Patents Issued in March 18, 2003
  • Patent number: 6533082
    Abstract: An electric parking brake includes a motor and a transmission coupling a threaded lead screw to the output shaft of the motor. The transmission preferably includes a plurality of helical gears such that the lead screw and the output shaft are coaxial. A guide shaft extends substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the lead screw. A drive nut threadably receives the lead screw and slidingly receives the elongate guide shaft. A brake cable is connected to the drive nut at a position preferably located midway between the lead screw and the guide shaft. In operation, rotation of the lead screw causes linear motion of the drive nut along the lead screw and the guide shaft which causes tensioning and untensioning of the brake cable. The assembly preferably includes a manual override device operatively connected to the lead screw for manual rotation of the lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Gill, Michael Slumba
  • Patent number: 6533083
    Abstract: Eddy current braking Apparatus is provided which includes a single array of permanent magnet for providing a magnet flux. A electrically conducted member for exclusively engaging the magnetic flux provided by the single array of permanent magnet. The magnets and conductive member are mounted for enabling relative motion between the magnet array and the conductive member to produce any currents in the conductive member resulting in the braking force between magnets and the conductive member. The configuration of the magnets and the conductive member enable the braking system to be installed over curvilinear paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Magnetar Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Edward M. Pribonic, Marc T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6533084
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a speed reducing device of a gas spring device. The piston is slidably moved in the cylinder in the state the piston is adhered to the inner wall surface of the cylinder, and a cutting recess is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder to easily move the gas in first and second chambers. A concentric gas passage is formed on the surface of the piston which makes contact with the upper washer, and includes another concentric gas passage. An inlet and outlet of the gas passage is opened towards the outer peripheral surface of the piston. A concentric gas passage is formed on the surface of the piston which makes contact with the under washer. The inlet and outlet of the gas passages is opened towards the bottom surface of an annular recess. The gas passage is connected by an axial recess which penetrates the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Samhongsa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong Kwan Ma
  • Patent number: 6533085
    Abstract: A modular blow-off base valve is provided for a vehicle twin tube damper in which a valve body is inserted into the end of an inner damper tube. The valve body has a central opening into which is inserted a valve cage assembly. The valve cage assembly includes a valve cage tubular member having a blow-off valve opening which is pressed into the central opening. A valve stem forming a valve seat with the blow-off valve opening is biased into a closed position by a helical spring seated against the underside of the valve stem at one end and a spring retainer fastened to the bottom of the valve cage at its other end. An annular bleed disc, intake disc and washer disc fit over the tubular member and cover rebound openings in the valve body. When the valve cage assembly is placed into the valve body's central opening, the washer disc biases the intake disc into sealing engagement with the rebound openings in the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jamshid Kargar Moradmand, Robert Alan Neal
  • Patent number: 6533086
    Abstract: A wheeled upright luggage case is disclosed. The best embodiment of the case has wheels to allow the case to stand upright in a stable and balanced position without attendance by the user. The case has a wheel handle to allow the user to push or pull the case across a supporting surface. The case may be pushed or pulled on either four wheels or two wheels. When four wheels are used, the full weight of the case and its contents are borne by the wheels, relieving the user from having to bear with her arm any of the weight of the luggage. The body of the case is designed to have a specific range of tilt angles from the vertical; by tilting the body of the case toward the user, the design of the case improves the stability of the case while it is pushed across a supporting surface on four wheels. Various case body configurations and push handle arrangements are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Waddell, Andrew Zionts, William L. King
  • Patent number: 6533087
    Abstract: A luggage is formed of a main shell, a cover body, and an expansion fabric fastened between the main shell and the cover body to enable the cover body to pull away from the main shell so as to expand the capacity of the luggage. The main shell is provided with two support plates, each having one or more connection members. The expansion fabric is provided with one or more locating members. As the expansion fabric is expanded to result in an increase in capacity of the luggage, the connection members of the support plates are joined with the locating members of the expansion fabric, so as to brace firmly the cover body and the expansion fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Shou Mao Chen
  • Patent number: 6533088
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device, especially a hydrodynamic torque converter, includes a pump impeller installed in a housing, a turbine impeller having a turbine shell connected nonrotatably to a turbine hub, and possibly a stator. The turbine hub consists of several individually manufactured parts such as a sheet-metal parts, and the turbine shell is designed and mounted on the turbine hub so that it assumes some of the functions of the turbine hub, such as the sealing and guide functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rüdiger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 6533089
    Abstract: A ratchet one-way clutch comprises an inner race and an outer race coaxially arranged to be relatively rotative; a pawl member arranged between the inner race and outer race to be fitted into a recessed portion provided for the outer circumferential face of the inner race or the inner circumferential face of the outer race for transmitting torque; a spring for biasing the pawl member to the recessed portion; and a bush for supporting the pawl member and spring and for providing a bearing between the inner race and outer race. For this clutch, a recessed portion is formed on an inner circumferential face of the bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 6533090
    Abstract: An axle module for use in an automotive vehicle. The axle module includes a housing and a shaft rotatably supported within that housing. The axle module also includes a ring gear connected to the shaft. The axle module also includes a clutch pack housing engaged with an end of shaft while a side shaft joint is arranged within the clutch pack housing. The side shaft joint is connected to a side shaft which is further connected to a wheel of the automotive vehicle. A plurality of plates extend from the clutch pack housing and from the side shaft joint such that they overlap in an alternating manner with one another. The axle module also includes a motor which is used to control the transfer of an axial torque through the clutch pack housing and plurality of plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Percy Osborn, Theodor Gassmann
  • Patent number: 6533091
    Abstract: Spline teeth 66 formed in the inner periphery of a sleeve 45 slidably supported on a hub 63 fixed to a rotation shaft each comprise a projecting portion 66a constituted by a first inclined surface &agr;, a flat surface &ggr; and a second inclined surface &bgr;, and these projecting portions 66a bias a blocking ring via a synchro-spring 71 in an axial direction to thereby generte a synchronizing load between the sleeve 45 and a gear 37. Immediately before the projecting portions 66a of the spline teeth 66 of the sleeve 45 moving rightward mesh with dog teeth 37a of the gear 37, the second inclined surfaces &bgr; of the projecting portions 66a move and ride on the synchro-spring 71 so as to gradually reduce a pressing force axially applied to the blocking ring 67, thereby making it possible to provide a smooth mesh engagement between the spline teeth 66 of the sleeve 45 and the dog teeth 37a of the gear 37.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadashi Kawada, Makoto Katagiri, Susumu Saito, Hiroyuki Makino
  • Patent number: 6533092
    Abstract: In a method of detecting the operating state of a friction clutch which may be engaged and disengaged axially, as a result of being triggered by an actuation, an engagement point is determined from the parameters clutch engagement travel and associated clutch torque and/or associated clutch rotational speed, and its associated engagement travel is stored. In a method step independent of the actuations, a permissible maximum value of the engagement travel is stored. In a method step triggered by an actuation, a comparison is performed in which the engagement travel of the engagement point is compared with the permissible maximum engagement travel. In a method step which necessarily follows the method step relating to the comparison, if the engagement travel of the engagement point is greater than the permissible maximum engagement travel, a signal is displayed in order to be able to perform repairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Stephan Huschka, Oliver Rabus
  • Patent number: 6533093
    Abstract: A torque adjusting device of an electric drill includes an annular member with notches in an end and grooves in an outer periphery thereof. A driving part connected to an output shaft is received in the annular member and operationally connected to the motor by a solar gear system. A mounting member has pins located in alignment with the grooves and a cap has a ring member movably mounted to the mounting member. A spring is biased between the ring member and the pressing ring which presses balls engaged with the notches. when the ring member is moved to compress the spring, the pins are pushed into the grooves by the ring member to secure the annular member so as to output strong torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Power Network Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
  • Patent number: 6533094
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly is provided having a wear compensating mechanism to compensate wear of a friction member. In one embodiment, the wear compensating mechanism is configured to compensate wear of a friction member by moving a support member on a clutch cover side. The wear compensating mechanism is configured to reduce the number of parts in a clutch cover assembly. In one embodiment, the wear compensating mechanism is configured to compensate wear of a friction member by moving a support member on a clutch cover side. Basically, the wear compensating mechanism has a biasing mechanism for adjusting the position of a fulcrum point of the lever members and a detecting mechanism for detecting the wear amount of the friction member. The biasing mechanism utilizes an adjustment ring, a fulcrum ring and an adjustment spring or biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Uehara, Norihisa Uenohara
  • Patent number: 6533095
    Abstract: A hydraulic coupling for use in an all wheel drive system, utilized in association with a front wheel drive transaxle, including a multi-plate clutch assembly operably connecting two relatively rotatable members and an actuator assembly for actuating the clutch assembly in response to speed differentiation between the two rotary members. The actuator assembly includes a hydraulic pump, a piston disposed in a piston chamber, and a fluid distribution system including a first flow path for supplying hydraulic fluid from a sump to the hydraulic pump and a second flow path for supplying hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the piston chamber. Hydraulic pressure in the piston chamber controls the magnitude of the clutch engagement force exerted by the piston on the clutch assembly. A control valve assembly is located in the piston chamber, in close proximity to the clutch pack where a majority of heat is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Sankar K. Mohan, Timothy M. Burns, Fred C. Porter
  • Patent number: 6533096
    Abstract: An extendable gravity loader includes an extendable gravity propelled conveying surface and a user interface section having a driven conveying surface. The sidewalls of the gravity loader define an upper edge which is above a conveying surface of the loader to prevent packages from being laterally dislodged therefrom. The sidewalls allow for a minimal height of the extendable units, while still providing a structurally robust loader with a minimal drop off between the conveying surfaces of the respective units. The user interface section provided at an outer end of the loader may have at least a portion that is vertically adjustable via an actuator at the extendable unit of the loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Rapistan Systems Advertising Corp.
    Inventors: Phillip J. Gilmore, John J. McCort
  • Patent number: 6533097
    Abstract: Grounding member (11) for grounding static electricity generated in sheet material transfer rollers (32) of the sheet material transfer device (1) comprises a circuit pattern for grounding (14) formed on a printed circuit board (13) and of an electrically conductive force applying member (12) having one end (12a) in contact with a shaft (33) and another end (12b) in contact with the circuit pattern for grounding (14) for always pressing the sheet material transfer rollers (32) toward a sheet material transfer path (30) and discharges static electricity generated in the sheet material transfer rollers (32) through the shaft (33), the force applying member (12) and the circuit patterns for grounding (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Conlux
    Inventors: Yuichi Sakamoto, Shigeru Yasuda, Koji Akiba, Makoto Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6533098
    Abstract: An escalator construction has a framework, steps and a balustrade at both sides of the steps. The balustrade is fastened to balustrade posts. Clamps for profile tubes are provided at the framework and optionally also at the balustrade posts, U-profile members for receiving the profile tubes can be provided at the lower part of the framework Partition walls are fastened to both the inner and outer sides of the profile tubes. In order to cover the fasteners, the outer partition walls are fastened at least at its lower portion from an internal face, while the fasteners at the lower portion of the inner walls are covered by the balustrade. The fasteners for the upper portions of the partition walls may be covered by a cover profile member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Gerald Winkler
  • Patent number: 6533099
    Abstract: The conveyor sorting system and method are provided. The system includes a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path, and a pair of opposing chutes for receiving articles directed from the conveyor by a sorting device having a single paddle. The chutes are in communication with one another so that articles directed into either chute from the conveyor are directed to a common discharge end. In this regard, the single paddle of the present invention is operable to direct consecutively-spaced articles to opposing chutes that lead to the common discharge end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Boyce Dean Bonham, Paul Dewayne Wallace
  • Patent number: 6533100
    Abstract: A multidirectional conveyor section for moving an article in two different directions. The conveyor section has a first roller conveyor mounted on a frame with at least two rollers adapted to move the article in a first direction. A first belt conveyor is mounted between the two rollers of the first roller conveyor and is capable of moving the article in a second direction different from the first direction. A first cylinder is connected to the frame and has a first cylinder rod connected to the first belt conveyor. The first cylinder moves the first belt conveyor vertically between a first position above the first roller conveyor and a second position below the first roller conveyor to facilitate an exchange of the article between the first roller conveyor and the first belt conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Digital Audio Disc Corporation
    Inventor: Tracy E. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6533101
    Abstract: A system for transporting articles. The transport system includes a conveyor system which includes a transport carrier for carrying one or more articles between workstations and a drive rail and a support rail for supporting the transport carrier. The drive rail includes a drive system for propelling the transport carrier between workstations. At least one shoe carried by the transport carrier rides on the support rail for movably supporting the transport carrier on the support rail. The transport system may also includes a protective container including a housing having an interior compartment for supporting one or more articles. The bottom surface of the housing is configured to engage the drive system such that actuation of the drive system propels the housing along the drive and support rails. At least one shoe carried by the housing is configured to ride on the support rail of the conveyor system to movably support the housing on the support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould
  • Patent number: 6533102
    Abstract: The vessel or vessels (7, 7′, 7″) in contact with the solvent used for cleaning the conveyor (T) are designed and arranged in such a way that they are enclosed, and the portion of conveyor belt which is wetted with solvent is also isolated by suitable means from contact with the external environment containing the ventilation air of the painting chamber. In a preferred solution, where rotating scraping cylinders (1, 5) are used, the solvent vessel (7, 7′, 7″) is placed in such a way that it is enclosed by the two successive cleaning cylinders, by the portion of conveyor belt which runs between these cylinders, and by its lateral walls which are as close as possible to the said cylinders and to the said portion of the conveyor belt. At the end of each painting cycle, clean solvent is made to flow into the solvent vessel and the cleaning cylinders and the conveyor belt of the painting machine are temporarily kept active so that they clean themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: CEFLA Soc. Coop. a.r.l.
    Inventors: Luigi Franzoni, Massimo Dovadola
  • Patent number: 6533103
    Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of articles is provided. The apparatus includes a first conveyor that moves in a first direction and a second conveyor that moves in a second direction opposite from the first direction. The second conveyor is spaced from the first conveyor. A transfer device is substantially disposed between the first and second conveyors. The transfer device includes a transfer plate that is used to transfer articles between the first and second conveyors. The transfer plate overlaps more of the second conveyor than the first conveyor. The transfer plate may be under the first conveyor and over the second conveyor, and the axis of revolution may be in the middle or offset from the middle between the conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hartness International
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hartness, Robert C. Beesley, Mark W. Davidson
  • Patent number: 6533104
    Abstract: A device for receiving and transporting objects has at least one pair of parallel chains or belts situated opposite each other and driven in synchrony, which define a space between each other for transporting the objects therethrough. Each chain has at least one gripper which is mounted so as to be pivotable thereon and faces a corresponding gripper on the other chain. Each gripper has an extension which is moveable along a guiding path. The guiding path has a path section sloped with respect to the direction of transport of the objects at the point of receipt of the objects, so that, when the chain is moving, the extension of the gripper is deflected along the sloped path section and thus a rotational movement countering the translational movement caused by the chain is imparted to the gripper. Thus no rotational movement occurs at the moment of contact between the gripper and the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Starlinger & Co. Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Franz Starlinger-Huemer, Gerhard Apfler
  • Patent number: 6533105
    Abstract: The invention relates to a material conveying assembly (10) of the kind comprising an outer tubular casing (11) and a rotary feed screw (12) mounted within the casing (11) on a tubular drive shaft (13), wherein the intake end of the auger is provided with a replacement intake auger sub-assembly (14) comprising flexible helical flighting (15) freely rotatably mounted on a drive shaft extension (17) which is connected to the main drive shaft (13) and a clutch device (30) which drivingly connects the intake flighting shaft portion (25) to the drive shaft extension (17). The clutch device is arranged so that it will automatically disengage drive to the shaft portion (25) in the event of an overload occurring. A soft pliable extension sleeve (19) is co-axially fitted over the open leading end of the outer casing (11) and is arranged to encircle a portion of the intake flighting (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Reginald Vernon Dutschke
  • Patent number: 6533106
    Abstract: A conveyor transports lightweight articles with a high degree of adaptability to the space it can occupy and the path along which the conveyor units can travel. The track of the conveyor has curving track sections connecting straight track sections having opposite transport directions and the individual conveyor unit comprises guide members that engage with stationary guides to prevent the article supporting member of the unit from tilting when passing straight as well as curving track sections. The article supporting members of the units are arranged between the main track and the stationary guides when the units are moving along the curving main track section. In particular, each unit may have first and second guiding members to prevent tilting of the article supporting member at curving and straight track sections, respectively, and both guiding members co-operate with their respective guides over a certain distance when the unit enters and leaves a curving track section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Crisplant a/s
    Inventor: Uffe Lykkegaard
  • Patent number: 6533107
    Abstract: A silent chain power transmitting apparatus includes a silent chain and two or more sprockets with different number of teeth, wherein the sprockets each have a tooth form formed by hobbing with a hob cutter having teeth profiled similarly with the profile of a series of trapezoidal teeth formed by the inside flanks of longitudinally overlapping link plates of the silent chain so as to cut the periphery of a cylindrical workpiece with an amount of addendum modification set in such a manner that an engagement height of the inside flank at the onset of the meshing engagement between the silent chain and the sprocket is in equal to the distance between the sprocket center and the connecting pin centers when the silent chain is wrapped around and seated on the sprocket. The outside flanks of the silent chain have a first portion profiled by an envelope that is tangent to every one of a group of tooth forms of the sprockets when the silent chain is wrapped around the sprockets with different numbers of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Kenshi Suzuki, Masatoshi Sonoda, Hiroshi Horie
  • Patent number: 6533108
    Abstract: A clip designed for use in a conveyor system comprises an upper portion adapted to receive a wear strip and hold it firmly in place, a front portion having a J-shaped clamp adapted to grip to a supporting cross member, and a rear portion adapted for mounting on the cross member. The clip is securely mounted to the cross member and a wear strip is inserted into the upper portion of the clip where it is held firmly, such that the weight borne by the wear strip from the conveyor chain is thereby transferred to the supporting cross member. The clip is designed so as to accommodate varying thickness of cross members and to provide a squaring effect to resist lateral forces from the wear strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6533109
    Abstract: An elongated bridge-like member which normally assumes an operative position in which it prevents access to a track for the advancement of finished or partly finished cigarette packs between two successive stations in a packing machine is designed to have its length reduced prior to being movable—without colliding with parts at the stations—from the operative position to an inoperative position in which the track and the cigarette packs in the track are accessible. To this end, the bridge-like member has two carriages each of which includes one of the two end portions of the fully extended bridge-like member; each carriage is movable toward the end portion forming part of the other carriage. A locking device must be disengaged in order to permit movement of the bridge-like member from the operative to the inoperative postion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Grossmann, Peter Albrecht
  • Patent number: 6533110
    Abstract: A guide rail spacer is provided that can be adjusted among a plurality of predetermined fixed positions with respect to the guide rail which it supports. The spacer can also be secured when not in use such that it does not interfere with conveyor line operations while remaining readily available for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6533111
    Abstract: This is a protective pouch for key ring remote devices. The protective pouch will house and prevent a remote from detaching from a key ring or re-attach a remote that has already detached. This is due to the fact that the key ring will be swinging on the grommet and not on the loop on top of a plastic key ring remote housing. At the same time all function buttons will be visible through a clear vinyl window and the remote will work right through this universal pouch. It will provide protection for the function buttons, and against chipping. It will also provide some protection against moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jackie Harden
  • Patent number: 6533112
    Abstract: In a packaging (1) for surgical suture material, a thread duct (10) which runs in a wound manner is formed in a base (2), which thread duct opens at its first end (11) to a thread removal zone (3). The base (2) is provided with a cover. The thread removal zone (3) has a recess (24) in the base (2) adjacent to the first end (11) of the thread duct (10), adjacent to which recess a thread tray (26), which faces the first end (11) of the thread duct (10), is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ethicon, GmbH
    Inventor: Henning Warnecke
  • Patent number: 6533113
    Abstract: The system is for separately storing and mixing first and second substances. The system includes a container for storing the the second substance and a device for storing the first substance. The device has an insertion portion for being inserted into an opening of the container, and the insertion portion has an opening and a breakable seal adjacent the opening for sealing the first substance in the device. Also, a breaking member is carried by the container and recessed inside the opening thereof for breaking the breakable seal of the device when engaged with the container to allow mixing of the first and second substances in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Brett Moscovitz
  • Patent number: 6533114
    Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes an opening at one end thereof, and it has at least one internal upper chamber and at least one internal lower chamber for respectively receiving the disc-shaped item and the other materials. These chambers are divided by a support element that is adapted to positively retain the disc-shaped item within the upper chamber. A lid is further provided for closing the opening at the end of the packaging device. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
  • Patent number: 6533115
    Abstract: The packaging box includes an inner box body 20 and an outer box body 10 each made of paper. In the inner box body 20, a protection box portion 21 for protecting the screw portions 3d and the outer side electrodes 3e of the spark plugs 3 is formed by being bent. Screw portion insertion holes 30 capable of passing the screw portions 3d of the spark plugs 3 therethrough and bent tabs 32 being bent at the inside of the protection box portion 21 are provided on the upper surface of the protection box portion 21. The lower surfaces of the large diameter portions 3c of the metallic shells of the spark plugs are supported by the upper surface of the protection box portion 21 including the bent edges 31b of the bent tabs 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignees: NGK Spark Plug Co., LTD, Kawahara Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Saiki, Tomoaki Aoki, Hisaki Sanoi, Yoshihiko Kawahara
  • Patent number: 6533116
    Abstract: A medical container for holding a medical instrument. The container includes a cover, a base, and a flexible hinge. Portions of the base and cover form a holding portion and a locking portion. The holding portion includes two different holding cavities to hold different shaped medical instruments. The container arrangement allows the medical instrument to be removed during an operation or procedure, and returned to the container after it has been used. This protects the medical instrument from the environment while it is staged during the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kimberly M. Riley
  • Patent number: 6533117
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a candle packaging system that is comprised of a three part assembly. The first part is a clear box having a slightly frosted appearance. The candle packaging apparatus has a separate internal top and bottom cap units that are designed to be placed on top of and at the base of the candle in order to protect the top and bottom edges of the candle. The top and bottom caps are also constructed of a clear, frosted material. The third part of the construction is a printed insert that is designed to highlight the purpose and design of the candle itself. The box is designed to provide ease of access to allow the prospective buyer to smell the aroma of the candle and, at the same time, provide protection and keep the candle clean and fresh. A method of producing the candle packaging system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Aroma Naturals, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Lundstrom, Tina Rocca-Lundstrom
  • Patent number: 6533118
    Abstract: A holding device for single or multiple cards utilizing a backing member having a first surface and an opposite second surface. A guard extends across and spaces from the first surface to form a slot. The guard includes a surface facing the first surface of the backing member. A ledge is spaced from the guard and extends from the backing member. The ledge also includes a surface which projects from the first surface a distance greater than the surface of the guard. A card is supported within the slot and contacts the surface of the guard, and the surface of the ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Michael T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6533119
    Abstract: There is provided a dispensable package of oil absorbing wipes in the form of a plurality of discrete sheets comprising a consolidated melt-blown web of thermoplastic fibers. The web has an opacity value of about 65 or less when oil free, and changes transparency by at least 30 when loaded with about 6 grams or less of oil per square centimeter. The wipes are contained in a package having at least one access opening allowing a user to grasp a single discrete sheet of wipe material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Paul E. Hansen, James S. Mrozinski, Shinji Kimura
  • Patent number: 6533120
    Abstract: A apparatus with multiple-level eating surfaces, which can be made as separable modular units, or molded units having one-piece construction. Although it is preferable for the molded and modular units to be reusable, they could also be discarded or recycled after a small number of uses. Modular and molded units typically have a plate-like or tray-like base member, one or more support structures having uniform or differing heights, and several elevated eating surfaces or compartments each supported by at least one support structure. The support structures can be narrow and pillar-like, broad and platform-like, or contoured structures having 3-D relief. Liners/inserts can be used to vertically extend the food-holding capacity of any eating surface or food-holding compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Paul James Csengeri
  • Patent number: 6533121
    Abstract: A palletized container for bulk materials comprises a bag made of reticulated material having a bottom and sides. Inflatable bladders are mounted to the bag bottom which bound two channels that are spaced apart a distance to receive two spaced tines of a forklift truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Grayling Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt D. Ross
  • Patent number: 6533122
    Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable shipping container that provides users with access to the liner fill port in confined areas and that can be used to transport liquids, powders, or solids. One embodiment of the shipping container has a generally rectangular base pivotally connected a first side wall and a second side wall, a first lid section pivotally connected to the first side wall, a second lid section pivotally connected to the second side wall, and a third lid section pivotally connected to the first lid section. The third lid section provides access to a centrally located liner fill port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: James Plunkett
  • Patent number: 6533123
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer retaining structure includes a container made of a conductive material in which a plurality of semiconductor wafers is stacked and contained, spacer sheets put between the semiconductor wafers, and end-cushioning materials put to the upper and bottom end portions of the semiconductor wafers thus stacked and contained. Slits are formed in the container for transferring the semiconductor wafers in and from the container by a robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Achilles Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Nakamura, Masahiko Fuyumuro
  • Patent number: 6533124
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for continuously discriminating between a contaminated plastic material containing trapped volatile contaminants and plastic material which contains an acceptable threshold of contaminants including first supplying a continuous source of plastic material wherein the plastic material contains trapped volatile contaminants and feeding a sample of the plastic material to the input section of an auger conveyor. The auger conveyor contains a barrel and a transfer screw positioned within the barrel with flights thereon for conveying the plastic material, the auger also connected to an output section which itself is connected to a detector for detecting trapped volatile contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Plastics Forming Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis D. Tacito, Adam Marciniszyn
  • Patent number: 6533125
    Abstract: A batcher apparatus having a weighing station (4) for arriving items and a sorting-out station (6) with transfer mechanism for selectively transferring the weighed items to a plurality of receiver stations (18, 18′, 18″). According to the invention two or more receiver stations may be used as substations (18′, 18″) being allocated items weightwise belonging to the same batch (26), whereby it is possible to allocate to each batch item, which are selected not only based on their weight, but additionally based on other criteria such as type of item in connection with co-batching of different types of poultry parts to be batched separately in subbatches which are then merged into the full batch. Also, items may be allocated to one substation or another in order to thereafter be acted upon in a specific manner, e.g. for some items to be turned or marked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Scanvaegt International A/S
    Inventor: Svend Bækhøj Jensen
  • Patent number: 6533126
    Abstract: A produce sizing transport mechanism includes an endless conveyor carrying a plurality of downwardly depending produce retaining members which define an elongated produce retaining zone below at least one portion of the endless conveyor. At least part of the produce retaining members may be movable between a first closed position in which produce is retained within the elongated produce retaining zone and a plurality of further open positions enabling produce of predetermined sizes or size ranges to be released from the produce retaining zone. The retaining members may include a produce support region located generally beneath the produce retaining zone when the produce retaining members are located in the first closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: E.D. Parsons Engineering PTY LTD
    Inventor: Ian A Parsons
  • Patent number: 6533127
    Abstract: A shoe rack for mounting to an upright surface, or for hanging over a door, includes a pair of plastic, vertical side frame members and a plurality of shoe-retaining bars positioned between the side frame members upon which shoes, boxes and the like may be supported. A number of different embodiments are shown. Among the embodiments are structures having support arms that extend both inwardly and outwardly beyond the side frame members to prevent lateral displacement off of the rack and structures having accurate side frame members that provide barriers against lateral displacement off of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Lynk, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Klein, Chris Serslev, John W. Scott
  • Patent number: 6533128
    Abstract: The CD box holder comprises a substantially flat base plate. A shelf is formed at the bottom to vertically support the CD box. At the top a push panel in combination with a locking panel are rotatably mounted. To utilize the Invention, the bottom edge of the CD box is inserted on the shelf and the top is pushed into the holder until it is held securely in place by the locking panel. To remove the CD box, the locking panel is rotated up and the push panel pushes the CD box out from the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: James M. Beneway
  • Patent number: 6533129
    Abstract: A dishwasher rack including a grille having longitudinal rods; and a number of wheels connected to the grille by respective supporting rods, each having a fastening portion and a bent end bent substantially at a right-angle so as to be located a minimum distance from a respective longitudinal rod. Each wheel includes a hub fitted to a respective bent end; and a spacing member projecting axially from and connected integrally to the respective hub to form a single component, and which is arrested against a respective longitudinal rod. Each spacing member extends to such an extent that an axial dimension of each wheel is greater than the aforementioned minimum distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: ITW Industrial Components S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Bassi
  • Patent number: 6533130
    Abstract: A display rack for displaying displayed items can be an opaque cabinet with a light source located in the opaque cabinet. The cabinet has a transparent light pipe having a light accepting end and a light emitting end, connected by a light conducting body having an index of refraction that transmits light from the light accepting end to the light emitting end. The cabinet has at least a first tray having an item display portion for holding the displayed item and a second tray having an opaque bottom wall and an opaque front portion configured to operably connect the light accepting end of the transparent light pipe to the light source and maintains the light emitting end of the light pipe in a position where the light emitted by the light emitting end illuminates the card holding portion of the first tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Cormark, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Padiak, Thomas M. Conway
  • Patent number: 6533131
    Abstract: The system includes in combination two rails spaced for positioning and strips forming cross pieces adapted to secure together the rails. Each rail includes at least one positioning device and one snap-in device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Plasti-Rapid
    Inventor: Alain Marcel Bada