Patents Issued in August 14, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030150091
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foundry rolling unit, comprising a first production line, with at least one casting machine, the thin slabs of which may be introduced into at least one tunnel furnace, whereby said tunnel furnace opens out into at least one finishing train, with at least one mill stand. After leaving the finishing train the rolled hot strips may be introduced into at least one cooling run and may be rolled on at least one coiler. The foundry rolling unit furthermore comprises a second production line arranged in an at least partly parallel manner in terms of production, with at least one slab introducing device, through which the slabs may be introduced into at least one reheating oven and at least one cogging stand arranged thereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Peuker, Friedemann Schmid, Uwe Sturmer
  • Publication number: 20030150092
    Abstract: A method of repairing a defect in a casting or cast article, where the defect comprises at least one of a manufacturing, intentional, or service-related defect. The cast article can comprise a casting core and a casting, the casting core comprising a bumper that creates a thin region, namely the defect. One method of repairing the bumper hole defect comprises locating the defect area in the cast article; removing an area of the casting at the defect area; removing an area of the casting core including the bumper at the defect area, where the removing the area of the casting at the defect area and removing an area of the casting core including the bumper at the defect area create a hole; positioning repair material in the hole; heating the defect area, the repair material and the area of the casting at the defect area to melt the repair material and area of the casting at the defect area into a molten material; and re-solidifying the molten material to form a repaired casting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Reed Roeder Corderman, Shyh-chin Huang, Thomas Robert Raber, Don Mark Lipkin, Raymond Alan White, Sidney Perham Young, Melvin Robert Jackson, Peter William Schilke
  • Publication number: 20030150093
    Abstract: A hand held spin-pull tool for securing a hollow threaded insert into a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Frederick A. Campbell, James M. Thomas, Jeffrey S. Clough, Jesse J. Diehl
  • Publication number: 20030150094
    Abstract: The assembling apparatus is capable of assembling a radiator module to an automobile body efficiently with high precision while a bumper reinforcement of the automobile body is assembled to connect the front ends of the right and the left front side frames to each other. The assembling apparatus has a assembling jig, which is to be connected to an arm member of an air balancer equipment and has such as a jig base member, a cylinder for elevation, a guide rod, a hand body being elevated by way of an elevating body, a cylinder for rotating the hand body, a holding mechanism for positioning the radiator module on the hand body, a positioning pin for positioning the jig base member next to a bumper reinforcement of the automobile body, and a positioning pin of a projecting part of the hand body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manabu Tashiro, Tomokatsu Ozawa, Tomomi Kajiya
  • Publication number: 20030150095
    Abstract: A method and device for joining assembled hollow shafts which consist of a tube and several attachable parts such as cams, flanges, bearing sleeves, pulse generating devices, toothed gears and chain gears slid on to the tube, wherein the tube, inside the attachable parts, is radially plastically expanded in individual portions by applying internal pressure in such a way that the attachable parts are secured to the tube by a permanent press fit, wherein the attachable parts and the tube are individually positioned and fixed relative to one another and wherein the tube is sequentially plastically expanded in individual portions associated with the individual attachable parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Jochen Asbeck, Henning Blocker
  • Publication number: 20030150096
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of forming a joint between an elongate member (10) and a socket comprising the steps of forming a socket (16) in a body (11) to receive an end of a member with a clearance (14) except at the mouth of the socket. An annular recess (17) is formed around the socket and an injection passage (18) for adjesive extends through the body into the recess. An end of a member is located in the socket and adhesive is injected through the passage into the recess to spread throughout and fill the clearance between the member end and socket to set and lock the member end in the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Arthur Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20030150097
    Abstract: Equipment for stripping a multi-core cable, includes a transport unit for axial movement of the cable, knives for desheathing and stripping the insulation from the cores, and a separator for untwisting the cores and orienting them parallel for acting upon by the stripping knife in a manner that axial forces are not applied to the insulator of the cores. Greater control over and precision associated with the stripping process is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Karin Thoms, Urs Mehri
  • Publication number: 20030150098
    Abstract: A method of removing stators from tubular stator housings involving subjecting a tubular stator housing having an interior surface to which a worn stator is adhered by adhesive to cryogenic refrigeration until the stator shrinks and pulls away from the interior surface of the tubular stator housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: John Russell McKay
  • Publication number: 20030150099
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an antenna are presented. The antenna is capable of being mounted on a printed circuit board. In accordance with the method, the design dimension of a unitary piece of material are selected according to an operating wavelength. The unitary piece of material is stamped out from a larger section of material according to the design dimensions to form an antenna. The unitary piece of material includes a circular area and a stem area. The circular area has a center and an outer region. The stem area has a first end and a second end. The first end is joined with the center. The unitary piece is bendable at the first end and the center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Jovan E. Lebaric, Andy Dao
  • Publication number: 20030150100
    Abstract: A disc-shaped substrate for a disc-shaped optical recording medium is accurately and stably positioned and held during a sputtering process. A non-sputtering surface of the disc-shaped substrate opposite to a sputtering surface has a circular recess formed at a center thereof. A carrier, on which the disc-shaped substrate is supported during the sputtering process, has a projective member for fitting into the circular recess to accurately position and hold the disc-shaped substrate during the sputtering process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takasaki, Hideki Ishizaki, Mamoru Usami
  • Publication number: 20030150101
    Abstract: Disclosed are a PCB with buried or embedded resistors and a method for manufacturing the same. The PCB comprises: a resinous, electrically insulating substrate; a circuit pattern formed on the substrate; at least a pair of spaced resistor terminations, formed in a certain pattern on the substrate, each comprising a metal pad covered with a conductive protective layer; a thin-film resistor formed between the resistor terminations with electrical connection thereto; and an over-coating layer formed of one-part ink, covering the resistor and the resistor terminations. To be provided with a desired resistance, optionally, the resistor may be grooved by laser trimming. The PCB can have a desired resistor resistance which is uniform without being affected by environmental factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keon-Yang Park, Jang-Kyu Kang, Seok-Kyu Lee
  • Publication number: 20030150102
    Abstract: An automatic collimator manufacturing apparatus includes a loading part being loaded a glass tube, into which a GRIN lens is fixedly inserted, and a pigtail formed with at least one fiber, an angle aligning part allowing the pigtail to be inserted into the glass tube and coaxially aligning the pigtail with the GRIN lens, a spot aligning part controlling an optical property between the pigtail and the GRIN lens, and a dispensing part fixedly attaching the pigtail to the glass tube. With this automatic collimator manufacturing apparatus, a product reliability increases, a production time period is shortened, and a productivity of a collimator is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myeon-Soon Hwang, Tai-Hwan Park, Hong-Suk Sun, Kyeong-Won Lim, Byung-Gon Kim
  • Publication number: 20030150103
    Abstract: A motor assembling apparatus is adapted to magnetize permanent magnets for the field and mount a stator 2 and an armature 3 in the same apparatus. The apparatus comprises a magnetizing unit 24 having an outer magnetizing coil 29 and an inner magnetizing coil 30, a vertically movable stator support 23 for supporting the lower end of the stator 2, an armature holder 25 to the outside of which the stator support 23 can be fitted and a stator keeping jig 22 arranged above the stator support 23. The stator 2 is placed on the stator support 23 and pinched between the stator keeping jig 22 and the stator support 23 to move it vertically and magnetize it by means of the magnetizing unit 24. After magnetizing the permanent magnets, the stator 2 is raised immediately by means of the stator support 23 and fitted to the armature 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Yuji Yasuda, Hideyuki Minami, Kazuo Iwashita, Kazuhiro Yamazaki, Yoshinori Kojima, Shuji Uehara, Takayuki Ishizeki
  • Publication number: 20030150104
    Abstract: An installation, insulation displacement, and terminating power tool, for inserting electrical wires into, and for electrically connecting the electrical wires to electrical contact members disposed within, an electrical connector, comprises a three-chamber pneumatic driving section for developing an enhanced level of driving force necessary for inserting and terminating the electrical wires into and upon the electrical connector, a quick-release mechanism for mounting a punch or die set holder upon the driving section so as to enable the quick exchange or replacement of the particular punch or die set, a quick insertion system for mounting the driving section-punch or die set holder assembly upon the base fixture or framework, and primary and secondary means for accurately positioning both the electrical connector and an associated pin header upon the base fixture or framework wherein the pin header is also used for integrity verification of the electrical circuits defined between the installed electrical wi
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, James A. Turek
  • Publication number: 20030150105
    Abstract: A terminal-joining apparatus includes a lock member. A temporarily assembled unit of a terminal assembly is guided into a receiving space and a bent portion of the unit pushes up a releasing surface of the lock member. When the releasing surface is pushed up, the lock member is turned about a fixed axle and a lock-supporting portion is moved down. When a lever is released from the lock-supporting portion and is turned about an axle, the temporarily assembled unit of the terminal assembly is pressed between a pressing surface and a stop wall to permanently join the unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Araki
  • Publication number: 20030150106
    Abstract: A press die assembly is provided for joining wires with connectors that hold insulation displacement contacts and for crimping the connector about the wire. The housing holds contacts that have insulation displacement portions and crimping portions constructed of a pair of barrels. A press die assembly arranged above the contacts has stuffers for pressing wires onto the insulation displacement portions, crimpers for crimping the barrels about the wires, and guide members placed between the stuffers and the crimpers. The guide members slide along partition walls of a housing ahead of the crimpers to ensure proper alignment. The crimpers are constructed of a single member having a depth that sufficiently covers both ends of the pair of barrels of the crimping portion along the axial direction of the contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Yuji Ikeda, Shunichi Shoji
  • Publication number: 20030150107
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a display device having an OLED display and a touch screen, the OLED display including components that are sensitive to high temperatures, and the touch screen including a resistive film, includes the steps of: providing a transparent substrate having two sides; forming a flat-panel organic light emitting diode display on one side of the substrate; forming a resistive film using a low temperature technique on the other side of the substrate; and forming a resistive touch screen on the resistive film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Andre D. Cropper, Ronald S. Cok, Rodney Feldman, David J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20030150108
    Abstract: Component 3 is pressed onto a circuit board 4 so that their respective metal interconnects 5, 6 are in close contact with each other, and ultrasonic vibration is applied to the suction nozzle 14 holding the component 3. Friction is thereby generated between metal interconnects 5, 6 whereby the component 3 is bonded on circuit substrate. Suction nozzle 14 for handling components is made of stainless steel and has a working face 14a provided with a hardened layer 14b, or alternatively, suction nozzle 14 may have a suction head 14c having a working face 14a made of cemented carbide. Working face 14a of suction nozzle 14 is refined by polishing as required during the mounting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Kazushi Higashi, Shozo Minamitani, Shinji Kanayama, Kenji Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20030150109
    Abstract: A circuit board is manufactured such that a laminated conductive pattern is formed directly on a surface of an insulating board made of a resin board by plating. The circuit board is subjected to heat treatment at temperatures higher than the softening point at which the resin board is softened and lower than a thermal point at which the conductive pattern is not displaced on the board. The circuit board manufactured in such a manner is able to have the insulating board and the conductive pattern strongly bonded to one another and to prevent displacement of laminated conductive pattern due to flow of resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: NEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Magoi
  • Publication number: 20030150110
    Abstract: Disclosed is a design method for plating of a printed circuit board (PCB) strip, in which a main plating line is optionally formed on a component side, a solder side, or an inner layer of the PCB strip by modifying a sub-plating line of the PCB strip used to manufacture a semiconductor chip package, and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor chip package using the same. Therefore, an excellent semiconductor chip package is manufactured without a short when the PCB strip is cut using a sawing machine because misalignment of main plating lines of the solder side and the component side of the PCB strip is avoided, and an interval between PCB units is reduced to desirably increase the number of PCB units in the PCB strip without the short when the PCB strip is cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Tae-Hyeong Kang, Sang-Kab Park, Kwang-Ho Yoon, Bong-Kyu Choi
  • Publication number: 20030150111
    Abstract: A connection component for making connections to a microelectronic element is made by providing leads on a surface of a polymeric layer and etching the polymeric layer to partially detach the leads from the polymeric layer, leaving a portion of each lead releasably connected to the polymeric layer by a small polymeric connecting element which can be broken or peeled away from the lead. Leads in a connecting element may be covered by an insulating jacket applied by a coating process, and the insulating jacket may in turn be covered by a conductive layer so that each lead becomes a miniature coaxial cable. This arrangement provides immunity to interference and facilitates operation at high speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Belgacem Haba, Konstantine Karavakis
  • Publication number: 20030150112
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of utilization thereof is provided for machining pistons of reciprocating piston internal combustion engines. The piston is held in a work station by its interior cavity and the oil rings, oval side surface and hinge pin bore are machined on the piston without any refixturing of the piston required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Srinivasa K. Upadhya
  • Publication number: 20030150113
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of an inkjet head, which jets, by shear deformation of a partition wall, an ink in an ink flow path, having the steps of: forming a metal electrode on a surface of the partition wall; coating an adhesive agent on the cover board; superposing the cover board onto an upper end surface of the partition wall under the state satisfying the following condition 1, so that the ink flow path is formed with the partition wall and the cover plate; and pressing the channel board and the cover board under the state satisfying the following condition 1 all the time, and experiencing the following condition 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: KONICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Ito, Hiroyuki Nomori
  • Publication number: 20030150114
    Abstract: At least one plane blank (20) is cut out from a sheet of metal material, the blank comprising a main part having the developed shape of the wall of the structural element and at least one additional overlap and fixing tab (26, 27, 28), the cutout blank (20) is folded along a plurality of lines (23) so as to form the wall of the structural element comprising a plurality of annular segments that are not in axial alignment out of folded portions (22, 24, 24′, 25) of the main part of the cutout blank (20), and welding is used to fix at least one additional overlap and fixing tab (26, 27, 28) on at least one of a folded portion (22, 24, 24′, 25) and a second overlap tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Reyal
  • Publication number: 20030150115
    Abstract: To accurately locate a fluid dynamic bearing element along a shaft, the shaft is excited at or near its resonant frequency while applying a press force to the shaft, and holding the bearing element still. The assembly process then becomes a dynamic process, with the result that the positioning or locating of the shaft relative to the cone or other bearing element can be achieved with much greater accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Michael David Kennedy, Norbert Steven Parsoneault
  • Publication number: 20030150116
    Abstract: A utility knife include a handle, a neck pivotally mounted on the handle, and a blade mounted in the neck. The neck can be folded into the handle to transport the utility knife. The blade is slidably removably inserted into and out of the handle without requiring disassembly of the handle. The blade is secured to the neck of the knife by a pivotally mounted arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Scala
  • Publication number: 20030150117
    Abstract: The utility knife of the present invention has a cutting blade that is extended to any desired length from the knife handle by providing a blade assembly and a blade deployment device supported in an internal cavity within a knife handle. In particular, the blade can be extended any desired distance from the front face of the handle between the full deployed position and the fully retracted position. No additional structure or locking devices are generally required to retain and hold the blade in a predetermined position from a handle opening when it has been deployed by the blade deployment device. Optional aspects of the invention include a blade position arm and indices, a locking collar and an elongated handle that may be made to articulate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Greg J. Owoc
  • Publication number: 20030150118
    Abstract: The beveled face of the cutting blade presents, in cross-section and going from its cutting edge: a first zone making a first angle with the plane face of the cutting blade; and a second zone making a second angle with the plane face of the cutting blade, the second angle being smaller than the first angle. The second angle has a minimum value in the region of the cutting blade close to the shoulder and a maximum value in a region of the cutting blade close to the tip of the cutting blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Antoine Deville
  • Publication number: 20030150119
    Abstract: A combined writing and window breaking device 10 includes a pen portion 12, a biasing spring 14, a slide portion 16 that comprises part of the pen portion 12, and a breaking member 18. The breaking member 18 is cooperatively coupled to the pen portion 12 such that a user is able to slide the breaking member 18 from a non-biased to a biased position. When the device 10 is disposed proximate to a window to be broken, the user releases the breaking member 18 whereupon, the biasing spring 14 forcibly moves the striking member 18 into the window to break same. After completing the breaking operation, the user places the device 10 into his or her pocket to function as a typical writing instrument when required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: David A. Teague
  • Publication number: 20030150120
    Abstract: A toolless blade clamp for a reciprocating saw is disclosed comprised of a clamp body that defines a cavity for receiving a saw blade, a wedging member that traverses the cavity, operating means that is coupled with the wedging member and biasing means that acts on the operating means. In a clamping position, the operating means urges the wedging member into contact with an edge of a saw blade to securely clamp it within the cavity. In a releasing position, the operating means is manually urged by the user to bring the wedging member free of the cavity to allow insertion or removal of the saw blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: James R. Hartmann, Craig T. Barrett
  • Publication number: 20030150121
    Abstract: A sharpener for a carpenter's pencil that creates a profile shape desired by carpenters rather than a conical point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Arnim B. Jebe, Joseph A. Naim
  • Publication number: 20030150122
    Abstract: A liquid level system comprising: a frame having a measuring surface; an observation tube having a first end, a central portion and a second end and a longitudinal axis, the observation tube being filled with a liquid sufficient to create a positioning bubble within the observation tube and the observation tube mounted to the frame such that the longitudinal axis of the observation tube is at a predetermined angle relative to the measuring surface; a first light source mounted to said frame in a position such that the light emitted from the first light source is directed at the observation tube; an electric power source affixed to said frame and electrically connected to form a circuit with the first light source for energizing the first light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen C. Brinton
  • Publication number: 20030150123
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing damage to a chamber wall by a baffle plate in a semiconductor fabrication system during a semiconductor fabrication operation is disclosed herein. An electrostatic chuck is associated with the semiconductor fabrication system. A gauge for measuring a gap between said baffle plate and the chamber wall can be utilized to prevent damage to the chamber wall by the baffle plate during a movement of the electrostatic chunk during the semiconductor fabrication operation. Such a semiconductor fabrication operation can comprise, for example, a wet cleaning semiconductor operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping-Ling Fan, Te-Hsiang Liu
  • Publication number: 20030150124
    Abstract: A datum point adaptor (1) is secured to reference points such as holes, bolts or studs, which form measurement reference points for measuring the alignment of vehicles, especially in the case of collisions and panel beating. The datum point adaptor (1) comprises securing means (3) to secure the adaptor to the datum point, a concave face (4) having a central measurement point (5) and a pivot (6) adapted to engage the central measuring point (5) and pivot 360° to allow measurements to be made to other reference points. The securing means (3) and pivot (6) can be magnetic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: James Herbert Mason
  • Publication number: 20030150125
    Abstract: A fluid level measuring device, also referred to as a dipstick, for measuring the fluid level in a fluid reservoir or tank, such as an oil pan or transmission reservoir in an internal combustion engine. The fluid level measuring device includes a stationary tube onto which lugs can be directly attached. The dipstick assembly includes a fluid level indicator measuring blade attached to an elongated shaft that is molded into a plastic handle assembly. The plastic handle assembly includes a bayonet type locking mechanism for locking the handle to the stationary tube assembly. A compressible seal forms a pressurized seal between the stationary tube assembly and the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: John Michael Dougherty, Steven Marek, Michael H. Schmidt, Karen S. Slabaugh
  • Publication number: 20030150126
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a duct having a fluid outlet for fluid propelled through the duct and a container positions a substance for diffusion into the fluid through an opening. A movable valve selectively places the opening in fluid communication with the fluid in the duct and seals the opening to prevent introduction of the substance into the fluid. In a particularly advantageous embodiment the apparatus is a blow dryer in which a heating element disposed in the duct heats air flowing therethrough. The substance can be a fragrance or a conditioner introduced into the air stream. According to other aspects of the invention, the container is interchangeable with containers containing other substances, such as different fragrances, and is completely sealed when the blow dryer is not in use. In another embodiment, a container attached to the duct ejects the substance in a spray external of the duct proximate to the duct outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy Chang, Sherwood Forlee, Eugene Hans Kung, Kaijen Hsiao, Flavio Poehlmann-Martins
  • Publication number: 20030150127
    Abstract: Methods and systems for extending the shelf life of produce are disclosed which provide an accelerated drying process for washed produce in order to further clean and fully crystallize a layer of solute-laden slurry that has been applied on the external surface of an item of produce (20). The drying process typical comprises three basic steps. The first step (10) is to mechanically remove excess moisture from the solute-laden slurry to form a moisture-reduced slurry layer (22) on the external surface of the item of produce (20). The second step (12) is to employ heat and/or light energy to accelerate the in-situ moisture removal process to create a protective stratum (24) on the external surface of the item of produce (20). The third step (14) is to further remove remaining moisture to permit the formation of crystalline structures (26) on the external surface of the item of produce (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Charles R. Meldrum
  • Publication number: 20030150128
    Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly drying rice and other types of comestible material, preferably herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables and more preferably rosemary. The method generally comprises heating said rice or comestible material by application of infrared energy in order to dry the rice or comestible material to a predetermined moisture content, about 7-13% by weight for rice, and about 6-10% by weight for other comestible material. The heating step is carried out so that the maximum temperature of the rice or comestible material does not exceed a predetermined level, about 110° F. for rice and about 180° F. for other comestible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Virgil J. Macaluso, Joel J. Phillippi, Russell W. Johanson
  • Publication number: 20030150129
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a moisture removal apparatus and method for accurately detecting moisture generation in an early stage and quickly removing it so as to prevent steam or frost from being formed on glass surfaces of vehicles and industrial devices, and other surfaces. The apparatus comprises a surface resistance detector (50) including two detection terminals attached on an insulation surface with a predetermined gap therebetween, and showing different resistances according to an amount of moisture on the insulation surface; a static electricity preventer (60) preventing static electricity generation to the signal sensed by the surface resistance detector (50); a moisture sensor (70) determining moisture states through variations of the current that flows according to resistances of the surface resistance detector (50), and outputting a corresponding signal; and a driver (80) being operable to the signal output by the moisture sensor (70) and removing moisture generated on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Dong-Chual Kang, Dong-Hyun Kang, Sang-Bock Cho
  • Publication number: 20030150130
    Abstract: A clothes dryer having a fire protection system. The clothes dryer chamber has an inlet which receives drying air and an exhaust for removing moisture laden air. The temperature within the drying chamber is monitored, and a determination is made from the dryer electronic controller whether or not a fire exists in the tumbler. The fire detection conditions are based on determining whether a certain temperature rise exists within the tumbler when the drying air ceases. The fire suppression system when activated will inject a fire suppressing substance into the tumbler for suppressing the fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: AMERICAN DRYER CORP.
    Inventors: Michael W. Confoey, Dennis Slutsky
  • Publication number: 20030150131
    Abstract: A footwear cushioning system including an insole platform and an insert that cooperate with one another. The insole platform includes a recess defined in the heel and/or forefoot area. The insert includes a footbed and heel and/or forefoot cushion extending from the footbed. The cushions interfit with the respective heel and/or forefoot recess of the insole platform. In a preferred embodiment, the insole platform includes a shank secured thereto, surrounding the heel recess. The insole platform is preferably shaped to define both heel and forefoot recesses and the insert includes cushions that interfit with both recesses. A midsole is secured to the insole platform and an outsole is further secured to the midsole. To assemble the cushion system, the insole platform is secured to the upper. The midsole is then secured to the insole platform. The outsole is adhered to the under surface of the midsole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald P. McManus, William J. Brown, Gary L. Sikes
  • Publication number: 20030150132
    Abstract: An elastic sole pad has an inlet tube, a plurality of vent holes, and a foamed polyurethane liquid injected into the elastic sole pad through the inlet tube. The elastic sole pad has a hollow interior to receive the foamed polyurethane liquid. The elastic sole pad is made of a soft and flexible plastics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Su-Chu Lin
  • Publication number: 20030150133
    Abstract: A shock absorption system for a sole of a footwear is provided that includes an inner and outer absorption chamber and a central absorption member. The outer absorption chamber defines a passageway operative to retain a fluid. The outer absorption chamber has an upper side, a lower side and is disposed in a heel portion of the sole of the footwear. The inner absorption chamber defines a passageway operative to retain a fluid. The inner absorption chamber has an upper side, a lower side and is disposed adjacent the outer absorption chamber. The central absorption member is disposed adjacent the inner and outer absorption chambers and extends from an upper side to a lower side of the sole of a footwear through an opening adjacent the inner absorption member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Michael G. Staffaroni, Jong Sang Choi
  • Publication number: 20030150134
    Abstract: A shoe insole having an axis and an arch area with an upper surface and a bottom. The insole has three or more supporting ridges, positioned under the upper surface in the arch area, to provide support to a wearer's arch while allowing the insole to remain flexible as the wearer walks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: John C. Hardt
  • Publication number: 20030150135
    Abstract: An automated tightening shoe includes a sole, an upper, a closure member, a tightening mechanism and a drive unit. The tightening mechanism includes a first fastener mounted on the upper, and a second fastener connected to the closure member and capable of removable engagement with the first fastener so as to retain releasably the closure member at a tightened state. The drive unit is mounted inside the sole, and is operable so as to pull the second fastener toward the first fastener in order to inter-engage the first and second fasteners, thereby resulting in automated tightening of the shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Kun-Chung Liu
  • Publication number: 20030150136
    Abstract: Disclosed are unidirectional support devices and articles incorporating such devices. The devices are substantially flexible in one direction while substantially rigid in an opposing direction. The devices can be manufactured in essentially any shape or size and can be incorporated into a variety of articles of sports equipment, such as sport shoes, elbow braces, gloves, etc. The devices disclosed are typically made of polymeric materials, such as polyurethanes, silicones, polyethylenes, nylons, polyesters, and polyester elastomers, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Paul Michael Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030150137
    Abstract: A shoe construction is described in which generally concealed means can be manually adjusted to change the degree of transverse orthopedic foot support provided by the shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Henri E. Rosen
  • Publication number: 20030150138
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction machine in which a superstructure is rotatably mounted on an undercarriage, and is made up of an undercarriage (101) having a hollow frame (104), a superstructure (102) mounted on the undercarriage (101) and a fuel tank (1) formed as one with the hollow frame (104) in a state where a portion of an internal space of the hollow frame (104) is defined as a compartment by partitions (2), with an internal surface of the fuel tank (1) being covered with a resin film (3) in a liquid-tight condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Eiji Akahane, Makoto Sakai
  • Publication number: 20030150139
    Abstract: The invention of a hydraulic clamp which attaches to an excavator mounted vibratory compactor for installing and removing piling. The invention is composed of a clamp which attaches to the bottom of the vibratory compactor, a valve body for maintaining the grip and center mount adapters which fasten to the top of the vibratory compactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: William Charles Bowman
  • Publication number: 20030150140
    Abstract: A coupling device for equipment implements is described, which coupling device does not impair the lubricity of bearing sections when the equipment is in service, does not cause seizure during rotation of bearings, does not need frequent feeding of grease to the bearing sections from outside, and provides good noise absorbability. The coupling device has such a structure that a metal based contact material 7 capable of storing a lubricating oil and/or lubricant is interposed between an implement bushing 1 made from steel and implement pin 4 of an implement for construction equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Takemori Takayama, Tetsuo Ohnishi