together form an electrical resonator having a characteristic resonant frequency. Varying the capacitance of this tank circuit varies the resonant frequency of the tank circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Setra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gino A. Pinto, Dennis K. Briefer
  • Patent number: 6532835
    Abstract: An air sampler having a fan; an air inlet tube; a main body having a cyclonic cup, a stripping column and a demister; and fluidic circuitry for inputting fluids to the main body and the air inlet tube, and for outputting fluids from the main body. Air flow through the air sampler may be generated by a fan that is either external or internal with respect to the main body's cyclonic cup. A thin film of stripping liquid and/or a fog of stripping liquid particles in the air inlet tube, the cyclonic cup, the stripping column and/or the demister strip a target material from the air flow through the air sampler. A passive fog generating slot or a passive spiral fog generating nozzle may be placed over the fluid input conduit in the center of the cyclonic cup. The air sampler's main body and/or an air inlet tube may be integrally formed as one part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Research International, Inc.
    Inventors: Elric W. Saaski, Chuck C. Jung, David A. McCrae
  • Patent number: 6532836
    Abstract: A port structure is disclosed that may be placed at differing height intervals in the side of the on-farm or smaller grain storage bin. The port is sealed with the sealing apparatus to prevent the introduction of unwanted moisture or insects into the storage cavity of the grain bin. A standard sharp pointed probe available in the industry is utilized with the invention. Once the sealed cap is removed, the probe is inserted through the port horizontally into the stored grain to obtain grain samples at whatever intervals are provided by the standard probe mechanism. Also disclosed is a method for sampling from a horizontal cross section of a particulate matter storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Lynn Payne
  • Patent number: 6532837
    Abstract: A pipette for repeatedly aspirating and dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid. The pipette includes a hollow body having first and second extremities. The second extremity is adapted to removably receive the pipette tip. An ejector is carried by the body and has a first extremity disposed within the first extremity of the housing and a second extremity movable vertically about the second extremity of the housing. The ejector is movable from a first position for permitting the pipette tip to be securely mounted on the second extremity of the housing and a second position for pushing the pipette tip off of the second extremity of the housing. A spring is carried by the housing and is compressed so as to store energy in the spring. A locking mechanism is additionally carried by the housing for retaining the spring in the compressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Rainin Instrument, LLC
    Inventors: Haakon T. Magussen, Jr., Phillip Yee, Albert Y. Wang
  • Patent number: 6532838
    Abstract: A system for subterranean termite detection, measuring, concentration, collection, marking, tracking and suppression is provided by deploying a family of devices in the soil peripheral to objects subject to termite infestation. Each device is fitted with a signal port in its dorsal surface for inspectors to examine, and lateral ingress/egress ports for termites to enter. Subterranean termites are attracted to the devices, which are constructed of a termite food material. When entering termites seal the signal port they produce a distinctive visual change that is observable by an inspector from a distance. This alerts the inspector to the presence of termite activity within the device. The signal port may have an interior reflector for reflecting light directed threat to indicate that the signal port has been sealed by termites. The signal port may also have a mesh disposed thereacross to prevent unwanted obstruction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: EntomoBiotics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Cates
  • Patent number: 6532839
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the remote measurement of physical parameters are described. The apparatus includes a sensor, sensor instrumentation, a carbon coated optical fiber cable for extending between the sensor and the sensor instrumentation, a conduit for extending to a measurement location and configured to accommodate the optical fiber cable and the sensor, and a cable installing device configured to install the sensor and the optical fiber cable through the conduit and place the sensor at the measurement location. The cable installation device includes an apparatus for propelling a fluid along the conduit, such as a pump, a compressor, and the like. In the method, a sensor is installed at a measurement location by pumping the sensor and a carbon-coated optical fiber cable through a conduit, forming a seal around the cable where it enters the conduit, and connecting the cable to sensor instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sensor Dynamics Ltd.
    Inventors: Erhard Luther Edgar Kluth, Malcolm Paul Varnham
  • Patent number: 6532840
    Abstract: The method for in situ inspection includes providing a pair of adjacent impingement sleeves forming part of a combustor. A robotic inspection tool carrying an inspection head is inserted through an opening in the outer casing of the gas turbine and manipulated to locate the inspection head between the adjacent impingement sleeves. After inspecting the exterior surface of an impingement sleeve, the inspection tool is withdrawn from the casing. Additionally, a transition piece body forming part of a combustor is inspected by securing a robotic manipulator to an open end of the combustion casing, locating an inspection head on an inspection arm of the manipulator and manipulating the arm to locate the inspection head to inspect interior wall portions of the transition body by displacing the head axially and radially toward wall portions of the transition body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kenneth John Hatley, Richard Michael Hatley, Sean Michael McDonnell, Michael John Bousquet, Thomas Arthur Wagner, Sami Aslam, Kathleen Lynne Bentzel
  • Patent number: 6532841
    Abstract: Gear selector device of an automatic transmission in which a first lever which can be operated manually is movable between a rest position and a first operating position to control an down-shift of the gear and a second lever which can be operated manually is movable between a rest position and a first operating position to control an up-shift of the gear engaged. The first and the second lever produce respective second operating positions to control the following operations: the engagement of reverse gear; the selection of an automatic mode of operation of the automatic transmission; and the selection of a ‘sports’-type of mode of operation of the automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Medico, Giovanni Tornatore, Cesare Sola, Gianluigi Lenzi
  • Patent number: 6532842
    Abstract: A shift control device for a transmission mechanism for a motor vehicle having a shift control lever 2 provided in the vicinity of a steering wheel 1 for column shifting, a steering shaft 16 movable in response to the operation of the steering wheel 1, and a shift shaft 22 rotatable when the shift control lever 2 is operated in a first direction d2 and axially movable when the shift control lever 2 is operated in a second direction which is different from the first direction, wherein an axial direction S2 of the shift shaft 22 is different from an axial direction S1 of the steering shaft 16. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a transmission mechanism shift control device for preventing the occurrence of a gear shift that the driver does not intend and improving further the operability thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Arai, Noritosi Hasumi, Nobuhiro Uchijima
  • Patent number: 6532843
    Abstract: A steering wheel covering includes a sheath fitting over the periphery of a motor vehicle, a plurality of detachable replaceable patches fitting respective recessed portions of the sheath, and a plurality of tie cords respectively inserted through wire holes of each patches to secure the patches and the sheath to the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Yih Jong Chang
  • Patent number: 6532844
    Abstract: For a crankshaft of a motor with two outputs, which are braced against each other on a common shaft section by means of an essentially axial directed bracing force, measures are suggested, which deflect the axially directed bracing force into a bracing force with a radial component, that acts on at least one output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Gif Geselleschaft for Indusrie Forschung mbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Rohs
  • Patent number: 6532845
    Abstract: For tightening threaded connectors, a plurality of fluid-operated torque tools are used, each engaging with a respective of one threaded connector. It is sensed when at least one of the fluid-operated torque tools reaches a point during an advance stroke when it permits a return ratcheting, and automatically all pistons of all fluid-operated torque tools are retracted even if a rest of the pistons or the fluid-operated torque tools are not advanced to a point when the return ratcheting of the tools is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Unex Corporation
    Inventor: Jeff Reiman
  • Patent number: 6532846
    Abstract: A tool includes a shank, a handle slidably mounted on the shank and encompassing an outer periphery of the shank, thereby forming a closed state, and a positioning structure mounted between the shank and the handle for positioning the handle on the shank. The positioning structure includes at least one positioning portion formed on the shank, and at least one positioning body formed on the body. The positioning body may be locked and positioned on the positioning portion when the handle is compressed, thereby positioning the handle on the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Chorng-Jiang Lin
  • Patent number: 6532847
    Abstract: A pair of pliers includes a first plier body including a first handle attached to a first end thereof and a second end. The first plier body further includes a mediate portion with a first pivotal section and a second pivotal section. A second plier body includes a first end with a slot and a second end that cooperates with the second end of the first plier body for exerting a force on an object between the second end of the first plier body and the second end of the second plier body. The second plier body further includes a mediate portion with a third pivotal section in pivotal engagement with the first pivotal section of the first plier body. The mediate portion of the first plier body and the mediate portion of the second plier body together define a compartment. A third plier body includes a second handle attached to a first end thereof and a second end with a rocker movably received in the compartment. The rocker is in pivotal connection with the second pivotal section of the first plier body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Mou-Tang Liou
  • Patent number: 6532848
    Abstract: An improved method for producing a brake drum which balances a brake drum defining an inner surface and an axis. Balancing specifications are determined which correct an imbalance of the brake drum about the axis. Material is removed from the inner surface, which forms a cylindrical surface preferably defining a braking surface of the brake drum, to balance the brake drum according to the balancing specifications. It is a further feature of the invention to remove material surrounding a pilot hole initially formed in the brake drum, wherein the removal of the material also correlates to the balancing specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC.
    Inventors: Robert A. DeRegnaucourt, Kenneth D. Mutzner
  • Patent number: 6532849
    Abstract: A complex tool has a main body and a turning tool provided at an outer periphery portion of the main body. The turning tool is capable of machining on a rotating workpiece without rotating itself. An insert installed on the turning tool has a top end which contacts a workpiece by projecting a predetermined amount outside the main body's outer peripheral face. It also projects a predetermined amount from a top end portion of the main body in a direction of an axial center of the tool. The complex tool also has a rotating tool for machining by rotating itself. The rotating tool accomplishes machining corresponding to an axial center of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Naoe Fukumura, Masayoshi Mizukado, Kazuhiro Kikata, Sadami Miyazaki, Koichi Maki
  • Patent number: 6532850
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dissecting logs in a sawing installation are disclosed. The installation having a reciprocally moving longitudinal conveyor for moving the logs reciprocally through a double band saw assembly utilizing band saw blades having sawing teeth both on a forward longitudinal edge and a rearward longitudinal edge thereof. As a consequence, the log is sawn both during the forward stroke and during the backward stroke of the reciprocally moving conveyor. Between subsequent strokes the band saw blades are displaced radially with respect to the conveying direction such that during each stroke the log first comes into contact with an outward band saw blade and then with an inward band saw blade, both relative to the log axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Esterer WD GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jean Gunnar Bergvall, Nikolaus Gössl
  • Patent number: 6532851
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an elongated circular product during cutting includes a fixed lower support frame and a movable upper support frame. Right and left bottom support links include a lower end which is pivotally connected to the lower frame. Right and left side support links include a lower end which is slidably supported by a slot in the lower frame, an intermediate pivot point which is pivotally connected to the upper end of one of the bottom support links, and an upper end which is engageable with the product. The upper frame includes right and left guide surfaces which are engageable with the product. When the upper frame is moved downwardly toward the lower frame, the guide surfaces of the upper frame move the upper ends of the side support links closer to the center of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Paper Converting Machine Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Moss, Larry D. Wierschke
  • Patent number: 6532852
    Abstract: The present invention provides a band saw blade 1 which has less difference in cut areas of workpieces with small diameters and cut areas of workpieces with large diameters, and is capable of weakening the cutting resistance and preventing unintentional bending of a cutting line and noise generation when a workpiece, which cannot easily be cut, is cut. The band saw blade 1 has, on the back surface 5 of a body 3 thereof, a wavy back surface 5 which is changed periodically or irregularly. A plurality of imaginary curves L1,L2 running parallel to the wavy undulation provided for the back surface 5 are formed opposite to the back surface. Moreover, a plurality of saw teeth 2,4,6,8,10 having tooth tips which substantially describe the imaginary curves L1,L2 are formed. Thus, constant areas can be cut by the band saw blade 1 regardless of the diameter of the workpieces required to be cut. Moreover, the cutting resistance can be weakened, and unintentional bending and noise can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Susumu Tsujimoto, Iwao Kamiyama
  • Patent number: 6532853
    Abstract: A table-top cutting machine having a base; a circular saw main unit having a saw blade and a drive therefor, the circular saw main unit being moveable between a precutting and a postcutting position and being pivotable to incline the saw blade. A turntable is also provided and is rotatably supported by the base. Locking mechanisms maintain the positions of the circular saw main unit and of the turntable and are operated by handles disposed at the front of the turntable. A stop is also provided to set and maintain the circular saw main unit with its saw blade in a vertical position. This mechanism is likewise operated by a handle disposed at the front of the turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: One World Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kakimoto, Tatsuya Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 6532854
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism is provided for clamping a cutting die to the die holder of a rotary cutting assembly used to cut a pattern in an envelope blank or the like. The clamping mechanism is adapted to fit within and cooperate with a groove of the die holder to clamp at least one of the ends of the cutting die therebetween for securing the cutting die to the holder. One embodiment of the clamping mechanism comprises a clamping bar and a position adjustment assembly for adjusting the vertical position of the clamping bar in the groove so as to accommodate different size cutting dies. Another embodiment of the clamping mechanism comprises a clamping bar which pivotably engages a slot disposed in the die holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Best Cutting Die Company
    Inventors: Frank Okonski, Edward Porento, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6532855
    Abstract: A saw blade includes a blade body which defines a first side surface and a second side surface, wherein (i) the blade body has a multiplicity of discrete dimples formed on at least one of the side surfaces, (ii) the blade body is made of metal, and (iii) each of the multiplicity of dimples is formed by a process which includes the step of deforming the metal so as to create an indentation in the side surface in which the dimple is formed. The saw blade further includes a plurality of cutting teeth extending from an edge of the blade body. Moreover, the deforming step includes the step of deforming the metal with pins on a die plate of a punch press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Credo Tool Company
    Inventors: Kevin M. Ward, Gregory A. Phillips, Manfred W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6532856
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a paper sheet cutting apparatus which cuts the front end portion opposite to the fold, where both the leading edge and trailing edge get together by center folding, and an image forming apparatus equipped with the paper sheet cutting apparatus. The sheet cutting apparatus includes a conveying device for conveying a booklet; a stopping device for stopping the booklet at a predetermined position; a cutting device for cutting the front end portion of the booklet; and a controlling section to control each of the conveying device, the stopping device and the cutting device. The controlling section controls the stopping device so as to variably determine a stopping position of the booklet stopped by the stopping device, based on a number of sheets included in the booklet conveyed to the cutting device by the conveying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Norishige Kato, Tetsuo Hirata
  • Patent number: 6532857
    Abstract: A light-weight armor hard-face component with elastomer encapsulation and lateral confinement to effectively improve multi-hit performance. The preferred embodiment is an integrated package consisting of a large elastomer plate, which contains confined, shock isolated ceramic tiles. This plate can be formed to a variety of sizes and shapes by cutting the elastomer along the gap between ceramic tiles. The attachment of this integrated package to a vehicle structure can be easily accomplished by bolting or adhesive bonding. Elastomer encapsulation limits lateral damage, increases ballistic efficiency and allows multiple impacts without ballistic performance degradation. The armor component is an integrated package, containing a continuous elastomer phase around segmented ceramic tiles. The elastomer is used to (1) attenuate stress waves, (2) accommodate the lateral displacement of ceramic fracturing, and (3) isolate adjacent tiles during the backing vibration stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ceradyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Chienchung James Shih, Marc A. Adams
  • Patent number: 6532858
    Abstract: An electric compressor includes a rotary shaft that is driven by an electric motor. The motor generates driving torque. Pistons compress gas in accordance with rotation of the rotary shaft. During one turn of the rotary shaft, the times when the net load torque generated by the pistons is minimum and the times when the driving torque of the motor is minimum occur at substantially the same rotation angles of the rotary shaft. Also, during one turn of the rotary shaft, the times when the net load torque is maximum and the times when the driving torque of the motor is maximum occur at substantially the same rotation angles of the rotary shaft. The driving torque is always greater than the net load torque. Therefore, the motor need not be large to generate sufficient torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Toshiro Fujii, Kazuo Murakami, Yasuharu Odachi, Yoshiyuki Nakane
  • Patent number: 6532859
    Abstract: A compressor, in particular for a vehicle air conditioning system, with a housing, which contains a device for conveying a compressed medium driven by a drive shaft, designed as an axial piston machine and having at least one piston reciprocating in a cylinder block and a take-up plate connected to the piston working in combination with a swash plate rotating around a rotational axis, whereby the swash plate is connected to the drive shaft by a carrier and whereby the take-up plate encompasses a support device working in combination with a non-rotating thrust bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Luk Fahrzeug-Hydraulik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Kuhn, Frank Obrist, Jan Hinrichs, Hans-Jürgen Lauth
  • Patent number: 6532860
    Abstract: The present invention provides a piston type compressor in which vibration and noise due to interference between the piston and the cam plate can be suppressed by preventing the rotation of the piston, and at the same time, it is possible to improve the productivity and accomplish the cost down. According to the present invention, the piston type compressor comprises a housing including a crank chamber and a cylinder block. A cylinder bore is formed in the cylinder block. A piston is accommodated in the cylinder bore so as to reciprocate. The piston is operatively connected to the cam plate. The piston reciprocates accompanying with rotation of the drive shaft so that drawing and discharging of a refrigerant is performed. A rotation preventing portion is formed on the piston, and a groove facing the rotation preventing portion so as to have clearance is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the crank chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masaki Ota, Masahiro Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 6532861
    Abstract: The invention depicts and describes a clamping device for securing a draw-in bolt (12) on a machine table, a baseplate, or the like, having a piston (6) that is arranged movably in a cylinder bore (4) to form a pressure chamber (5), a cover (9) that closes off the cylinder bore (4) on the side opposite the pressure chamber (5), a receptacle (11) which is configured in the piston (6) and/or the cover (9) and into which a draw-in bolt (12) can be inserted, and a clamping mechanism in order to secure a draw-in bolt (12) in the receptacle (11), the clamping mechanism being actuable by displacement of the piston (6) between a clamped position into which it is pushed by spring elements (10) that are arranged in a spring chamber (2) provided between the piston (6) and cover (9), and a released position into which it can be brought by impingement of a hydraulic medium on the pressure chamber (5), which is characterized in that the spring chamber (2) is connected to the receptacle (11) by at least one runoff duct (19)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Vischer & Bolli AG
    Inventor: Ernst Etter
  • Patent number: 6532862
    Abstract: A coffee maker having a centrifugal brewing system. The system includes a basket having a bottom and sides extending upwardly therefrom. The sides define multiple vertical ports that extend upwardly from the bottom of the basket. The basket rotates at low angular velocities, preferably less than about 150 RPM, to extract coffee. Extracted coffee exits the basket through the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Steve O. Mork, Joshua E. Netz, David-Henry Oliver
  • Patent number: 6532863
    Abstract: A food processor in the present invention includes a spindle, a blade holder, a positioning member, an elastic retaining member, a flexible member and a push member. Only to press down the push member, engagement hooks and guide blocks of the push member will slide downwards along slide grooves of the positioning member to compress the flexible member and lower an inclined plane of the push member to press against an inner wall surface of a clamp part of the elastic retaining member to force the clamp part to be stretched outwardly so as to release a projection of the spindle, thereby the blade holder can be easily disassembled and assembled for the convenience of completely cleaning residuary foodstuff out of the blade holder to keep the blade holder in a good sanitary condition ready for the next use so as to prolong the working life of the food processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Lee
  • Patent number: 6532864
    Abstract: A combination slicer and toaster which is particularly suitable for slicing and toasting bagels and other similar food items, which comprises in combination a slicing section and a toasting section, such that a bagel, or other similar food item, is inserted into an opening slot in one end of the slicing section, wherein said bagel or other food item is forced into intimate contact with a slicer located within the slicing section by the downward action of a pusher located in rotational contact with the opening slot. Upon passing through the slicing section, the bagel is simultaneously deposited in the toasting section of the device, where the now sliced food item is toasted and, upon completion of the toasting operation, is elevated through an exit slot in the other end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Lectrix, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Ancona, Robert A. Varakian
  • Patent number: 6532865
    Abstract: A food-cooking vessel has a bottom plate and an upwardly extending continuous sidewall. A spigot assembly is secured to the sidewall above the bottom plate to allow draining of liquid from the vessel. A valve mounted in the spigot assembly regulates the flow of liquid from the vessel to an outlet spout. A filter is mounted in the spout to filter solid particles from the drained liquid. The spigot assembly has an attachment plate that is fixedly secured on the convex exterior surface of the sidewall surrounding a drain opening formed in the sidewall. A cylindrical attachment member is fixedly attached to the plate and extends through the plate into the drain opening without contacting the wall of the container, thereby avoiding the necessity of having the cylindrical member to conform to the convex wall of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Nathan Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6532866
    Abstract: A multiple substrate orienter is provided that includes a rotatable substrate handler having a plurality of substrate support portions, each adapted to support a substrate. The multiple substrate orienter also includes a plurality of stacked substrate supports, each adapted to support a substrate. A plurality of substrate orientation marking (SOM) detectors are provided, and each SOM detector is coupled to a different one of the substrate supports and is adapted to identify a presence of an SOM of a substrate positioned close enough to the SOM detector to allow SOM detection by the SOM detector. The multiple substrate orienter further includes a plurality of lift and lower mechanisms, each lift and lower mechanism coupled to a different one of the substrate supports and adapted to individually lift and lower the substrate support to which the lift and lower mechanism is coupled. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilya Perlov, Eugene Gantvarg, Leonid Tertitski
  • Patent number: 6532867
    Abstract: A perforation pattern is provided with a stencil plate, which is decreased in perforation configuration irregularity and has an adequate size of perforations. The stencil plate is produced from a heat sensitive stencil sheet having a heat shrinkable film by selectively heating the film with a heating device to form independent dot perforations corresponding to an image in the film, and each of the perforations has a through hole and a rim surrounding the through hole and bulging on a heated side of the film, and the rim has a height that satisfies the following formulae (1) and (2): h≦4(&mgr;m)  (1) h≦0.05{square root over ( )}(pxpy) (&mgr;m)  (2) where h denotes the height (&mgr;m) in reference to the surface of the film before heated, px and py respectively denote pitches (&mgr;m) in main and sub scanning directions of the heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Nakamura, Shoichi Ikejima
  • Patent number: 6532868
    Abstract: A stencil making and printing machine outputs a busy signal indicative that the stencil making and printing machine is a busy state, and then, gives the busy signal as an answer to the external computer system via the controller for a predetermined time after the stencil making process and for a predetermined time after a printing process, and thereby, an intervention operation from the external computer system is limited. By doing so, the present invention provides a stencil making and printing system and a stencil making and printing machine, which can improve an operability of stencil making and printing process, and has a high processing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotaka Kaneda, Manabu Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 6532869
    Abstract: A multiple color offset printer having a sheet feed mechanism in which a sheet feed cylinder receives a sheet in timed relation to a sheet transfer timing from the sheet feed cylinder to an impression cylinder. A blanket cylinder is divided into a plurality of uniform sized color sections around its periphery. The sheet feed cylinder has an outer peripheral length that is the same length as the peripheral length of each color section of the blanket cylinder. A sheet is transferred from the sheet feed cylinder to the impression cylinder once each time the sheet feed cylinder rotates a number of times equivalent to the number of color sections. A front lay cam rotates a single time during the same number of rotations as the number of the color sections. An abutment member moves from a projecting position in the sheet transport pathway to a retracted position separated therefrom a single time each time the front lay cam rotates a single time, so that a sheet is allowed to be supplied to the sheet feed cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ryobi Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Aoyama, Naritoshi Tahara, Yoshiyuki Tsuji
  • Patent number: 6532870
    Abstract: A process for preparing an ink-jet system printing plate, wherein an image is formed according to a hot melt type ink-jet system by heat-melting an ink composition that is solid at ordinary temperature, spraying droplets of the ink composition in a hot melt state from nozzles onto an intermediate transferrer to form an image, and contact-transferring the image on the intermediate transferrer to an image receiving layer of a planographic printing plate precursor, the image receiving layer being provided on a water-resistive support and containing zinc oxide and a binder resin, and thereafter, a nonimage area of the image receiving layer is desensitized by chemical reaction treatment to prepare a planographic printing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichi Kato, Sadao Osawa, Hiroyuki Ohishi, Kazuo Ishii
  • Patent number: 6532871
    Abstract: A method of controlling the resolution of an image formed on a substrate comprises: (a) providing a substrate; (b) applying an image to the substrate by ink jetting onto the substrate a fluid composition comprising at least one surfactant, wherein the spreading of the fluid composition on the substrate in the presence of the surfactant is less than the spreading of the fluid composition on the substrate in the absence of the surfactant. The invention reduces the dot spreading which otherwise occurs when a substrate is imaged via ink jetting to prepare a printing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics LLC
    Inventors: Patrice M. Aurenty, Roshanak Debeaud
  • Patent number: 6532872
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to the coordination in good register of cylinders of a web-fed rotary printing press which print on a web, wherein a first cylinder printing on one side of the web is driven by a first motor and a second cylinder printing on the same side of the web is driven by a second motor and the angular position of the second cylinder is coordinated with the first cylinder in good register by a controller. At least one disturbance variable (v) is sent to a command variable (u2.Soll) for the motor controller of at least the second cylinder to compensate a register deviation (Y12) of the second cylinder from the first cylinder, which register deviation is typical of the said disturbance variable (v).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Wifag
    Inventors: Walter Siegl, Andreas Helfenstein
  • Patent number: 6532873
    Abstract: Setting registration, with detection of the entry of a printing substrate (2) into a printing machine (1) and calculation of the beginning of digital production of color separations (3, 3′, 3″, 3′″) to achieve an in-register position of the color separation prints (4, 4′, 4″, 4′″) on a printing substrate (2). This is achieved by the printing substrate (2) being detected before it enters the printing machine (1) and, following this detection, the relative positions of the color separations (3, 3′, 3″, 3′″) being calculated, and by precise detection of the leading edge (5) of the printing substrate (2) being performed as it enters the printing machine (1) and being made the basis for determining the starts of the production of the color separations (3, 3′, 3″, 3′″), their relative position having been precalculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: NexPress Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Heiko Hunold, Ralph Petersen, Patrick Metzler
  • Patent number: 6532874
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blasting method of rock, by which blasting nuisances can be reduced and blasting efficiency increased. The method utilizes a blasting mechanism comprising the steps of: successively drilling a plurality of blasting holes on a upper free surface of a bench of rock with two free surface consisting of the upper free surface and a slant free surface extended from the upper free surface or on a free surface of rock with one free surface, in which the blasting holes are arranged in straight line and consist of a first group of first-order blasting holes, a second-order blasting hole and a second group of first-order blasting holes; charging the blast holes with an explosive; blasting the first-order blasting holes so as to form four free surfaces around the second-order blasting hole; and blasting the second-order blasting holes in a state where the four free surfaces were formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: T & RB Co., Ltc.
    Inventor: Young-Jae Yoon
  • Patent number: 6532875
    Abstract: A self-destruct accessory fits on a mine whose case has a cap that can be depressed to detonate the mine. The accessory has a cover that is sized to fit on the cap. The cover has a plurality of lines for securing the cover to the mine. An explosive charge is mounted upon the cover and a detonator is located adjacent to the explosive charge. A remotely controllable device coupled to the detonator can receive a detonation signal from a remote location to detonate the explosive charge and explosively depress the cap in order to detonate and destroy the mine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 6532876
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the efficiency of a gun cartridge by determining the water weight volume of the cartridge; determining the bore diameter of the gun barrel; determining the weight of the bullet; and calculating the efficiency rating of the cartridge by multiplying the water weight volume by the bore diameter and dividing by the bullet weight. The efficiency rating is optimal between 110 and 145 when the water weight volume is determined in grains, the bore diameter is determined in thousandths of inches and the bullet weight is determined in grains. One such 50 caliber gun cartridge has a casing diameter of approximately 0.688 inches and neck portion which accepts a bullet having a bore diameter of approximately 0.510 inches. The case has a length ranging from 1.75 inches to 2.5 inches measured from the primer to the mouth of the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Henry Gene Ramirez, Gabriel A. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 6532877
    Abstract: A railroad car roof panel and skylight assembly. The assembly includes a rectangular metal roof panel. A pair of corrugations are formed in the roof panel with the corrugations extending longitudinally of the roof panel and spaced apart from one another transversely across the roof panel. A pair of light holes are formed in the roof panel between the corrugations. The light holes are positioned longitudinally of each other with each of the light holes having an inner edge. A translucent plastic window is located above each light hole. Each transparent window has a shape similar to but larger than the shape of its light hole and is positioned to overlie the inner edge of its light hole. The transparent plastic window may be planar or dome shaped. A ring shaped gasket formed of an elastomer such as EPDM has an annulus of rectangular transverse cross section with a thickness greater than that of the translucent window. The gasket also has an integrally outwardly extending brim which is thinner than the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Stanrail Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Hepburn, Peter R. Manyek, Richard W. Rentschler
  • Patent number: 6532878
    Abstract: A shelving unit that comprises shelves that are interconnected without fasteners to form a free standing piece of furniture, having a base shelf and at least one additional shelf, a plurality of spaced apart elongated mutually parallel slots disposed transversely in the rear edge of each of said shelves intermediate the first and second ends thereof, at least one brace-receiving slot disposed in the rear edge of the base shelf, a plurality of support members, each having front and rear edges, a plurality of elongated mutually parallel slots disposed in the front edge of each of said support members, whereby the slots in the support members are sized and adapted for interlocking engagement with corresponding slots in the shelves, at least one brace-receiving slot in the rear edge of each of said support members and at least one brace member having ends that are respectively adapted to be disposed in the brace-receiving slot of the base shelf and the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: W. Scott Tidemann
  • Patent number: 6532879
    Abstract: A solid fuel fed combustor system having a first chamber portion with an inlet feed for feeding a metered amount of a solid fuel thereto, a first burner stage having a first traveling conveyor firebelt, a metered amount of air introduced in progressively increasing proportions along the length of the first traveling conveyor. A second burner stage having a second traveling conveyor firebelt with air introduced in a progressively decreasing amount along the length of said second traveling conveyor firebelt and a controller for controlling air introduced to the system. The chamber has a sloped common roof section common to the burner stages and is made of radiative energy reflective fire brick and angled to reflect radiative energy generated from fuel traveling on the traveling conveyor firebelts and directing the radiative energy on fuel traveling on the first firebelt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Nathaniel Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Stan E. Abrams
  • Patent number: 6532880
    Abstract: A system for drying sludge includes a shaftless spiral feed screw for moving sludge through a drying chamber. An high energy inductor is located at a output of the drying chamber for drawing hot gases through the chamber to dry the sludge as it advances from the input end to the output end of the chamber. The high energy inductor also aspirates the dried sludge from the chamber. The drying system can be used in conjunction with a waste-to-energy furnace for incineration of sludge and municipal waste. In such an arrangement, the dried sludge can be aspirated from the drying chamber directly into a combustion zone of the furnace. Hot gases from the furnace can be used in drying the sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Vincent Promuto