Patents Issued in October 21, 2003
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Patent number: 6634034Abstract: An adjustable toilet flange assembly is disclosed for connecting a toilet with a waste pipe and to facilitate location of the flange on the upper surface of the floor even though the height of the floor surface above the waste pipe varies with different installations. The toilet flange assembly has an adapter pipe which is connected by a cemented joint with the waste pipe and has a hub with a female thread at its upper end. A flange member has a straight pipe section with an O-ring seal for making a telescopic connection inside the adapter member and having an annular flange on its upper end. A male thread on the pipe section adjacent the flange mates with the female thread of the adapter member and provides both height and angular adjustment of the flange.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Jeffrey D. Rendell
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Patent number: 6634035Abstract: A plunger for use in manually pushing garbage down through the drain of a sink. The plunger is formed of a material that is sufficient light in weight for ease of use but also sufficiently hard to push the garbage. The plunger has a cylindrical shank that carries opposite bulbous distal ends. The distal ends have diameters which are sized larger than the shank so that a user can grasp either end to use as a hand hold while the other end pushes the garbage. The distal ends are shaped with flat pushing surfaces that have peripheral edges that are rounded to provide a smooth low friction action over the drain.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventors: Danielle Fletcher, Bertarie Tindall
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Patent number: 6634036Abstract: A combination foldable spa cover and lifting device including a folding spa, cover with integral lifting sockets and a lifting device having a pair of first ends pivotally connectable to a spa structure, and second ends having engagement shafts keyed to the lifting sockets such that a folded spa cover is easily lifted and displaced to one side of the spa structure by pivot of the lifting device and transport of the folded spa cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: E. Jess Tudor
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Patent number: 6634037Abstract: A personal cleansing system for substantially dry wiping articles is described suitable for use in a shower environment, utilizing a shell enclosing the wiping articles having a dispensing slot formed along the shell, a closure means, and a support device secured to the shell.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Unilever Home and Personal Care, USA division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: James Lynn Turbett, Natalie Charambura
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Patent number: 6634038Abstract: A collapsible playpen includes a top frame to support a boundary shelter, a bottom frame, and a boundary shelter supported by the top frame to surround the interior space and define a playpen cavity therein. A detachable cot includes a surrounding wall and a bottom wall to define a supporting cavity therebetween, wherein the surrounding wall has an upper side holder for fittedly mounting on the top frame of the playpen, and a fastening device including a plurality of first fastener units provided on the side holder of the surrounding wall and a plurality of second fastener units provided on the boundary shelter for detachably fastening with the first fastener units respectively, so as to securely mount the detachable cot on the collapsible playpen.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Ben M. Hsia
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Patent number: 6634039Abstract: A folding structure of a baby bed includes a joining member, and an elongated co-moving plate. The baby bed has a base including first and second supporting rods; the supporting rods being pivoted to respective end portions of the joining member. The joining member is formed with a curved slot thereon. The elongated co-moving plate is pivotally connected to the supporting rods at two end so that part of force exerted on one of the supporting rods for same to pivot on the joining member is imparted to the other supporting rod. A pin is passed through the curved slot as well as one of the supporting rods so that movement of the supporting rods is restricted in folding operation of the baby bed.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Ying-Hsiung Cheng
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Patent number: 6634040Abstract: A collapsible apparatus includes a frame member being formed from a flexible twistable material, a first membrane and a second membrane, and a cushion. The second membrane is removably attachable to the first membrane.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Gray Matter Holdings, LLCInventors: Brian E. Le Gette, James Ashley Waring
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Patent number: 6634041Abstract: A towel to tote bag convertible article is disclosed that comprises a towel, preferably a sports towel, having a first end region, a second end region and an intermediate region between the first and second end regions. A pocket provided at and across the first end region, has an opening facing the second end region and is sized to receive and contain the second end region and the intermediate region, the pocket being configured for being turned inside out to form a tote bag containing the second end region and the intermediate region. A zipper is provided for enabling the closing of the pocket opening before and after the pocket is turned inside out. A decorative or waterproof lining may be attached to the pocket to form the outside of the tote bag when the pocket is turned inside out. A tote bag carrying strap is installed inside the pocket. A method of making the convertible article is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventors: Randy Higashi, Peter Algarin
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Patent number: 6634042Abstract: A crib mattress cover has a top panel and a bottom panel sewn together and configured to fit over a rectangular crib mattress. One end of the cover is open, and a plurality of securing elements are attached along the opposing edges of the panels, on the interior surfaces thereof. When the securing members, which may be hook and loop fasteners, or a zipper, are joined together, the cover tightly fits over the mattress and cannot be easily dislodged by an infant resting in the crib.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Raleigh Blossman
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Patent number: 6634043Abstract: A medical table having a head end column and a pair of foot end columns, all of which are automatically and simultaneously extendable and retractable between upper and lower positions. A patient support system, which may include a body support and separate leg supports, is supported by the head and foot end columns.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Orthopedic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Steve R. Lamb, Russell E. Klein, Michael C. Demaria, Stephen L. Hoel
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Patent number: 6634044Abstract: A compact stretcher usable to transport a body having a sheet with a first surface and a second opposite surface. The first surface of the sheet possesses sufficient area to underlie and support a body being transported. The peripheral edge between the first and second surfaces which serves as a place for location of handles. A flange having a pocket is connected to the sheet and is of sufficient size to accommodate the sheet in a rolled configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Linda Wright
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Patent number: 6634045Abstract: A heel elevating foam cushion is used to relieve heel pressure ulcers in patients confined to bed. The cushion elevates the lower legs and thereby supports the feet without any contact with the feet. Bolsters or palisades on either side of the cushion prevent the legs from falling from the bed, while allowing normal movement of the legs associated with cleaning of the patient, medical treatment of the limbs, etc. The surface of the cushion is covered by a waterproof covering. The cushion may be in a single use or multiple use configuration. A compression process is used to reduce the volume of the cushion by a factor of approximately eight, thereby allowing the convenient storage of cushions without the requirement for extensive storage facilities. The cushion finds application in treating persons with heel or foot pressure ulcers, in treatment of persons after orthopedic surgery, and in recovery from venous surgery for insufficient circulation in the lower limbs.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventors: Matt DuDonis, Leslie Rowan
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Patent number: 6634046Abstract: Shaped bodies, containing at least one shaped body with an unstressed three-dimensional inherent volume form that has at least one integrated curved part and can be displaced and/or partially or wholly transformed into another three-dimensional volume form by means of an active element connected to the shaped body, using a variable force of pressure/tensile force.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Schukra Geratebau AGInventor: Wilhelm Schuster
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Patent number: 6634047Abstract: A camping tool for hammering in and removing tent-stakes out of the ground, and also for making holes into the ground for the tent-stakes or for breaking up very hard ground. The tool can be split into two pieces for easier storage. This includes on the upper portion, the hammerhead (10) for hammering the tent-stakes into the ground and the ground-penetrating dibble (12) for either making the starter hole or breaking up hard ground. Also, on the lower portion is the leverage leg (14), which is used for removing the tent-stakes easier by using leverage power, and the o-ring (24) for attaching onto the tent-stakes so you can remove them. Both the o-rings and leverage leg are on the plastic cylindrical body-tube (16).Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Jeffrey Lee Rowland
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Patent number: 6634048Abstract: An automatic temperature control system which limits the total number of valve cycles for the cold and hot water valves to, for example, a total of ten cycles yet also provides the desired temperature control of water supplied to the wash tub is described. To limit the number of valve cycles, and in one embodiment, the automatic temperature control (ATC) system includes a microprocessor which integrates the temperature of the water provided to the wash tub over time to predict the length of the time period required for the next water valve cycle. The integration balances the energy input on the “OFF” cycle with the energy input during the “ON” cycle. Such balancing limits the number of valve cycles thereby reducing the possibility for premature valve failure and facilitating reduced noise. The ATC control system also provides a pre-treater function. When the pre-treater function is selected, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Richard Edward Hornung, David Anthony Schneider, Dennis Dane Tremblay
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Patent number: 6634049Abstract: A dock leveler system includes a pivotal deck whose movement provides the impetus for moving a bumper between an operative position and a retracted position. The bumper is movable relative to the deck, so that after a truck bumps up against the bumper, the bumper can move below the deck to avoid creating an obstacle to a forklift or the like traveling on the deck. The moveable bumper can be disposed within the width of a dock leveler deck that encompasses the full-width of a truck bed. Of the various embodiments, some bumpers pivot underneath the deck, and others move straight up and down. In the operative position, some bumpers are flush with the top of the deck, and others protrude above the deck.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Norbert Hahn, Michael A. Swessel, Edward A. Raleigh
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Patent number: 6634050Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning with a rotary brush while delivery water to the area to be cleaned. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing. The housing has a distal side and a proximal side. The housing has a top wall and a peripheral wall attached to and extending away from a peripheral edge of the top wall. The top wall and the peripheral wall bound an interior portion of the housing. The peripheral wall has a free edge. A washing means for washing a surface comprises a first scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface. The first scrubbing means is mounted in the housing. The first scrubbing means is generally adjacent to the free edge of the peripheral wall. A delivery means delivers liquid to the washing means and is fluidly coupled to the distal end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Luis A. Barboza
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Patent number: 6634051Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a double ended applicator principally for use in the dental profession, for the placement of different materials as may be required. The double ended applicator includes an elongated handle having an applicating end portion formed at the opposed ends thereof which may be either of like or unlike construction, i.e. formed as a brush and/or a flocked applicating end portion. Intermediate the opposed applicating end portion, the elongated handle is provided with a circumscribing groove to define a frangible area by which the user, at his or her option, can cleanly sever the applicator handle to form two separate and distinct applicators. The applicator is also provided with a hinging arrangement adjacent the opposed applicating end portions whereby the applicating end portions may be angularly bent relative to the elongated handle at the option of the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Centrix, Inc.Inventors: William B. Dragan, John J. Discko
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Patent number: 6634052Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning liquid-filled tanks, e.g., aquariums, includes an inner cleaning assembly which moves across the interior wall of the tank and an outer cleaning assembly which moves across the exterior wall of the tank. The inner and outer cleaning assembly are magnetically attracted to each other so that manipulation of the outer cleaning assembly results in corresponding motion of the inner cleaning assembly. The inner cleaning assembly bears a cleaning pad which moves across the tank wall to clean matter therefrom. The inner cleaning assembly is buoyant so that interruption of the magnetic engagement between the inner and outer cleaning assemblies results in the inner cleaning assembly floating to the top of the liquid-filled tank for easier retrieval.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Bakker Holding Son B.V.Inventor: Mark A. Hanson
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Patent number: 6634053Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for activating heat conductive wires by detecting a rotating angle of a wiper arm, wherein said heat conductive wires Installed on the both side of a wiper blade are activated when the detected rotating angle is smaller than a predetermined angle, so that the accumulated snow is melted away due to the heat emitted from said heat conductive wires.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Bong-Yull Bae
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Patent number: 6634054Abstract: In the case of a windshield wiper drive having a swivelably mounted drive shaft, a drive rocker arm that is immovably attached thereto, a connecting lever which is attached to the drive rocker arm via a first joint, a support rocker arm which is connected to the connecting lever via a second joint and mounted via a joint, and a windshield wiper arm which is connected to the connecting lever, an object is to prevent distortion in the drive, while keeping production expenditures to a minimum. To accomplish this, one of the two joints of the connecting lever is swivelable in a plane that is defined by the axis of rotation of the accompanying rocker arm and by the corresponding joint, and the other joint is fixed in a plane that is defined by the axis of rotation of the accompanying rocker arm and by the joint.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Gerd Kuehbauch
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Patent number: 6634055Abstract: In a device for pivotally connecting a wiper blade for motor vehicle windows to a wiper arm, coupling elements on a part of the wiper arm are comprised of support bores disposed in already existing side walls of the wiper arm, and a connection between the wiper arm and wiper blade is performed by loose, reusable securing elements which on the one hand, can grasp edge strips of reusable longitudinal strips that are part of the likewise existing support element and on the other hand, are supported with their pivot pins in the support bores of the wiper arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Peter De Block
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Patent number: 6634056Abstract: A wiper apparatus is proposed, which serves to clean windows of motor vehicles. The wiper apparatus (10) has a driven wiper arm (12) guided on one end on the motor vehicle, on the free end (11) of which arm an elongated wiper blade (14) that can be pressed with a wiper strip (18) against the window (20) is separably pivotably connected via a connection device (16), which on the side toward the arm has a pivot bolt (40) whose hinge axis extends essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade (14) and which toward the wiper blade, in a middle portion of the wiper blade on its side remote from the window, has a coupling part (34) with a bearing recess (54) for the pivot bolt (40), which can be introduced into the bearing recess (54) via a mounting channel (48), and the insertion opening (52) of the mounting channel is disposed on the side of the coupling part (34) remote from the window (20).Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Peter De Block
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Patent number: 6634057Abstract: A control assembly for holding a pivoted door in an open position and releasable to enable the door to swing to a closed position. A rotor is connected to the door in a manner such that when the door is opened the rotor is rotated in one direction to a locking position and when the door is closed the rotor is rotated in the opposite direction. A locking detent is engagable with the rotor to prevent the rotor from rotating in the opposite direction and thereby to hold the door open. The detent is retracted when the rotor is rotated past the locking position to a release position. The detent is held retracted until the rotor is rotated past the locking position enabling the door to close.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: George Wartian
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Patent number: 6634058Abstract: A door closer comprises a cylinder and a piston rod mounted in the cylinder and having an exposed section outside the cylinder. A retainer plate, an elastic element, and an end cap are mounted around the exposed section of the piston rod. The retainer plate has a hole through which the exposed section of the piston rod extends. The retainer plate further has a push member extending beyond the end cap through a slot in the end cap. The elastic element is attached between the sleeve and the retainer plate. The push member is pushable toward the sleeve to cause an inner periphery defining the hole of the retainer plate engage with the piston rod such that a side of the retainer plate presses against the pressing rod to stop movement of the piston rod during closing of a door to which the door closer is attached.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Percy Lin
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Patent number: 6634059Abstract: A reinforcement plate for use in attaching a doorjamb bracket to a doorjamb, the plate member having an aperture through which the arm of a conventional doorjamb bracket may be inserted. A plurality of holes in the plate member are available for receiving fasteners to secure the reinforcement plate to the doorjamb. The base of the conventional doorjamb bracket is received within an chambered area in the plate member so that the reinforcement plate lies substantially flush with the surface of the doorjamb. At least one opening in the reinforcement plate is positioned and shaped to allow a fastener to extend simultaneously through both the reinforcement plate and a hole associated with the doorjamb bracket so as to simultaneously attach both the reinforcement plate and the doorjamb bracket to the doorjamb.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Innovative Product Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Scott D. Seiferd
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Patent number: 6634060Abstract: A coordinated multi axis hinge arrangement provides a snap action between stable open and closed states. When the hinges operate between the stable open and closed states across a dead center position, resilient forces imparted by torsionally rigid connecting elements of the hinge to adjacent hinge parts such as body and lid elements are transferred by coupling or transmitting areas adjacent the bending regions or film hinges to remote resilient distortion or deformation energy storage areas. As the hinge passes a dead center position, this energy is in turn supplied and returned to the rigid connecting elements to impart snap action to the closure. The closure may be cast as a single piece of plastic material and may be cast in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Creanova, AG.Inventors: Louis Lagler, Rudolf Rentsch
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Patent number: 6634061Abstract: A damped hinge comprising a first part mounted to a second part to allow relative rotation between the first and second part; biasing means for providing rotational movement between the first and second part; wherein upon rotational movement between the first and second part the first and second parts are arranged to cooperate to dampen the rotational movement.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones LimitedInventor: Ian Maynard
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Patent number: 6634062Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, a diameter-increased section 11 of a rotation shaft 10 is formed so that the surface roughness (Ra) is 0.05˜0.20 &mgr;m in the circumferential direction, and the surface roughness (Ra) in the axial direction is 0.15˜0.30 &mgr;m. A relationship between a deviation “P-P” and an innermost dent V is defined as P-P<2.5 &mgr;m and V<1.0 &mgr;m. With the use of synthetic resin (PC, PAR, PPS, e.t.c.), a support block 20 is provided integrally around the rotation shaft 10. The support block 20 tightly engages with the rotation shaft 10 due to a residual stress based on a shrinkage allowance appeared when molding the synthetic resin. With a good deviation “P-P”, a shallower innermost dent V and a smaller surface roughness in the circumferential direction, a stable surface friction is maintained for an extended period time with the least amount of wear. By making the surface roughness (Ra) in the circumferential direction smaller by 0.1˜0.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Chuo Hatsujo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masato Uneme, Takaaki Hayashida
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Patent number: 6634063Abstract: An improved cable tie arrangement includes a flexible strap and a locking head. The flexible strap has a series of spaced apertures formed therein. A first group of apertures extending from one end and extending over at least half of the strap, the first group serving to allow for adjustably securing the strap over a cable or other object to be bundled. A second group of apertures extends from an opposing end of said strap, two of the apertures may be used in combination with the locking head to secure a portion of the strap about one loop of a cable to be bundled. The locking head has a central post terminating at opposing ends with radially extending, axially aligned discs sized for locking engagement with the apertures. A third axially aligned disc positioned intermediately along the axis of the post and also radially extending therefrom separates the opposing end discs so that apertures on either end of the strap may be selectively and discretely engaged and disengaged from said discs.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: John Michael Joseph
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Patent number: 6634064Abstract: To improve the grasp on the tongue of a seat belt, a handle extends from the seat belt tongue in the forward direction of the seat belt and is attached in a rotating manner to the central or rear portion of the tongue to perform rotation of the tongue in relation to the handle when the handle is grasped and pulled forward to fasten the seat belt.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventor: Daniele Finotti
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Patent number: 6634065Abstract: A retainer clip receives a keypad and the like on a beltline molding. The clip has a face plate having a plurality of apertures. A wall extends from the face plate. The wall has a plurality of tangs spaced thereabout. The wall is configured to be received within an aperture in the beltline molding. The wall is sized to position the face plate in the aperture of the beltline molding. The tangs cooperate with the beltline molding to retain the faceplate to the beltline molding. The wall and keypad are configured to snappingly engage each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey A. Chesson, Gerald Y. Ruppert, Steven D. Haar
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Patent number: 6634066Abstract: In a upper stopper device for a slide fastener having a cross section of a substantially U shape, which is adapted to be attached continuously to a fastener element row of a stringer capable of being engaged with or separated from each other, an end portion of the upper stopper device opposite to the fastener element row is formed with a widened portion, which abuts against wing plates at a shoulder opening of a slider into which the stringer is inserted so that the slider can stop. Further, a caulking portion is formed in a range between the widened portion and at an end portion side toward the fastener element row. The slider abuts against the widened portion of the upper stopper device attached to the stringer so that it reliably stops.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: YKK CorporationInventors: Yozo Okada, Futoshi Kozato, Yusuke Meiwa
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Patent number: 6634067Abstract: Apparatus using two parts to connect the ends of a flexible member for attaching jewelry to the person. The connected ends of flexible members under tension always extend outward directly opposite to each other, and always have the same predetermined orientation with respect to their connector. The connection of the two parts of this apparatus can only be made or broken by a force between the parts which is essentially perpendicular to the orientation of the flexible member ends under tension, where one direction of the force connects the parts, and the opposite direction of the force disconnects the parts.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Donald A. Jacobson
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Patent number: 6634068Abstract: An integrated cutter for preparing the edges of a fabric for seaming includes a hooked needle which oscillates vertically in a guide bushing located close to the plane of the fabric between a retracted position where the head of the needle is not exposed and an extended position in which the needle penetrates the fabric. The needle head is shaped so that when it moves upwardly it pushes between a pair of yarns in one direction until the hook is above a yarn in the other direction. The needle hook includes a transverse groove shaped so that when it moves downwardly it captures this yarn.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: AstenJohnson, Inc.Inventors: Heinz Kuster, Stephan Kuster
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Patent number: 6634069Abstract: In an apparatus for feeding a fiber fleece web to a needling machine, a compacting means is arranged between a pre-compressor and a supply roller pair, said compacting means having rollers provided with teeth at their circumference. These rollers compress the fiber fleece and effect a partial re-orientation of the fibers from the horizontal into the vertical, which contributes to substantially maintaining the compacting of the fiber fleece. The compacting means may together with the supply roller pair form a drawing zone for the fiber fleece web. The compacting means preferably includes at least one roller triple that consists of two lower rollers arranged at a low mutual distance in juxtaposition, and upper rollers bridging over the gusset between the lower rollers. The rollers of the roller triple are provided on their periphery with all-steel armaments, and the supply rollers are preferably also provided with all-steel armaments and have higher speeds of rotation than the rollers of the roller triple.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Oskar Dilo Maschinenfabrik KGInventors: Johann Philipp Dilo, Eugen Gutsche
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Patent number: 6634070Abstract: A material having a unique, multi-colored appearance is described. More specifically, a material having a multi-colored appearance and a three-dimensional surface is described, along with a method of making such a material. The process involves providing a pile material having an upper portion of the pile yarns of a first color and a lower portion of the pile yarns of a second color that is visually distinct from the first color, then treating the material so as to displace at least some of the pile yarns to a different position with respect to the base web portion of the fabric from other of the pile yarns. In this way, the lower portions of at least some of the pile yarns are exposed, to provide a unique visual appearance as a result of the color differential, and a unique three dimensional appearance as a result of the difference between the position of the treated and untreated portions.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventor: Howard C. Willauer, Jr.
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Patent number: 6634071Abstract: A method for making a piezoelectric composite transducer is disclosed. A block of piezoelectric material having a common base and a plurality of uniform-length rods is utilized. An electric conductor is positioned to extend through a side region of the block. Spaces between the rods are filled up to a first surface region with a viscoelastic material. The common base of the block is removed forming a second surface region. Electrodes are deposited at the first surface region to be in contact with the rods and in electrical contact with the electric conductors. A ground electrode is deposited at the second surface region to be in contact with the rods. The resulting piezoelectric composite transducer can be heated and shaped to conform to complex curves.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Kim C. Benjamin
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Patent number: 6634072Abstract: There is a workpiece clamp device 10 for horizontally holding a thin section long workpiece 1 having a constant section shape or having the same section shape in spaced positions in a longitudinal direction in two positions of the same section shape. The workpiece clamp device 10 is constituted of a driving clamp device 10A and a driven clamp device 10B comprising the same holding device 12. The driving clamp device 10A rotates the workpiece 1 centering on a horizontal axis O extending in a longitudinal direction of the workpiece, and the driven clamp device 10B follows movement of the workpiece and idles centering on the horizontal axis. An arbitrary portion to be machined of the workpiece can be directed in a direction in which the portion is easily machined by the rotation (e.g., upward direction).Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignees: Riken, The Nexsys Corporation, Ikegami Precision Tooling Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hitoshi Ohmori, Kenichi Yoshikawa, Takahiro Miura, Naoshi Iwamitsu
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Patent number: 6634073Abstract: The present invention relates a train of in-line continuous manufacturing equipment for producing steel wire, considered difficult with a block mill up to now, capable of efficiently carrying out controlled-rolling and slow-cooling by an effective in-line combination of controlled rolling apparatuses and slow cooling apparatuses, having a hot rolling mill for steel wire, a winder to wind the rolled steel wire into rings, bundling apparatuses to pack the wound steel wire into bundled coils and an in-line heat treatment furnace to slow-cool the steel wire bundled into coils, which are sequentially connected, and using, preferably, a block mill with an area reduction rate of 25 to 60% having at most 4 roll stands as a final finish rolling mill of the hot rolling mill.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Nippon Steel CorporationInventors: Koji Adachi, Koji Tanabe, Ryuichi Seki, Kiichiro Tsuchida
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Patent number: 6634074Abstract: A method for repairing a leak in a pipe joint, the joint including a gasket. The method requires a passage to be formed through the wall of the first pipe. A space is then formed in the gasket communicating with the passage. After this, a sealant is injected through the passage into the space thus allowing the fluid to repair the leak.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: M. W. Polymer Products LimitedInventor: Michael David Wild
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Patent number: 6634075Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement in connection with a secondary coating line, in which method a fiber, fibers or fiber bundles are unwound from payoff reels (1) and guided to a press (4) by which a secondary sheath is formed around the fiber(s) or the fiber bundles and grease is fed into the secondary sheath, and in which method the assembly formed by the secondary sheath and the fiber(s) or the fiber bundles is pulled at a constant rate and low tension to a winding device (15) through cooling means (5, 6). In order to control the difference in length between the fibers and the secondary sheath, the difference in length between the fibers and the secondary sheath is arranged to be adjusted by adjusting fiber tension by moving the fixing point between the fibers and the secondary sheath along a straight part formed in the relaxation part by using wheel structures (8, 10).Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Nextrom Holding S.A.Inventor: Kyösti Lento
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Patent number: 6634076Abstract: The invention relates to an article of manufacture comprising a partial or complete tubular primary part defining a tube axis and having an at least partially curved circumferential wall at least partially encircling the axis; said wall comprising a joint edge, defining a) a joint line along said edge on said wall, b) a joint plane drawn to contain said joint line, c) a joining direction having at least a direction component perpendicular to said joint line and said joint plane, d) a locking plane at least partially at the surface or within a section through said wall in which both said joint line and said joining direction lies and e) a normal direction being perpendicular to said joint plane; and at least one locking structure, the improvement comprising that the locking structure includes at least one positive or negative hook structure in said locking plane, extending in the joining direction away from the joint line and having an undercut in the locking plane and that the hook structure is exposed from aType: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Pharmacia ABInventors: Birger Hjertman, Rudolf Cseke
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Patent number: 6634077Abstract: A connector and connection system useful in the building and construction industries for joining two substantially planar composite fiber panels together in which at least a part of the connecting device also acts as a guiding means allowing the two panels to be joined together in alignment with one another. The connector and connection system is especially useful for joining a plurality of compressed straw building panels to form a straight wall, partition or similar structure in substantially the same plane, said structure being constructed without having any external fittings or without having to mask or otherwise hide any fasteners, fittings or the like across the joint between the panels.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Affordable Building SystemsInventor: Derek John Layfield
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Patent number: 6634078Abstract: A method for manufacturing a splined member, such as a male or female splined shaft, having a low friction coating applied thereto includes the initial step of providing a length of cylindrical stock having a predetermined outer diameter. The end of the cylindrical stock is then machined by any conventional process to form a preform including an end portion and a neck portion. Next, the end portion of the preform is subjected to a cold working process by a conventional roll forming machine or similar tool to form a plurality of splines about the circumference thereof. The cold working process is effective to re-shape the end portion of the preform to form the splines without the removal of any material therefrom. As a result, each of the splines is formed having a generally involute cross sectional shape, wherein opposed sides of the splines are relatively gently curved between the inner roots and the outer ends thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Douglas E. Breese
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Patent number: 6634079Abstract: An optical fiber cleaver, comprising a blade capable of applying a scratch to the outer peripheral surface of an optical fiber and a pusher pushing the optical fiber to cleave it at the scratched part, wherein it further comprises a reverse-running prevention mechanism which prevents the blade which was moved directly and gave scratch to the optical fiber from being directly moved reversely and giving scratch again to the optical fiber, the reverse-running prevention mechanism comprises a cam moved directly in connection with the blade and a cam follower being in contact with the cam and capable of directly moving the pusher, and the cam presses the pusher automatically against the optical fiber for cleavage after the optical fiber has been scratched by the blade and, after the scratch has been given completely, locked with the cam follower so as to suppress the cam from being moved directly in the reverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Junichi Kazama
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Patent number: 6634080Abstract: Method for producing parcels consisting of sheet metal pieces, wherein the sheet metal pieces are arranged next to each other and assembled with each other into a parcel. Basically, bent sheet metal piece segments of a circumferential length that corresponds to an angle &agr;=360°/n are created through a stamping process, with n corresponding to a positive integer and being larger or equal to two, with n of these sheet metal piece segments being arranged in one plane to a sheet metal piece. The sheet metal pieces that have been arranged next to each other are connected with at least one fastener and/or welded together.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Schuler Pressen GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Alfred Bareis, Roever Markus, Timo Drescher, Jochen Kauffmann
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Patent number: 6634081Abstract: Core laminations for laminated cores of rotors and stators are partially made of partial ring segments that are at least partially stamped out of a central part produced as a remainder in a piece of sheet metal when manufacturing annular core laminations.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Kienle & Spiess Stanz- ung Druckgiesswerk GmbHInventors: Erich Köhler, Gerd Rommel
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Patent number: 6634082Abstract: A method for making a carbon commutator assembly by forming an annular carbon cylinder of a conductive carbon composition and metalizing an inner surface of the carbon cylinder by bonding a first layer of metallic material to the inner surface of the carbon cylinder. A metallic substrate is soldered to the metalized inner surface of the carbon cylinder and an insulator hub is disposed in a position supporting the metallic substrate and carbon cylinder. The carbon cylinder and substrate are then segmented by forming radial interstices through the carbon cylinder and the metallic substrate thus forming a carbon/metal commutator array comprising electrically isolated carbon/metal commutator sectors.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1998Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventors: William E. Ziegler, William A. Bauer
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Patent number: 6634083Abstract: A method is used for forming a magnet keeper assembly for use in a microactuator. The method comprises forming a keeper from a ferromagnetic material where the keeper has a plurality of notches for accepting a plurality of magnetic materials, securing the magnetic materials in the notches in the keeper, notching the magnetic material and the keeper transversely at a depth approximately equal to the depth of the magnetic material, removing any debris generated during notching, subjecting the keeper to a magnetic field such that the magnetic materials become magnetized, and cutting the keeper into magnet keeper assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventor: Zine-Eddine Boutaghou