Patents Issued in July 22, 2003
-
Patent number: 6594885Abstract: A method of assembling a coil includes forming a ferrite core having a top end, a bottom end, an inner opening extending from the top end to the bottom end, a cylindrical outer surface, and a step portion formed near the bottom end, the step portion extending past the outer surface. A first high dielectric material is applied on the outer surface of the ferrite core, then a conductive wire is wound onto the high dielectric material, whereafter a second high dielectric material is applied over the conductive wire.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Khaled I. Abdel-Tawab, Gordon A. Grigor, Clarence J. Harsa, Laszlo S. Ilyes, James D. Mieskoski, Louis R. Nerone, James K. Skully
-
Patent number: 6594886Abstract: The method of fuse manufacture has a step to fabricate a metal plate with an overall long narrow shape, with a plurality of rows of connecting pieces having separated tips and connected aft ends, and with the tip of each connecting piece arranged in a straight line; a step to connect the tips of adjacent connecting pieces by welding wire to the connecting piece tip regions which are arranged in a straight line; a step to treat two adjacent connecting pieces as a unit, to cut the wire between each two-connecting piece unit for separation, and to detach each individual connecting piece; and a step to bend the wire, connecting each cut two-connecting piece unit, to form the pair of connecting pieces into a straight line.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Osaki, Hisashi Hashimoto
-
Patent number: 6594887Abstract: A component installing device comprises: a tray component supply section (8) having a plurality of conjointly provided tray component supply mechanisms (7) for moving selected trays (4) from a storage position (5) to a component supply position (6), according to need, thereby providing the components (2) accommodated therein for use; and a cassette component supply section (13) having a plurality of mutually aligned component supply cassettes (12) for carrying components in a tape cassette or a bulk cassette, and transporting said components to a component supply position (11), one at a time, thereby providing said components for use.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Osamu Okuda, Akira Kabeshita, Naoyuki Kitamura, Yoshihiro Yoshida, Mamoru Inoue, Kazuo Mori
-
Patent number: 6594888Abstract: A squeezing tool for coaxial cable connector, to be used for a coaxial cable interconnected to a coupling means, which comprises a tilted module support, two tilted movable modules being coaxially deployed in the tilted module support to support the connector of the coupling means. The coupling means is assembled with one end of the cable in a manner free from compression, tension, or pressure, plus a grip brought to advance or regress along the surface of the module axialwise by means of a cranket means. The connector coupling section is eventually thrusted into the module, while application of force axialwise is permitted to bring the module compressed into the module support. Meanwhile the perimeter of one end of the connector coupling section is uniformly squeezing to shrink essentially conically to facilitate coupling to the cable.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Chi-Fu Chang
-
Patent number: 6594889Abstract: A method of processing a leadframe involves steps of transporting a leadframe to load it into a lead processing unit including plural sets of processing presses; adjusting a press pitch of the processing presses according to a work pitch of workpieces on the leadframe by rotating a nut member that is coupled to at least one of the processing presses and engaged on a non-rotating screw shaft extending in the transport direction of the leadframe, so that the nut member moves along the screw shaft and the respective processing press coupled thereto moves with the nut member; and performing a predetermined lead processing on the leadframe using the processing presses after the step of adjusting the press pitch.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1999Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Towa CorporationInventors: Kazuhiko Bandoh, Michio Osada, Tsuyoshi Amakawa, Yoshihiko Kojima, Fumio Takashima, Kouichi Kawamura
-
Patent number: 6594890Abstract: A method of separating a plate-like workpiece held by adhesion on an elastic adhesive pad from the pad. The elastic adhesive pad has innumerable pores in its surface and generates adhesive force when negative pressure is produced by the pores, after being crushed, by restoration force generated by elasticity and adhesion. The method includes the step of heating the elastic adhesive pad at a predetermined temperature to separate the plate-like workpiece from the elastic adhesive pad by air expanding in the pores.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Disco CorporationInventors: Kazuhisa Arai, Toshiaki Takahashi, Kouichi Yajima
-
Patent number: 6594891Abstract: A process of forming a multi-layer electronic composite structure. The process includes providing at least one core including at least one plane of at least one electrically conducting material with a plane of at least one electrically insulating material on both sides of the at least one plane of at least one electrically conducting material. The at least one core includes a plurality of placed through holes formed therethrough. At least one pad is provided over at least one of the plated through holes. The pad provides a flat surface for attaching an electronic device and also prevents solder from entering the at least one plated through hole.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: International Business MachinesInventors: James Steven Kamperman, Thomas Patrick Gall, David Brian Stone
-
Patent number: 6594892Abstract: A process for the production of a composite ceramic printed wiring board, comprising (1) making a penetration hole having a diameter of 0.1 to 0.8 mm in a ceramic board having an open porosity of at least 5% and a thickness of 0.1 to 10 mm, (2) fixing metal (M) to the penetration hole such that the metal (M) penetrates through the penetration hole, (3) impregnating a heat-resistant resin precursor (R) under vacuum, polymerizing the heat-resistant resin precursor (R) and polishing both surfaces of the resultant board to produce a resin composite ceramic substrate (MRA) having a conductive portion for conduction between both surfaces in a predetermined portion, and (4) forming printed wiring networks on one or both surfaces of the resin composite ceramic substrate (MRA).Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.Inventors: Kazuyuki Ohya, Norio Sayama, Takeshi Nobukuni
-
Patent number: 6594893Abstract: A surface laminar circuit board includes an insulating layer, and a signal ground conductive layer disposed on an upper surface of the insulating layer. The conductive layer has a hole formed therein. A photosensitive dielectric layer is disposed on an upper surface of the signal ground conductive layer. The dielectric layer has a photo micro-via formed therein. A signal trace is disposed on the photosensitive dielectric layer, and is electrically coupled with the signal ground conductive layer by way of the photo micro-via. A conductive pad is provided, which has a majority thereof within an area defined by an outer periphery of the hole. The conductive pad is electrically coupled with the signal trace. A surface mounted component is mounted on the conductive pad.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mark J. Bailey, Michael John Shea, Gerald Wayne Swift
-
Patent number: 6594894Abstract: Micromachined extrusions on the micrometer scale is realized using compressive stresses resulting from electromigration-induced mass transport in planarized conductors. Extrusions are formed through simple die patterns etched through a passivation layer overlaying the conductors.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Gary H. Bernstein, Richard Frankovic
-
Patent number: 6594895Abstract: A torque converter comprises an impeller shell, a pump impeller integrally formed with the impeller shell, a turbine runner, a stator, a front cover, and at least one of a flanged portion through which a driving power of an engine is transmitted and a ring gear for a starter. The flanged portion is formed on an outer peripheral portion of an outer hull that includes the impeller shell and the front cover. A pilot boss portion is disposed at an axial portion of the front cover and is adapted to be fitted to a crank shaft of the engine, and a sleeve-like oil pump driving shaft is disposed at an axial portion of the impeller shell and is adapted to drive an oil pump. The pilot boss portion is formed integrally with the front cover through a plastic working operation, and the flanged portion formed at a front portion of the outer periphery of the front cover is increased in thickness through a plastic working operation that forms the flanged portion as a lamination.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignees: Kubota Iron Works Co., Ltd., Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeaki Yamanaka, Toshio Kobayashi
-
Patent number: 6594896Abstract: Residual stress generated in strip metal W is removed by annealing the strip metal W which has gone through a pressing process, and a compressing process is implemented thereafter whereby, as portions hardened due to work-hardening (in particular, folded portions 121) can be softened, the strip metal W which has gone through the pressing process can be easily compressed so that the radius of curvature of the folded portions 121 is reduced to a predetermined dimension, thereby making it possible to improve the dimensional accuracy of the finished fin 120 even if the fin 120 is made of a metal having a relatively high hardness (stainless steel).Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shinichi Morihira, Kiyokazu Futami, Yuuji Sako, Keiichi Yoshii
-
Patent number: 6594897Abstract: A coolant tube for use in a heat exchanger is manufactured by using a plate member as follows: the plate member is folded in substantially regular distances to form a plurality of folded portions; and two opposite ends of the plate member are joined in a manner that end parts of the folded portions are brought into contact with flat portions of the plate member to thereby form coolant flow passages.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Mando Climate Control CorporationInventors: Yong Jae Kim, Jin Man Kim
-
Patent number: 6594898Abstract: A method of making ink jet printer head body provides a silicon wafer forming a restrictor plate over the silicon wafer by doping an impurity component. A nozzle plate is formed under the silicon wafer by doping an impurity component and a nozzle is formed by etching after the forming of the nozzle plate. A channel going through the restrictor plate and silicon wafer is formed by etching after the forming of the restrictor plate. The channel is formed of a wide upper portion and a narrow lower portion by patterning the silicon wafer and restrictor plate narrowly and etching the silicon wafer and restrictor plate, and then patterning the silicon wafer and restrictor plate widely and etching the silicon wafer and restrictor plate, except for the lower end of the silicon wafer. A restrictor at the restrictor plate is formed by etching after the patternings of the restrictor plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang Kyeong Yun
-
Patent number: 6594899Abstract: An inkjet printing device employs an inkjet printhead with a plurality of drop generators to eject drops of ink. Each drop generator includes a planar heater resistor, a protection layer having a first heating surface on the heater resistor and a second heating surface entirely surrounding the first heater surface on the heater resistor, and an ink ejection nozzle. The drop generator vaporizes ink at the first heating surface and ejects a drop of ink of a first mass from the nozzle when a first range of energies is applied to the heater resistor. The drop generator vaporizes ink at the first heating surface and the second heating surface and ejects a drop of ink of a second mass from the nozzle when a second range of energies is applied to the heater resistor.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Robert C. Maze, Todd A. Cleland, Arun K. Agarwal, Mark A. Buonanno
-
Patent number: 6594900Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pipe connector for a gas isolated switchgear has the steps of preparing a material block, a first forging process, a second forging process to form the material block to an I-shaped member, defining a passage through the I-shaped member, stretching the I-shaped member, a first heat treatment process (T4 process), straightening the I-shaped member to a desired length and a second heat treatment process (T6 process). With such a method, the processes for manufacturing the pipe connector are simple, and the cost for manufacturing the pipe connector is low.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Long-Yi Wei
-
Patent number: 6594901Abstract: The present invention discloses novel methods for producing raised and sculpted ornamentation or designs on metal, including metal pieces such as jewelry. Also disclosed are pieces of metal, including jewelry, produced by using the disclosed methods.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Zoltan David
-
Patent number: 6594902Abstract: A method of controlling the spring rate of a spring region of an unassembled load beam for a disk drive head suspension by partially etching the spring region and providing the partially etched spring region with a number of bridges which may then selectively opened to achieve a target spring rate. Adjusting the spring rate before assembly of the load beam enables tighter control of resulting performance characteristics of the head suspension. In one aspect, a data set of spring rate reductions corresponding to bridge sets removed is predetermined and used with the corresponding type of load beam to determine the bridges to remove to approximate the target spring rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Hutchinson Technology IncorporatedInventor: Michael W. Davis
-
Patent number: 6594903Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a shaped-spring assembly. The method and apparatus utilizes a spring forming apparatus which facilitates the forming of shaped springs without adversely effecting the characteristics of the spring, and a magazine arrangement which stores and loads shaped springs, while maintaining the shape of the springs. The magazine arrangement further permits the storage of a plurality of the shaped springs without fatiguing a leading edge of the spring. With the apparatus and method of the present invention, it is possible to load empty shaped spring cavities at a select location, such as at a field site, and also have a steady supply of shaped springs available for quick replacement. The forming apparatus is designed so as to easily cooperate and/or be mounted onto the magazine arrangement so as to facilitate the transfer of shape springs which are shaped by the forming apparatus into the magazine arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Scott M. Fitzgerald, Jan A. Chrisler, Daniel M. Pagano
-
Patent number: 6594904Abstract: A shaving unit that comprises at least one blade and a skin engaging member that has a surface for engaging the user's skin adjacent the blade edge is described herein. The shaving unit may be of a disposable cartridge type adapted for coupling to and uncoupling from a razor handle or may be integral with a handle so that the complete razor is discarded as a unit when the blade or blades become dulled. The blade edge (or edges) cooperate with skin engaging surfaces to define a shaving geometry. The skin engaging member is comprised of an elongated sheath (or skin engaging layer) made of a mixture of water insoluble matrix and an effective amount of shaving aid and a rigid core (or non-skin engaging layer) extending axially through out said sheath. The axial position of the core need not be through the central axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventor: Mingchih M. Tseng
-
Patent number: 6594905Abstract: The invention is directed to a hair removing apparatus as, for example, a dry shaving apparatus, a hair clipping machine, an epilation appliance, with a housing and a liquid conveying arrangement comprising a liquid container, a drivable pumping device with a pump inlet and a pump outlet, and a liquid dispensing device for wetting a human skin and/or hairs with liquid, wherein the liquid dispensing device is adapted to be coupled to the pump inlet by way of a first liquid conduit and to the liquid container by way of at least one second liquid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Stefan Fürst, Werner Haczek, Andreas Peter
-
Patent number: 6594906Abstract: A knife has an implement lying in an implement plane and an attachment structure lying in the implement plane. The attachment structure is integral with the knife body with a fixed portion extending laterally from the top of the knife body. A gate is pivotably attached to a first part of the fixed portion of the attachment structure and pivotable in the implement plane between a closed position and an open position. When the gate is opened, the attachment may be clipped to another article, and the knife is releasably attached to the other article when the gate is closed.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.Inventors: Kimiyuki Sakai, Stephen J. Hull
-
Patent number: 6594907Abstract: A string trimmer comprising an elongate shaft, a cutting head rotatably mounted on one end of the elongate shaft wherein the head comprises: a base; a cap; a spool rotatable mounted in the cap; an autofeed mechanism mounted within the cap and which interacts between the cap and the spool; wherein the cap is releasably attachable to the base. The cap clips into the base. The cap comprises a first part, and the base comprises a second part wherein two resilient deformable arms having ribs formed on the end of the arms are mounted on one part and which engage with corresponding holes formed in the other part.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Michael Wilson, Martin Riley
-
Patent number: 6594908Abstract: The present invention is an eating utensil, in particular a motorized rotating fork. The preferred embodiment of the utensil contains an improved electromechanical motor switching system in the fork's handle. The system comprises a cam attached to an electric motor that is in electrical contact with a battery power source. Preferably, the cam has a lobe to contact a portion of the switch and stop the cam. The motor has an activation switch and the switch is in contact with the cam's lobe when it is in stopped position. When the switch is depressed it does not contact the cam and as a result, the cam and the tines attached to the cam will rotate. When the cam and preferably, the lobe, contact the switch the electrical circuit is closed and does not rotate. Preferably, if the cam has a lobe, it will rotate until the lobe reaches a stopped position which allows the stopped position to be constant.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Paul Di Amico
-
Patent number: 6594909Abstract: A cutting tool has two active members pivotally mounted around a common transverse axis. The rear portion of each active member has a cross-section of height greater than its width. The corresponding intermediate element is made by being overmolded around the rear portion. The rear portion and the corresponding intermediate element are pierced by at least two through holes for passing respective fasteners such as screws for fixing the corresponding tubular handle in place.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Deville S.A.Inventor: Antoine Deville
-
Patent number: 6594910Abstract: A level apparatus is disclosed that includes a body mounted on an elongate member. The body typically includes a laser that is capable of rotation about horizontal and/or vertical axes. The elongate member can be braced between, for example, a floor and a ceiling and the body is typically capable of longitudinal movement along an axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate member. Movement of the body and other functions of the apparatus can be remote controlled.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: James Scott Wishart
-
Patent number: 6594911Abstract: Using an inertial master box mounted on a carrier for measuring its movements with respect to a geographic frame of reference of fixed directions along three axes Xg, Yg, Zg, a measuring method provides for continuously measuring an orientation of a frame of reference Xm, Ym, Zm tied to the inertial master box. Positioning is provided by applying a sequence of cycles of eight inversions of the inertial master box while keeping the axis Ym in a direction parallel to the axis Yg. A first motor causes a gimbal to pivot on a first axle secured to the carrier, while a second motor causes the inertial master box to pivot about a second perpendicular axle secured to the gimbal. A processor calculates three attitude angles by running a first inertial navigation program of the strapdown type and controls the first and second motors by running a second program.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Sagem SAInventors: Etienne Brunstein, François Neytard
-
Patent number: 6594912Abstract: Disclosed are electronic plumb indicators for monopoles, survey poles, global positioning antennas and the like. A exemplary plumb indicator comprises a substrate, a plumb bob suspended by a thread (e.g., wire, cable, string, etc.) and disposed over a first surface of the substrate, and a probe. The substrate has an array of conductive pads disposed over its first surface, preferably in a regular pattern. The probe has a first body portion held by the plumb bob but allowed to move freely in the vertical direction, and a conductive tip disposed between the plumb bob and the first surface of the substrate. The probe tip makes contact with the first surface of the substrate, and contacts one or more pads in normal operation. The pads may be scanned electronically to determine the location of the probe tip and plumb bob with respect to the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Topcon GPS LLPInventor: Javad Ashjaee
-
Patent number: 6594913Abstract: The protractor has a body which has three reference surfaces, two being parallel and one being at right angles to them. A web between the surfaces carries a protractor dial which is rotatable on the protractor body. The dial carries a reference surface and can be set in position by means of a visual indicia, by sine measurement, or by memory links. Great accuracy can be achieved by use of the sine measurement.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Paul Reilly
-
Patent number: 6594914Abstract: A blade squaring gauge for ice skates is in the form of a small, hand-held disk having the approximate size of a silver dollar. Along the circumferential edge of the disk are slots for truing the edges of the blade. Each slot corresponds to a different arc or curvature of the edge of the blade and provides squareness measurement at that position. A blade can be fitted into a given slot corresponding to the particular curvature on the peripheral blade surface and the squareness of the inner and outer edges of the blade is determined. The gauge eliminates the guesswork in determining trueness of the edge for given blade curvatures along the periphery of the blade.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Kevin Babcock
-
Patent number: 6594915Abstract: A caliper has a main scale (1) having an inside-measuring jaw (2) and an outside-measuring jaw (3) and a slider (11) having an inside-measuring jaw (12) and an outside-measuring jaw (13) further includes a tube-shaped grip (30) provided on an end of the main scale (1) capable of movement in a longitudinal direction of the main scale (1), the grip (30) including a means for fixing the grip (30) relative to the main scale (1).Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: Sadayuki Matsumiya, Shigeru Ohtani, Jun Odake
-
Patent number: 6594916Abstract: A highly moisture-sensitive element and method of making such element includes an encapsulation enclosure encapsulating all of the highly moisture-sensitive electronic devices on a substrate and a sealing material positioned between the substrate and the encapsulation enclosure to form a complete seal between the substrate and the encapsulation enclosure around each highly moisture-sensitive electronic device or around groups of highly moisture-sensitive electronic devices, wherein the substrate or encapsulation enclosure, or both, contain vent holes and vent hole seal material or wherein the seal material contains gaps prior to spacing the substrate and the encapsulation enclosure within a predetermined range and the gaps are filled in by spreading the sealing material.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Michael L. Boroson, John Schmittendorf, Peter G. Bessey, Jeffrey P. Serbicki
-
Patent number: 6594917Abstract: A shoe (1) having an active air-conditioning device (2) for maintaining the temperature inside the shoe (1) at a value selectively above or below the temperature of the outside environment. The air-conditioning device(20) is integrated in the sole (3) of the shoe (1), and comprises a main heat exchanger (4) for exchanging heat with the inside of the shoe (1), and air compressing device (5) for feeding a pressurized air stream to the main heat exchanger (4), an auxiliary heat exchanger (10) located between the air compressing device (5) and the main heat exchanger (4) to reduce the temperature of the pressurized air stream, an expansion valve (11) located immediately downstream from the auxiliary heat exchanger (10) to rapidly expand and so cool the pressurized air stream, and a bypass conduit (12) with a relative on-off valve (13), for connecting the main heat exchanger (4) directly to the air compressing device.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventors: Bruno Ricco′, Domenico Valori
-
Patent number: 6594918Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper in a tented arrangement. The article of footwear includes a sole and an upper including a shroud. The article of footwear further includes a foot engaging system for joining a foot of a user to the sole, and a biasing system which includes a plurality of frame members that urges or influences the shroud away from the foot of the user. The article of footwear further includes a plurality of straps for holding the foot to the sole in which one of the straps engages the heel. The straps are located on an exterior surface of the shroud or alternatively they are located in the interior of the shroud. Air gaps are created between the shroud and the foot for ventilation. Several foot booties for holding a foot have vent openings for providing air to ventilate the foot of a wearer. Further, the foot booties are combined with straps, in which the straps are disposed between the shroud and the foot booties.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Michael A. Aveni, Michael R. Friton
-
Patent number: 6594919Abstract: A snowboard boot includes a heel member and a leg member positioned above the heel member. The heel member and the leg member are secured to the boot so that the leg member is capable of movement relative to the heel member about an axis of rotation that is vertically inclined no more than ±45° and that lies within a plane that is inclined relative to a longitudinal plane which divides left and right sections of the boot.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1996Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Shinpei Okajima
-
Patent number: 6594920Abstract: The top of the shell (2) made of molded plastic forms part of a flexible upper (1) in which a longitudinal opening line (9) forming a flap (12) is formed. The front lateral side of this flap is connected to the upper by an extensible elastic part (15). Good forward waterproofing is hence obtained without using a seal.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Lange International S.A.Inventors: Maurizio Pizzamiglio, Silvio Quagliotto
-
Patent number: 6594921Abstract: A shoe has a sole, an upper and a counter portion. The upper is securely connected to the sole and has a rear end defined with an opening. The counter portion is pivotally connected to a rear end of the sole to close the opening in the upper. A fastener is mounted on the upper and the pivotal counter portion to connect the pivotal counter portion to the rear end of the upper. Accordingly, a wearer's foot in the shoe can be vented. Also, for a pair of tied shoes with the pivotal counter portions can be put on or taken off without tying or untying the laces. The use of the shoe becomes more versatile and more convenient.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventors: Yui Laio, David Chang
-
Patent number: 6594922Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and methods for incorporating a medial/lateral counter foot stabilizer into shoes. In an embodiment, the medial/lateral counter foot stabilizer of the invention comprises a plantar aspect which extends the length of the sole of a foot, side walls, a metatarsal arch support, a lateral arch support, a medial arch support, and a heel cup counter. The stabilizer of the invention mimics a preferred foot shape, provides support for the metatarsal, medial, and lateral arches, and restricts pronation and supination of the foot. The stabilizer of the invention is designed to be integrated into commercial shoes during the manufacturing process as a method of providing foot support which is currently unavailable in commercial shoes.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventors: Paul A. Mansfield, Ricky T. Wyatt, John T. Wyatt, Anthony S. Wyatt
-
Patent number: 6594923Abstract: A snowplow blade mount assembly mountable on a vehicle that includes a blade mount assembly which connects a snowplow blade to a vehicle. The blade mount assembly enables the snowplow blade to pivot in several planes.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: The Louis Berkman CompanyInventors: James A. Kost, Robert L. Potak
-
Patent number: 6594924Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a mount assembly for mounting to the vehicle and a hitch mount assembly readily removably coupled to the mount assembly. The mount assembly is shaped to form a trapezoidal wedge to receive and align the hitch. One or more latches can be used to engage a bar mounted on the vehicle to further secure the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.Inventor: Marc D. Curtis
-
Patent number: 6594925Abstract: An ironing board has an ironing unit and a ladder unit connected to the ironing unit. The ladder unit has a ladder frame having at least a first round hole, at least a second round hole, and at least a third round hole. The ironing unit has a pad plate, a generally U-shaped leg frame, a shelf, a generally U-shaped bracket, and a panel. A U-shaped rod is connected to the generally U-shaped leg frame. A pair of link rods are connected to the ladder frame and the panel. A first rivet fastens the generally U-shaped leg frame and the ladder frame together. A second rivet fastens the shelf, the ladder frame, and the corresponding link rod together. A third rivet fastens the pad plate and the ladder frame together. A fourth rivet fastens the corresponding link rod, the generally U-shaped bracket together. A shaft passes through the first through aperture of the pad plate and the second circular aperture of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Chen-Hsiung Lin
-
Patent number: 6594926Abstract: A decorative and durable vehicle license plate cover is a flat, rigid, relatively thick, mar-resistant plate of optically transparent stable plastic, such as acrylic plastic. The plate has a solid body, with a front surface, a rear surface and sides interconnecting the front and rear surfaces. At least one and preferably all of the sides slope at about 30-60 degrees forwardly from the larger area rear surface to the smaller area front surface. The sloped sides are smooth and light reflective to enhance the appearance of the cover. Spaced holes are drilled or otherwise formed in the perimeter of the front surface and extend to the rear surface for attaching the cover to a vehicle license plate. The plate includes at least one of laser etching or engraving and printed indicia. The laser etching is disposed on the front and/or rear surface and/or interior of the plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Edward J. Wujciga
-
Patent number: 6594927Abstract: A novel method for the application of collectible or play premiums which are positioned on labels or wrappers for consumer packaging to provide value to the advertising label stock and provide an incentive for the initial and repeat purchase of the consumer product. The premiums may be in the form of stickers, transferable tattoos, painting or other activity members, glow-in-the-dark or scented inks, etc., which are integral with the labeling material such that the label has an essentially uniform thickness which will not create problems in the use of high-speed automated machinery that is utilized in the application of the label stock to the consumer product. The flexible label comprises a first layer having advertising thereon and a second layer coextensive with the first layer providing a uniform thickness and includes a removable premium which is separated from the label for play or collection by the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: MagicComInventor: Daniel D. Witkowski
-
Patent number: 6594928Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate identifying information located on a container, for example, a pharmaceutical container, includes at least one member adapted to be secured, for example, removably secured, to a container, and includes a magnifying lens.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1999Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventors: Burrell E. Clawson, Joan U. Clawson
-
Patent number: 6594929Abstract: A circular sealed panel 1 includes transparent walls 10-13 separated by spacer rings 14-16 to form intervening sealed chambers 18-20. The chambers are filled with different colored translucent liquids leaving colorless air spaces in each chamber. The panel is supported on friction rollers 2 and 3, one of which is driven by a motor to rotate the panel. The spacer rings 14-16 are formed with cup-like recesses 32 which collect air from the top of each chamber and release it towards the bottom of the chamber so that colorless volumes of air continuously travel upwardly through the chambers thereby presenting continuously moving shapes and color combinations to an observer looking through the panel.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Trevor Butcher
-
Patent number: 6594930Abstract: A display device for displaying to a viewer a message or a story, preferably accompanied by synchronized sound. The display device comprises a plurality of multi-sided, rotatable display elements, each side or panel bearing a visual image. The display elements are selectively rotated, preferably in groups, according to a predetermined sequence such that a message or story unfolds, step by step, to the viewer as different panels are displayed.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: The Animated Animations Company, LLCInventors: Marc H. Segan, Gary Strauss, Steven Parker
-
Patent number: 6594931Abstract: The present device relates to an apparatus and system used in lighting or illuminating signs, logos or sidewall letters using fluorescent lights or lamps, alone or in combination with reflective coating which can be applied to the sign interior, and reflective surfaces added in the sign interior, to deflect, disperse, reflect and direct the light emitted form the fluorescent lamps to a sign front. The apparatus and system comprises a back panel having sidewalls proximate the perimeter of the back panel and which extend upwardly to form a light channel. Sockets for receiving fluorescent lamps and their corresponding ballasts are mounted separately to the back panel such that the distance between the fluorescent lamps and the top of the light channel is maximized and the distance between the socket and the back panel is minimized. The distribution, number and relative position of the sockets and corresponding ballasts on the back panel can be adjusted to achieve the desired light illumination.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventors: Jeffrey C. Barton, Hans M Deitrich
-
Patent number: 6594932Abstract: A display sign mounting system allows quick and easy mounting and tensioning of a display sign. The display sign has a substantially planar surface to which support members are mounted to form a perimeter frame. Bracket assemblies are attached to the support members. The bracket assemblies retain the substrate and allow for selective tensioning of the substrate to create a taut display as desired. A bracket assembly may have rotatable members to facilitate installation of the substrate. The substrate is wound on a spool assembly to facilitate transporting the substrate to and from a display sign location.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: RAK TEK, Inc.Inventors: Sheldon G. Hurst, Jr., Sheldon G. Hurst, III
-
Patent number: 6594933Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Avery Dennison CorporationInventors: Omar S. Attia, Donald R. Miller, Andre M. Saint, Jay K. Sato
-
Patent number: 6594934Abstract: A display apparatus is suitable for displaying a photograph (4) in such a way as to confer a 3-D effect. The apparatus optionally using a transparent carrier (7) locates the photographs (4) as a concavely curved image using edgewise compressing channels (5). The 3-D effect is enhanced by the convex framing (2) of the photograph (4).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Wing Hang Wong