Patents Issued in August 12, 2003
  • Patent number: 6604678
    Abstract: A card reader (1) with three rollers (4, 5, 6) mounted on pivot arms (10, 11, 12, 13) and which are disposed serially in the direction (2) of card insertion, the pivot arms (10, 11, 12, 13) being pivotable in a plane at right-angles to the card path against the action of a restoring force and being coupled to one another for movement, the roller (4) which is at the rear in the direction (2) of insertion being disposed on a rear pivot arm (10) behind its pivot axis (15) while the roller (6) which is at the front in the direction (2) of insertion is disposed on a front pivot arm (13) in front of its pivot axis (16), comprises two middle pivot arms (11, 12) which are articulatingly connected to each other, one middle pivot arm (11) being disposed at a distance from its pivot axis (17) with the rear pivot arm (10) while the other middle pivot arm (12) is articulatingly connected to the front pivot arm (13) at a distance from its pivot axis (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: ddm hopt + schuler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Hopt, Karl-Rudolf Hopt, Michael Storz
  • Patent number: 6604679
    Abstract: A payment management method and system for performing suitable payment management, wherein a user of a credit IC card can store a transaction history in the IC card, collate the transaction history with charged amount data possessed by a credit company, quickly confirm a payment due date, judge an illegal demand for purchase by a non-authorized user, and know charged amounts claimed for the next time. The system includes the IC car which stores the transaction history data therein, a terminal device for accessing the data within the IC card, and a serve of the credit company connected to the terminal device via network for storing credit user data demanded by a credit member store therein. The terminal device stores transaction history data at the time of a purchase into the IC card, extracts the credit user data from the server of the credit company, and collates the transaction history data read out from the IC card with the credit user data extracted from the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Morooka, Tomohiro Umezawa, Masatoshi Hino
  • Patent number: 6604680
    Abstract: An automatic transaction system is provided which is capable of easily transmitting money between a payer or a recipient even if the recipient has no account in a financial institution. The automatic transaction system includes an automatic teller machine (ATM), a terminal, and a connecting device. The automatic transaction system is made up of a storing section, an obtaining section, and a communicating unit. The connecting device has a destination designating section. The terminal has a recognizing unit, an inputting section, and a communicating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Hamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6604681
    Abstract: Evaluative shopping assistant system and method to provide the consumer with information about a product the consumer is interested in. The system includes a hand-held device having a bar code reader or other unique means of entering a product identifier, and a display mechanism. The hand-held device is connected via wired or wireless connection to a computer that is connected to a database of information. In use, the hand-held device reads the bar code, sends the bar code information to the computer, and the computer retrieves the appropriate information about the product from the database. The computer then sends the retrieved information to the hand-held device for display of the retrieved information. The information stored on the database may include information provided by the manufacturer, the retailer (or, more generally, seller), or consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Burke, Avanti Lalwani, John Thong
  • Patent number: 6604682
    Abstract: A two-dimensional bar code reading method and apparatus search the finder pattern in a scanned image of a two-dimensional bar code symbol, find orientation modules, find data modules, and convert the symbol to data characters as part of the decoding process for the scanned image of a MaxiCode symbol. In the data module search part of a MaxiCode symbol decoding process, position and shape information is calculated for data modules on an orientation axis, assuming an orientation axis passing the finder pattern center point, inside orientation module center point, and outside orientation module center point (step to S1801). Based on pixel data corresponding to the calculated location of the center point in each module, a bit pattern is generated where black data cells are 1 bits and white cells are 0 bits (S1802). The locations of MaxiCode symbol data modules in the area between orientation axes are then calculated (S1803).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hitomi Wakamiya, Shinichi Arazaki, Fumio Koyama, Satoshi Yanagida, Haruyoshi Ohori
  • Patent number: 6604683
    Abstract: An optically addressed photo luminescent display having a printed bar code pixel identifier on an internal side for providing feedback of scanning beam to pixel registration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventor: Michael R. Jones
  • Patent number: 6604684
    Abstract: An automatic bar code symbol reading system having an automatic laser scanning device which can be used at a point-of-sale (POS) station as either a portable hand-supported laser scanner when operated in its automatic hands-on mode of operation, or as a stationary laser projection scanner when operated in its automatic hands-free mode of operation. The bar code symbol reading system provides a collimated scanning pattern projected from the hand-supportable device about a projection axis. The collimated scanning pattern intersects the projection axis within a narrowly confined scanning volume so that bar code symbols disposed within this scanning volume can be read omnidirectionally, while inadvertent scanning of bar code symbols outside of the scanning volume is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Schmidt, Carl H. Knowles, David M. Wilz, Sr., George B. Rockstein
  • Patent number: 6604685
    Abstract: Disclosed are an optical smart card and an optical smart card reader, each including an optical interface for communicating information therebetween by way of an optical communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen P. Norton
  • Patent number: 6604686
    Abstract: A high speed system for embedding antenna wire within a non-conductive (e.g. plastic) sheet on which electronic chips are mounted for manufacturing a plurality of smart cards, or the like. The antenna wire is installed in the non-conductive sheet by an ultrasonic actuator that is moved up and down relative to the sheet. The movement of the actuator relative to the substrate is controlled by the interaction between a stationary voicecoil magnet and a voicecoil that is coupled to the ultrasonic actuator and moveable with the slide assembly. Antenna wire is fed to the ultrasonic actuator from an antenna wire dispensing spool via an idler assembly. The idler assembly includes an encoder which is responsive to an increase in tension in the antenna wire feed line. Depending upon the output of the encoder, the speed and rotation of the wire dispensing spool is controlled until the tension in the antenna wire feed line is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Vahid Taban
  • Patent number: 6604687
    Abstract: A thermal control valve provides more accurate control of the valve outlet temperature for a high flow rate valve in a low flow rate environment. The valve utilizes a thermal motor to close the valve during high temperature operation and includes flow-directing element that restricts the flow of water through the valve at low pressures and directs the flow of water toward the thermal motor. The flow-directing encircles the thermal motor and is formed from a flexible material so that it expands under pressure of water flowing through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Marks Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Zoltan Goncze, Jim Graves
  • Patent number: 6604688
    Abstract: A VAV air handler includes a cooling coil with a return air bypass damper for improved dehumidification. The bypass interjects into the supply air a portion of relatively warm, dry return air downstream of the cooling coil. This allows the cooling coil to absorb more latent heat from the incoming outside air and the remaining portion of the return air over a broad range of operating conditions, but especially at low load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventors: Radhakrishna Ganesh, Jeffrey A. Moore, Brian J. Fiegen
  • Patent number: 6604689
    Abstract: A railroad communication tie for use in a railway track system is positionable in ballast. The tie includes an elongated unitary steel channel body having a web and a pair of sidewalls formed integral with opposite edges of the web. The channel body has a pair of opposed ends. A flared spade is formed integral with each end of the body. The flared spade has a communications conduit aperture. An elongated communications conduit is movably mounted in the communications conduit apertures and said conduit is free to move relative to the spades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Tie & Track Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Briggs
  • Patent number: 6604690
    Abstract: A concrete railroad tie is provided which utilises a tie 1 having a peripheral rib 5, 1 mm high, around the rail seat to contain adhesive 12 to bond a thick wear plate 8 to the tie. The surface of the tie is well below the top of the plate to reduce the penetration of abrasive materials between the rail pad 13 and the plate 8. This combination inhibits abrasion of the tie for the life of the tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignees: Engineering Invention Pty Ltd., AirBoss Railway Products Inc.
    Inventor: Hartley Frank Young
  • Patent number: 6604691
    Abstract: A irrigation device which has a sprinkler head and a wind driven device is disclosed. The device has a support frame which provides water to the sprinkler head. The support frame may include a number of pipes which supply water to the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head may have a rotating bearing and arms which are allow water to be sprayed out in various patterns. The force of the water also rotates the sprinkler head around the bearing. The support frame or sprinkler head also supports a wind driven device which may be audio, visual or both. For example, the support frame may suspend wind driven chimes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: L. R. Nelson Corporation
    Inventors: Joyce Thomas, Linda J. McMahill
  • Patent number: 6604692
    Abstract: A heatable windshield washer nozzle is designed for mounting on the windshield wiper of a motor vehicle. The washer nozzle has a housing with a connection adapter. This connection adapter connects to a spray water hose that is electrically heatable via cables or woven wires molded into it. The ends of the heating cables are electrically bridged across just before the end of the hose. The housing is further equipped with a chamber for receiving a nozzle body and a heating plate above the nozzle body. A cover closes the chamber. The nozzle body is a flat chip with several channels fanning outward from a central water input opening. A bar is formed on the rim of the heating plate, which completely covers the surface of the nozzle chip. This bar extends along the connection adapter, so that when the heated spray water hose is slipped onto the connection adapter, the ends 23 of the heating cables extend over the bar of the heating plate without making direct contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie.
    Inventors: Daniel Utz, Hans-Jurgen Lesser
  • Patent number: 6604693
    Abstract: A spraying device for dispensing liquids which foam by deformation of a container. A first body is coupled is the neck of a container. The body forms a chamber where an air liquid mixture is produced. A filter is located over a spraying duct for producing foam as the liquid passes therethrough. A second body surrounds the first body and contains a measured volume of liquid which enters the chamber from the suction tube when the container is inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Taplast SpA
    Inventor: Stefano Santagiuliana
  • Patent number: 6604694
    Abstract: A Coanda injector is provided, and has an inlet for a medium that is to be suctioned in. A pre-chamber having at least one inlet for receiving pressurized medium for a compressed gas line is provided, and has a nozzle slot that is preferably annular in shape. An outlet is also provided for the medium to be suctioned in and for the pressurized medium. The inlet for medium to be suctioned in, and the at least one inlet of the pre-chamber, are essentially disposed in the same plane, so that the Coanda injector can be connected directly to a compressed gas line via the at least one inlet of the pre-chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Intensiv-Filter GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Friedel Kordas, Bettina Knebel, Peter Höffken
  • Patent number: 6604695
    Abstract: A fuel injector having a fuel flow rate set by injector stroke is disclosed. The fuel injector includes a housing having a hollow passage and a seat disposed at one end of the hollow passage. A needle is slidably mounted in the hollow passage. The needle is operable between a first position wherein the needle engages the seat and a second position wherein the needle is disposed away from the seat. A first flow area is formed by a minimum frusto-conical area between the seat and the needle when the needle is disposed away from the seat. The fuel injector also includes an opening at the one end of the hollow passage proximate to the seat. The opening has a second flow area larger than the first flow area. A method for setting a gaseous fuel injector flow rate with injector stroke is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: James Robert Parish
  • Patent number: 6604696
    Abstract: A light weight carrier head is attached to a hand held wand for fluid removal of coatings, paint and other accretions from structural surfaces. The carrier head is in the shape of a ring with equidistant nozzles capable of producing 25,000 to 60,000 psi fluid dispersions covering a swath of up to 6 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis McGuire
  • Patent number: 6604697
    Abstract: A self propelled sprinkler is disclosed. The sprinkler has a support body with a drive unit which drives two rear wheels. The drive unit is powered by water pressure supplied through a hose which is coupled to the drive unit via a hose coupler. The drive unit has a cylindrical drive chamber with circular impeller in fluid communication with the hose coupler. The impeller is rotated by the water pressure and is mechanically connected to a lateral shaft. The shaft is connected to the rear wheels. Reduction gearing from the impeller to the shaft governs the speed of the sprinkler. The reduction gearing is achieved through a series of sun gears, carrier disks and planet gears. The drive unit also has an outlet which has a socket which allows the exit of the pressurized water. The socket allows the insertion of any variety of sprinkler heads. Thus, the sprinkler allows a variety of water distribution patterns. The sprinkler is propelled by water pressure rotating the impeller and eventually the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: L. R. Nelson Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence P. Heren, Scott Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6604698
    Abstract: This invention describes a process for preparing a dispersion of solid particles of a milled substrate in a fluid carrier comprising the steps of (a) providing a plurality of large size milling media to the milling chamber of a media mill and forming a depth filter therefrom on an exit screen or separator in the milling chamber; (b) adding to said milling chamber a plurality of small size milling media optionally containing additional large size milling media, a conglomerate of a solid substance comprising a substrate to be milled and optionally one or more than one surface active substance, and a fluid carrier; (c) milling said conglomerate in said milling chamber to produce very small milled substrate product particles; and (d) separating said milled substrate particles suspended in said fluid carrier from the media through said depth filter; wherein the exit screen comprises openings of size S0; the large size media have a size distribution S1 of which all are larger than S0; the small size media have a si
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: SkyePharma Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank H. Verhoff, Robert A. Snow, Gary W. Pace
  • Patent number: 6604699
    Abstract: The head nut assembly for gyratory crusher which includes a shaft having a lower portion, a tapered middle portion and a threaded upper portion. The threaded upper portion extends above the tapered portion. A mantle encompasses the middle tapered portion and has a correspondingly tapered internal side. The internal side is in generally continuous supportive engagement with the shaft middle portion. The mantle additionally has an upper side. A head nut is threadably secured to the upper portion of the shaft. The head nut has a lower face, where at least one bore extends upwardly into the lower face. An annular ring is disposed around the shaft between the mantle and the head nut. The ring has a lower surface coupled with the upper side of the mantle so as to prevent relative rotational movement between the mantle and the ring. An upper surface on the ring is contiguous with the lower face of the head nut. At least one key is disposed between the head nut and the annular ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Metso Minerals Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Polinski, Thomas E. Vogltanz
  • Patent number: 6604700
    Abstract: In an inner surface of a lower flange of the magnetic tape reel, 6 concave portions each shaped in nearly as isosceles triangle are made formed at even angle intervals of 60 degrees with their circumferential cross-section area being larger as approaching to a hub. When a magnetic tape is wound on the hub, air which exists between a tape-winding surface of the hub or the tape already wound and the tape to be wound further is guided to the concave portions, and an amount of wound-in air becomes less in the inner side and large in the outer periphery. Consequently, a pressure of winding the tape tight at the outer periphery does not reach the inner side, so that winding irregularities or deformation of the tape do not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kiso
  • Patent number: 6604701
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly for a singe reel tape cartridge for enclosing the tape media and retracting the leader tab when the tape cartridge is not in use. The sliding door assembly includes a sliding door to enclose the tape media, an auxiliary leader retractor to retract the leader tab, and an actuator integrally connected between the sliding door and the auxiliary leader retractor. When the sliding door is moved between the open and closed position it actuates the auxiliary leader retractor that pivots to a corresponding open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Quantum
    Inventor: David T. Hoge
  • Patent number: 6604702
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a film has a cutting mechanism for cutting an elongate film, first and second feed mechanisms disposed on respective opposite sides of the cutting mechanism, an inserting mechanism for inserting an end of the film into a spool, and a cam switching mechanism for changing the timing of operation of the cutting mechanism depending on sized films having various different lengths. The sized films having various different lengths can automatically and easily be inserted into spools with a simple arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Karaki, Chiaki Suzuki, Yoshinobu Misumi, Takayuki Kambara, Susumu Sato, Nobuyasu Akiyoshi, Masazumi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6604703
    Abstract: A method is provided using a winder to afford precise adjustment, preferably control of the progression of line force between the reel drum and the wound roll despite unevenness in the surface contour of the wound roll, and ensures that no air entrapment occurs between the individual layers in the wound roll. Further, the “wound in” web tension is maintained during the entire winding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Beisswanger, Zygmunt Madrzak, Matthias Wohlfahrt
  • Patent number: 6604704
    Abstract: Bobbins containing convoluted webs of sheet material, particularly wrapping material for smokers' products, are transferred from a stack—wherein the axes of the cores of bobbins are vertical—onto the horizontal stub of a receiver in a web processing machine by an apparatus wherein a first set of jaws serves to engage the core of a fresh bobbin from within preparatory to transfer to the receiver and simultaneous pivoting of the first set of jaws through 90°. When the supply of web on the core borne by the stub of the receiver is exhausted, the external surface of the thus exposed core is engaged by a second set of jaws which transport the core to a collecting station or the like. Sheet-like partitions which are disposed between neighboring layers of fresh bobbins in the stack are removed by suction cups which are mounted on a reciprocable pusher together with the jaws of the second set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Carsten Kiprowski
  • Patent number: 6604705
    Abstract: Control group for directional fins on missiles and/or shells which have a containment body (15, 15′, 15″) that has on the outside of the containment body, two command surfaces in the form of half-fin surfaces (13, 14) which are hinged (at 24, 25), directable and motorized. The containment body (15, 15′, 15″) has two housings (16) each of which has an electric motor (17, 17′) which commands, through a reduction gear group (19, 29; 19′, 29′), the oscillation about the axis (Z) of a control group that is based on a pair of rings (21, 22), arranged in annular seats (31, 32) and in which end attachments (26) of the half-fins (13, 14) engage, the half-fins (13, 14) being hinged so that they are diametrically opposed in a further ring (20) arranged in an annular seat (23) of said containment body (15, 15′, 15″) where they are free to rotate about the (Z) axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: OTO Melara S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mauro Pellegri, Angelo Schino
  • Patent number: 6604706
    Abstract: An unmanned air vehicle (UAV) having a ducted fan configuration with a propeller mounted inside of an opening that extends longitudinally through a fuselage. A gyroscopic stabilization device is attached to the propeller shaft such that rotation of the propeller shaft also results in rotation of the gyroscopic stabilization device. The gyroscopic stabilization device has sufficient mass and rotates at a sufficient angular velocity such that the aircraft is gyroscopically stabilized during flight. In one embodiment, the gyroscopic stabilization device comprises a ring mounted to the outer tips of the propeller and in another embodiment is comprised of a disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Nicolae Bostan
  • Patent number: 6604707
    Abstract: A tug device for moving small aircraft having front wheels. A portable drill is connected to a drive wheel and a frame is attached to the wheel. The device is steerable, having a wheel mounted on a vertical set of pins such that the wheel is pivotable about the axis of the pins to permit turning the wheel on that axis and steering the tug while operating the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur K. McVaugh
  • Patent number: 6604708
    Abstract: A method and means are provided for extending the life of carbon brakes on aircraft. The method comprises measuring the speed of the aircraft and the intensity of braking and comparing these to predetermined maximum values for each. If the values are both lower than the maximum values, one or more of the brakes are selectively disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Garrett Howard DeVlieg
  • Patent number: 6604709
    Abstract: An expandable, modular, multi-mode lavatory for aircraft featuring its multi-mode use as a lavatory, shower and accommodations for handicapped persons. The invention comprises a primary structure with a volume that expands into adjacently located unused space, such as an aircraft's main entry cross-aisleway. Deployable walls and doors are used to create a partitioned environment. A false bottom shower pan cover provides structural support for wheelchairs while also being removable to reveal a modular shower pan for bathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Wentland, Wing Cheung, Kevin Shimasaki
  • Patent number: 6604710
    Abstract: A structural frame or truss, suitable for use as part of a light aircraft fuselage includes steel tubular members joined by structural connectors or connector blocks. The blocks include bore holes into which the ends of lateral tubular members are inserted, and longitudinal tubes or longerons are inserted through holes extending between opposed block faces. The structural connector blocks not only connect the tubular members, but they serve as jigs for assembling the structural frame. Tubes can be plug welded to the blocks, and the fuselage outer skin can be attached to the structural connectors to form a dual fuselage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: RST Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Edward Ohmer, Timothy John Ohmer
  • Patent number: 6604711
    Abstract: A motor with a variable speed controller is used to operate a hose reel for connecting a fuel source or decontaminant on a tanker plane to a fuel tank or other receptor on an unmanned vehicle. The hose reel is controlled to feed the fuel or other liquid through the hose and a drogue to a receiving probe on the unmanned vehicle and is also controlled to maintain the drogue in proper position. This end result is achieved by means of a controlling transponder on the unmanned vehicle which receives radio control signals from a communicating transponder on the tanker. A microcomputer processes the received control signals which are then fed to the motor controller. The motor controller not only controls the positioning of the drogue but also controls the motor so that excess hose is reeled in by the hose reel. The controller in addition controls the thrust power. A lidar tracker with a miniature video camera maintains a line of sight between the drogue and the receiver probe and tracks the drogue-probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Sargent Fletcher, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Stevens, Sach Sinha
  • Patent number: 6604712
    Abstract: Improvements in rotorcraft external load operations are disclosed, including a method for transferring a load from an airborne rotorcraft to a structure while providing fall protection for the load and emergency release capabilities for the aircraft. A helicopter is adapted for carrying a load external to the aircraft fuselage which load may be restrained by an FAA approved safety restraint. The load is equipped with a safety harness and lanyard apparatus having first and second lanyards attached thereto. According to the method, a helicopter hovers next to a structure, and safe transfer is accomplished by: (1) attaching the free end of the first lanyard to the helicopter; (2) releasing any auxiliary safety restraint; (3) attaching the free end of the second lanyard to the structure; (4) detaching the first lanyard from the helicopter; and (5) effecting transfer of the load to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Michael P. Kurtgis
  • Patent number: 6604713
    Abstract: Various kites are described which can be joined together in any of a variety of larger arrays. Each kite includes a generally tubular integral body having two opposing open longitudinal ends and formed by longitudinally extending flexible planar walls, which intersect one another at lateral edges to define a plurality of joints also extending longitudinally through the body. A plurality of identical elongated spars extending longitudinally between the two longitudinal ends of the body. Each of the spars is more rigid and resilient than the kite body walls. Each longitudinal end of each spar is coupled to the body proximal a separate longitudinal joint end of the body. A central portion of each spar between the longitudinal ends is spaced away from each joint connected with either of the longitudinal ends of the spar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: David A. Holmes
  • Patent number: 6604714
    Abstract: A reusable utensil support that includes an interior space adapted to receive and hold an article for display is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Anson L. Hall
  • Patent number: 6604715
    Abstract: Extruded polymeric articles useful for supporting, acoustically isolating and vibrationally dampening a pipe segment in relation to a structural support member, the articles having coextruded unfoamed and foamed polymeric layers and being attachable to the structural support member using nails, screws, formed wire hangers or other similarly effective fasteners. A method for making the subject articles and a system comprising a perforated, coextruded acoustic pipe support strap in combination with a shaped wire hanger for use in suspending a pipe segment from the web portion of a laminated joist having an I-beam cross section are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: LSP Products Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel H. Howe
  • Patent number: 6604716
    Abstract: A lawn and leaf bag holder of one piece, wire rod construction including a triangular frame for positioning the open mouth of a plastic lawn or leaf bag, a handle extending upwardly from an apex of the triangular frame to form a handle for the bag holder and a pair of anchoring loops on each side of the frame adjacent the frame apex. The open mouth of the bag is stretched or tensioned around the triangular frame and secured with one or both of the anchoring loops. One segment of the triangular frame and bag can be positioned against or adjacent a ground surface to enable leaves, lawn debris and the like to be raked or swept into the open end of the bag while the frame and the open end of the bag are oriented in a vertical plane by a user grasping the handle to support the frame and open end of the bag in the vertical position and also enabling the bag to be moved to new positions as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Edison V. Hoey
  • Patent number: 6604717
    Abstract: A bag holder is provided in the form of a hoop which receives a bag and holds the top of the bag open at all times, thus allowing a person to deposit trash or other articles therein without having to repeatedly open the top of the bag. The bag is placed within the hoop with the top lip of the bag draped over the hoop rim, and the bag is held in place by a number of spring clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: McCoy J. Stanfield
  • Patent number: 6604718
    Abstract: A self-supporting display stand comprising a rigid base, a pair of upstanding rod-like support masts mounted on the base, and a corresponding pair of tension cables which connect the upper ends of the masts to the base. The upper end of each cable is connected to the upper end of the corresponding mast by means of a first connector comprising a ferrule having a recess which fits over the mast, and a clamping device for securing the upper end of the cable. The lower end of the cable is connected to the base by means of a second connector having a body which is adapted to engage in a suitably shaped socket or recess in the base, and also includes a clamping device for securing the lower end of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Dimensions Displays Limited
    Inventor: Michael Dowd
  • Patent number: 6604719
    Abstract: A sign stand assembly having a message panel and a mast. A mast clamp is coupled to the lower end of the mast and a clevis is coupled to the mast clamp. A resilient support assembly includes a coil spring and a spring mounting adapter threadingly engaged with the upper end of the coil spring. A keyed portion including a mounting surface and a pair of key members upwardly protruding therefrom, comprising a concave socket for receiving the clevis with a close tolerance fit preventing rotation of the clevis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Grant D. Dicke, James G. Kokenes, Jeffrey A. Williams
  • Patent number: 6604720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable laptop computer work station comprising a first work space that includes a planar table of rectangular cross section having an upper surface for receiving a laptop computer, such upper surface terminating in a lip along one of the long sides of the table, and a lower surface fitted a Tee-shaped receiver having a pair of longitudinal legs parallel to the lip at the upper surface and a transverse leg normal to the lip. The planar table is threadably attached at its lower surface to a receiver pad of a conventional camera tripod and provides for additional work spaces to be mechanically supported therefrom via the Tee-shaped receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Wilbert J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6604721
    Abstract: A bracket pivotally mounted on a bracket support is used to removably attach a container to the side of a ladder. The bracket and bracket support are affixed to the container by attachment means. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket support is integral to the container and is a lip disposed on an upstanding peripheral wall. The container includes a bottom panel and an upstanding peripheral wall defining the interior of the container. The lip is disposed on the upstanding peripheral wall proximate to the top portion of the upstanding peripheral wall. The lip extends laterally outward from the upstanding peripheral wall and includes an outward facing rail contact surface. Pivot supports disposed at a position intermediate the rail contact surface of the lip and the first wall section of the container attach a bracket to the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Ahl, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank E. Ahl, Brian E. Ahl, Leonard B. Eckel, William Rapagnani
  • Patent number: 6604722
    Abstract: An display support has a yoke connecting between a securing plate and a pivot plate. The yoke has a linkage movably received between confining holes and a threaded bolt extending through a central hole in the securing plate to be screwingly connected to a nut. The yoke is pivotally connected to the pivot plate via a pivot. Therefore, adjustment of the nut changes the angle of the pivot plate relative to the securing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Seng-Ling Tan
  • Patent number: 6604723
    Abstract: A keyboard and monitor mount assembly includes an extruded body, a slide support, a support arm and a mounting member. The extruded body is adapted to mount to a solder paste inspection machine and includes at least one channel. The slide support is slidable within the channel. The support arm is pivotally attached to the slide support. The mounting member is coupled to an end of the support arm and is adapted to support either a keyboard or a monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Rose, John T. McElreath
  • Patent number: 6604724
    Abstract: A spring-biased mudflap bracket assembly includes a hollow tube with a mounting plate at a proximate end and a frame seat mating to the mounting plate and yieldably biased into contact with the mounting plate by a spring mounted at one end within the hollow tube and to the frame seat at another end. A vibration-absorbing gasket can be mounted on an outer surface of the frame seat to abut the vehicle frame. A double-headed bolt mounts the spring to the hollow tube. The frame seat has three apertures in alignment, a central one of the apertures having a spacing to an upper aperture different than a spacing to a lower aperture, and a pair of mounting fasteners are received in two of the three apertures for mounting the frame seat to a vehicle frame. A concave perimetrical channel in the frame seat mates with a complementary convex annular projection on the mounting plate to form a pivot socket for the mounting plate with respect to the frame seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Fleet Engineers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy R. Hawes, Wesley K. Eklund
  • Patent number: 6604725
    Abstract: A device for securing a hydraulic modulator to a vehicle includes a base for receiving a portion of the hydraulic modulator and a clamp movably connected to the base and movable between a first position, wherein the portion of the hydraulic modulator can be positioned on the base, and a second position, wherein the clamp is closed over the base to secure the portion of the hydraulic modulator to the base. The clamp includes a projection that extends over the base when the clamp is in the first position so that when the projection is engaged by the portion of the hydraulic modulator, the projection will automatically move the clamp from the first position toward the second position. In one aspect of the invention, the clamp is hinged to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Carlo Thullen, Michael Hellebrandt, Dietmar Sommer, Shawn Aaron Sullivan, Rene Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6604726
    Abstract: A proportional solenoid-driven valve control assembly contains a moveable, magnetic armature positioned adjacent to one end of a fixed magnetic pole piece. The magnetic pole piece has a longitudinal axial pole piece portion, and a relatively thin, annular axial pole piece portion, that rapidly saturates, and is effectively mechanically solid with the longitudinal pole piece portion for fluid leakage containment. A radial portion is solid with the annular axial portion and provides support and alignment for the armature relative to the magnetic pole piece, without the need for non-magnetic material for alignment, support or magnetic flux flow path control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Teknocraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Viraraghavan S. Kumar
  • Patent number: 6604727
    Abstract: A pressure compensating element (8) for a control valve (3) for controlling an overflow of a medium from a first pressure space (1) into a second pressure space (2) has a diaphragm (9) separating the pressure space (1, 2) from one another. The pressure compensating element (8) compensates forces acting on a valve body (5) of the control valve (3) and generated by pressure differences in the pressure spaces (1, 2). However, an overflow of a medium from one pressure space (1) into the other pressure space (2) takes place solely in the region of the control valve (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Nouhad Bachnak