Patents Issued in April 1, 2003
  • Patent number: 6540137
    Abstract: A method of operating an assisted checkout terminal includes the step of operating a scanner associated with the checkout terminal so as to allow retail personnel to enter a number of items for purchase into the checkout terminal. The method also includes the step of generating an end-of-itemization control signal in response to an indication by the retail personnel that a last item for purchase of the number of items for purchase has been entered into the checkout terminal. Moreover, the method includes the step of operating a currency acceptor associated with the checkout terminal so as to allow a customer to tender payment for the number of items for purchase in response to generation of the end-of-itemization control signal. The checkout terminal includes a customer side and a personnel side which is opposite the customer side. Retail personnel is positioned on the personnel side of the checkout terminal during both the scanner operating step and the currency acceptor operating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Forsythe, Horng Jaan Lin
  • Patent number: 6540138
    Abstract: A voting system wherein a voter identification card is provided to a voter having an optical code including voter identification information. The optical code on the voter identification card of a voter is read at a polling station prior to permitting said voter to vote and a digital signature is received from the voter. A handheld wireless data acquisition device is provided to the voter for making voting selections and a receipt with the voting selections made by said voter is printed. The voting selections are wirelessly transmitted from the handheld wireless data acquisition device to a host computer for tallying the voting selections from a plurality of voters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hall, Jerome Swartz
  • Patent number: 6540139
    Abstract: A scan data signal processor is disclosed for use with a laser scanning system having a plurality of different focal zones within which a laser scanning beam is scanned across one or more bar code symbols and an analog scan data signal is automatically produced. The scan data signal processor comprises a first and second derivative signal generation stages, a second-derivative zero-crossing detector, a real-time bar code element detector, and a control logic circuitry. The first derivative signal generation stage derives a first derivative signal from the analog scan data signal. The second derivative signal generation stage derives a second derivative signal from the first derivative signal. The second-derivative zero-crossing detector detects zero crossings in said second derivative signal. The real-time bar code element detector automatically detects the presence and absence of bar code element data encoded within said analog scan data signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lucera, Frank Check, C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, LeRoy Dickson
  • Patent number: 6540140
    Abstract: A Internet-enabled method and system for designing and manufacturing bar code scanners of modular design and construction using globally-based information networks, such as the Internet, supporting the World Wide Web (WWW).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Harry Knowles, Leroy Dickson, Thomas Amundsen, John Groot, Thomas Carullo
  • Patent number: 6540141
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having a certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Interval Research Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dougherty, S. Joy Mountford, Jesse L. Dorogusker, James H. Boyden, Philip A. van Allen, Daniel E. Cummings, Brygg A. Ullmer
  • Patent number: 6540142
    Abstract: An XML processing system for use in a barcode printer apparatus includes a computer system operatively coupled to the barcode printer apparatus. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive, parse, and process an XML input data stream and obtain schema identified in the XML data stream from a schema repository. The XML processor validates the XML data stream based upon the schema obtained. Also included is an XSLT processor configured to obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also, an XSLFO processor formats the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet. A barcode rendering subsystem then receives the formatted XML data and generates a bit map representative of the bar code label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventor: Bruce N. Alleshouse
  • Patent number: 6540143
    Abstract: A system and method that facilitates the recovery of bar code scanning errors due to irregularities in the bar code. When a bar code scanning error occurs, the system displays the erroneously scanned bar code indicating the characters that could not be resolved successfully. The store clerk or operator need only fill the missing digit to confirm the scanned item without manually entering the entire code. Alternatively, a search engine evaluates the portions of the bar code which have been successfully resolved and displays a text and/or graphics list of all products having the resolved portion of the bar code. The store clerk or operator then need only choose the correct item from the screen list to confirm the sale. A printer allows the completed bar code to be printed on a receipt paper. The user of the system may then use the printed bar code for items that continuously result in a bar code error. The system may further keep a list of erroneously scanned bar codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kunihiko Matsumori
  • Patent number: 6540144
    Abstract: A bar code scanner is equipped with a keyboard emulation mechanism so as to provide an enhanced interface to a keyboard controller port of a computing device such as a personal or laptop computer. The keyboard emulation mechanism eliminates the necessity of connecting an actual computer keyboard to the port by responding to the computing device's standard power-on diagnostic procedure as if it were effectively an electrical equivalent of a computer keyboard. The keyboard emulation mechanism can also be equipped to detect a keyboard inhibit signal at the keyboard controller port. If the keyboard emulation mechanism detects a keyboard inhibit signal while a data byte is being transmitted to the keyboard controller port, the keyboard emulation mechanism retransmits this data byte to the keyboard controller port. The data byte may specify a scan code corresponding to a keyboard key press or all or part of a decoded bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald T. Hudrick, John A. Furlong, Ian A. Scott
  • Patent number: 6540145
    Abstract: An improved optical system for scanning optical codes is disclosed. A laser beam produced thereby is a diverging, nearly diffraction free beam and may be used to produce an elongated scanning spot. An aperture may be employed such that variation in size of the aperture in one orthogonal dimension varies the size of the scanning spot in another orthogonal dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Gurevich, Mark Krichever, Yajun Li
  • Patent number: 6540146
    Abstract: A scanning projection light source for a barcode device includes a laser diode, a converging lens located in front of the laser diode, a first photo mask located in front of the converging lens having a round aperture formed therein, and a second photo mask located in front of the first photo mask having a second aperture formed therein. The second aperture has two arched light blocking tabs located at two lateral sides for partly covering the round aperture. The laser diode emits a light spot to the converging lens which transforms the light spot to a parallel light beam. The parallel light beam is projected to the first photo mask through the round aperture to become a round light spot which passes through the second aperture and become an output light spot having arched tangent sides. The arched tangent sides are approximate to straight lines at a close distance and will result in a high resolution, and become arched tangent sides at a longer distance for scanning a lower resolution barcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Mei-Yen Wu
  • Patent number: 6540147
    Abstract: An inductive coupling data receiving device having an inductive-type antenna circuit that has a coil through which an antenna signal passes, and a control circuit having binary ports that can be set to high impedance. The device has at least two filters arranged to receive a charge modulation signal that is present in the antenna signal on a first terminal, each connected by their other terminal to a control circuit port. The control circuit is arranged to select one of the filters by setting the port connected to the filter to be selected to “1”, and by setting the port connected to the other filter to high impedance state. Particularly applied to contactless smart card readers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Inside Technologies
    Inventor: Bruno Charrat
  • Patent number: 6540148
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for controlling multistage systems where the relative capacities (process gains) of each stage are known. The method uses a split-range control concept in order to control multiple stages with a single feedback controller, such as PID. Stage combinations are generated automatically and sequenced to provide contiguous control and optimum control resolution across the overall range of the multistage system. The control method incorporates hysteretic deadzones to improve robustness around stage transition points. The assumption of a tuned PI feedback controller allows the size of the deadzone to be related to general control performance requirements applicable across classes of similar systems. A simulated HVAC&R system is used to evaluate the method and it is compared an alternative approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Timothy I. Salsbury, Bin Chen
  • Patent number: 6540149
    Abstract: A thermal expansion valve includes an adsorbent 40′ placed inside a temperature sensing unit 70, wherein an activated carbon having pore sizes fit for the molecular sizes of a temperature-responsive working fluid sealed inside the temperature sensing unit 70 is utilized as said adsorbent 40′, so that the adsorption quantity of the adsorbent will be fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fujikoki Corporation
    Inventors: Masamichi Yano, Masakatsu Minowa
  • Patent number: 6540150
    Abstract: A fuel-operated air heater (1) is disclosed, especially an air heater for automobiles that is operated independent from the motor. The inventive heater comprises a burner (2), a combustion chamber (3) and a heat exchanger (4). Hot air (5) is circulated through the combustion chamber (3) in a cup-shaped heat exchanger having a bottom that is closed on the inlet side and a hot air blower (10). The heat exchanger is also fitted with an overheat sensor (8) and a flame sensor (9) to monitor or detect overheating of the air heater during operation and the formation of flames during starting by means of a control device (6) and optionally to limit overheating or to disconnect the air heater. The overheat sensor (8) is mounted as a hot air temperature sensor in the area adjacent to the blower in the heat exchanger (4), especially with no wall contact in the hot air flow (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: J. Eberspacher GmbH & Co, KG
    Inventors: Günter Eberspäch, Walter Blaschke
  • Patent number: 6540151
    Abstract: An engine-independent vehicle heating system has a connection piece that communicates with a combustion chamber and is linked with a fuel supply. The heater system has a glowing body that is fastened in the connection piece and evaporates and ignites the fuel at least during a starting phase of the heater system. A sieve element that is disposed in the connection piece encloses the glowing body and transports the fuel supplied to the connection piece in the direction of the combustion chamber. The sieve element in the interior of the connection piece is at least partially spaced from an inner wall of the connection piece facing the sieve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Eberspacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Peter Steiner, Tobias Knies, Dirk Brenner
  • Patent number: 6540152
    Abstract: An assembly for dispensing droplets of a viscous medium. The assembly is releasably mountable in a machine using the assembly for providing a substrate with deposits. The assembly comprises an assembly holder having first holding portions mating with an assembly support of a docking device of the machine, a nozzle, an eject mechanism connected to the nozzle, a viscous medium container connected to the eject mechanism, an assembly property element holding information about properties of the assembly, and signal interface. Thus, the assembly is to be regarded as a separate, exchangeable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Mydata Automation AB
    Inventors: William Holm, Johan Kronstedt, Hakan Sandell
  • Patent number: 6540153
    Abstract: The invention provides exemplary methods and apparatus for dispensing liquids as an atomized spray. In one particularly preferably method, a liquid is dispensed as an atomized spray from a vibratable member having a front surface and a rear surface, with the member having at least one tapered hole between the surfaces for dispensing the liquid. The tapered hole has a larger cross-sectional area at the rear surface than at the front surface. The liquid is delivered from a supply container to the rear surface of the vibratable member in an amount sufficient to cover the hole with liquid. The vibratable member is then vibrated to dispense at least a portion of the liquid through the hole and from the front surface. Additional liquid is delivered from the supply container and to the rear surface in volumes that are substantially equal to the volumes dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Aerogen, Inc.
    Inventor: Yehuda Ivri
  • Patent number: 6540154
    Abstract: A method for controlling the supply of liquid to an aerosol generator comprises operating a liquid supply system to supply a liquid to a vibratable aperture plate of an aerosol generator which senses an amount of liquid adhering to the vibratable aperture plate, and controls operation of the liquid supply system to adjust the amount of liquid adhering to the vibratable aperture plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Aerogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Yehuda Ivri, Markus Flierl
  • Patent number: 6540155
    Abstract: A dispenser for attachment to a container containing a fluid material, including an actuator which keeps the container in a substantially constantly open configuration so as to allow the fluid to pass into the dispenser, and a controllable outlet, through which a portion of the fluid is emitted from the dispenser, substantially independent of the fluid pressure in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Gotit Ltd.
    Inventor: Shimon Yahav
  • Patent number: 6540156
    Abstract: A fertilizer and irrigation apparatus includes an inflow pipe, a shunt pipe connected to the inflow pipe, and a chemical additive assembly connected in parallel to the shunt pipe. An outflow pipe is also connected to the shunt pipe. A portion of the inflow pipe, the shunt pipe, the chemical additive assembly, and the outflow pipe are all above ground. The chemical additive assembly includes a quantity of a chemical additive. A manifold is connected to the outflow pipe. A plurality of in-ground distribution conduits are connected to the manifold, wherein each of the distribution conduits includes at least one above-ground sprinkler head. In addition, an auxiliary inflow assembly can be connected to the inflow pipe so that chemical additives can be supplied to the fertilizer and irrigation apparatus from an outside source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Paul E. Martin
  • Patent number: 6540157
    Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing viscous fluid to avoid spraying and stringing, the nozzle including an inner tubular portion of a first cross-sectional area and an outer tubular portion of a second cross-sectional area, the inner tubular portion opening into the outer tubular portion and the outer tubular portion having an outlet, wherein fluid passes through the inner tubular portion into the outer tubular portion and subsequently out of the outer tubular portion via the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Patent number: 6540158
    Abstract: An irrigation system comprises an irrigation hose made of synthetic resin and having at least two integrally formed elongated irrigation lines, and irrigation emitters. Each line comprises a separate fluid passage adapted for individual communication with a water supply source, and a succession of spaced apart irrigation openings formed therein. Each opening is associated with an irrigation emitter having an irrigation outlet, the irrigation outlets of the emitters of the lines being staggered with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Netafim (A.C.S.) Ltd.
    Inventor: Eli Vered
  • Patent number: 6540159
    Abstract: A pistol-type nozzle includes a handle and a spray nozzle head fastened adjustably to a top end of the handle. The top end of the hand is provided with a first fastening seat, whereas the spray nozzle head is provided at an inner end with a second fastening seat. The first fastening seat is provided with a tubular projection and a locating pin. The second fastening seat is provided with a fastening hole and a plurality of locating slots corresponding in location to the locating pin. The first fastening seat is rotatably fastened to the second fastening seat such that the tubular projection of the first fastening seat is rotatably retained in the fastening hole of the second fastening seat, and that the locating pin of the first fastening seat is removably retained in one of the locating slots of the second fastening seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Hsin-Fa Wang
  • Patent number: 6540160
    Abstract: A fuel injection device having a fuel pump for each cylinder of an internal combustion engine, which fuel pump has a pump piston that is driven into a stroke motion by the engine and delimits a pump working chamber, which is supplied with fuel from a fuel tank and is connected to a fuel injection valve, which has an injection valve member that controls at least one injection opening and can be moved by the pressure generated in the pump working chamber in an opening direction counter to a closing force. A first electrically controlled control valve controls a connection of the pump working chamber to a discharge chamber, and a second electrically controlled control valve controls the pressure prevailing in a control pressure chamber of the fuel injection valve, which pressure acts on the injection valve member in the closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Nestor Rodriguez-Amaya, Roger Potschin, Ulrich Gruen, Ulrich Projahn
  • Patent number: 6540161
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines, having a valve body in which a valve member is disposed, which valve member changes into a spring plate, which is disposed in a spring chamber that receives the closing spring provided with a valve stop face on an end face. A control piston is provided defining a hydraulic control chamber, which control piston protrudes into the spring chamber, whose end face toward the combustion chamber forms a stroke stop face. As a function of pressure in the control chamber, the control piston can be moved counter to the closing force of a restoring spring from a first stroke position, remote from the valve member, toward the valve member into a second stroke position, where the control piston limits the maximum opening stroke (h) of the valve member to a partial stroke (hT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Gordon
  • Patent number: 6540162
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine operates with high combustion efficiency, and low nitrous oxide emissions during engine operations. The combustor includes at least one trapped vortex cavity, a fuel delivery system including two fuel circuits, and a fuel spray bar assembly. A pilot fuel circuit supplies fuel to the trapped vortex cavity and a main fuel circuit supplies fuel to the combustor. The fuel spray bar assembly includes a spray bar and a heat shield. The spray bar is sized to fit within the heat shield. The heat shield includes aerodynamically-shaped upstream and downstream sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Arthur Wesley Johnson, Robert Andrew Wade, David Louis Burrus
  • Patent number: 6540163
    Abstract: A water spray pistol includes a barrel, an elbow pipe fastened to the barrel, a pivoting seat fastened to the elbow pipe, and a nozzle head fastened to the pivoting seat. The pivoting seat is provided with a pivoting shaft and a locating pin. The nozzle head has a pivoting portion which is provided with a series of locating slots and an angle scale. The pivoting portion of the nozzle head is pivotally mounted on the pivoting shaft. As the pivoting portion makes a turn on the pivoting shaft, the locating pin of the pivoting seat is retained in one of the locating slots of the pivoting portion of the nozzle head, so as to locate securely the nozzle head. The angular adjustment of the nozzle head is measured by the angle scale of the pivoting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Dustin Huang
  • Patent number: 6540164
    Abstract: Apparatus for spreading a granular material comprises a conveyor designed to move the material from a hopper to a distributor. The conveyor comprises two endless cables mounted in parallel and each passing around two end pulleys, parallel transverse bars each attached to the cables at regular intervals and designed to move the material on a transport surface, and a driving device designed to move the cables in synchronism. The granular materials may be for the winter treatment of roads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: René Pradines
  • Patent number: 6540165
    Abstract: A process comprising the steps of: (1) pressurizing a particulate material in bead or pellet form in a vessel to an elevated pressure with a first gas, (2) reducing the particulate material under the elevated pressure to a fine consistency, (3) conveying the fine consistency particulate material into a receiving vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Fathi David Hussein, Ronald Steven Eisinger, Daniel Paul Zilker, Jr., David Mason Gaines
  • Patent number: 6540166
    Abstract: A mobile crusher device has a track-laying chassis having drive wheels and tracks guided about the drive wheels. A frame is supported on the chassis. A crusher tool is connected to the frame. A drive apparatus for driving the crusher tool is connected to the frame. A conveyor belt for transporting material crushed by the crusher tool away from the crusher tool is connected to the frame. The frame has a horizontal pivot axis extending parallel to the axes of the drive wheels. The frame is pivotable about the pivot axis together with the crusher tool, the drive apparatus, and the conveyor belt connected to the frame. A semitrailer kingpin arrangement is connected to the frame on a first side of the frame. A fastening device for fastening a trolley to the mobile crusher device is connected to a second side of the frame opposite the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Dietmar Frick
  • Patent number: 6540167
    Abstract: A control mechanism for loading/unloading data storage tape is provided. The control mechanism is part of a tape drive that receives a removable tape cartridge. The tape cartridge stores the data storage tape that is movable using the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a plurality of gears, together with a cam. A leader assembly is operably connected to the control mechanism. At least portions of the leader assembly are movable in connection with loading or unloading the data storage tape relative to the leader assembly. A leader pin is joined to an end of the data storage tape. When the loading operation is performed, portions of the leader assembly are moved generally linearly into the tape cartridge and then the control mechanism causes such portions to pivot in order to engage the leader pin and remove it from its seat. When the unloading operation is performed, the portions of the leader assembly are moved in substantially opposite directions from the loading operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Christopher F. Banks, Yukio Katsuyama, Akira Takano, Tsukasa Minemura
  • Patent number: 6540168
    Abstract: A retractable power cord assembly, which may be incorporated into the rear cover of a steam iron, has two cord-receiving cavity sections. To increase the capacity of the assembly, the first section is so narrow that turns of the power cord wound into the first section are confined to be wrapped one on top of the other whereas the second section is sufficiently wide that the turns accumulate more randomly within the second section. A hand crank is pivotally mounted on the assembly housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventors: Dorian O. Archer, S. Devon Beverly
  • Patent number: 6540169
    Abstract: A tube receiver has a winding disk and a body. The winding disk is extended with a shaft which is capable of being engaged to the body. Therefore, the winding disk pivotally rotates along the body. The shaft has an annular buckling groove at an end passing through the body. A slidable buckle installed at the body is configured with respect to the buckling groove of the shaft. The buckle has a flange. The flange is engaged to the buckling groove of the shaft for confining the axial position of the shaft. As the flange of the buckle separates from the buckling groove of the shaft, the winding disk will separate from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Po-Chao Chuang
  • Patent number: 6540170
    Abstract: A multiple coil dispenser supports a pair of coils for dispensing a flexible material from one of the coils. The dispenser includes a frame and at least one coil support for supporting the coils for rotation. A fixed arm is mounted to the frame and includes a plurality of rollers positioned longitudinally therealong. A movable arm is pivotally mounted to the frame for movement toward and away from the fixed arm. The movable arm has a plurality of rollers positioned longitudinally therealong and is biased away from the fixed arm. A bifurcated chute directs the strapping material from one of the coils to the arms. A brake assembly is operably connected to the movable arm between an engaged position when the movable arm is moved away from the fixed arm and a disengaged position when the movable arm is moved toward the fixed arm. A space between the fixed arm and the movable arm defines an accumulation region that varies in size as the movable arm moves toward and away from the fixed arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Allison D. Tipton, Richard G. Newman
  • Patent number: 6540171
    Abstract: An apparatus for winding a thread around a surface of an object while rotating the object. The apparatus includes a plurality of guide members. The guide members selectively guide a plurality of threads to the surface of the object. One guide member corresponds to one thread. The guide members move along the object. A moving device moves a selected one of the guide members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Yasui, Masaaki Amano
  • Patent number: 6540172
    Abstract: A method for producing cheeses of the random winding type, wherein the workstations of an automatic cheese winder comprise a winding device with a yarn guide drum and a creel, both supported in an axially shiftable relation to each other, the creel holding the cheese in a rotatable manner and the yarn guide drum driving the cheese through frictional engagement, a ribbon disturbance device and an edge displacement device. The ribbon disturbance device causes a slippage by a defined adjustment of the bearing pressure of the cheese on the yarn guide drum. Relative movements between the yarn guide drum and the creel are initiated in the area of ribbon winding zones which counteract a stroke change caused by the ribbon disturbance during the winding of the yarn onto the cheese.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: W. Schlafhorst AG & Co.
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Flamm, Christian Sturm
  • Patent number: 6540173
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for rotating rotational bodies (1), such as rolls, along their longitudinal axis (X) by means of motion of a trough-like surface (2) guiding and supporting said body (1). In the invention, the axis of rotation of the body (1) moving on said surface is guided by means of the profile (2a, 7a, 7b) of the surface (2) to a new position to eliminate the swinging of the body (1). In an embodiment, said profile (2a, 7a, 7b) comprises a straight section (2a) and a section (7a, 7b) which is arranged at least on the other side of the same, and which comprises a surface that rises outwards. The diagonal surface can be arranged as a separately attachable part. By means of the invention, the swinging of the conical roll (1) is prevented during rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Pesmel Oy
    Inventors: Jari Mäki-Rahkola, Jouko Metsä-Ranta
  • Patent number: 6540174
    Abstract: A method of fabricating paperboard cores, and the paperboard cores so fabricated, have improved chuck strength and can be used with chucks rotating at a speed of at least 200 mm/min., even with paper rolls having a weight of over 8.5 tons. A plurality of paperboard plies (e.g. made by press drying) are wound spirally around a mandrel into a tube to produce a paperboard core having a cylindrical surface and inside diameter and a wall thickness of 10 mm or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Cores Oy
    Inventor: Markku Jarvinen
  • Patent number: 6540175
    Abstract: A method for deflagrating/detonating anti-tank and anti-vehicle land mines, beach zone mines, and surf zone mines located in mine belts or individually using delayed active ignition high temperature incendiary flechettes or darts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Mayersak, Lance H. Benedict, Robert M. Krass
  • Patent number: 6540176
    Abstract: A fin disengagement device for limiting the range of a projectile uses an electronic safe and arm circuit to sense launch and spin levels. Once armed, the stored energy from the electronic safe and arm circuit is dumped into an initiator or directly to explosive bolts. The initiator ignites an energetic material to separate the fin from the projectile in-flight at a predetermined time. Alternatively, the explosive bolts separate the fin from the projectile in-flight at a predetermined time. In the embodiments using an initiator and energetic material, an opening or cavity in the rear portion of the projectile body or rod adapter acts as a pressure chamber. When enough pressure has built up from the burning of the energetic material, the front hub of the fin section expands enough to disengage the threads and separates the fin section from the projectile body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Bradford S. Davis, James M. Garner, Jerry L. Watson, James F. Newill
  • Patent number: 6540177
    Abstract: The present invention to a flying object by flapping motion of two pair of wings, which comprises a compressed air engine, a flying body (or compressed air container) assembled with the compressed air engine and in which compressed air is contained, two pair of wings symmetrically assembled with the compressed air engine and functioning flapping motion up and dawn in the range of 70° while the individual wing being able to get twisted in the range of 15°, a head cover for covering the front and upper part of the compressed air engine, and a tail wing with a horizontal wing and a vertical wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Aerodavinci Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Bok Woo, Ja Kook Koo, Kwang Joon Yoon, Yun Je Kim
  • Patent number: 6540178
    Abstract: An airship (1) comprising gas envelope means for providing in use a hull (2) with a generally longitudinally extending longitudinal axis (20) and solar cell array means (3) arranged in use to be mounted on the outside of the hull (2). The solar array means (3) are arranged in use to extend around only a part of the circumference of the hull (2) and are turned about the longitudinal hull axis (20) to control the amount of incident solar radiation collected by the solar cell array means (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Technologies Group Limited
    Inventor: Reginald H. Hillsdon
  • Patent number: 6540179
    Abstract: A method for refueling and reloading an unmanned aircraft for continuous flight is disclosed herein wherein the unmanned aircraft is maintained and supported by a support aircraft. Both aircraft maintain cargo bays and in-flight operable doors located on the underside of each aircraft for the purposes of docking and exchanging goods. Preferably the goods comprise loadable cartridges and may contain such items as weapons, cargo, or fuel for example. In one embodiment, when both aircraft are in a docked configuration for exchange of goods during flight, the in-flight operable doors open and the support aircraft is capable of loading such cartridges aboard the unmanned aircraft. When necessary the support aircraft may load gear for the purposes of landing the unmanned aircraft. Alternate methods of reloading an unmanned aircraft for continuous flight is disclosed wherein the unmanned aircraft does not have cargo bay doors and the aircraft is supported by a support aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: J. Kirston Henderson
  • Patent number: 6540180
    Abstract: A warning system for identifying a track misalignment. An RF generator and horn antenna direct energy onto a track rail that acts as a traveling wave antenna. An antenna near a potential discontinuity radiates RF energy, the amount of energy radiated being related to the amount of misalignment in the track. If radiated energy exceeds a certain threshold, a receiver energizes an alarm that announces a misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Theodore R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6540181
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf bag support apparatus, wherein, a pair of support rods extending downward are symmetrically disposed on the opening side rim of the said golf bag; a pair of steel wires are symmetrically disposed at one end of the opening; the said steel wires go through an opening extend downward to the bottom edge of the golf bag thereof, go through another opening of the said bottom edge and protrude the golf bag; a positioning element is disposed on the circumferential rim of the said opening; a support body is pivotally disposed at one distal end of the said steel wires penetrated the bottom edge of the golf bag; the specialty of not easily slipping of the said steel wires pressing against onto the positioning element enables the said support rods and the support body to position respectively and stably at an expanded angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Homewell Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Chih-Hsiang Yang, Ching-Piao Lin
  • Patent number: 6540182
    Abstract: A stand for musical instruments having a body and a neck, the stand including a pedestal, two elongate spaced support members provided on the pedestal and extending parallel to each other for supporting the body of musical instrument, and a bearing member arranged on the pedestal and extending parallel to the support members for supporting the neck of the musical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Wilfer
  • Patent number: 6540183
    Abstract: A versatile material cart system for efficiently handling elongate material in adjustable sections. The versatile material cart system includes a base having a plurality of caster wheels attached thereto, a pair of center support members attached to opposing ends of the base, a plurality of locking members attached to each of the center support members, a plurality of arm members having a collar slidably and rotatably positioned about the center support members, a plurality of side arms pivotally attached to the corners of the base, and a plurality of cross members attached to the upper ends of the center support members. The collar of the arms members has a slot for sliding about the locking members and a plurality of notches within a lower edge for catchably receiving with the locking members. The plurality of arm members are adjustable vertically and rotatably thereby allowing for the creation of various material receiving sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Preuss
  • Patent number: 6540184
    Abstract: An assembly to selectively hold, position and provide a stable platform for a light source has malleable legs. The assembly has a pair of clamp members attached to a base. The legs attach to the base and are formed of electrical cable with an elastomeric insulation coating. An extension tube can interconnect the clamp member to the malleable, bendable leg portion to further increase the range of the flexible leg stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Rocky A. Thaxton
  • Patent number: 6540185
    Abstract: The tripod attachment for attaching a pair of binoculars to a tripod has a friction force producing member providing friction force to hold the pair of binoculars at any desired position with respect to an attachment body when fastening a screw member to the pivot of the pair of binoculars and at the same time to allow the entire pair of binoculars to rotate around the screw member only when certain external force is applied to the pair of binoculars. Therefore, the horizontal correction of the pair of binoculars can be performed only by rotating the pair of binoculars; thus, the tripod attachment can be easily handled. When performing the horizontal correction of the pair of binoculars with the tripod attachment, external rotating force is applied to the pair of binoculars so that the entire pair of binoculars rotates around the screw member against the friction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Ishikawa, Kenjiro Okamura, Kunikazu Izumi
  • Patent number: 6540186
    Abstract: An anchor device comprising an elongated flat plate having an upper face, a lower face and two ends, at least one of the ends being engageable with a connecting member for attaching the device to the object. A sheet of hooked fabric is affixed to the lower face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: David Scott Fischer