Patents Issued in July 1, 2003
  • Patent number: 6585399
    Abstract: A visible light source adapted to be mounted on the vehicle for generating visible light to be used to create warning signals which are viewed by observers remote from the vehicle. A dichroic element adapted to be mounted on the vehicle and adjacent to the visible light source transmits at least some of the visible light generated by the light source and reflects at least some of the visible light generated by the light source. The transmitted and reflected light provides warning light signals within different wavelength ranges when viewed by an observer remote from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Kreutzer, Dennis A. Dohogne, Paul L. Stein
  • Patent number: 6585400
    Abstract: A multi-adjustable clamp work light comprising an elongated hollow grip handle, a light housing pivotally mounted to one end of the grip handle, an adjustable clamp member, and a two-way adjustable joint disposed between the clamp member and the grip handle. An optional hook may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Monte A. Leen
  • Patent number: 6585401
    Abstract: A sliding contact is formed by a first terminal 40 fixed to a side of a lamp base flange 2 and a second terminal 41 fixed to a side of a slider 7. Accordingly, it is possible to supply an electric current to a glass tube 9 without bending a harness 3. Therefore, a harness 3 is not deteriorated, and a resistance at a time of sliding the glass tube 9 is not increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Akizuki, Yasumitsu Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 6585402
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a lamp housing with an open end covered with an outer lens and having first and second areas defined on the same plane. A plurality of reflectors is disposed in the first area of the housing and has respective open ends directed toward the lens, and a step is disposed in the second area of the housing. A plurality of light sources is fixedly supported with the step in the second area in association with the reflectors. A plurality of light guides include incident portions fixedly attached to the step in close proximately to the light sources and emitting portions located at substantially centers of the reflectors in front areas thereof to guide lights emitted from the light sources to the associated reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaya Ohkodo, Hirotaka Ochiai
  • Patent number: 6585403
    Abstract: A hand-held mixer (1) includes a drive mechanism (36) for driving mixing tools (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35), which mixing tools are detachably coupled to the drive mechanism (36) and are disengageable from the drive mechanism (36) with the aid of a movable disengaging device (42), and further includes speed switching circuits within a first module (9), with the aid of which speed switching circuits the speed of the mixing tools can be switched to different speed values. A movable actuating element (19) actuates the speed switching circuits and includes a switching handle (20). The disengaging device (42) and the actuating element (19) including the switching handle (20) are formed as a one-piece second module (44) which is arranged so as to be movable parallel to only one path of movement (43) both for actuation of the speed switching circuits and for disengagement of the mixing tools from the drive mechanism (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Hans Peter Krall, Donald Thackray
  • Patent number: 6585404
    Abstract: A fully automatic electronic milkshake mixer (10, FIG. 1) in which an operator sets scoop dial control (34, FIG. 1), based upon the number of scoops of ice-cream or related products placed in mixer cup. The mixer cup (28, FIG. 2) rotates automatically by motorized lower drive wheels (48, FIG. 1), and a top cup rim container guide/wheel assembly (54, FIG. 1) engages mixer cup upper lip (56, FIG. 2). Different sized mixer cups rotate perfectly, for faster, more complete mixing. The mixer automatically shifts from low to high speed (anti-splash feature), and turns off automatically when milkshake is done. A “ready” light (42, FIG. 1) illuminates, and a chime (68, FIG. 3) sounds—volume control and on/off being adjustable. “Manual” momentary pushbutton (32, FIG. 1) allows manual control of mixing speed and time, if desired, while cup rotates. For next milkshake, electronic mixer returns to fully automatic mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: John C. Barton, Norma J. Barton
  • Patent number: 6585405
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid mixer that mixes liquids while simultaneously promoting rapid mixing entrainment of vapor in the liquid. The device includes a vertical rotor mounted centrally on a base assembly. The rotor comprises a tube which is hollow from an open top end to a bottom closed end, having an external screw thread in a right-side configuration relative from top to bottom and one or more holes located in the sidewall of the tube at the bottom of the hollow portion of the tube, preferably located centrally between two flanking surfaces of the screw thread. The base assembly comprises a stirbar and a supporting disk which contains a ceramic magnet. The base rests on the floor of a containment vessel. A magnetic stirring motor is centrally located sufficiently close to and beneath the containment vessel as to achieve magnetic flux coupling with the base magnet. Operation of the mixer develops a liquid vortex in the liquid phase material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bruno, Michael C. Rybowiak
  • Patent number: 6585406
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to development apparatus for mixing and applying developer material to a latent image on an image-bearing member in an electrostatographic reproduction machine, such as a copier or printer. More particularly, this invention relates to a blender of the type for mixing electrostatographic developer comprising a plurality of blender segments mounted on a shaft. A resilient spacer is provided, according to an aspect of the invention, wherein said resilient spacer and said plurality of blender segments are compressed between said pair of stops. Residual looseness due to tolerance stack-up is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: John P. Toepper, Paul E. Thompson, Gerald M. Darby, Kenneth M. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6585407
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a static mixing element (1) having a mixing channel (2) of substantially tubular shape which is undivided in axial direction and swirl vanes (4a, 4A, 4b, 4B) which are arranged beside each other and axially one after another in said mixing channel (2) and which radially abut on the inner wall of said mixing channel (2) and are, in this area, interconnected with said inner wall. Even in case of mixing very viscous components resp. mixing components at high flow rates, in which cases the forces applied by the flowing components to the swirl vanes (4a, 4A, 4b, 4B) are quite huge, the correct axial position of the swirl vanes, in particular in the entry area of the mixing element (1), can be assured. Especially for long mixing elements (1), this leads, under the before mentioned conditions, to a considerable improvement in mixing quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Sika Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Reto Koch
  • Patent number: 6585408
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring local heat transfer distribution of an object surface. The apparatus includes a heater element for providing heat flux, a member disposed on a surface of the heater element for receiving impinging cooling air. A liquid crystal element is provided on a side of the heater element remote from the surface, and an insulating material is disposed adjacent to the liquid crystal element and remote from the heater element. The apparatus further includes means for determining heat transfer distribution coefficients from the liquid crystal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lamyaa Abdel Alle El-Gabry, Steven J. Brzozowski, Nirm V. Nirmalan
  • Patent number: 6585409
    Abstract: A device for temperature measurement uses an optical system to image the heat radiation emanating from a measurement spot on an object of measurement onto a detector. A sighting arrangement is also provided which has a diffractive optical system by which a light intensity distribution is produced which corresponds to the position and size of the measurement spot on the object of measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Raytek Corporation
    Inventors: Volker Schmidt, William Menchine, Hans-Jurgen Rostalski, Frank Wyrowski
  • Patent number: 6585410
    Abstract: A self-calibrating nulling radiometer for non-contact temperature measurement of an object, such as a body of water, employs a black body source as a temperature reference, an optomechanical mechanism, e.g., a chopper, to switch back and forth between measuring the temperature of the black body source and that of a test source, and an infrared detection technique. The radiometer functions by measuring radiance of both the test and the reference black body sources; adjusting the temperature of the reference black body so that its radiance is equivalent to the test source; and, measuring the temperature of the reference black body at this point using a precision contact-type temperature sensor, to determine the radiative temperature of the test source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Robert Ryan
  • Patent number: 6585411
    Abstract: A liquid crystal temperature indicator, and aerosol dispensers equipped with a properly placed indicator, to facilitate using aerosols within preferred temperature ranges or at optimum temperatures. The temperature indicator uses different colors to graphically illustrate temperatures and/or temperature ranges, as well as temperatures above and below optimal temperatures or preferred temperature ranges. Temperature indicators are reusable; they may be self-adhesive and may optionally be transferred from one dispenser to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Christopher Hammarth, William Henry Passarotti
  • Patent number: 6585412
    Abstract: An X-ray calibration dummy (RP) having markings (4) that may be acquired by a position-acquisition system (30). The invention also concerns a method for nonmarker-based registration for use in navigation-guided operations employing the X-ray calibration dummy (RP). A medical system for carrying out the method has a C-shaped X-ray machine (10), a position-acquisition system, 30, and the X-ray calibration dummy (RP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Matthias Mitschke
  • Patent number: 6585413
    Abstract: The body of a sterile collection bag has opposed sidewalls and an upper body end. The interior of the body defines a sterile collection space for an object. First and second flexible closure strips having integrated centrally located wires are attached to the bag sidewalls and extend beyond the side wall edges. The upper end of the body includes one or more small notches cut into the body sidewalls to facilitate tearing of the upper body end from the bag body, with abrupt edges of the strips acting as tear guides. Pull tabs attached to the closure strips can be drawn apart to open the mouth of the bag for insertion of a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: International BioProducts Incorporated
    Inventors: N. Robert Ward, Jr., Geoffrey S. Bright, Debra K. Cory
  • Patent number: 6585414
    Abstract: A collapsible container including a plurality of adjacent side panels, each of the side panels having a flexible frame and a web having a perimeter secured to the frame. Each of the side panels has a bottom side, a top side and two lateral sides. Each of the lateral sides of each side panel is attached to the lateral side of an adjacent side panel. A flexible floor panel has a plurality of sides. Each of the floor panel sides is attached to at least one of the side panel bottom sides. A partition panel is pivotally secured to an interior portion of the container. Thus, the container may be temporarily divided into compartments for storing different items, such as, for example, different categories of laundry items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Home Creations, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence Peska
  • Patent number: 6585415
    Abstract: The bag is made from a polyethylene sheet and has a mouth with at least one sheath along its edge, the sheath containing an inextensible ribbon which is graspable from outside through a hole cut in the sheath, in order to close the bag after filling. An elastically extensible ribbon is fastened at its opposite ends to the material of the bag. When the bag is received in a rigid bin with its upper margin overturned over the bin rim, the elastic ribbon is pulled radially, looped and released around the overturn of the bag to clamp it around the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Nuova Poliver di Oddone Colomba & C. S.n.c.
    Inventor: Alberto Malaspina
  • Patent number: 6585416
    Abstract: A guide to support a shaft such as a pump pull rod (11) which is capable of both rotary and reciprocal motion. The guide prevents any misalignment of rod (11) damaging a seal, e.g. a stuffing box, held in space (24). Guide element (18) has central portion (19) and annular flange (25). Element (18) can move laterally with respect to housing (12) and can also pivot, along with the cap (15) of the housing (12), with respect to the lower portion (14) thereof. The latter is achieved via movements of part-spherical bearing element (28) and similarly shaped faces (26, 37, 38) of housing 9120. Further seals (33, 34) prevents entry of pumped fluid into chamber (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Harbison-Fischer, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Rimmer
  • Patent number: 6585417
    Abstract: An interconnector for rolling balls in a ball screw or a linear guide way is composed of a spacer, a direction guiding member with two wings, and to linking chains. The adjacent rolling balls are isolated by the spacer so as to prevent mutual collision. The two adjacent spacers are connected with two elastically meandering linking chains able to be configurated in various forms so as to freely elongate and shrink. With this structure the guide way track is able to be formed into any shape which contributes to minimizing the size of apparatus and production cost, and allow the rolling ball to travel in a three dimensional course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Chang-Hsin Kuo
  • Patent number: 6585418
    Abstract: In a hydrodynamic axial bearing (10), a rotating body (13) is mounted radially in a radial bearing (17) of a bearing body (18). The rotating body (13) comprises a shaft (16), with its shaft journal (14) mounted in the radial bearing (17), and a bearing collar (20) which is connected fixedly to the shaft (16) and corotates with the shaft (16). A floating disk (12) is arranged in an annular-groove-shaped space (28) between a wall (26) of the fixed bearing body (18) and a projection (22) of the corotating bearing collar (20). The floating disk (12) has a central circular orifice (30) which is designed as an integrated hydrodynamic radial bearing (32). By means of this radial bearing (32), the floating disk (12) is mounted radially on a fixed bearing element (38) concentrically surrounding the rotating body (13) on a portion (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Turbo Systems AG
    Inventors: Bruno Ammann, Jürgen Prossel
  • Patent number: 6585419
    Abstract: A shaft bearing member for supporting a shaft so that the shaft is rotatable has an inner circumferential face serving as a sliding surface. The shaft bearing member includes an oil groove formed in the inner circumferential face so as to circumferentially extend, and a plurality of narrow grooves formed on the inner circumferential face so as to extend at a predetermined angle relative to a rotation direction of the shaft from at least one of both widthwise sides of the oil groove toward an axial end side of the inner circumferential face with respect to the shaft. The narrow grooves guide a lubrication oil from the oil groove toward the axial end side with rotation of the shaft. The narrow grooves are shallower and narrower than the oil groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignees: Daido Metal Company Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Ono, Satoshi Imai, Hiroichi Matsuhisa, Seiji Mori
  • Patent number: 6585420
    Abstract: To provide a wheel support bearing assembly having a capability of detecting the number of revolutions of a wheel, having no risk of breaking of wire outside a vehicle body, capable of reducing the weight and cost of an automotive vehicle. This wheel support bearing assembly for rotatably supporting a wheel 13 relative to a vehicle body structure 12 includes an outer member 1 having its inner periphery formed with plural rows of raceways 6 and 7, an inner member 2 having raceways 8 and 9 confronting respectively to the raceways 6 and 7, and rows of rolling elements 3 accommodated respectively between the raceways. An electric generator 4 for generating an electric power as one of the outer and inner members 1 and 2 rotates relative to the other of the outer and inner members 1 and 2. A signal indicative of the number of revolutions of the wheel 13 outputted from the electric generator 4 is transmitted wireless by mean of a wireless transmitting means 5A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Okada, Hisashi Ohtsuki, Koji Sahashi, Kenichi Suzumura, Kazuhiko Hozumi, Akira Torii, Takayuki Norimatsu, Hiroaki Ohba
  • Patent number: 6585421
    Abstract: A spacer is provided to assist in orienting and aligning optical fibers in a connector. The spacer may also provide strain relief for the optical fibers. The spacer is especially useful with smaller optical fibers that are to be used in connectors that are designed for larger optical fibers or cables. Openings extending through the spacer, which may have a channel that allows for communication between the openings. The spacer can have as many openings as there are fibers for the connector. The spacer also assists in holding the fibers during the cleaving process so that the fibers are cleaved simultaneously and consistently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Daniel Leyva, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6585422
    Abstract: A method for providing preformed optical waveguide pieces includes the steps of connecting the ends of the optical waveguide pieces to one another through the use of connecting components, thereby producing an “endless” optical waveguide which is wound onto a drum. Upon being unwound from the drum, the individual optical waveguide pieces are available for further assembly. A connector for connecting conductor pieces and a drum configuration are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Bayerische Motorenwerks
    Inventors: Helmut Bojko, Gregor Popp, Wilfried Witzke
  • Patent number: 6585423
    Abstract: An optical connector system comprising first and second complementary connectors, which, when separated, define a non-plugged state and, when joined, define a plugged state, each connector has a front and rear oreintation and comprises: (a) an inner housing containing at least one fiber, the inner housing having a latch and a hook, the inner housings of the two complementary connectors being hermaphroditic such that, when the two complementary connectors are in the mated state, the latch of one inner housing engages the hook of the other inner housing, thereby optically coupling the fibers contained therein; and (b) an outer housing containing at least a portion of the inner housing, the inner housing being slidable therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Henricus Jozef Vergeest
  • Patent number: 6585424
    Abstract: High quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials can be grown layered monocrystallinfe substrates such as large silicon wafers by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline layers. Formation of a compliant substrate may include utilizing surfactant-enhanced epitaxy, epitaxial growth of single crystal silicon onto single crystal oxide, and epitaxial growth of Zintl phase materials. The layered monocrystalline substrates allow for the fabrication of at least one optical device with an insulating material laid over it, wherein the insulating material provides an optical aperture for use with the optical device. A conductive material can be deposited within the insulating material, and an electro-rheological lens can be inserted within the insulating material aperture, while being in contact with the conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Chason, Daniel Gamota
  • Patent number: 6585425
    Abstract: An optical circuit assembly is composed of a board for mounting an optical circuit element, an optical adapter that connects an optical fiber cable to the optical circuit element, and an adapter supporting member which movably supports the optical adapter. The adapter supporting member allows the optical adapter to move between first and second positions. The first position is located substantially at an edge of the board, and the second position is located above the board away from the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 6585426
    Abstract: An optical module capable of connecting signal lines to an external substrate easily without causing any degradation of the transmission characteristic is disclosed. The optical module comprises an optical element mounting block having an optical element mounting section and an optical fiber guide, and a wiring lead integrated resin substrate having a ferrule holding section, an optical element mounting block housing section, and wiring leads, where at least a part of the wiring leads are provided by signal lines in a coplanar guide structure entirely formed on the wiring lead integrated resin substrate such that a characteristic impedance does not change when the wiring leads are electrically connected to external wirings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshito Shuto, Michiyuki Amano, Kenji Yokoyama, Takeshi Kurosaki, Takashi Tadokoro, Makoto Nakamura, Masanobu Okayasu, Noboru Ishihara, Shin Sumida, Shunichi Tohno
  • Patent number: 6585427
    Abstract: A flexure and package including the same are provided. In one embodiment, the flexure is coupled to a second optical element and a substrate to maintain the second optical element in alignment with a first optical element. The flexure comprises a body, a pair of front and back legs. The attachment of the rear legs to the substrate causes the flexure to move from a first flexure position to a second flexure position, the distance between the first flexure position and the second flexure position equaling an offset distance. A specified length of the body is chosen such that the offset distance causes a second offset distance of the second optical component held by the flexure, and this second offset distance is within a specified range. The second offset distance is equal to the difference between a primary second optical component position and a secondary second optical component position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Finot, Marc Epitaux, Jonas Webjorn, Jean-Marc Verdiell, Robert Kohler
  • Patent number: 6585428
    Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including a platform having a plurality and variety of cameras or sensors mounted thereto, and a base enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply, a variety of electronics and other equipment for controlling and providing power to the surveillance equipment. The base is constructed to be tamper resistant and immovable by manual means. A substantially hollow support pole includes a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion mounted to the platform. Wires and cables for connecting the surveillance equipment with the electronics and power supply are run through the support pole. Power to the system may be supplied through existing power sources, for example a 120V power source. The system may further be adapted to be trailer mountable for facilitating transport of the system. A trailer assembly specifically adapted for transporting the system may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: Richard H. Wesselink, Paul J. Wesselink, Stephen Fredrick Brown
  • Patent number: 6585429
    Abstract: The camera shutter unit of the present invention is provided with a diaphragm blade arranged to be capable of moving between a stopping-down position wherein an aperture is stopped down, and an evacuating position wherein the aperture is opened. A shutter blade is arranged to be capable of moving between an opening position, wherein the aperture is opened, and a closing position, wherein the aperture is closed. A drive-control mechanism is provided for drive-controlling the shutter blade and the diaphragm blade. The drive-control mechanism has a single electromagnetic drive source, and a spring for restricting movement of the shutter blade toward the closing position when the diaphragm blade is positioned in the stopping-down position, and for releasing its restriction by a predetermined or more drive force generated by the electromagnetic drive source. Therefore, the unit can be of a small size and low in cost, and its reliability of function can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Nidec Copal Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Yaginuma, Nabuaki Watanabe, Tomokazu Kihara
  • Patent number: 6585430
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for performing coating and developing treatment for a substrate, which comprises a treatment section having a coating treatment unit for forming a coating film on the substrate, a developing treatment unit for developing the substrate, a thermal treatment unit for performing thermal treatment for the substrate, and a first carrier unit for carrying the substrate into/out of these coating treatment unit, developing treatment unit, and thermal treatment unit. The system of the present invention further comprises an interface section having a second carrier unit for carrying the substrate through a route at least between the treatment section and an exposure processing unit provided outside the system for performing exposure processing for the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yuji Matsuyama, Junichi Kitano, Takahiro Kitano
  • Patent number: 6585431
    Abstract: The invention solve the problems, such as imperfect connection and transmission error in the connector between the personal computer or other information appliance and the docking unit for its function expansion, and lowering of reliability in the contact portion of the connector by repeated insertion and pulling out, or lowering of reliability in the contact portion due to vibration, salt, or moisture. As the means of solving the problems, a serial signal of USB or IEEE1394 is converted into a signal for optical transmission, and it is transmitted, without making contact, between an emitter 52A and a receiver 52B disposed oppositely across a spatial gap. The transmission routes are prepared in two lines, and full duplex transmission is realized. Therefore, signals are connected and disconnected easily, and anytime, and a highly reliable transmission is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6585432
    Abstract: An optoelectronic communication system for use with an optical signal that passes through a turbulent environment is disclosed. The communication system comprises an optical transmitter for transmitting an optical signal, and an optoelectronic receiver. The optoelectronic receiver comprises a reflector for collecting the optical signal and for propagating a plurality of portions of it. A plurality of first optoelectronic detectors responds to a selected portion of the optical signal and each develops a plurality of first electrical signals. A probe laser generates an optical probe beam. Means are responsive to the plurality of first electrical signals and changes a characteristic of the optical probe beam corresponding to the information. A second optoelectronic detector responds to the changed characteristic and develops an output electrical signal representative of the information contained in the received optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen P. Palese
  • Patent number: 6585433
    Abstract: A print signal generation system for generating print bit map data corresponding to a desired image where the print bit map data is utilized by a digital printing device to print the desired image. The system includes region parameter data, a first data generation system and a second data generation system in operative communication with the first data generation system. The region parameter data includes region data defining a partitioning of the desired image into a plurality of regions and expansion data. The first data generation system generates transaction data associated with the desired image and using the transaction data in combination with the region parameter data to generate print instruction data. The second data generation system receives the print instruction data from the first data generation system and expands the print instruction data based upon the region parameter data to generate the print bit map data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Brad L. Davies, Mark A. Scribe, Andrew Zink
  • Patent number: 6585434
    Abstract: A portable, on-line barcode printer has a very small number of variable function keys, each of which is actuable to perform a large number of non-data entry functions for monitoring various components, performing diagnostic testing and setting up the operation of the printer. A display is positioned in association with the function keys and provides both a message section for displaying a text or pictorial message in association with a current mode of operation and an icon section for displaying an icon in association with each of the function keys wherein each icon symbolizes a non-data entry function selectable by actuation of the associated key in the current mode. A controller enables one or more of the function keys in each of a plurality of modes in the printer and controls the message and icon set depicted in each mode so as to change the function of each of the variable function keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Monarch Marking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory B. Arnold, Rex D. Watkins, Gary E. Brazier, Timothy V. Toth
  • Patent number: 6585435
    Abstract: An improved membrane keyboard includes a bottom layer, a second conductive membrane layer located above the bottom layer having an output section extended from one end thereof at a selected location linking to an interrupt device, an insulation layer located above the second conductive membrane layer, a first conductive membrane layer located above the insulation layer, a top layer located above the first conductive membrane layer having a jutting section formed at one end with the top layer bonding to the bottom layer and forming an opening end at the jutting section, and a button key layer located between the first conductive membrane layer and the top layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Jason Fang
  • Patent number: 6585436
    Abstract: There are provided a printing method and apparatus as well as provide a label-producing method and apparatus that are capable of adding an amusing effect and topicality resulting therefrom to printing personally performed by a user. A predetermined print instruction is issued to print a desired image entered intentionally, on a printing medium. When the predetermined print instruction is issued, the desired image is printed, and if a predetermined condition which cannot be intentionally set by an instruction of a user is satisfied at the same time, an unintended image which cannot be generated intentionally is also printed together with the desired image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Kurashina
  • Patent number: 6585437
    Abstract: A system comprising a linerless pressure sensitive label stock and a printer for printing on linerless pressure sensitive label stock exhibit reduced tendency for exposed adhesive to stick to printer components. The linerless pressure sensitive label stock has a plurality of regions that are substantially non-tacky formed along the length of the label stock web. In one embodiment, the non-tacky regions are formed by printing an adhesive deadening agent over the pressure sensitive adhesive. In another embodiment, the adhesive is printed in a pattern having non-tacky regions. Optional perforations in the non-tacky regions aid separation of printed regions from the rest of the web. Various means of web position sensing allow the printer to track the positions of the substantially non-tacky regions. After printing, the web of linerless pressure sensitive label stock is moved to positions where it is unlikely to stick to printer components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Wiklof, L. David Rish
  • Patent number: 6585438
    Abstract: There are provided a tape printing apparatus and a tape printing method, which are capable of setting or determining whether or not half-cutting should be carried out, based on the detected type of a tape set for use, as well as a cutting device capable of detecting the type of a tape-shaped member, and setting whether or not the tape-shaped member should be cut, based on the detected type of the tape-shaped member, a tape printing apparatus incorporating the device, and a method for the cutting device. The tape printing apparatus has a half-cutting function of cutting only a peel layer of a tape-shaped member formed of an image-receiving layer and the peel layer and by using a half-cutting tape cutter in the direction of the width of the tape-shaped member. The type of the tape-shaped member is detected. Whether or not the half-cutting tape cutter is driven, based on a result of the detection. Printing is carried out on the tape-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignees: Seiko Epson Corporation, King Jim Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hosokawa, Tomoki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6585439
    Abstract: A printer having a media transport mechanism defining a media path. The path extends from a media supply past a print engine. A media alignment element moves between an extended position intersecting the path between the supply and the engine, and a retracted position away from the path. The printer may include a pair of rollers between the supply and the alignment element and encompassing the path, so that the sheet may be gripped by the rollers at a position adjacent the alignment to preserve the alignment by the element. The rollers may retract the sheet from the alignment element, which may move aside from the media path, so that the media may be fed toward a print engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Bruce G. Johnson, Antonio Gomez, Richard A. Kelley, Michael W. Munro, Richard Olson
  • Patent number: 6585440
    Abstract: A folding keyboard includes a fixed key module and one or more mobile key modules. The key modules are joined together by links between them. Two ends of the links between the key modules are joined at asymmetric positions. The mobile key module can turn 180 degrees to lie against the fixed key module. The folding keyboard is capable of being frontally folded, showing the whole arrangement of keys after unfolding, and being used immediately after unfolded. Moreover, the folding keyboard can be relatively shrunk by way of compression of the key units to reduce the thickness, and can be designed to be a triply-folded or quadruply-folded structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Silitek Corporation
    Inventor: Winky Lin
  • Patent number: 6585441
    Abstract: A stylized writing instrument shaped like a proprietary or familiar object. Embodiments of the invention include a housing shaped like the proprietary or familiar object, a writing implement, and internal mechanisms provided within the housing for extending the writing implement from, and retracting the writing implement into, the housing. The internal mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of actuation systems for extending and retracting the writing implement, including a cam actuation assembly, an edge slide actuation assembly, a gravity actuation assembly, a pressure actuation assembly and a push button actuation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Joel B. Shamitoff
  • Patent number: 6585442
    Abstract: An attachment mechanism having a first attachment member supported by a first body. The first attachment member includes an engaging portion. A plurality of second attachment members is also provided and is supported by a second body. Each of the plurality of second attachment members includes an engaging portion selectively engageable with the engaging portion of the first attachment member. An actuating device is further provided and coupled with the plurality of second attachment members. The actuation device is operable to selectively actuate the plurality of second attachment members relative to the first attachment member to positionally manipulate the first body relative to the second body while the plurality of second attachment members is engaged with the first attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Diann E. Brei, Joseph W. Clement, Paul W. Alexander, Christopher W. Deyer
  • Patent number: 6585443
    Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in adjoining region, extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, at the joining region, thickened parts which project toward the rotary body joining tool are provided. Two adjoining thickened parts, of adjacent members to be joined, can form a trapezoid shape. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion. The rotary body joining tool is inserted in the thickened parts. In a state where the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip and first, to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part but does not extend below the upper surface of the non-thickened surfaces of the members joined, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region. Even when a gap exists between two thickened parts, a desirable joining can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinya Aota, Masakuni Ezumi, Yasuo Ishimaru, Hisanori Okamura, Isao Funyuu, Akihiro Satou
  • Patent number: 6585444
    Abstract: A presently-preferred embodiment of a quick-release coupler comprises a housing having a first interior surface defining a center cavity and a second interior surface defining a through hole intersecting the center cavity. The coupler also comprises a locking member at least partially disposed in the center cavity and having a first and an opposing second inwardly facing surface partially defining a central passage in the locking member, and a projection extending partially along a length of the first surface. The locking member is movable between a first position wherein the central passage is adapted to removably receive an end portion of a torque-transmitting shaft, and a second position wherein the projection is adapted to engage a recessed portion of the torque-transmitting shaft and thereby inhibit removal of the end portion from the central passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Neapco, Inc.
    Inventor: William Podbutzky
  • Patent number: 6585445
    Abstract: This application describes the design of the split-tube flexure, a unique precision revolute joint that exhibits a considerably larger range of motion and significantly better multi-axis revolute joint characteristics than a conventional flexure. The development of this joint enables the implementation of spatially-loaded revolute joint-based precision machines with well-behaved kinematic and dynamic characteristics and without the backlash and stick-slip behavior that would otherwise prevent precision machine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Michael Goldfarb, John E. Speich
  • Patent number: 6585446
    Abstract: An adjustment system for a plate-like member includes a cam member formed with an appropriate cam curve in contact with front or rear surface of, for example, a reflector installed in an optical scanner to reflect a scanning beam of an optical scanner so that a reflecting direction of this reflector may be adjustably varied by rotating the cam member and optical and scanning characteristics of the optical scanner may be ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6585447
    Abstract: A device for connecting two structural components, includes a base part disposed at one structural component, a spacer having a threaded portion in threaded engagement with the base part, the spacer being supported with one end thereof at the other structural component, a connecting screw inserted frictionally engaged through the spacer, a shoulder formed at one end of the threaded portion of the spacer, and an abutment to be engaged by the shoulder and being formed at the base part, such that the abutment is arranged to become effective to limit, through engagement with the shoulder, a threading movement of the spacer in one direction relative to the base part only after the base part and the spacer have been assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Jörg Schwarzbich
  • Patent number: 6585448
    Abstract: A bracket and method for connecting two component members, where the bracket is concealed from the outside of a joint formed by the two component members. The bracket includes a first flange having a hole for receiving a securing member and at least one second flange, including at least one protrusion for engaging a cavity in a first member to be secured. This design may use a single screw or bolt, and therefore saves assembly time and reduces product cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Grossman Product Services SDN. BHD.
    Inventors: Joel Grossman, Howard Porter