Patents Issued in September 2, 2003
  • Patent number: 6612789
    Abstract: The system constructed according to the present invention operates by properly positioning a base compact disc (CD) onto a cutting table and then cutting the CD to a preprogrammed shape. Base CDs are stacked on an elevator system. The CDs include one side on which data is recorded, and another side on which the CD label is printed. A robotic arm with a vacuum gripper then picks-up a CD from the stack and moves the CD to a cutting table. While the arm moves the CD, a machine vision system takes a picture of the CD label and compares the picture to an image of the label stored in data. An image mapping program then determines the rotational orientation of the CD by comparing the picture and data image. Once the orientation of the disc is known, the robot arm rotates the disc a calculated amount so that it can then be placed on the cutting table in a proper normalized orientation. The CD is held in place on the cutting table by a vacuum chucking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Gary McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6612790
    Abstract: The present invention is a retrofit apparatus for attachment to vertical milling machines. The invention generally comprises a main scale, a digital indicator, a mounting cover having a centrally located aperture for receiving the indicator and allowing vertical movement thereof, a plurality of hat clips and screws to attach the scale and indicator to the mounting cover, a rear mounting plate, a quill stop bar, a quill mount, and a rod. In operation, as the quill device of a milling machine is moved, the indicator slides up and down within the aperture and the indicator effectively and precisely measures the vertical displacement thereof. In an alterative embodiment of the invention, the retrofit apparatus comprises an aperture in the mounting cover wherein the aperture is substantially the same size as the indicator, and in operation only the scale moves while the indicator measures the vertical displacement of the quill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Paul J. Story, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6612791
    Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a machine element (3), in particular a tool holder for a drilling, milling or grinding tool or the like, which rotates about an axis of rotation (9), comprises a base body unit (11) which has a receiving opening (21) which is central with respect to the axis of rotation (9) and into which a coupling shank (5) of the machine element (3) can be fitted axially from one end, a chuck (23) which is arranged in the receiving opening (21), and a chuck-actuating unit (25), which is guided on the base body unit (11) in such a manner that it can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the latter, for actuating the chuck (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Franz Haimer Maschinenbau KG
    Inventor: Franz Haimer
  • Patent number: 6612792
    Abstract: The present invention provides a work table for use with a tool, comprising an inclined work surface, which is substantially planar and is supported by a frame having a base; a gantry movably attached to the work surface and having two ends, a longitudinal axis and extending within a plane parallel to the work surface; a movable tool mount slidably attached to the gantry for removable attachment of the tool wherein the tool mount and the tool have a combined effective weight; a first movement means attached to one end of said gantry for translation of the gantry over said work surface; a second movement means attached to the tool mount for translation of said tool between the ends of the gantry; and a weight counterbalancing means operatively associated with the tool mount for neutralising the combined effective weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: CAM Tech Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Dwaine Barclay
  • Patent number: 6612793
    Abstract: A center beam car has a main deck structure extending laterally from a main center sill, and a central vertically oriented central beam structure. The center beam so formed defines bunks upon in which to carry cargo. The upper region of the web-work structure includes a top chord mounted to run between two end bulkheads. The cargo can be secured to the deck with straps or webs. When the car is empty the straps or webs can be stored within boxes that are accessible at deck level by a person of average height. The storage boxes can be along the center line of the car, between the posts of the center beam, or they can be located adjacent to the side sills. Further, the boxes can be movable to a raised position, or to a lowered, stored position. A reeling mechanism is provided to facilitate winding of the straps or webs for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: National Steel Car Limited
    Inventors: Ilario A. Coslovi, Peter N. Jupp, David J. Keats
  • Patent number: 6612794
    Abstract: A fastening structure capable of preventing deterioration in the flatness of a surface of a flange portion (2) when a serration (7) of a bolt (5) is press-fit into the flange portion (2). In this fastening structure, one portion in an axial direction of an outer peripheral surface (6) of the bolt (5) is provided with the serration (7). The bolt (5) is press-fit into a bolthole (3) formed through the flange portion (2) of a mounting member (1). The serration (7) is located apart from respective end surfaces (2A) and (2B) of the flange portion (2) by first and second distances (D, C), and the first and second distances (D, C) each exceed 13% of the thickness (A) of the flange portion (2). With this arrangement, the serration (7) presses a bolthole inner peripheral surface (13) only in the region located far apart from both of the end surfaces (2A and 2B) of the flange portion (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruyuki Kawatani, Yasuhiro Miyata, Nobuyuki Seo, Tomohiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 6612795
    Abstract: The fastener includes a head with an oval-shaped base. The head is supported by a cylindrical post and includes overhanging or cantilevered portions along the major axis of the oval-shaped base. These overhanging portions are ramped and face a first seal. The head engages a slot in a panel by first being inserted therethrough and then being twisted by one quarter turn so that the edges of the slot are engaged between the first seal and the cantilevered portions. Flex tabs lock the head in place. The fastener further includes a cylindrical retainer with flexible retaining fingers which is inserted by a linear motion into an aperture in another panel, thereby engaging the panel between the retaining fingers and the second seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Kirchen
  • Patent number: 6612796
    Abstract: The fastener includes a post element, a blind aperture assembly with a blind aperture into which the post element is inserted, and a rigid fastening member. The rigid fastening member includes a lower helical edge with an inwardly extending lip which threadably engages the external threads formed on the post. The inclined rotationally symmetric wall deflects upon insertion into the blind aperture, but then interferes with the walls of the blind aperture to resist withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Gattone
  • Patent number: 6612797
    Abstract: A SMIF interface is disclosed for buffering one or more cassettes within a minienvironment affixed to a process tool. The interface includes a load port formed of a port door and a port plate circumjacent thereabout, and a minienvironment mounted to port plate. The SMIF interface and/or process tool includes at least one shelf for storing a cassette after the load port separates the cassette from its transport pod. In operation, while a first cassette is located within the process tool, a second pod is seated on the load port, the cassette is separated from the pod and the cassette is stored on a storage shelf. When processing on the first cassette is completed, the second cassette is loaded into the processing tool. The first cassette is returned to the pod and removed from the load port. A cassette from a new pod is then seated on the load port, separated from its pod and stored on the storage shelf. This process continues until processing on each scheduled wafer lot is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, William J. Fosnight, Joshua W. Shenk
  • Patent number: 6612798
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delivering large containers of goods, especially warehoused goods, such as pallets, to an out-processing station or to a transfer station. The apparatus includes an inclined delivery segment that leads to the out-processing station or transfer station and that has at least two tracks arranged essentially parallel that leave an intermediate space. At least one cart is arranged in each track. The carts form a first cart pair, whereby the carts run on wheels and have a bearing surface, whereby a large container can be placed on the bearing surfaces of the cart pair. Large containers can be moved using the inventive apparatus while avoiding the disadvantages of conventional roller tracks, such as pressing rollers into the wood on the underside of pallets and thereby causing the pallets to become stuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Nedcon Magazijninrichting b.v.
    Inventor: Leen-Pieter de Jong
  • Patent number: 6612799
    Abstract: A cart loading system for loading materials on a cart in a orderly and compact manner even if the materials being loaded have different dimensions. The cart loading system includes a frame for positioning on a floor surface adjacent to a material shaping table, and at least one material support arm assembly for moving a piece of material from the material shaping table to a position over the frame. A carriage assembly is provided for moving a material cart in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the frame, and includes a subframe movable in the second direction on the frame and a shuttle mounted movable in the first direction with respect to the subframe. A first moving assembly is provided for moving the shuttle in the first direction on the subframe, and a second moving assembly is provided for moving the carriage assembly in the second direction on the frame. A detection assembly detects movement of material on the support arm assembly and generates a detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Component Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Brent Albers, Lloyd L. Reaves
  • Patent number: 6612800
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for transferring ordered articles between carriers. Generally, an empty partitioned carrier is aligned in a generally opposing relationship with partitions in a carrier containing at least one article to be transferred to the empty carriers. The carriers are aligned to perform the transfer of the articles, while maintaining the relative order, or arrangement, of the articles in the carrier. The aligned carriers are then rotated through a gravitational field to exert a sufficient force to transfer the articles between the carriers. An apparatus of the present invention for transferring articles preferably includes a fulcrum and a lever arm having a transfer end. The lever arm is attached to the fulcrum to allow the lever arm to be rotated about the fulcrum. The transfer end includes a clamp having first and second adjacent carrier retaining portions configured to retain two carriers in an opposing relationship to allow for the transfer of articles between the carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Brown
  • Patent number: 6612801
    Abstract: A substrate arraying method, a substrate arraying device and a small-sized processing apparatus commonly includes a step of taking 26 sheets of wafers W out of one carrier C at regular intervals of L, a step of taking 26 sheets of wafers W out of another carrier C at regular intervals of L and a step of respectively inserting the 26 sheets of wafers W taken out of the latter carrier C between the 26 sheets of wafers W taken out of the former carrier C to form a group of wafers 100 where 52 sheets of wafers W are arranged at regular intervals of L/2 which is substantially half of the intervals of L. Consequently, it is possible to complete the stable formation of substrates group in a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Akira Koguchi
  • Patent number: 6612802
    Abstract: An electrically-actuated lifting and transferring apparatus designed to facilitate the lifting and transfer process of a disabled person into and out of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is realized as having a vertical or semi-vertical electric or hydraulic extension arm, a mounting apparatus, a seat belt interlock system or foldaway safety arm, a support member along a plane having a horizontal component with option to pivot from its end point from a horizontal to a substantially vertical axis, and a seat surface with locking device pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas F. Egan
  • Patent number: 6612803
    Abstract: A cradle for placing a support in a mine. The cradle includes a housing for holding the mine support. The cradle includes an arm mechanism rotatably attached to the housing which has an open position that allows the support to enter the housing and a closed position which prevents the support from leaving the housing. The cradle includes an attachment mechanism connected to the housing for rotatably attaching the housing to a platform of a mechanism for moving the mine support. The attachment mechanism maintains the housing in the horizontal position or a vertical position. A method for placing a support in a mine. The method includes the steps of moving a support from a platform to a cradle. Then there is the step of rotating the cradle until the support is in a vertical position relative to ground. Next there is the step of placing the support on the ground. Then there is the step of separating the support from the cradle. Next there is the step of tensioning the support with the mine roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Strata Products (USA), Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford A. McCartney, William A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6612804
    Abstract: A swirling compressor comprises a number of swirling tubes and a motor, each swirling tube has a fixture at a center portion with a flange bulging out from one side and a hole at the other end of the center portion opposing the flange, an aperture is formed close to the center end at the inside of the tube, this fixture design allows the swirling tube to pile up with one over the other forming a wind passage, and a spindle of a motor is inserted through the hole and secured thereat. When the motor driven the swirling tubes set to spin, each tube collects a portion of whirlwind, and all whirlwind will be blown out from the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Huo-Chen Su
  • Patent number: 6612805
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic machine such as an agitator or a pump has a seal at the fluid medium side in the form of a sliding ring in a coaxial opening in the impeller wheel hub. To prevent particle deposits and blockages in the region of the seal the hub engages into a pot-shaped opening in the housing, forming a conical outwardly enlarging annular gap. Formed on the outside of the hub is a spiral means which when the hub rotates produces a fluid flow outwardly of the annular gap to counteract a deposit of contaminating matter such as particles and fibers from the fluid in the annular gap and thus also at the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: EMU Unterwasserpumpen GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Rietsch
  • Patent number: 6612806
    Abstract: A turbomachine includes a coolable arrangement, having a first wail element and having a second wall element. Coolant is used to cool the arrangement in a turbomachine. After the impingement cooling of the first wall element, the coolant is further used for cooling the second wall element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Thomas Bolms, Peter Tiemann
  • Patent number: 6612807
    Abstract: A frame for a gas turbine engine is provided comprising a central hub having a circumferentially extending flowpath surface enclosing an interior cavity and an annular outer casing connected to the hub by a plurality of struts extending radially from the hub to the casing, wherein the flowpath surface has a plurality of inlets disposed in flow communication with the interior cavity and a plurality of outlets disposed in flow communication with the interior cavity. A flowpath member for a turbine frame hub is also provided having a plurality of inlets and outlets formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert Paul Czachor
  • Patent number: 6612808
    Abstract: An article, for example a turbine engine component such as a shroud, airfoil, etc., comprises a wall having a first wall surface subject to a first temperature, for example from the flow stream of the engine. The wall includes a second wall surface, substantially opposite the first wall surface, for exposure to a cooling fluid, for example cooling air. The second wall surface includes a plurality of adjacent ribs protruding from the second wall surface to facilitate transfer of heat from the second wall surface. The ribs comprise a plurality of elongated rib portions each spaced apart one from another across a gap between rib portions, the gaps having a gap length in the range of about 0.002-0.05″.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ching-Pang Lee, Glenn Herbert Nichols
  • Patent number: 6612809
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seal for a gas turbine engine, comprising an annular ring with an L-shaped cross-section having a radially extending leg and an axially extending leg. A plurality of corrugations are formed in the axial leg so as to make it compliant in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Paul Czachor, Tod Kenneth Bosel
  • Patent number: 6612810
    Abstract: Wind turbine blade comprises a first (1) and a second (2) electric conductor extending in the longitudinal direction of the blade (25), and one or more electric heating elements (4) for heating the surface of the blade. The heating elements (4) are connected to the first and the second electric conductor. At its tip the wind turbine blade (25) is provided with a lightning receptor 5 for catching lightning, and the lightning receptor (5) is electrically connected to a third (3) conductor earthed so as to be able to carry the current from a stroke of lightning to the earth. The first and the second conductor are connected to the lightning receptor through spark gaps adjacent said lightning receptor and connected to earth through spark gaps adjacent the blade root.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/S
    Inventors: Kaj Olsen, Flemming Møller Larsen, Peter Grabau, John Ellermann Jespersen
  • Patent number: 6612811
    Abstract: An airfoil for a turbine nozzle assembly of a gas turbine engine includes an outer side wall, an inner side wall, a leading edge extending from the outer side wall to the inner side wall, a trailing edge extending from the outer side wall to the inner side wall, a concave surface extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge on a pressure side of the airfoil, a convex surface extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge on a suction side of the airfoil, an outer cooling slot, an inner cooling slot, and at least one middle cooling slot formed in the concave side of the airfoil adjacent the trailing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Clive A. Morgan, Todd S. Heffron
  • Patent number: 6612812
    Abstract: A semiautomatic electronic system for sensing and accordingly raising if such is determined to be required, the fluid level of a liquid present in swimming pools, animal water drinking troughs, or any other liquid containment vessels. For the accomplishment of this task an electronic circuit periodically, in accordance with a schedule prescribe by a user, samples the environment of the space in a liquid containment vessel to determine if a liquid level has fallen below a predetermine level prescribed by the user. If such is the case, either a pump or a solenoid valve can be automatically activated, so as to cause liquid to be added to the containment vessel, only until the liquid in the containment vessel is restored to the required predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Wesly R. Gard
  • Patent number: 6612813
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism has a first rotating member rotating around an axis, a second rotating member rotating around the axis and an elastic member located between the first rotating member and the second rotating member. The first rotating member has a first rotating member surface, and the second rotating member has a second rotating member surface. The elastic member has at least a protrusion contacting at least the first rotating member surface. The protrusion extends in a circumferential direction of the first rotating member. The protrusion has gradually tapering shape toward the first rotating member surface. The elastic member is deformed by compression as the elastic member engages the first rotating member surface and the second rotating member surface by rotation of the first rotating member, thereby causing relative rotation of the first rotating member and the second rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Kazuya Kimura, Akifumi Uryu, Takeshi Kawata, Akinobu Kanai, Takahiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6612814
    Abstract: An electrical fan comprising a blade module and a coil module. The blade module includes a space defined therein, and a shaft. The space has a bottom where an end portion of the shaft is embedded. The coil module includes an oil-retaining bearing, an oil-retaining ring, and a shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve has an internal flange at a top thereof. The oil-retaining bearing is mounted inside the shaft sleeve, and the oil-retaining ring is clamped between the internal flange and the oil-retaining bearing once the shaft of the blade module has penetrated through the shaft sleeve and the oil-retaining ring of the coil module. Via the oil-retaining ring, the lubricant oil is retained in the oil-retaining bearing, thereby preventing loss and evaporation of lubricant oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Ideal Elethermal Inc.
    Inventors: Po-Jen Shih, Tai-Ying Lu
  • Patent number: 6612815
    Abstract: An electrically powered coolant pump particularly suited for an internal combustion engine has a pump housing having an elongate shape which encloses a pump wheel on the inlet side and subsequently downstream therefrom encloses an electric motor. An annular flow passage for the coolant is formed between the pump housing and the outside of the electric motor. The electric motor is encapsulated against the coolant, and the structural component of electric motor and pump wheel is retained in the axial range of the electric motor with at least one web in the pump housing through which connections for driving the electric motor are routed. The electric motor is cooled by the coolant flowing by, and may therefore be operated at very high rotational speeds, so that a small structural size and a low weight may be realized. Widely varying installation locations for the coolant pump are therefore possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: GPM Gerate-und Pumpenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Pawellek, Frank Blaurock, Peter Amm
  • Patent number: 6612816
    Abstract: The invention concerns a molecular pump for evacuating a gas from a chamber, comprising a substantially sealed box (1) having on one of its sides an intake orifice (2) to be connected to said chamber and, on the opposite side, an outlet orifice (3), to be preferably connected to a discharge pump, whereby elements (4) are mounted between those two orifices (2) and (3) at some distance from one another in substantially fixed sites inside said box (1) for the gas to pass through, said elements (4) being of such a nature as to impart to said gas molecules, coming from said chamber and coming into contact with said elements (4), a speed whereof the resultant is oriented towards the outlet orifice (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: Pierre Vanden Brande, Alain Weymeersch
  • Patent number: 6612817
    Abstract: A serial fan which only occupies a small space, has a simplified assembling structure, and can effectively eliminate the interference between fans. The serial fan include a main frame, a plurality of rotor vanes connected in series within the main frame along an axial direction of the serial fan, a first support disposed inside and connected with the main frame for supporting one of the plurality of rotor vanes, and a second support detachably connected with the first support for supporting another one of the plurality of rotor vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Delta Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Lin, Shun-Chen Chang, Chih-Yuan Lin, Shou-Te Yu
  • Patent number: 6612818
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to, even in the case where liquid containing a sedimenting material such as slurry is used, prevent sedimenting and aggregation from occurring in a pump. As means for attaining the object, a bellows 7 that is extendingly and contractingly deformable in the axial direction is placed in a pump body 1 with setting the axis B of the bellows vertical so as to be driven to perform extending and contracting deformation, and form a liquid chamber 9 inside the bellows 7. A suction port 18 and a discharge port 19 are formed in an inner bottom face 4a of the pump body 1 facing the liquid chamber 9. Liquid is sucked from the suction port 18 into the liquid chamber 9 by extension of the bellows 7, and the liquid in the liquid chamber 9 is discharged from the discharge port 19 by contraction of the bellows 7. The inner bottom face 4a is formed into a conical shape in which the face is downward inclined as moving toward the discharge port 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Nishio
  • Patent number: 6612819
    Abstract: A pumping device for drawing in and delivering a liquid to a liquid dispensing device of a hair removing apparatus the pumping device includes a pump inlet and a pump outlet and a pumping element. The pumping device is formed by a first and a second housing part each having integrally formed therein a first and a second flow channel. The pumping device includes a membrane member disposed between the first and the second housing part the membrane member includes a pumping element and at least one valve element. The pump inlet is adapted to be coupled to a liquid dispensing device and the pump outlet to a liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Furst, Werner Haczek, Andreas Peter
  • Patent number: 6612820
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing process fluids in a working chamber having a male and a female rotor, each supported by shafts in a first and a second bearing chamber maintained at low and high pressures at least equal to 90% of the low and high pressures in the working chamber, respectively. The compressor has a first pressurized lubrication reservoir connected to the first bearing chamber and a second pressurized lubrication reservoir connected to the second bearing chamber. The fluids in the working chamber, which may be corrosive, are kept out of the fluids in the bearing and gear chambers by labyrinth seals on the rotor shafts, the seals having grooves in communication with a pressurized buffer gas system. Leakage of buffer gas from the seals enters the bearing chambers and reservoirs, and is released from them at flow rates to control the bearing chamber pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: David Garrett Staat, Rinaldo Divalerio
  • Patent number: 6612821
    Abstract: A gear pump having a housing with an inlet and an outlet. First and second gears are provided with meshing gear teeth. The gears are ceramic rotor gears which are journaled within the housing. A drive shaft drives the first gear in order to move it relative to the second gear, such as to pump a fluid from the inlet to the outlet of the housing. The housing includes an opening for the passage of the drive shaft and a seal surrounding the opening. The seal includes a first seal part rotating with the first gear, and a second seal part forming part of the housing. The first and second seal parts have facing sealing surfaces, are made of ceramic material and are loaded towards each other by a biasing member parallel to the drive shaft. In this way, a mechanical seal is created between the gear and the housing obviating the need for a seal between the drive shaft and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fluid Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Peterus Adrianus Johannes Maria Kuijpers, Remon Gerard Post
  • Patent number: 6612822
    Abstract: An improved hydraulic motor system, suitable for driving an automotive cooling fan or the like. The system is driven by grade gerotor set and an idle gerotor set which are stacked between a center plate and against a rear wall of a cylindrical cavity in a front face of a manifold. A fluid-tight chamber is established by securing an end frame can around the stacked gerotor sets and against the perimeter of the manifold cavity. Tightness of the seal is controlled by positioning a resilient cover plate against the end frame can from a position opposite the manifold, and adjustably clamping the resilient cover against the manifold until the resilient cover has undergone a predetermined amount of elastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Buschur, John S. Hill, Michael Mientus
  • Patent number: 6612823
    Abstract: A cotton candy making machine has a rotary pot having a rotation axis associated with a driving means, where a heater is included to heat sugar provided as a raw material and release the heated sugar in the form of floss-like threaded sugar from the rotary pot to the outside by rotating the rotary pot around the rotation axis by a rotary motion of the driving means; a basin to be rotated together with the rotary pot, in which the rotary pot is concentrically arranged; a raw material supplying means for supplying the sugar into the rotary pot; and a floss taking-up means that rotates around its rotation axis in a predetermined direction to take up floss-like threaded sugar released from the rotary pot. The rotation axis of the rotary pot and the rotation axis of the floss taking-up means form an intersection with each other at a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Handa Kikaikigu Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadanori Bandou, Koichiro Handa
  • Patent number: 6612824
    Abstract: A 3D object molding apparatus has a tank holding an uncolored or white resin as a first material for use in molding an interior of a 3D molded object and other thanks holding colored resins as second materials for use in molding a surface of the 3D molded object. A control unit moves a nozzle head in the XY plane and controls jetting of resins from injection nozzles of the nozzle head. When molding an interior of the 3D molded product, at least the first material is jetted and when molding a surface of the product, at least the second material is jetted. The apparatus has coloring nozzles to jet predetermined coloring agents in molding the 3D molded product to achieve coloring of the 3D molded product in the molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeaki Tochimoto, Fumiya Yagi, Norihiro Agawa, Hisashi Takata, Toshio Norita
  • Patent number: 6612825
    Abstract: The pillow cutter of a food product extrusion system is provided with motor driven roller means designed to pull filled, or unfilled, extrusions, including hollow tubes, or ropes, of extruded food material from the extrusion die head. The ropes are then cut in various shapes such as square, diamond or triangle pillows, sticks or bars. The roller means constitute rotatable base rollers sized to effect telescopic assembly with removable, interchangeable, tubular, cylindrical cutter sleeves engraved on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeves with variable cutting patterns so the user of the system can optionally change the cutting patterns by selective choice of cutter sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: American Extrusion International Corp.
    Inventor: Richard Jarvis Warner
  • Patent number: 6612826
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for consolidating particulate material, such as particulate material, in order to achieve at least ninety-five percent (95%) or even ninety-eight percent (98%) of its maximum theoretical density using a relatively long duration, relatively low current density current flow through the material. In one embodiment, the consolidation system includes a feedback control for monitoring various characteristics associated with the particulate material being consolidated and providing feedback information to a power supply which controls the amount of current supplied to the particulate material in order to achieve the desired density. The consolidation system and method is characterized in that the duration of the current is greater than 0.1 second, but typically less than about 1 second, while the current is less than about 10KA/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: IAP Research, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Bauer, Duane C. Newman
  • Patent number: 6612827
    Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of compacts, preferably a tabletting machine, comprising a rotary cavity block table and a stationary filling shoe associated therewith for feeding the material used which is to be compacted in the cavity block, wherein the filling shoe is adjustable in height with respect to the surface of the rotary cavity block table via a servomotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Wilhelm Fette GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfram Minke, Rudolf Koch
  • Patent number: 6612828
    Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system may be configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner. An embodiment of a system may include a lens forming composition heating apparatus and a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Galen R. Powers, Matthew C. Lattis
  • Patent number: 6612829
    Abstract: An extrusion die having a first die element and a second die element, each of which has a die lip, between which an extrusion gap with a slot-shaped outlet opening extends over a width of the extrusion die. At least one die element has an adjusting device by which the die lip can be adjusted in relation to the die lip of the other die element while changing the width of the outlet opening. The adjusting device has an adjusting bar arranged in a receiving groove of the die element and displaceable in the width extension thereof in a displacement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Reifenhäuser GmbH & Co. Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Anton Rübhausen
  • Patent number: 6612830
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for purging an oxidant or residual fuel by controlled oxidation within a closed loop system. The particular application disclosed can operate to purge oxygen from an anode loop of a fuel cell just prior to startup, and can also operate to consume the remaining hydrogen or fuel at shutdown. The method employs the addition of additional fuel to a feed stream within the anode loop to a level that will through oxidation within the apparatus deplete the desired amount of oxygen. The method also employs the addition of air into a hydrogen feed loop that through oxidation within the apparatus consumes the hydrogen. Oxidation is accomplished first by diffusion burning and then catalysis to accomplish the depletion quickly. The method and apparatus eliminates the need for a separately stored inert gas purge tank and associated systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Precision Combustion, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Berry, Theodore R Strickland
  • Patent number: 6612831
    Abstract: Gas lighter having a safety mechanism. The lighter includes a lighter body housing a tank of liquefied gas under pressure. A valve allows passage of gas. A burner is connected to the valve. A push-button is disposed on the body and is adapted to be pressed by a user's finger. A lever is used for acting on the valve. The lever is adapted to cooperate with the push-button. A wheel is used for engaging a flint. The wheel includes at least one driver. A spring is arranged below the flint for biasing the flint against the wheel. An axle is used upon which the wheel is rotatably mounted. A mechanism is used for preventing the rotation of the wheel. The mechanism is adapted to engage at least one tooth on the at least one driver so as to prevent the rotation of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hameur
    Inventors: Henri Ansquer, André Le Borgne
  • Patent number: 6612832
    Abstract: A lighter having a two-stage locking type safety switch includes a press member pivotally mounted on the liquid gas container, a first-stage safety switch structure, and a second-stage safety switch structure. The first-stage safety switch structure includes a clutch structure mounted in the press cover, for controlling the press cover and the liquid gas container to be disposed at a first-stage locking or free state. The second-stage safety switch structure includes a locking recess formed in the guide slot of the top cover, so that the locking recess and the guide slot of the top cover may form a substantially L-shaped structure. Thus, the slide knob has to slide in the locking recess to move into the guide slot. Then, the slide knob may move in the guide slot to release the safety switch, thereby igniting the lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Ying Fang Huang
  • Patent number: 6612833
    Abstract: A regenerative post-combustion apparatus (1) in a housing (2) in a known manner comprises from top to bottom a combustion chamber (8), a heat exchanger area (7) subdivided into a plurality of segments filled with heat exchanger material, and a rotating distributor (5). The latter depending on its rotational position establishes a connection, on the one hand, between an inlet (3) for waste gas to be cleaned and at least one first segment of the heat exchanger area (7), as well as between at least one second segment of the heat exchanger area (7) and an outlet (10) for cleaned gas. Disposed above the rotating distributor (5) is a burn-out rotary slide valve (31). The latter is subdivided by dividing walls into segments, of which one is closed in the direction of the rotating distributor (5) and communicates with an outlet (68). The other segments of the burn-out rotary slide valve (31) are open in a downward and an upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Eisenmann Maschinenbau KG
    Inventor: Walter Pötzl
  • Patent number: 6612834
    Abstract: Infrared emitter with luminous radiation for a supply of gas at very low pressure and of primary atmospheric air via venturi, said supply comprising at least one gas injector, an injector holder, a safety valve, a gas supply connector, especially for raised heating appliances for directional heating towards the ground and/on the sides in the agricultural, industrial, craft and service sectors, characterised in that it comprises; a geometrical structure comprising at least one first (1), second (2), third (4) and fourth (5) concentric enclosure, a substantially horizontal upper plate (6) below which the said at least first (1), second (2), third (4), fourth (5) enclosures are fixed concentrically to said plate, fitting the one inside the other, a central opening (7) leading the air-gas flow perpendicularly to said plate, into the interior space created by the first enclosure (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Centre d'Etude et de Realisation d'Equipment et de Materiel
    Inventor: Joseph Sirand
  • Patent number: 6612835
    Abstract: A high-temperature, non-catalytic, infrared heater is formed within a housing having a bottom and at least one side lined with a refractory material. The burner includes a burner surface area and is positioned within the housing. A re-radiating surface is positioned above the burner and comprises a mesh having a re-radiating surface area greater than the burner surface area with the re-radiating surface operating between approximately 400° F. and 2200° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Cleveland State University
    Inventors: Mounir Ibrahim, Thomas D. Briselden
  • Patent number: 6612836
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a molding that has a layer of copolymers that are crosslinkable by means of addition or condensation reactions and, optionally, thereon, a layer of silicone that is crosslinkable by means of addition or condensation reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: S & C Polymer, Silicon- und Composite-Spezialitation GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Engelbrecht
  • Patent number: 6612837
    Abstract: A dental milling instrument includes a base connected to a guide column for a vertically adjustable milling arm which receives a milling unit. The milling arm can be displaced by its supporting slide along a guideway of the guide column, by means of an electromotive height-adjusting drive. A threaded spindle, capable of being driven by an adjusting motor, is in engagement in a backlash-free and self-locking manner with a spindle nut provided in the supporting slide. Vertical positioning and vertical fixation are accomplished entirely from an operating panel provided on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Degussa Dental GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Schostek, Hartmut Brinkmann, Klaus-Dietrich Lingemann, Axel Höh
  • Patent number: 6612838
    Abstract: A method for sterilizing conduits that convey fluid from a main water source to medical instruments, especially dental handpieces includes removing at least the end portions of supply branches of the handpieces from their respective rest positions and placing them in a container. A disinfectant liquid is introduced into each of the supply branches for a predetermined time. The sterilization liquid is drained out of the supply branches by flushing the inside of the supply branches with a sterile fluid supplied through a second branch independent of the main water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Castellini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Castellini