Patents Issued in September 9, 2003
  • Patent number: 6615949
    Abstract: A plurality of heavy mass irregularities attached to an inner wall of the drill collar attenuate waves traveling through the collar. The plurality of heavy mass irregularities are spaced and sized for the maximum attenuation of acoustic pulses in a predetermined frequency range. The mass irregularities may be rings secured to the inner surface of the collar by neck pieces, extending outwardly from the outer circumference of the ring. The mass irregularities may be made of steel or tungsten and are between six and ten in number. The spacing of the irregularities may lie between twelve and fourteen centimeters. A center pipe may be included to isolate the irregularities from the fluid flow associated with the drilling operation. The pipe may be of a soft material such as rubber to reduce transfer of acoustic noise along the drill string. The irregularities may be in an oil based fluid with the pipe fitting closely in the center of the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sergey Egerev, Vladimir Belov, Vladimir Dubinsky, Alexei Bolshakov, Victor Tiutekin, Victor Yushin
  • Patent number: 6615950
    Abstract: An acoustic panel with several degrees of freedom comprises a resistive layer (14), a compartmentalized structure (16) formed from at least two superposed compartmentalized layers (18) and a back reflector (17), starting from an outside face facing an incident acoustic wave. A porous separator (24) is placed between each pair of adjacent compartmentalized layers. On each of its faces, this separator is fitted with tubular guides (26) that penetrate into at least some of the cells (20) of the compartmentalized layers. This thus aligns the cells over the entire thickness of the compartmentalized structure (24), regardless of the shape of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Alain Porte, Jacques Lalane
  • Patent number: 6615951
    Abstract: The invention concerns an absorbent material (1), consisting of a porous matter with open porosity (2), characterised in that it comprises a plurality of perforations (3) with varied transverse cross-section end positioned at an angle &thgr; relative to a specific dimension of the material, thereby providing additional porosity (Pa) to the material (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)
    Inventors: Claude Boutin, Xavier Olny
  • Patent number: 6615952
    Abstract: A double deck elevator comprising an upper cage and a lower cage vertically movable together in a hoistway, wherein a space between the upper cage and the lower cage is covered by covers. The covers guide airflow flowing around the space to reduce air turbulence noise, and consequently the ride in the cages becomes quieter and more comfortable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroaki Itoh, Hideya Kohara, Masahiro Hayakawa, Gen Yokoi
  • Patent number: 6615953
    Abstract: The invention relates to a building elevator having an elevator mast, which can be set up vertically, and having an elevator car which can be moved in the vertical direction along the elevator mast and has a least one motor drive with control means, and said building elevator is intended to be developed further such that it is ensured, in the simplest possible manner, that it is not possible for any individual or objects to be situated beneath the elevator car during the downward travel of the elevator car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Herman Steinweg GmbH & Co. KG Baumaschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Klaus Steinweg
  • Patent number: 6615954
    Abstract: A monitoring system for brake disks, particularly of rail vehicles, having at least two sensors which are arranged in the brake disk or in the proximity of the brake disk and whose sensor signals relate to the temperature of the brake disk. The monitoring system includes at least one transmitter which transmits the sensor signals, and at least one receiver which receives the transmitted sensor signals in a wireless manner. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of monitoring the temperature of brake disks. The method includes measuring the temperature of at least one brake disk, converting sensor signals to processible values; transmitting the values or the sensor signals to a receiver in one or more of an encoded manner and successively in a timed manner; and processing the received values or sensor signals in one or more of the control unit and the regulating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Xaver Wirth, Ludwig Schlenk, Ralf Schmid
  • Patent number: 6615955
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake system for a bicycle having a frame, a handlebar, and front and rear wheels, includes a master hydraulic cylinder mountable on the handlebar and a handle mechanism operatively connected to the master hydraulic cylinder in order to actuate same. A first hydraulic cylinder actuator is mountable on the frame adjacent the rear wheel and is operatively connected to the master hydraulic cylinder. A rear wheel brake pad is connected to the hydraulic cylinder actuator and is operable thereby. There is a second hydraulic cylinder actuator mountable on the frame adjacent the rear wheel and connected to the rear wheel brake pad. A third hydraulic cylinder actuator is mountable on the frame adjacent the front wheel and is operatively connected to the second hydraulic cylinder actuator so as to be operable by the latter and a front wheel braking device is connected to the third actuator. This braking device brakes the front wheel when the rear wheel braking device is in its braking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Petar Jakovljevic
  • Patent number: 6615956
    Abstract: A brake and lock device includes a lever pivotally connected with a fork of a bicycle, a brake shoe attached to the lever for braking a wheel and a lock attached to the lever for locking the wheel. The lock includes a core for receiving a key and a latch connected with the core for locking the wheel. The core includes a first end for receiving the key and a second end connected with the latch. The first end of the core defines a keyhole. The core includes a mandrel extending from the second end thereof for connection with the latch. The latch defines a recess for receiving the mandrel and two holes in communication with the recess. The mandrel defines a hole. A pin can be inserted through the holes defined in the latch and in the mandrel. The latch may include a protective sleeve mounted thereon. The mandrel can be rotated so that the latch can be pivoted to interfere with spokes of a wheel mounted in the fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 6615957
    Abstract: A dual-mode drum brake assembly including: (a) a backing plate which is fixed to a vehicle body; (b) first and second arcuate brake shoes disposed on the backing plate; (c) an actuator for moving the two brake shoes away from each other to force the two brake shoes against a brake drum so that the brake assembly acts as a leading/trailing drum brake; (d) an intermediate lever pivotably connected to a web of the first arcuate brake shoe; (e) a second strut associated with the intermediate lever and the second arcuate brake shoe; (f) a positioning spring for positioning the intermediate lever and the second strut in respective positions for their engagement with each other; (g) a first strut engaged with one of the second arcuate brake shoe and the intermediate lever; (h) a parking lever which is engaged with the other of the second arcuate brake shoe and the intermediate lever, and which is operable to be pivoted to be engaged with the first strut whereby the two brake shoes are moved away from each other by a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hosei Brake Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuyasu Mizuno, Kazuhiro Asai
  • Patent number: 6615958
    Abstract: An integrated wheel, brake and axle structure for an aircraft comprises a tubular axle, and a wheel hub rotatably mounted interiorly of the tubular axle and accessible at an axial end thereof for mounting of a wheel thereto. A brake disk stack, having front and rear axial ends, includes alternating rotor and stator disks mounted with respect to the wheel support and wheel for relative axial movement. Each rotor disk is coupled to the wheel for rotation therewith and each stator disk is coupled to the axle for support against rotation. In such arrangement, the wheel web functions as a back pressure member for applying force to the outboard end of the disk stack. A cooling fan is provided interior of the axle for generating a cooling flow of air across the brake disk stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley J. Baden
  • Patent number: 6615959
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shock absorber having high dissipating power and comprising a rod-and-piston assembly (12) slidably received in a cylinder (11) and defining on either side of the piston (13) respective working chambers (18; 19) containing hydraulic fluid. In the invention, each working chamber (18, 19) communicates continuously with an associated chamber (20, 21) containing a heterogeneous energy absorption-dissipation structure constituted by a capillo-porous matrix (51, 61) and an associated liquid (52, 62) relative to which the matrix is lyophobic. In addition, each working chamber (18, 19) communicates with a common compensation chamber (30) via an associated valve system (32, 33) including non-return means (40, 41) ensuring that the working chamber concerned closes automatically during compression, and opens during expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignees: Sarl DLD International
    Inventor: Valentin Eroshenko
  • Patent number: 6615960
    Abstract: A fluid damped shock absorber comprises an outer tube having a closed end and an open end, and a damper tube disposed within the outer tube. An inner tube is axially slideable within the outer tube and has a closed end and an open end. A sealing piston is attached to the inner tube to provide a seal between the inside of the outer tube and the outside of the damper tube. A sealing device is attached near the open end of the outer tube to provide a seal between the outside of the inner tube and the outer tube. A regulation valve is fixed to the damper tube in a sealed arrangement with the outer tube. The regulation valve is located between the closed end of the outer tube and the sealing piston. The regulation valve is configured to regulate fluid flow of a damping fluid between the outer tube and the damper tube upon axial movement of the inner tube within the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Maverick American LLC
    Inventor: Paul H. Turner
  • Patent number: 6615961
    Abstract: To positively prevent a pressure medium sealed into an outer tube from leaking out from a clearance relative to an oil damper, there is provided a seal construction of a shock absorber 1 with leveling function wherein a seal mechanism 3 is disposed in an outer tube 2 to slidably insert a shock absorber 4 thereinto, a piston rod 5 extending from the shock absorber 4 is connected on the outer tube 2 side, a pressure medium sealed into the outer tube 2 is heated by a heating means 7 and leveling is carried out while controlling the support force exerting on the shock absorber 4, the seal construction being constituted that a free piston 15 is interposed opposite to the seal mechanism 3 between the outer tube 2 and the shock absorber 4, and the seal mechanism 3 and the free piston 15 compart and form a lubricating oil chamber 16 therebetween whereas the free piston 15 is always biased toward the lubricating oil chamber 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignees: Kayaba Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Komatsu, Yukio Hayakawa, Ryosuke Fujiya, Kiyoshi Nakahara
  • Patent number: 6615962
    Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and/or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and/or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and/or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Bruno Müller, Hubert Friedmann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Patent number: 6615963
    Abstract: A working vehicle is provided which can be smoothly started with a large driving force, and uniformly conducts a various types of works even if a travel speed varies. A working machine such as a working pump, which is also driven by an engine for driving the vehicle, is mounted on the working vehicle. The power is transmitted from a crank shaft of the engine to wheels through a torque converter provided with a lock-up clutch and an automatic transmission. The crank shaft is also connected to a driving unit for driving the working pump through gears. A transmission ratio of the automatic transmission is set to a predetermined value corresponding with work modes J1-J6. In such a way, the work modes J1-J6 are set according to characteristics of the work, in which there exists a predetermined relationship between a work amount and a vehicle speed. Therefore, fertilizer, sand, and chemicals can be appropriately and uniformly spread through a changeover of the modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ono, Yasuhiko Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6615964
    Abstract: A friction coupling includes a friction member including a brake surface and a clutch surface in a different plane from the brake surface; a spring abutting the friction member; a brake member proximate to the brake surface; the brake member mounted relative to the friction member to permit relative rotation; and a brake actuator connected to the brake member. The friction member can include an insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Christopher M. Osborne, Jeffrey A. Wians
  • Patent number: 6615965
    Abstract: A planar type of over-running clutch including first and second confronting plates is disclosed herein. The second plate itself includes movable struts and associated biasing mechanisms for cooperative engagement with cooperating shoulder members of the first plate under certain circumstances. An arrangement forming part of the second plate and part of each strut cooperates with the biasing mechanism of the second plate for preventing any contact between the struts and the first plate when the second plate rotates in a particular way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: EPX, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank A. Fitz, Wayne K. Higashi, Paul B Pires
  • Patent number: 6615966
    Abstract: A lubrication control apparatus for properly lubricating an electromagnetic start clutch of an automatic transmission is comprised of an oil supplying section that supplies lubricating oil to the start clutch, an oil returning section that returns the lubricating oil from the start clutch to the automatic transmission, and a quantity varying section varies a supply quantity of the lubricating oil supplied to the start clutch according to a slipping state of the start clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Jatco LTD
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kato
  • Patent number: 6615967
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to suppress an increase in an inner diameter of a friction facing of a clutch disk assembly, which may be caused by fixing portions of a plate member pair of a clutch disk assembly 1. The clutch disk assembly 1 is provided to couple to a flywheel 2 of an engine. The clutch disk assembly 1 includes a friction facing 20, a pair of plates 15 and 16, a hub 8, and coil springs 11. The plates 15 and 16 have fixing portions 34 fixing their outer peripheral portions together. The coil springs elastically couple the paired plates 15 and 16 to the hub 8 in the rotating direction. The fixing portions 34 project radially outward beyond the inner periphery of the friction facing 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Uehara
  • Patent number: 6615968
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch having an electromagnet, a rotational member mounted to undergo rotation, an armature selectively coupled to the rotational member for rotation therewith when the electromagnet is energized, and a ball bearing rotatably supporting the rotational member. The ball bearing has an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of balls arranged in a plurality of rows each containing an odd number of the balls. The balls of the ball bearing are disposed between the inner race and the outer race so that each of the balls contacts the inner race at at least one point and contacts the outer race at at least one point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Hidehisa Takatsu
  • Patent number: 6615969
    Abstract: A mechanical coin checker is proposed having a coin channel which has a running rail for the coin to run down, in or at which channel checking arrangements are provided to check the properties of the coins, having a coin acceptance shaft and a return shaft, disposed below the running rail, to return coins which are not accepted. The running rail has in the running direction of the coin a recess into which coins which are too thin slide and possibly fall into the return shaft. In front of the coin acceptance shaft is disposed a detent pawl, which is rotatably mounted at a flap forming a part of the coin channel. A detent wire, which is pivotable about a portion of its longitudinal axis, co-operates with its one end region with the detent pawl and is disposed with its other end region below the recess, in such a way that when a coin slips through the recess, the detent wire pivots and takes the detent pawl with it into the coin channel to engage at least one integrally formed arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Walter Hanke Mechanische Werkstätten GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dietmar Trenner
  • Patent number: 6615970
    Abstract: Cash handling apparatus comprising a power input and a money transport system for moving items of money in a normal operating mode, with a power control system for detecting a probable reduced supply power level and, in dependence thereon, for selecting a reduced power mode in which the money transport system continues to function for future transactions, whilst the apparatus draws a lower power from the power input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Mars Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Billington, Andrew Mark Smith
  • Patent number: 6615971
    Abstract: A coin sorter, wherein a front cover, a gate rail and a solenoid out of independent parts constituting the coin sorter are supported so that they can be detached with a snap action respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Conlux
    Inventors: Ryoji Yamagishi, Masato Yagi
  • Patent number: 6615972
    Abstract: A positive displacement sorter, preferably of the parallel displacement type, includes a conveying surface, a plurality of pusher shoes capable of travelling laterally of the conveying surface, a plurality of diverting rails extending diagonally under the conveying surface and a plurality of electromagnetic actuators associated with the diverting rails. The pusher shoes include a transfer assembly below the conveying surface including a pilot member made of a magnetically permeable material. A pusher shoe is diverted to one of the diverting rails by the actuator associated with the diverting rail magnetically attracting the pilot member associated with that pusher shoe to magnetically initiate a divert. The transfer member associated with the pusher shoe mechanically completes the divert that is initiated magnetically. This allows actuators to be positioned at a pitch that is no greater than the shoe pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Rapistan Systems Advertising Corp.
    Inventors: Frank W. Veit, Charles W. Bozarth, Robert W. Houskamp
  • Patent number: 6615973
    Abstract: The present invention is a cart that facilitates the unloading and loading of a toolbox from a vehicle used to transport the toolbox from one jobsite to another. Fundamentally, the cart comprises a support frame, with u-shaped wheel channels atop the frame, and wheel channel ramps pivotally connected to the frame such that the ramps can bridge the cart to a vehicle for loading or unloading a toolbox. The preferred embodiment of the invention has a frame that is rectangular in shape, and comprises vertical support legs connected by a plurality of lengthwise lower and top rails, and a plurality of transverse cross members. The top rails are u-shaped wheel channels that receive the wheels of the toolbox being loaded or unloaded from a vehicle. A pair of wheel channel ramps is pivotally connected to one end of the top rails, and when extended, the ramps can serve to connect the cart to the vehicle. The cart itself is fastened to and sits atop wheels such that the cart easily can be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Casey Fritter
  • Patent number: 6615974
    Abstract: A flexible chain for a single-strand bucket-type chain conveyor has inner link plates arranged in parallel pairs. The inner link plates are connected by two chain bolts, forming an inner chain link. The bolts extend through the two inner link plates and two outer link plates. The outer link plates connect adjacently mounted inner link plates, and create a platform for supporting the conveyor bucket. The chain has outer cylindrical bushings, each of which pivotably supports a bolt end segment. The outer bushings are connected in a fixed manner with outer link plates. When assembled a space exists between the inner side of the bushing's end and the end surface of the respective bolt, forming a lubricant chamber. A seal is provided between the running surface of the bolt end segment and the intermediate bolt section adjoining the running surface that is coupled to the inner link plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Beumer Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Richard Scholz
  • Patent number: 6615975
    Abstract: A magnetic coupling assembly for selectively rotating rollers of a roller conveyor when the torque required to maintain this rotation does not exceed a predetermined threshold is described herein. The magnetic coupling is mounted to the side rail of a conveyor, below the conveyor rollers and include a driving portion rotatably mounted to the side rail and a driven portion rotatably mounted to the driving portion. Corresponding friction surfaces of the driving and driven portion are brought and maintained in contact via a magnet and an element made of magnetic material or another magnet. Means for varying the distance between the magnet and the element made of magnetic material are disclosed. The present invention is also concerned with means for simultaneously adjusting more than one coupling assembly and with means for detecting the rotation of conveyor rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: GEBO Convoyeurs Consultants & Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Ranger, Marc Zweili
  • Patent number: 6615976
    Abstract: A device for controlling the conveyance of particulate material on a conveyor belt comprises a frame with an endless belt attached thereto. The apparatus is positioned above the conveyor belt and in frictional contact therewith whereby the motion of the conveyor results in motion of the endless belt on the apparatus. The particulate material thereby is passes between the endless belt and the conveyor belt and any bouncing movement of such material is prevented. Use of the present invention on conventional conveyor belts controls the dispersion of the particulate material carried thereon and allows for the speed of the conveyor to be increased. The present invention is suitable for use with a conveyor apparatus used with a truck and commonly known as a “stone slinger”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Maguire
  • Patent number: 6615977
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end-to-end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sig Simonazzi North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard R. Kilby, John M. Lucido, Joop Frans Hoekstra
  • Patent number: 6615978
    Abstract: An endless conveyor belt comprising a plurality of interconnected segments forming a conveying surface to convey at least one article from one point to another. The conveying surface preferably has first and seconds ends and a plurality of openings. A splicing member preferably connects the first end of the conveying surface to the second end of the conveying surface to form an endless conveyor belt. The splicing member preferably includes at least first and second sections, a connecting member and at least one sealing member. The connecting member has first and second ends. A portion of the first section is connected to the first end of the connecting member thereby forming a first exposed area. A portion of the second section is connected to the second end of the connecting member thereby forming a second exposed area. The at least one sealing member is deposed relative to the connecting member and the first and second sections to seal at least one of the first and second exposed areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Lumsden Flexx Flow, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Peter Farrell
  • Patent number: 6615979
    Abstract: A method for assembling a conveyor belt and a conveyor belt is provided, the conveyor belt including a plurality of elongated rods, a plurality of slide-in overlay elements, and a plurality of retaining overlay elements having a vertical opening to allow vertical insertion of the retaining overlay element on to an elongated rod. In one embodiment, the vertical opening includes a retainer such as a clip that resists removal of the retaining overlay element from the elongated rod. In another embodiment, the slide-in overlay element includes a lock mechanism which locks the retaining overlay element with the slide-in overlay element to resist removal of the retaining overlay element. The lock mechanism preferably includes a lock protrusion on the slide-in overlay element, and an interlock protrusion provided on the retaining overlay element offset relative to one another to allow interlocking of the lock protrusion with the interlock protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Ashworth Bros., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Etherington, Joy B. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6615980
    Abstract: The packet (1) of cigarettes, wherein an outer wrapping (2) of cardboard or similar is covered with an overwrapping (3) of transparent material to which is integrally connected a portion (12) of magnetic tape (24) for recording data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: G. D. Societa′ per Azioni
    Inventors: Fiorenzo Draghetti, Eros Stivani
  • Patent number: 6615981
    Abstract: A disc case comprises a paper board and permits smoothly accommodating and removing a disc without provision of any notch that exposes part of the disc edge, and can perfectly protect the accommodated disc without exposure thereof to the outside. The board has an upper disc accommodation recess 3 for accommodating a disc 4 such as a compact disc, also has flanges 17 extending from the top edge of the disc accommodation recess 3 for contacting with the top edge of the accommodated disc 4 and preventing occasional detachment thereof. The board further has a finger access recess 5 that extends from part of the edge of the disc accommodation recess 3 so as to be flush with the bottom therewith for accommodating and removing the disc 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Oguchi Book Binding & Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Oguchi Zenta
  • Patent number: 6615982
    Abstract: A golf bag for storing and carrying a standard set of (14) golf clubs and ancillary golf equipment and comprising a tubular housing (11, 12, 13, 14) in which is rotatably mounted a carousel (16, 17, 19) rotatable in upper and lower bearings within the housing. On the carousel clubs are mounted with their heads lowermost on a plurality of shelves (18) with their shafts located by clips (21) in individual flutes (20) in the carousel. The clubs are maintained in position within the housing and prevented from moving or clashing together. Access to the interior of the housing is by way of a hinged door (15), and the interior of the carousel provides a storage compartment. Housing the clubs with their heads lowermost lowers the centre of gravity of the bag, and a detachable carriage (38,39) and optional tractor unit (42) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Stewart Concepts Limited
    Inventors: Roy Stewart, Duncan Ross Stewart
  • Patent number: 6615983
    Abstract: A tool kit including a seat body and an upper lid pivotally connected with the seat body. The seat body is formed with multiple receiving holes for accommodating therein screwdriver bits or sockets. One side of each receiving hole is formed with a guide slot communicating with the receiving hole. The bottom of the upper lid is formed with multiple push arms corresponding to the guide slots. When the upper lid is pivoted, the push arms are pivotally rotated within the guide slots. When the upper lid is closed onto the seat body, the front ends of the push arms are rotated to the bottoms of the receiving holes. When the upper lid is opened, the front ends of the push arms are rotated into the middle sections of the receiving holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Hong Chao Yu
  • Patent number: 6615984
    Abstract: An article carrier and a blank for forming an article carrier for holding a plurality of articles, for example bottles. The carrier comprises a plurality of wall panels for forming a tubular structure. The wall panels include a pair of side wall panels, one of which is provided with a reinforcing tab hingedly connected thereto along an article-retaining edge of a first aperture for receiving an article. The reinforcing tab is folded to underlie the one side wall panel to provide a two-ply structure adjacent the article-retaining edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Alain Saulas, Jean-Michel Garnier
  • Patent number: 6615985
    Abstract: A sleeve box including a sleeve with a base, opposite sides, and a connecting handle over the base. At least one of the opposite sides of the sleeve has a locking tab. The sleeve box further includes a lower pan having an out turned flange forming a groove. An upper dome cover is fitted over the lower pan to form a food container. The sleeve is fitted around the food container with the locking tab fitted restrictively into the lower pan, thereby assisting to secure the food container within the sleeve. The sleeve has a vent aligned with a vent in the upper dome cover to allow heat to escape from the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Indiana Carton Company
    Inventor: James R. Foreman
  • Patent number: 6615986
    Abstract: A battery package for holding a battery dispenser and batteries including a backing and a battery holder. The backing includes a first board and a second board, with the second board having a first sheet pivotally connected to a second sheet. The first board is connected to the first sheet of the second board. The battery holder is connected and extends from the first board. The first sheet and the second sheet of the second board include instructions for using the battery dispenser and the batteries. The backing has a closed position for displaying the battery dispenser and the batteries and an open position wherein the first sheet of the second board and the first board are flipped upward about the second sheet of the second board to allow a user of the batteries to read the instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Pirro, Andrew C. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 6615987
    Abstract: A method of treating a kaolin particulate material to improve its properties by removal of impurities which includes the steps of: (a) producing a dispersed aqueous suspension of a kaolin particulate material containing at least 0.1% by weight, based on the dry weight of the kaolin particulate material, of separable impurity by adding a dispersing agent to the kaolin particulate material to deflocculate solid particles of the material in the suspension; (b) conditioning the suspension prior to adding selective flocculation polymer thereto by allowing the suspension to age for a period of at least 30 minutes and optionally by adding one or more conditioning chemicals thereto; (c) adjusting the pH of the suspension to be at least about 9.5; (d) adding to the suspension at a pH of at least about 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Imerys Pigments, Inc.
    Inventors: David Andrew Greenhill, Anthony Allan May, Christopher R. L. Golley, Ronald Windell Andrews
  • Patent number: 6615988
    Abstract: Connection device and process for connecting a hydrocyclone to a distribution and collection device, in which distribution and collection device includes connection openings for addition or removal of liquid during operation of the hydrocyclone. Connection device includes a pipe piece having an insertion side structured and arranged to be insertable through one of the connection openings into distribution and collection device. The insertion side includes a circumferential groove and a radial protrusion positioned adjacent circumferential groove, and radial protrusion has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the one connection opening and is structured to remain within distribution and collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Mannes, Rolf Hartmann
  • Patent number: 6615989
    Abstract: An improved, spin-on, bead-lock filter which is particularly adapted for use in a high-pressure oil filter in a diesel engine is provided. The filter includes a housing containing a filter medium and having an inwardly deformed periphery, and a cover assembly including a cover plate and a retainer plate having mutually spaced apart outer edges for forming a recess that receives the inwardly deformed portion of the housing. A gasket whose outer diameter is less than the inner diameter of the undeformed housing is seated in the recess. The smaller outer diameter of the gasket relative to the inner diameter of the housing allows the cover assembly to be easily positioned in place over the top of the housing during manufacture. Both a mechanical connection and a seal is formed between the cover assembly and the housing when the periphery of the housing is inwardly deformed pursuant to a bead rolling step in conformance with the assembly method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene W. Brown, Steven C. Julson
  • Patent number: 6615990
    Abstract: A filter cartridge which has an insertable center tube including an upper part (13) and a lower part (14) which can be coupled together in the cartridge by a snap fastener (21). The snap fastener (21) is configured such that it can be made without undercuts by simple injection molding dies. Therefore the filter cartridge with the center tube according to the invention is very economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Jokschas, Bruno Sommer, Matthaeus Huber
  • Patent number: 6615991
    Abstract: A filter aid, in particular for filtering beverages by means of precoated filters, comprises a mixture of exclusively natural components, e.g. cellulose components. The filter aid is made only of sustainable raw materials and can be degraded almost totally in a natural way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Stefan Herzog
    Inventor: Josef Otto Rettenmaier
  • Patent number: 6615992
    Abstract: An adjustable rack mount assembly for a computer rack includes a support member, a bracket positionable beside the support member for supporting one end of the support member in the rack, a pin configured to extend from the support member through a slot in the bracket for positioning the support member relative to the bracket, and a spring clip engageable with an end of the pin for retaining the pin in the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company L.P.
    Inventors: Craig Edward Lauchner, Joseph W. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 6615993
    Abstract: A slide interlock assembly for a rack including a first rod, a first mount bracket secured to a first stationary member of the rack and having a first guide for receiving one end of the rod, a second mount bracket, secured to a second stationary member of the rack and having a second guide for receiving a second end of the first rod, a first actuator bracket secured to a first slide member adjacent the first mount bracket, having a surface that is inclined relative to a sliding axis of the first slide member for engaging a first end of the first rod, and a second actuator bracket, secured to a second slide member, having a hole for receiving a second end of the first rod when the first slide member is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Wolfram A. Rudiger
  • Patent number: 6615994
    Abstract: A frame of a wafer boat is retrofitted with brace assemblies. The frame has left and right vertically extending, horizontally spaced supports. Each support has a plurality of slots above one another. A plurality of substantially horizontal wafers are horizontally insertable above one another with respective left edges of the wafers in respective ones of the slots of the left support and respective right edges of the wafers in respective ones of the slots of the right support. Each brace assembly includes a plurality of braces. Each brace has a respective upper surface in a respective position to support a lower surface of a respective wafer between and distant from the slots in which the left and right edges of the wafer are inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben S. Cu, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6615995
    Abstract: An elongate display track device has one or more intermediate sections, a front section with a front piece and product identification panels, and a rear section with a stop member. The sections are frangibly connected to alter the length of the track device. The sections are releasably connected by keys and keyways. The length is changed by removing one or more intermediate sections, then re-attaching the rear section to provide the stop member. The front piece provides a surface along its bottom for a product identification label. Arms upstanding from the front track section support a panel which provides a surface for product identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Display Industries, LLC.
    Inventors: Bernard Primiano, Ming Sun
  • Patent number: 6615996
    Abstract: A carrying case for carrying and displaying consumer products, such as wine bottles. The carrying case can be restructured into a wine rack. The carrying case has a front and a back wall panel, each having an opening through which a portion of a wine bottle, or other consumer product, may extend. Two side panels connect to the front and back panels to secure the wine bottles by way of extending partially through the front and back wall panels. A central slot permits the four pieces to be reassembled into a wine rack which can hold wine bottles in a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Jason A. Ivey
  • Patent number: 6615997
    Abstract: A symmetric wedgelock system includes a compression device having a longitudinal axis; a plurality of segments arranged along the compression device including at least one drive segment at each end and at least one working segment in between each working segment including at least two sections having diverging sides forming a concave wedge facing an associated drive segment; each drive segment having converging sides forming a convex wedge facing an associated working segment; the compression device includes an adjustment device for applying a compressive force along the longitudinal axis to drive the convex wedges of the drive segment into the concave wedges of the working segment to drive apart laterally the sections of the working segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Danello, Joseph A. Mirabile, Anthony Carrara
  • Patent number: 6615998
    Abstract: Fittings for mounting on frame members of a switchgear cabinet framework, the frame members having a free space towards the outside corner edge of the framework, which free space forms a receiver, which is closed towards the interior of the framework, is open towards the outside corner edge and is mirror-inverted relative to the diagonal of the frame member. The fittings have a mounting plate the cross-section of which is adapted to the cross-section of the receiver and which plate is connectable to the end profile side of the frame member. The mounting plate preferably has a central mounting bore. The mounting plate, in the longitudinal direction of the frame member, has a pre-determined width, which is preferably symmetrical to the mounting bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Rittal RCS Communication
    Inventors: Samuel Klassen, Heiko Holighaus