Patents Issued in August 12, 2003
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Patent number: 6604577Abstract: An apparatus for removing deposits from a heat transfer wall of a heat exchanger. The apparatus includes a cleaning cycle control system that operates through the control system of the heat pump and eliminates the need for periodic acid cleaning of heat exchanger. The cleaning cycle control system engages a heating cycle of the heat pump to at least partially freeze the fluid adjacent to the heat transfer wall and then engages the cooling cycle of the heat pump to thaw the fluid adjacent to the heat transfer wall. The thermal expansion and contraction of the deposits on the heat transfer wall and the flow of fluids through the heat exchanger flush deposits from the heat transfer wall of the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Eric P. Mulder
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Patent number: 6604578Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Albert Augustus Mullins
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Patent number: 6604579Abstract: An injection probe assembly is disclosed for injecting material into subsurface formations for making geotechnical improvements. The probe assembly includes a sheath having an upper end for attaching to a mating tool string and a lower end for receiving a solid drive point. The sheath has a reduced diameter injection area which includes an interior space enclosed by a tubular sidewall, a valve seat, and a plurality of injection ports extending through the sidewall through which materials can be injected laterally. A check valve spool is arranged for sliding movement within the interior space for preventing back-flow of material into the interior space. The spool is seated on the valve seat and covers the injection ports in a first position, and is unseated from the valve seat with the injection ports uncovered in a second position. The spool is responsive to pressure changes of the injected materials.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Kejr, Inc.Inventor: Mike B. Carlin
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Patent number: 6604580Abstract: A method and system for accessing subterranean zones from the surface includes a substantially vertical well bore extending from the surface to a target zone, and an articulated well bore extending from the substantially vertical well bore to the target zone. The articulated well bore diverges from the substantially vertical well bore between the surface and the target zone. The system also includes a well bore pattern extending from the articulated well bore in the target zone operable to collect resources from the target zone. The system also includes a subsurface channel operable to communicate resources from the well bore pattern to the substantially vertical well bore. The system further includes a vertical pump disposed in the substantially vertical well bore and operable to lift resources collected in the substantially vertical well bore to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: CDX Gas, LLCInventors: Joseph A. Zupanick, Monty H. Rial
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Patent number: 6604581Abstract: Fluid property sensors and associated methods of calibrating sensors in a well provide enhanced well monitoring and control. In one described embodiment, an external venturi flowmeter is utilized to determine a flow rate of fluid from a zone into a tubing string, independent of flow into the tubing string of fluid produced from any upstream zone. In another described embodiment, a gamma ray fluid density sensor utilizes a unique combination of gamma ray sources and detectors to determine a density of fluid flowing through a tubing string. In yet another embodiment, external tubing string sensors are used to determine properties of fluid from a zone into a tubing string, independent of flow into the tubing string of fluid produced from any upstream zone. In still another embodiment, sensor systems for multiple independently produced zones are calibrated.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Gordon L. Moake, Eugene Linyaev, Robert A. Moore, John P. Rogers
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Patent number: 6604582Abstract: A system is disclosed for communication from an instrument disposed in a wellbore. The system includes a flow diverter selectively operable to conduct fluid flow between a first path along the interior of a housing and a second path along the interior of the housing. The system includes an initiator operatively coupled to the flow diverter to cause selective operation thereof in response to an event.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Joseph K. Flowers, Michael L. Smith, Jeffrey Beckel, Sarmad Adnan, Lawrence J. Leising
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Patent number: 6604583Abstract: A device for driving an object by vibration, in particular a pile or sheet piling to be driven into the ground be removed therefrom, which device comprises a first eccentrically rotatable weight (1, 2) and a second eccentrically rotatable weight (3, 4), which weights are interconnected by a phase shifter (13) which is capable of adjusting the rotational position of the weights (1, 2; 3, 4) relative to each other. The phase shifter (13) comprises a differential.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: International Construction Equipment B.V.Inventor: Johan Bernard Van Randen
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Patent number: 6604584Abstract: A tool activating system includes a multiple control units coupled to activate devices in a tool string positioned in a well. A processor is capable of communicating with the control units to send commands to the control units as well as to retrieve information (such as unique identifiers and status) of the control units. Selective activation of the control units may be performed based on the retrieved information. Further, defective control units or devices may be bypassed or skipped over.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Nolan C. Lerche, David Merlau
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Patent number: 6604586Abstract: A drilling apparatus includes a platform for positioning at a drilling site) a mast pivotally mounted on the platform) a rod clamp on one end of the mast for clamping a drill rod) a drill head slidably mounted on the mast for driving the drill rod during a drilling operation, a main ram connected to said mast and said drill head for moving the drill head longitudinally of the mast) a casing clamp on the rod clamp for clamping the mast to a top end of a casing carrying the rod) whereby the mast is anchored to the ground during drilling) and a drill head slidable on the mast for driving the drill rod during drilling.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Hy-Tech Drilling Ltd.Inventor: Harvey Tremblay
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Patent number: 6604587Abstract: A drill bit including a roller cone and a plurality of cutting elements. The roller cone is affixed to a bit body and is arranged circumferentially about a bit axis of rotation. In one aspect, the cutting elements are arranged so that the crests of at least half of the cutting elements are within about 10 degrees of perpendicularity to the bit axis when each of these cutting elements is in a downwardmost rotary orientation. In another aspect, the roller cone and the cutting elements are arranged so that crests on the cutting elements define a substantially flat profile. Substantially flat in this aspect includes the profile having an endmost angle, either at the gage side or the centerline side, with respect to perpendicular to the bit axis, of less than about 11 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Amardeep Singh, Sujian Huang
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Patent number: 6604588Abstract: A gage trimmer and a bit incorporating such a gage trimmer are provided. The gage trimmer has an ultra hard material layer having a circumferential surface including a cylindrical portion and a flat surface for bearing against a circumferential wall of a hole drilled by the bit. The ultra hard material layer is formed over a substrate interface surface. The flat surface does not extend to the interface surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Ronald K. Eyre, Stewart Middlemiss, Lynn L. Belnap
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Patent number: 6604589Abstract: A drive for a vehicle traversing rough terrain including first and second drive units and first and second pairs of tires. The first drive unit includes a first differential and axle. The second drive unit includes a second differential and axle. A secondary drive shaft synchronizes the second and first differentials. Each tire is divided into first and second segments. The center of the first segment is the rotational center of the tire so as to allow it to roll when in contact with the rough terrain. The first segment extends 240° and the second segment extends 120°. The radius of curvature of the second segment is greater than that of the first segment so as to allow it to be only slightly curved and almost flat, and as a result thereof, pointed areas are formed that bite into, and allow the second segment to grip, the rough terrain.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Jozef Sepitka
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Patent number: 6604590Abstract: A battery powered, all-terrain vehicle for the physically challenged comprises a battery powered transportation unit that allows a handicapped person to travel on otherwise inaccessible terrain.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Robert Foulk, Jr.
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Patent number: 6604591Abstract: A drive axle adapted for use in hybrid vehicles and having an electric motor and a gearbox packaged within a common housing assembly. The gearbox includes a differential assembly driven by a planetary-type reduction unit. The reduction unit includes a first planetary gearset having a first sun gear driven by the motor, a first ring gear, and a set of first planet gears meshed with the first sun gear and the first ring gear. A first planet carrier is non-rotatably fixed to a stationary number and rotatably supports the first planet gears. A second planet gearset includes a second sun gear fixed for rotation with the first ring gear, a second ring gear non-rotatably fixed to the stationary member, and a set of second planet gears rotatably supported from a second planet carrier and which mesh with the second sun gear and the second ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Bowen, Philip J. Frances
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Patent number: 6604592Abstract: A method and device prevents damage to a vehicle approaching an obstacle, such as, for example, a loading ramp, while traveling in reverse. When a vehicle, particularly a vehicle train consisting of a towing vehicle and a trailer or semi-trailer, approaches an obstacle in reverse travel, there exists the possibility that the vehicle may impact the obstacle as a result of an erroneous estimation or inappropriate driving maneuver, potentially resulting in damage to the vehicle and/or to the obstacle. This problem occurs with relative frequency, particularly when approaching a loading ramp. In accordance with the invention, the driver of the vehicle is assisted during reverse travel such that damage due to excessive impact is automatically avoided, independently of the driver's actions. A distance sensor is installed on the vehicle, near the tail, which transmits a signal representative of the distance from an obstacle to an electronic control device.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Wabco GmbHInventors: Frank Pietsch, Detlev Neuhaus
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Patent number: 6604593Abstract: A skate (10) includes a base plate (11) pivotally carrying a platform plate (14) which can be the sole of a shoe (16). There is an aperture (18) in the base plate (11) so that when the platform plate (14) is adjacent to the base plate (11), a pad (17) on the platform plate (14) extends through the aperture (18) so that the user may walk on the skate (10). A frame (23) carries a drive shaft (20) which carries drive wheels (19). The drive shaft (20) is journalled in unidirectional bearings (21) and has a gear (32) which engages a threaded motor shaft (31) of a motor (27). A collar (38) has threads (37) which engage the threads (36) of a motor housing (33). When the motor (27) rotates in the one direction permitted by the unidirectional bearings (21), the drive wheels (19) will power the skate (10).Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventor: Willis J. Mullet
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Patent number: 6604594Abstract: An engine cradle adapted for receiving an engine includes a left side wall defining a C-shaped opening therein. The engine cradle also includes a right side wall, which is essentially a solid wall that provides a reflective surface for reflecting heat to the engine when contained within the engine cradle. The engine cradle also includes a front wall connected between forward portions of the left and right side walls. The engine cradle also includes a bottom panel and a rear panel connected between bottom portions of the front, left side, and right side walls.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Bombardier Inc.Inventors: Jérôme Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
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Patent number: 6604595Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle in which the engine output is transmitted to front wheels and to rear wheel through a transfer clutch. The control unit determines a road gradient from the output value of a longitudinal acceleration sensor at a stop, sets a lower limit on the basis of the road gradient and is prepared for a start by outputting a drive signal corresponding to lower limit to a clutch control valve for controlling the applying force of the transfer clutch. Thus, the applying force is set according to the road gradient so that the main drive wheels at the slope can be prevented from slipping by the minimum transmission torque.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ryuzo Sakakiyama
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Patent number: 6604596Abstract: A hydrostatic traction drive includes a first hydrostatic motor and at least one drive unit effectively connected with the motor. The motor is connected with a second motor into a modular unit, and the motors are positioned coaxially with respect to each other. At least one of the motors has a variable displacement. Between the motors and/or between at least one motor and the drive unit that is effectively connected with it, there is a clutch that can be disengaged in operation. On the motor-side of the hydrostatic traction drive, it thereby becomes possible to vary the transmission ratio continuously and without interrupting the traction. The clutch connected between the motors makes it possible to disconnect one of the motors and thereby reduce power loss and wear. Output-side clutches make it possible to disengage drive units from the motors.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Linde AktiengesellschaftInventors: Helmut Bracke, Horst Tobias
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Patent number: 6604597Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a base frame, a spool journalled to the base frame, a webbing wound around the spool, and a motor for rotating the spool. A speed-reduction mechanism is interposed between the motor and the spool. The speed-reduction mechanism includes at least one transmission train with a predetermined gear ratio, a common transmission element connected to the transmission train, and a resistant torque device connected to the transmission train. The common transmission element transmits rotation of the motor to the spool when the torque of the rotation is smaller than the preset value. Winding of the webbing is made based on the wearing condition of the webbing and the running condition of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Fujii, Koji Tanaka, Hitoshi Fujita, Koichi Furukawa
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Patent number: 6604598Abstract: A fuel tank for motor vehicles which is connected to a supplementary tank containing a flame-coloring additive, where a data recorder causes, in the event of a fault signal, the flame-coloring additive to be added to the fuel tank from the supplementary tank, and a process for adding a flame-coloring additive to the fuel in a fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignees: Basell Polyolefine GmbH, BASF AktiengesellschaftInventors: Wolfgang Rohde, Knut Oppenländer, Markus Hölzle, Eckhard Sausen
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Patent number: 6604599Abstract: Provided is a vehicle occupant restraint system which can reduce the load on the chest and head of the vehicle occupant in an impact situation while reliably preventing the submarine phenomenon. By restraining the pelvis and the adjacent parts of the vehicle occupant before the load is applied to the chest and head, the load is more favorably distributed, and the critical parts are favorably protected. This can be accomplished by activating a restraining member for raising an appropriate part of the vehicle seat immediate upon detecting an impact.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyoshi Yamaguchi, Hajime Shono
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Patent number: 6604600Abstract: An engine mount for a vehicle, such as a snowmobile, that can be used when space for the engine within a chassis is limited and which is easily accessed from the side of the chassis for assembly and repair. The engine mount can be attached to the bottom of an engine that is positioned within a chassis. The engine mount can include four hollow, cylindrical portions. Each cylindrical portion having an axis extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the snowmobile chassis and receiving a damping mount. Fasteners can be inserted through the chassis to couple with the damping mounts and cylindrical portions in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chassis. The configuration of the damping mounts permits effective damping especially in a direction transverse to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Bombardier Inc.Inventors: André Fournier, Michel Lefebvre
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Patent number: 6604601Abstract: A lift truck having a parallel pair of drive trains, each powering a drive wheel on a different side of the lift truck. Each drive train includes a DC electric motor driving a variable displacement, hydraulic pump having a pressure output capacity of at least 3,000 psi. Each hydraulic pump is connected to a hydraulic motor, having a rotational speed capacity of at least 3,000 rpm and is connected through a transmission to the drive wheel on a different side of the lift truck. The DC motor is run continuously at full rpm and the torque/speed ratio of the drive train is controlled by controlling the displacement of the hydraulic pump.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Biomet-Ross, Inc.Inventor: Frank E. Steele
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Patent number: 6604602Abstract: A novel speaker box system for a deep bass amplification consists of a front trumpet horned speaker cover box and a rear speaker box. The rear speaker box consists of a cylindrical box and a speaker installed at one end of the cylinder. The other side of the speaker box has a hole for electrical wires to the speaker. The front trumpet horned speaker cover box consists of a cylindrical box and a trumpet. The trumpet is attached to one end of the cylindrical box. The center of the trumpet has an air port connecting the inner side of the trumpet box and the open air. The trumpet horned speaker cover box and the speaker box of this invention are assembled in one set by, including but not limited to, a male thread screw carved on the outside of the speaker box and a female thread screw inside of the trumpet box. Those boxes are assembled in one set for a hip-hop or a rap, which needs a deep bass sound.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Chae Yong Kim
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Patent number: 6604603Abstract: A soundproofing system is used to insulate sound producing devices or parts of systems, especially vibrating conveyers. Such a system includes insulating elements that are provided with an inner face in the direction of the sound source and an outer face in the direction away from the sound source. A sound absorbing membrane which is made of a textile material and, more particularly, at least partially consists of glass fiber threads and/or woven wire, is arranged in the region of the inner face. The sound absorbing membrane is the inner skin of a covering. The covering includes an outer skin made of textile material. A soft insulating material comprising fiber mat material is arranged together with solid flat material in between the inner and outer skin of the covering. The insulating element offers optimal usage of all three elements, i.e., damping diaphragm, insulating material and at least one reflecting surface on the solid flat material.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Etis AGInventor: Anton Wirth
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Patent number: 6604604Abstract: A catalytic muffler includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of catalyst coated serially stacked perforated cups through which exhaust flows and is acoustically attenuated and catalyzed.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.Inventors: Kurt M. A. Badeau, Kory J. Schuhmacher
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Patent number: 6604605Abstract: An anchorage assembly (100) is interconnected between a support structure (90) and a safety line (160, 161). The anchorage assembly (100) routes the safety line (160, 161) about a corner and accommodates passage of a slotted coupling device movably mounted on the safety line (160, 161).Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignees: Sala Group PTY Limited, Adventure Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gregory K. Peterson, Russell I. Moy, Paul Vong
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Patent number: 6604606Abstract: A portable utility stand for use by hunters, wildlife photographers, security personnel, etc. attaches removably to a small, light weight off road vehicle (golf cart, all terrain vehicle, etc.). The stand essentially comprises a lower portion which is immovably affixed to the vehicle, and an upper portion which is pivotally attached to the upper rear of the lower portion and which folds forwardly for storage atop the lower portion of the stand on the vehicle. The upper portion of the stand includes an observation seat which is pivotally mounted to an upper platform to provide an observer with a 360 degree field of view. The seat is positioned essentially over the center of gravity of the vehicle when the stand is erected, and a pair of lateral braces is provided for additional stability and safety. A folding safety guard is also provided to surround a person seated atop the stand.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventors: Art McDougal, Ed Ellis
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Patent number: 6604607Abstract: An A-frame ladder able to be on uneven surfaces, stairs or level surfaces in a stable and level configuration, includes a sliding ladder segment attached to the A-frame ladder segments, locking bars on the sliding ladder segments spaced apart along the sliding ladder segments, sliding bracket mounts attaching each sliding ladder segment to the A-frame ladder segments, and pivoting spring-loaded locking catches securing the sliding ladder segment to the A-frame ladder segments.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: John B. Walden
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Patent number: 6604608Abstract: An apparatus and method for lubricating an internal-combustion engine includes a shaft extending through a gearbox, a gear and a sliding sleeve coupled to rotate with the shaft and adapted to move axially along the shaft, a gearshift fork in mating engagement with the sliding sleeve and moveable parallel to the shaft, a rib in the gearbox adjacent the shaft, and a duct extending into the gearbox. The duct preferably directs a lubricant onto the gearshift fork and the sliding sleeve. Preferably, the rib directs the lubricant from the duct onto the gearshift fork and the sliding sleeve. In an alternative embodiment, at least some of the lubricant flung from the shaft, gear, and sliding sleeve contacts the rib and is directed onto the sliding sleeve and the gearshift fork. Further preferably, a projection extends from the rib to direct the lubricant onto the sliding sleeve and the gearshift fork.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Harley Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.Inventor: Stefan Fegg
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Patent number: 6604609Abstract: A method of providing a system of selecting feminine hygiene products to a consumer comprises the steps of: providing an array of feminine hygiene products from at least one array, wherein said array is comprised of one or more feminine hygiene products and wherein said array is adapted to correspond to a predetermined range of panty styles, and; providing information to said consumer regarding the products which make up said array, thereby enabling said consumer to select feminine hygiene products by panty style. A kit for use with the system of selecting feminine hygiene products comprises at least one feminine hygiene product, a package containing the product and indicia on the package to inform the consumer of a panty style with which said product is to be used.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Anne Holland Bruce, Gale Jenkins Fogg, Frances Jeanne Diedling, John Lee Hammons
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Patent number: 6604610Abstract: An apparatus for supporting automotive tires is provided having a hanger pin adapted to fit through the mount hole of a vehicle wheel. The apparatus is intended to be installed on an automotive hoist at a height approximately the same as that of a tire of a vehicle disposed on the hoist. A worker removing a wheel from the vehicle disposed on the hoist can thus hang the wheel on the apparatus without significantly bending at the waist.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Tire Hanger CorporationInventors: Roy Starling, Anthony C. Gibson, Martin Roden
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Patent number: 6604611Abstract: Variable thresholds (662, 663) are generated in response to an average defect rate (669, 690) generated under certain conditions (683-687, 696-698), excesses of which can set an internal flag (670). If an information request (720) or service personnel visit to the elevator site (721) occur, the internal flag, or the upward adjustment of the average defect rate (691) can generate a maintenance flag (773) which ultimately results in a maintenance recommendation message related to the particular parameter having a notable defect.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Jun Liu, Juan A. Lence-Barriero, Chouhwan Moon, Harry Z. Huang
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Patent number: 6604612Abstract: A vibration damper for a hydraulic motor vehicle brake installation is provided with a membrane facing the hydraulic medium transferring the braking force which, with its edge region, is finally attached to a carrier element functioning especially as a brake piston in the brake saddle of a motor vehicle brake. The membranes can move at least slightly toward the carrier element or away from this in its central region, whereby the membrane together with a further membrane form a membrane unit. The two membranes are arranged basically one over the other, lie tightly one upon the other, and enclose between themselves a hollow space in the central region within this edge region. Preferably, the membrane facing the carrier element is set at a distance apart from the fastening section of the membrane unit and from the surface of the carrier element so that the space between the surface of the carrier element and the facing membrane stands in fluid connection with the hydraulic medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AGInventors: Imre Nagy, Ernst Maier, Johann Mitterer
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Patent number: 6604613Abstract: A hub rotor assembly includes a hub, a rotor supported by the hub and a plurality of fasteners that connect the rotor to the hub. The hub includes a wheel mounting flange and rotor mounting flange to which a flange of the rotor is attached. The rotor mounting flange has a larger diameter than the wheel mounting flange, or other hub elements outboard of the rotor mounting flange, so that the rotor can be easily removed from the hub. Features of the invention also include floatation elements associated with a fastener to fasten the rotor to the hub while allowing the rotor to move or float relative to the hub. A spring clip may be used with the floatation elements to prevent the rotor from rattling. The assembly is particularly suited for commercial highway vehicles and high performance vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Performance Friction CorporationInventors: Donald L. Burgoon, Wenqi Qian, Sean E. Killeen
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Patent number: 6604614Abstract: A rotary damper includes a housing having an annular groove with an inlet portion, and a rotor having a main annular portion to be inserted into the annular groove and a cap portion attached at one side of the main annular portion. The main annular portion is inserted into the annular groove to form a space therein so that the cap portion closes the annular groove. A plurality of sealing members is situated on inner and outer sides of the main annular portion for sealing the space, and a viscous fluid is filled in the space. An engaging shoulder portion is provided on one of the housing and rotor, and an engaging portion is provided on the other of the housing and rotor for engaging said engaging shoulder portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventors: Kazumasa Kurihara, Masanobu Kawamoto, Masayuki Nishiyama
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Patent number: 6604615Abstract: A roller device of luggage case includes the luggage case having at least two retractile mechanisms with at least two rollers at each bottom side. The retractile mechanism is connected with retractable handle pivotally so that the rollers stick outside the bottom of the luggage case when the retractable handle is pulled up and completely hides within the luggage case while the retractable handle is folded up. Thus not only the luggage case has a better outlook but also the trouble of hooking with other luggage can be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Yi-Ming Wu
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Patent number: 6604616Abstract: A container, incorporated with a multi-functional edge frame arrangement, includes a container body including a base panel and a plurality side panels connected to edge portions of said base panel respectively. The multi-functional edge frame arrangement includes a plurality of edge frames, each having a main frame having a L-shaped cross section and two edge holders provided at two side ends of the main frame. An edge portion of the side panel and an edge portion of the base panel are arranged to securely mount along the edge holders respectively so as to connect the side panel with the base panel. At least one of the edge frames is constructed to form a utility edge frame and the multi-functional edge frame arrangement further includes a mounting unit provided on the utility edge frame and a container accessory including a reinforcing member shaped and sized to fittedly mount on the mounting unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Chun Lung Cheng
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Patent number: 6604617Abstract: A luggage item has a frame that includes a top pan and a bottom pan that are joined by towing bar-receiving tubes. A body of flexible material is fitted to the frame. The frame and body are free of elements along the top wall, bottom wall and the side walls that inhibit folding of the top wall, bottom wall and the side walls along fold lines intermediate the front wall and back wall so that the front part of the bag can be collapsed toward the back wall to substantially reduce the volume of the bag.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Tumi, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Davis, Jeffrey A. Bertelsen
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Patent number: 6604618Abstract: A computer carrying case is formed from a single set of connected panels foldable around personal computers or other items having a variety of sizes of dimensions including semi-rigid front and back panels connected by oversized, flexible or living hinges and connecting flyer.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj Redzisz
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Patent number: 6604619Abstract: A two-directional manual drive which produces a rotational movement, starting from the neutral position of a drive lever which can pivot around a drive axis whereby the rotational movement can occur in a selective manner in one of two rotational directions, includes a driven element having a driving surface, on which bearing surfaces of coupling elements are placed in frictional engagement when the drive lever is rotated out of a neutral position, displacing the driven element in the direction of the periphery. When the drive lever is returned to the neutral position the coupling elements are released from a position of frictional engagement with respect to the cylindrical driving surface so that the driven element is no longer displaced.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Georg Scheck, Peter Schumann
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Patent number: 6604620Abstract: An apparatus in kit form for attachment of a conventional portable conveyor to a vehicle for transport comprises a rear hitch member attached to an axle mount on the axle of the conveyor adjacent one wheel and adapted at an opposite end thereof for releasable attachment to a vehicle's rear hitch. A front vehicle mount is attached to a front portion of the vehicle and a conveyor mount is attached to a support location between the intake end of the conveyor body and the axle. A front hitch member has an upper end releasably attached to the conveyor mount, and has a lower end releasably attachable to the front vehicle mount, so as to bear against the support location as the conveyor body moves down, with the result that the intake end moves up. The apparatus is adjustable such that the conveyor and vehicle may be substantially aligned for travel.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Andrew Dennis
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Patent number: 6604621Abstract: In a moving sidewalk comprising loading-unloading belts and one or more of accelerating-decelerating belt(s) independently provided in front and in the rear of the main circulating belt, wherein the traveling speed of the loading-unloading belt and of the accelerating-decelerating belt are determined to decrease with the decreasing distance to the entrance and the exit thereof, and thus to increase with the decreasing distance to the main circulating belt, and the traveling speed of the main circulating belt is faster than both of these belts, the speeds of the belts adjacent with each other are determined so that the difference between squares of the speeds of these belts does not exceed the prescribed value in order to give no feeling of fear to the passenger.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Fujitec Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenro Matsuo, Kouki Sato, Masakuni Honda
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Patent number: 6604622Abstract: A transport system for the shell assembly of vehicle bodies comprises a rail system (2, 3) which connects at least two processing stations and on which at least one carriage (4), which carries the workpiece, is capable of travelling. The guidance of the carriage (4) on the rail system (2, 3) and/or the design of the said carriage permits a certain displacement of the carriage (4) transversely to the direction of movement and in the vertical direction. Disposed in the processing stations are spatially fixed positioning means (13a, 13b, 17a, 17b, 31) which cooperate with corresponding positioning means (10a, 10b, 15a, 15b, 16, 28) on the carriage and shift the carriage (4), without having recourse to any other driving source than the movement of the carriage (4) itself in the processing station, into the exact position which is necessary for processing the workpiece in the said processing station.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Eisenmann Maschinenbau KGInventors: Hans-Joachim Weinand, Franz Ehrenleitner
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Patent number: 6604623Abstract: With an article transfer apparatus 1 of the present invention, when a negative pressure is applied on an air outlet 20 in a non-attracting state, the amount of air that is sucked through suction holes 6 in a front attracting section 2f is greater than the amount of air that is sucked through suction holes 7 in a rear attracting section 2b. Therefore, the suction amount through the front attracting section 2f is increased while reducing the suction loss of the attracting pad 2, thereby improving the reliability of the attraction operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Zuiko CorporationInventors: Isamu Sumi, Yuzo Ichiura, Hiromi Mae
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Patent number: 6604624Abstract: A work conveying system for conveying works in a clean room includes a work holder for holding works, and a moving unit for moving the work holder.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Hirata CorporationInventors: Yasunari Hirata, Takenori Hirakawa, Akemichi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6604625Abstract: Structure and method for maintaining side-by-side belt modules aligned in a belt row of a modular conveyor belt in the absence of a hinge pin along at least a portion of one end of the belt row. Mating engagement structure on confronting sides of side-by-side modules maintains the modules in alignment. One version of mating engagement structure includes a protrusion, such as a rectangular pad, extending from a side of a belt module and a mating receptacle formed at the confronting side of an adjacent side-by-side module. The receptacle is defined by discontinuous wall structure forming a gap opening toward the top or bottom surface of the module. The modules are put together by sliding the protrusion into the receptacle through the gap in the wall structure. When modules with the mating engagement structure are interconnected side by side by a hinge pin through the hinge eyes along one end, the modules remain aligned despite the absence of a hinge pin interconnecting the hinge eyes on the opposite end.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: The Laitram CorporationInventor: Christopher G. Greve
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Patent number: 6604626Abstract: A coin display case provides for the selective viewing of each face of each coin displayed, independently of other coins displayed therein. The case has a base with a storage drawer, with a sloped display area thereabove for the flat display of coins which do not fit the pivotally mounted holders of the rest of the case. A shelf mounting area at the back of the base provides for a series of coin display shelves to be stacked thereon. Each shelf comprises a rectangular frame with a series of opposed coin holder pivots extending inwardly from each major wall. The pivots enable coins held therebetween to be pivoted about their vertical axes, for viewing both sides of commemorative coins minted with both faces having the same orientation. Alternatively, the shelves may be placed with the pivots aligned horizontally, for viewing both sides of monetary coins having relatively inverted opposite faces.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Keith A. Hanshaw
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Patent number: 6604627Abstract: A device is provided in the form of a map of the United States to display a set of commemorative coins in relation to state geographic regions associated with the coins. A color-coded indexing system is set forth in a chart which associates the date of issuance of the coins, the chronology of issuance according to order of statehood, and the geographic state region represented by the coin.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: New York Mint, Ltd.Inventor: Karen Kennedy