Patents Issued in March 20, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030051335
    Abstract: A jig switching apparatus includes a locator jig slidably arranged on a transport carriage and having at a front end a locate pin with clamp function. The locator jig has two switching positions selectively switched in accordance with the type of a vehicle body to be positioned. A lock mechanism with an operating screw is disposed on the transport carriage. Through the operating screw operated by a nut runner, the lock mechanism mechanically positions and locks the locator jig in one of the switching positions with respect to a reference member disposed on the transport carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Setsuo Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20030051336
    Abstract: A device for positioning a tool within a predetermined working area includes two guides which are parallel to one another and run in a first coordinate direction, and on which in each case a guide slide is mounted in a longitudinally adjustable manner. The guide slides are connected by a supporting structure which carries the tool and which also permits a movement of the tool in a second coordinate direction. It is connected to the guide slides so as to be movable about in each case a first or second joint axis, respectively, parallel to a third coordinate direction. It includes two coupler links which are connected to one another by a third joint axis parallel to the first and second joint axes. Coaxially to this third joint axis, the supporting structure is provided with a spindle which carries the tool and is adjustable linearly in the direction of the third coordinate direction and independently thereof by a rotation angle about the third joint axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Manfred Burkhard Helm, Jurgen Hesselbach, Lothar Mueller, Holger Schulz, Sven Soetebier, Uwe Waeckerle
  • Publication number: 20030051337
    Abstract: A hand-held tool for terminating connectors onto a coaxial cable has an elongated body and an end stop and plunger on the body, the plunger being controlled by a lever arm which will axially advance the plunger toward and away from the end stop to radially compress a portion of the connector into firm crimping engagement with the end of the coaxial cable. To accommodate different lengths of connectors, a receiver is resiliently mounted on the plunger for insertion of different length adapter tips to vary the axial spacing between the receiver and the end stop according to the length of connector being terminated; and in still another form the body may include a hinged adapter adjacent to the end stop to vary the effective distance between the end stop and plunger according to the length of fitting being terminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: International Communication Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Randall A. Holliday
  • Publication number: 20030051338
    Abstract: A method in which an alignment tool consisting of a nest and guide tool is used to align an LGA module in the nest and then the LGA module is removed from the nest and aligned with a circuit card by the use of the guide tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd H. Buley, Roger Lam, Daniel O'Connor, Charles Hampton Perry
  • Publication number: 20030051339
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assembling cassette-loaded microcomponents (11,21,31), requiring only a small number of component-specific ejector tools and capable of being implemented more quickly. According to the inventive method, at least two cassettes (10,30) provided with component carriers are used, whereby each cassette has at least one type of component and the positions of the components are adapted to each other. At least one cassette (30) acts as a base plate cassette wherein the microcomponents (31) are arranged on a base plate acting as a component carrier. At least one joint assembly step is carried out, wherein two cassettes (10,30) are respectively placed opposite each other and all microcomponents (11,31) in the joined cassettes are simultaneously assembled to form sub-assemblies or component units. The component carriers of the cassettes are subsequently withdrawn. During assembly, the microcomponents can also be held in a rotationally secure position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ehrfeld, Udo Berg
  • Publication number: 20030051340
    Abstract: A circuit on a printed circuit board transmits radio frequency (RF) signals. A modulator operatively coupled to the printed circuit board modulates a signal to be transmitted by modulating an information signal onto a carrier signal. A ground plane attaches to edges and to first and second surfaces of the printed circuit board. The ground plane electrically connects to components of the modulator. A power transistor physically attaches to the printed circuit board and electrically connects to the ground plane through a slot in the printed circuit board. The ground plane provides a suitable ground reference potential for both the modulator and the power transistor without individually constructed circuit boards for each. A ground isolation barrier formed on the ground plane may prevent “cross talk” between the modulator and the power transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell International , Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Nelson, Tuan N. Nguyen, Chris L. Joseph, Glen M. Whiting
  • Publication number: 20030051341
    Abstract: A method for producing a spark plug, the spark plug comprising a center electrode, a metal shell and an alumina ceramic insulator disposed between the center electrode and the metal shell, wherein at least part of the surface of the insulator is covered with a glaze layer, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a plurality of kinds of element glaze powders wherein each kind of the element glaze powders has a different dilatometric softening point and a different linear expansion coefficient compared to other kinds of element glaze powders; coating a surface of the insulator with the plurality of kinds of element glaze powders so as to form a glaze powder layer; and baking the glaze powder layer to the surface of the insulator so as to form the glaze layer by heating the glaze powder layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Nishikawa, Makoto Sugimoto
  • Publication number: 20030051342
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a filler metal for an aluminum brazing sheet for heat exchangers capable of preventing or controlling occurrence of a melting hole during heating for brazing, and a method of manufacturing the same. In an Al—Si alloy filler metal which is clad on the aluminum brazing sheet and melted during heating for brazing, the maximum particle diameter of a coarse Si particle crystallized in the eutectic structure of the filler metal is 20 &mgr;m or less. Provided that an average value and a standard deviation in a normal distribution of the particle diameter of the coarse Si particle in the filler metal are respectively &mgr; and &sgr;, (&mgr;+3&sgr;) is preferably 10 &mgr;m or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Hasegawa, Koji Hirao, Hiroshi Nishikawa, Yasunaga Itoh, Naoki Yamashita, Shinichi Tani, Keiichi Sakai, Eiichi Kashima
  • Publication number: 20030051343
    Abstract: A method of installing a wastewater drain assembly for a bathtub by inserting an L-shaped drain pipe into a drain hole of a bathtub such that an annular flange on the drain pipe rests on a bottom wall of the bathtub. Slideably mounting a lock washer over the drain pipe and threadably tightening the lock washer against a lower surface of the bottom wall of a bathtub. Connecting the drain pipe to a drain system. Testing the drain assembly for water leaks. Finally, installing a drain closure into the upper end of the drain pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20030051344
    Abstract: A method of supplying suction nozzles with electric components supplied from feeders each of which is operable to feed the electric components to its component-supply portion and which are arranged in a direction intersecting a direction of feeding of the components, the suction nozzles being held by nozzle holders supported by a movable member and arranged in the direction arrangement of the feeders, the movable member being movable to permit each suction nozzle to hold the component by suction, wherein a distance between axes of adjacent ones of the selected suction nozzles in the direction of arrangement of the feeders is adjusted, and/or a component-supply position of each feeder at which the component is located after each feeding action of the feeder is adjusted, so that the selected suction nozzles are aligned with the components at the component-supply positions, and the selected suction nozzles are operated to simultaneously hold the components located at the component-supply positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI MACHINE MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seiichi Terui
  • Publication number: 20030051345
    Abstract: An egg dicing board comprising of a rectangular framework having a crisscrossed grid welded onto the top of the framework. On the underside a number of projecting loops, which can be made of various sizes and shapes, stabilizes the egg dicing board over the rim of an open container. The board also provides a contoured handgrip for increased control. The egg to be diced is placed over the grid, and is forced through by applying downward pressure with the palm of a hand. The diced egg drops directly into a receptacle below and is ready for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Wai Ying Yeung Louie, Chun Chin Louie
  • Publication number: 20030051346
    Abstract: A hair trimmer or other attachment can be secured to a conventional hair clipper. The attachment has a stationary blade and a moving blade that cut hair when the moving blade reciprocates. The moving blade of the attachment is driven by a moving blade of the hair clipper, which also reciprocates. The attachment has a housing which secures the attachment to the stationary blade or other part of the hair clipper. A drive member engages the moving blade of the hair clipper when the attachment is secured to the hair clipper, and the drive member in turn drives the moving blade of the hair trimmer attachment to cut hair. The attachment can be easily detached so that the hair clipper blades can be used to cut hair in the usual manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: WAHL CLIPPER CORP.
    Inventors: James McCambridge, Scott Melton
  • Publication number: 20030051347
    Abstract: A hair clipper has a housing and a pair of blades secured outside of the housing. One of the blades is stationary, and the other reciprocates. A hair trimmer or other attachment is tethered to the hair clipper so that it can be selectively placed over the hair clipper blades in use, but is not lost when removed from the blades. The attachment is stored in a recess in the housing when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: WAHL CLIPPER CORP.
    Inventors: Scott Melton, James McCambridge
  • Publication number: 20030051348
    Abstract: A cutting blade (58) is secured to the lower end of a flexible drive shaft (18). Drive shaft (18) extends from the blade (58) upwardly through a tubular handle (12).The upper end of the drive shaft (18) is connected to the output of a drive motor (14). The cutting blade (58) is within a housing (10) having a bottom opening (64) and three lower side openings (72, 74, 76). A cutting blade (58) includes a pair of section vanes (104) which when the cutting blade 58) is rotating serve to pull air into the housing (10) through the lower sidewall openings (72, 74, 76). The moving air picks up the cuttings and moves them rearwardly into a cuttings bag (92) which is connected to and supported from a rear portion of the housing (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Allen R. Furnish
  • Publication number: 20030051349
    Abstract: A pair of hairdressing scissors comprises two cutting members pivotally connected together. Each cutting member comprises a handle at a first end thereof and a blade at a second end thereof. A through-hole is defined in at least one of the handles. A connecting block is securely mounted in the through-hole and comprises a dovetail groove in a first side thereof and a dovetail block in a second side thereof. The dovetail block of the connecting block of one pair of hairdressing scissors is releasably engaged with the dovetail groove of the connecting block of another pair of hairdressing scissors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Wen-Ya Yeh
  • Publication number: 20030051350
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a child resistant, disposable, premeasured dosage spoon. It includes a bowl portion having a premeasured dosage volume bowl, a front end for oral insertion, a back end. It also includes a handle portion having a front end and a back end, wherein the back end is hingedly connected to the back end of the bowl portion and folds over onto said bowl portion to reduce the overall length of the spoon. There is also a child resistant mechanism having a male segment and a female segment adapted to interlock with one another, and adapted to require at least a two step movement for release of interlock with one another. One of the male segment and the female segment is located on the front of said bowl portion and the other of said male segment and said female segment being located on said front of said bowl portion and the other is located on the front end of the handle portion so as to enable them to interlock when the handle portion is folded over onto the bowl portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Valley Design Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Harrold
  • Publication number: 20030051351
    Abstract: A cutting assembly (10) of a chain saw (1) includes a saw chain (2) having chain links (3, 4, 5) pivotally connected to each other as well as a guide bar (6) for guiding the saw chain (2) along a peripherally extending edge (7, 8, 9). The cutting assembly (10) includes rubbing pairs (11, 11′, 12, 12′, 13, 13′, 14) forming sliding surfaces (15, 15′, 16, 16′, 17). At least one slide surface (15, 15′, 16, 16′, 17) of a rubbing pair (11, 11′, 12, 12′, 13, 13′, 14) is configured so as to be textured for causing the lubricant film (18) to adhere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Jochen Buchholtz, Udo Bartmann
  • Publication number: 20030051352
    Abstract: A reciprocating saw includes a housing having an upper surface and a side surface, and a blade holder supported on the end of a reciprocating saw bar. The blade holder is adapted to support a saw blade such that the resulting cutting plane lies outboard of one of the housing's surfaces, while a reference plane, orthogonal to the cutting plane and intersecting a cutting edge of the blade, lies outboard of the other of the housing's surfaces. Preferably, each surface includes a flat, and the blade's cutting edge is supported proximate to an intersection of the planar extensions of the flats. A wobble drive assembly including a single wobble plate with an integral counterweight advantageously permits a relatively outboard position of the saw bar on the housing to reduce bending moments on the bearings supporting the saw bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: One World Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Weldon H. Clark
  • Publication number: 20030051353
    Abstract: A method for separating a shaped body from a substrate, the method comprising forming a scoreline having a width and a depth in a first side of the substrate in a directional path defining the annular shaped body from the substrate, applying a temperature differential to at least one of the annular shaped body and the main body to increase the width and the depth of the scoreline, and applying a physical force to separate the shaped body from the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Andreas Gartner, Anthony Pappalardo
  • Publication number: 20030051354
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for alignment of a first component (1; 25) and a second component (2; 26) in a predetermined relation to each other, comprising first measuring unit (7; 7′; 7″) arranged to be mounted on said first component (1; 25) and comprising a light-source (9) for generation of light-radiation (10; 10′) with a predetermined pattern in direction towards a second measuring unit (11; 11′) arranged to be mounted on said second component (2; 26) and also comprising a second light-source for generation of light radiation (13; 13′) with a predetermined pattern in direction towards said first measuring unit (7; 7′; 7″), were each of the measuring units (7, 11; 7′; 7″, comprises a detection device for emitted light radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Segerstrom, Daniel Jonaker, Jan Bodgren
  • Publication number: 20030051355
    Abstract: A cylindrical column of light is formed by the reflection of a laser light plane radially emitted by a main laser light plane source at the inner, mirrored surface of a 45° projector cone. A conical column can be generated and projected by intercepting and reflecting the cylindrical column of light using a diverting cone inside the 45° projector cone. The cylindrical or conical laser light column is set to have the same geometric characteristics of an intended attachment. When the column is properly projected on a surface, it will form an outline representing the desired pattern of intersection of a cylindrical or conical attachment with the surface. The column of light is provided by an illuminator assembly that carries the main laser light plane source, the projector cone, and the diverting cone. The illuminator assembly is carried on a portable support stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Ahmed M. Phuly, Gary Gitelman
  • Publication number: 20030051356
    Abstract: A target system for determining the location of a position on a vehicle comprises a target body, one or more target elements, a trigger, and a point definer. The target elements are disposed on the target body and are detectable by a position determination system. The trigger is positioned on the target body and is remote from the position determination system. The trigger operates the position determination system by selectively changing the detection of one or more of the target elements by the position determination system. The point definer extends from the target body, and the point definer includes a point its a distal end. The point is capable of being located adjacent the position on the vehicle and is at a known location from the target body. The position determination system determines a location of the target body after detecting the target elements disposed on the target body. Methods of using the target system are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: SNAP-ON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Jackson, Stephen L. Glickman
  • Publication number: 20030051357
    Abstract: An apparatus for finely adjusting an orientation of an optical device. The apparatus includes a base plate which supports an optical device, a bracket coupled to the base plate such that the base plate is rotatable with respect to the bracket, a spring disposed between the base plate and the bracket to apply an elastic force to the base plate, and an adjusting element which pushes the base plate against the bracket through the base plate to adjust a relative position of the optical device with respect to the bracket. The apparatus can finely and precisely adjust the orientation of the optical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee-Joong Lee
  • Publication number: 20030051358
    Abstract: A improved combination degree finding and linear measuring instrument for directly indicating the degree, or angle, to be used for cutting and thereafterwards joining of the cut material items is disclosed, consisting of a pair of blade-shaped arms pivotally secured to each other at one end thereof to matingly conform to the inside or the outside engaged angle corresponding to the angle of the two pieces of the material which are to be joined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Ernest W. Kruse
  • Publication number: 20030051359
    Abstract: A framing layout square device for use by carpenters involved in locating spaced structural members for the framework of a building structure. The device has an elongate substantially straight positioning and measuring member having at least one straight edge for positioning contact with a structural member of a building framework. A plurality of transverse layout members project from one side said elongate positioning and measuring member beyond the straight edge and are located in spaced relation with one another. Each of the transverse layout members have at least one straight layout edge oriented in 90° relation with the straight edge of the positioning and measuring member, with the straight layout edges of the transverse layout members being parallel for defining equally spaced marking edges for marking the spaced locations of the structural members of a building framework. The transverse layout members may be fixed to the positioning and measuring member or may be movable to a storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Connor
  • Publication number: 20030051360
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for quickly and automatically centering and inserting substantially parallel cylindrical or conical measuring objects having very different nominal diameters, such as a smooth axis, outside screw thread, smooth bores, and inside screw thread, in a one-axis measuring system such as, for instance, a universal one-axis measuring machine, with a view to enabling accurate measurement of diameter quantities, such as minor diameter, pitch diameter and outside diameter of screw thread, without it being necessary that, preceding the measurement, first the points of reversal have to be manually searched for, while the influence of the centering clamping force upon the magnitude of the measuring forces between the two measuring plungers and the surface of the measuring object is very small or nil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Reginald Galestien
  • Publication number: 20030051361
    Abstract: This invention provides an angle gauge that, when used in conjunction with a caliper or other linear measuring device, improves both the precision and ease with which angles can be measured and set by allowing the user accurately to measure and set angles in fractions of degrees. Using the gauge, an angle formed by the gauge may be determined or set by reference to the linear distance measured by the caliper. Calculations or tables can be used to convert the linear measurements into the angle setting or measurement with great accuracy, or the capacity to calculate the angle corresponding to the linear measurement can be built (i.e. programmed) directly into the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: John Economaki
  • Publication number: 20030051362
    Abstract: The present invention provides templates, methods, and kits for locating a site on a patient's chest suitable for establishing percutaneous intercostal access to the patient's heart. In particular, the present invention provides templates, methods, and kits which effectively and rapidly locate an incision site for intercostal access by sharp and/or blunt dissection for subsequent placement of minimally invasive direct cardiac massagers, chest tubes, defibrillation electrodes, and the like. An incision template according to the present invention comprises a structure placeable on a patient's chest. The structure has at least one marker which can be aligned with at least one anatomical feature of the patient and a target zone which lies over a preselected location for intercostal access when the marker is aligned with the anatomical feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert F. Buckman, Rodney A. Brenneman, Reynaldo B. Halili
  • Publication number: 20030051363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in marking a point on a wall where a fastener should be installed in order to hang an object at a desired location on the wall. A device according to the invention includes an elongate frame having an elongate slot. The frame is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a back surface of the object to be hung. The device further includes a ledge projecting from the frame. The ledge is adapted to be positioned in contact with a top surface of the object. The device also includes a carriage that is supported by the frame. The carriage is adapted for reciprocating movement along the slot. The device further includes a pin that is carried by the carriage. The pin terminates on a first end in a stylus that extends in a direction away from the back surface of the object when the frame is positioned adjacent thereto. The device also includes a plurality of hooks that are carried by the carriage. The hooks are disposed at predetermined distances below the stylus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Eric R. Hofmeister, Daniel R. Karon
  • Publication number: 20030051364
    Abstract: A wafer chuck comprises a wafer chucking surface, a fixable rotary which allows the wafer chucking surface to rotate to adjust and fix pitch, and a planar joint which allows the wafer chucking surface to translate and fix position in order to center the wafer chucking surface with respect to another surface. An inventive assembly comprises a wafer chucking surface, and a wafer exchange surface, opposite the wafer chucking surface. The wafer exchange surface is mounted via a fixable rotary joint and a planar joint and allows the wafer exchange surface to rotate and to translate so as to fix the pitch and position of the wafer exchange surface to level and center the wafer exchange surface relative to the wafer chucking surface. Alternatively the fixable rotary and/or planar joints may be coupled to the wafer chucking surface. A calibration jig having rough and fine centering pins may be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Bernardo Donoso
  • Publication number: 20030051365
    Abstract: The combination of a flexible blade/tape and a clip. The flexible blade/tape has a length and first and second sides defined by oppositely facing, substantially planar surfaces. The clip has a first tab that projects angularly away from the first surface at the first side of the blade/tape and a second tab that projects angularly away from the second surface at the second side of the blade/tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Christine L. Salazar
  • Publication number: 20030051366
    Abstract: A centrifugal dryer of the present invention includes: a chamber for performing drying processing for plural substrates; a cradle, installed inside chamber, and drying plural substrates by rotation driving in a state of being held therein; and an elastic wave sensor for detecting an elastic wave generating upon striking of a chip from plural substrates to said chamber during the processing therefor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirotoshi Ise, Toshiki Oono, Tatsuo Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20030051367
    Abstract: A conditioning apparatus for conditioning a treated fluid includes a conditioning chamber for containing a flow of a treated fluid and an exchange element disposed within said conditioning chamber having one or more fluid passages formed therein filled with a saline solution. The exchange element has a semi-permeable membrane that allows fluid transfer between said treated fluid and said saline solution through said semi-permeable membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: John C. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20030051368
    Abstract: A method for controlling differential shrinkage during drying of ceramic honeycomb substrates by heating the ceramic honeycomb substrate with a vapor-insulating guard disposed substantially about the ceramic honeycomb substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Carlos R. Araya
  • Publication number: 20030051369
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a moving material web, including pre-drying the web in an infrared dryer including at least one infrared radiator and drying the web in an air dryer including a dryer air, the air dryer operated such that a heat transfer coefficient between the dryer air and the web progresses in an ascending way as viewed in the direction of web travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Aust
  • Publication number: 20030051370
    Abstract: Method for controlling a drying process of a washing and drying machine including a preheating step for tightly closing and heating an inner tub for preparing an environment favorable for vaporization of water by elevating a temperature of the inner tub within a short time period, and a drying step for supplying heated air to the inner tub, to make heat exchange between the heated air and laundry, for drying the laundry, whereby improving a drying performance and reducing occurrence of environmental problem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: In Chul Jeong, Kyung Chul Woo, Kyeong Hwan Kim, Choon Myun Chung, Mu Yong Choi
  • Publication number: 20030051371
    Abstract: A coating device for coating a coating solution on a web has a roller and a weir which partially constructs a solution store space. In the solution store space the coating solution is stored. When the web sequentially moves in a direction, the roller rotates and the solution in the solution store space is supplied on the web. Thereby a part of the solution overflows the weir such that another part of the solution may remain on the web to have a constant width in a widthwise direction of the web. A drying device has plural drying zones in which the web is fed after the coating of the coating solution. One of the drying zones is neighbored to the coating device. A top of the plural drying zones is constructed of a blow regulation member so as to confront to the solution on the web. The blow regulation member has holes through which is exhausted a gas evaporated from the layer of the solution on the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seiji Ishizuka, Shinji Hikita, Tomonari Ogawa, Toshio Shibata, Takashi Nawano, Hidetomo Itoh
  • Publication number: 20030051372
    Abstract: The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, a preferred spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, spring element, and sole can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Moreover, the present invention teaches a method of making a customized article of footwear, and also a way of doing retail and Internet business.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Robert M. Lyden
  • Publication number: 20030051373
    Abstract: A protective cage for footwear bladders is disclosed. The protective cage includes a cage base and a plurality of support members that extend outwardly from the cage base. The support members extend across the side wall of the bladder to protect the device from abrasion and to prevent fatigue. The use of the support members, which selectively bend and buckle under loaded conditions, control the amount of perimeter deflection of the bladder, while allowing for complete deflection at the center of the bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: David Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20030051374
    Abstract: A lacing system includes a lace loop attached to a strap. The lace loop is threaded through eyelets of a sneaker, in such a manner that, a single pull on the strap, causes the lace segments to move through the eyelets of the sneaker opening, so that the entire length of the opening contracts simultaneously. This pull lifts the entire arch area, thus providing better support. The lace segments converge at the strap, near the ankle, thus providing better support at the ankle. Additional lace segments could be disposed above the arch to provide better arch support. A strap or fastening member may attach to the sneaker by either a ratchet buckle, clasp, hook, snap, or a hook-and-loop fastener. The sneaker opens to it's maximum width, automatically when the user steps out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Anna B. Freed
  • Publication number: 20030051375
    Abstract: A shoe body of a waterproof boot includes a vamp having a first opening formed with a first combination plate and a second opening formed with a second combination plate, a cloth strip rested on the inner side of the second combination plate and having a first elongated side and a second elongated side, and a stitching line sewn in the stitching groove of the second combination plate, for sewing and fixing the first elongated side of the cloth strip on the inner side of the second combination plate. Thus, by arrangement of the cloth strip, the stretcher may be used to position the inner side of the vamp on the surface of the shoe tree closely and completely, thereby obtaining the optimal size and configuration to fit the requirements of the waterproof boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Lu Chun-Ming
  • Publication number: 20030051376
    Abstract: A snow tiller (10) suitable for grooming ski hills, trails, or other areas, provides an adjustable profile tiller assembly. The snow tiller (10) is preferably pulled by a tracked vehicle (12) and has a tiller assembly formed of a plurality of tiller subassemblies (56, 58). By varying the respective orientation of the tiller subassemblies (56, 58), the snow tiller (10) can selectively provide concave, level, convex, or more complex snow profiles depending upon the tiller configuration, snow conditions, and the intended uses. The snow tiller (10) also provides a control system to substantially maintain a selected snow profile while selectively permitting individual tiller subassemblies to float, thereby reducing the possibility of damage. The assembly can simultaneously provide an automatic release mode to protect the equipment from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Lassonde, Michel Pelletier
  • Publication number: 20030051377
    Abstract: A perpetual calendar display device for displaying the calendar date. The perpetual calendar display device includes a calendar housing having a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls for forming a first interior compartment. The front wall includes eight (8) elongated vertical spaced-apart strips each having side edges for forming seven (7) elongated vertical spaced-apart display openings. The first interior compartment having mounted therein seven spaced-apart rotatable columns. Each of the rotatable columns includes six (6) vertically spaced-apart display areas, and each of the display areas having up to seven (7) display positions forming a total of at least thirty-seven (37) display positions. Each of the thirty-seven (37) display positions having a number thereon corresponding to the date of a selected month; and the of the thirty-seven (37) display positions being movable into or out of display openings for displaying all of the dates for the selected month.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Chirafesi
  • Publication number: 20030051378
    Abstract: A patterned recreational card having a specific shape and being printed or otherwise processed at outer surfaces with a specific pattern, so that the card is interesting for collecting and playing. The card is also provided at outer surfaces with releasable stickers, each of which has a specific pattern shown thereon. A card collector may release the stickers from the card and attach them to a particular album or a desired place as a collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Kuo-Ching Liu
  • Publication number: 20030051379
    Abstract: A visual and tactile emergency exit system comprising a series of signs having both visual and tactile components to guide a person to the nearest exit of a room. The visual components of each sign comprises the sign's shape and text incorporated in the face of the sign. The sign is constructed of a self-illuminating material. The tactile components of each sign comprises braille translations of the sign's message mounted on the face of the sign, a minimum sign thickness, and cut out or raised text on the face of the sign. The signs are positioned in strategic locations along a wall to indicate the direction to the nearest exit, whether a person must turn or continue traveling straight at a comer, and the location of the exit door. The signs are positioned on the lower portion of the wall so that they can be easily read or touched by a prone person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Edward Williams
  • Publication number: 20030051380
    Abstract: A backlit sign is provided which utilizes a diffuser layer of numerous inks in a composition which allows the transmission of an illuminating source of light, but which substantially prevents the viewing of the source of light
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Emmer T. Butler, Cynthia A. Craft, Neil A. Daley
  • Publication number: 20030051381
    Abstract: A series of embodiments of the poster board invention (“Smartboard™”) are described, using various types of securing handles, to aid in grasping and maintaining positioning of the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Henry Hernandez, John A. Brocato
  • Publication number: 20030051382
    Abstract: An adhesive-label and backing arrangement in which a tape which can be wound onto a core, has removably adhesively-bonded labels on at least one face or surface. The tape further includes an arrangement for reducing stresses exerted on the labels in a direction longitudinal to the tape when winding the tape around the core and/or when unwinding it. The arrangement can include one or more strips disposed on the tape. By reducing stresses that can be exerted onto the labels, defects, such as undesired movement of the labels on the strip, can be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Mauro Sinato
  • Publication number: 20030051383
    Abstract: An index tab assembly may include a liner sheet with an adhesive releasing surface and an overlying plastic sheet with die cut partial fold tabs therein, and with a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive between the two sheets. The tabs include two printable areas of substantially equal size and a securing area extending from one of the printable areas. The securing area has a narrow strip area adjacent the printable area which is free from adhesive. In use, the tabs are removed from the liner, the two printable areas are folded together, and the resultant step or lip and the adhesive free area cooperate to facilitate accurate placement of the index tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Omar S. Attia, Donald R. Miller, Andre M. Saint, Jay K. Sato
  • Publication number: 20030051384
    Abstract: A presentation apparatus for artwork comprising a one-piece, die-cut folder construction of cardboard or other suitable material. The apparatus comprises a back section containing artwork and one or more side panels which suitable fold over the back section. The one or more side panels contain die-cut windows covered with acetate sheets or cels for viewing the artwork on the back section and may also contain artwork or images providing a three-dimensional effect for the images or artwork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Ian Miska