Patents Issued in November 18, 2003
  • Patent number: 6647597
    Abstract: An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting two pieces of material at any one of a number of possible positions. There are a number of stems attached to one plate and a number of magnets attached to another plate. Any one of the stems fits into a hole in any one of the magnets to connect the two sections of the fastener and hence the two pieces of material. Alternatively, there are a number of magnets attached to one plate and a number of magnets attached to another plate, oriented so that every one of the magnets on the first plate is attracted to every one of the magnets on the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Lodestone Fasteners, LLC
    Inventor: Howard J. Reiter
  • Patent number: 6647598
    Abstract: A needle locking structure of a zipper slide for engaging or disengaging two lengths of teeth on two opposite teeth tapes is provided. A monolithic main body has two joint portions formed thereon. An engagement part is formed on each side of the main body. A spring piece is fixed by the joint portions of the main body. A pull tab unit is fixed by the joint portions of the main body for facilitating the manipulation of pulling the zipper slide. A laterally shifted extending portion is provided at one end of the spring piece. Since the extension portion jabs the top of an engagement line of one of the teeth tapes, the friction force is increased whereby improving the positioning of the main body and preventing unwarily sliding of the zipper slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Yu-Pau Lin
  • Patent number: 6647599
    Abstract: A positioning mechanism of a zipper slide for engaging or disengaging two lengths of teeth on two opposite teeth tapes is disclosed. The positioning mechanism includes: a main body having a buckling portion, a plane surface, a recess, and a support portion formed thereon, wherein a positioning member positioned on the buckling portion of the main body, wherein the positioning member has a locking part, which can insert into the recess of the main body, formed in one end of the positioning member; a pull tab unit for facilitating the manipulation of pulling the zipper slide, wherein the pull tab unit has a beam that is placed on the plane surface; and a lid connected with a top surface of the main body and covering the buckling portion, the plane surface, the recess, the support portion, the positioning portion, and the front of the pull tab unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Yu-Pau Lin
  • Patent number: 6647600
    Abstract: A hook and loop fastener for flat structures, particularly for textile products, having a hook part and an interlocking part, the interlocking part being made of a nonwoven composite having worked-in, textured, polymeric threads, the nonwoven composite being used as support for the textured threads, and the textured threads forming the loops for the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Manfred Jöst, Dieter Groitzsch, Gerhard Schaut
  • Patent number: 6647601
    Abstract: A method for making a blanket is provided. The blanket is made from a fabric that has a ground having wefts and warps, and piles inserted in spaces between the wefts and warps of the ground. The method comprises the steps of weaving the fabric from the wefts, the warps, and the piles, coloring the fabric with a predetermined pattern, heating the fabric to bind the piles firmly, cutting the fabric to a predetermined size for the blanket, and surrounding the edges of the cut fabric with a cloth. The wefts and warps are made of a ground yarn, and the piles are made of an acrylic yarn. The weight percentage of the acrylic yarn in the fabric is in the range between approximately 80 and 95, and the weight percentage of the ground yarn in the fabric is the remainder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: William B. Kim
  • Patent number: 6647602
    Abstract: Described is a fixation device for blading of a turbo-machine, in which, longitudinally to a mounting groove (1), a plurality of blades (31, 32) is positioned, and in which, between at least two blades (31, 32) positioned adjacent to each other inside the mounting groove (1), a mounting gap is provided, having two insertion elements constructed as collar halves (41, 42) that can be inserted into the mounting gap, and each of which has a width adapted to the width of the mounting gap and which enclose between themselves a gap space (5) into which a wedge element (43) can be inserted that can be wedged in such a way that both collar halves (41, 42) are fixed in a force-derived manner by means of the wedge element (43) inside the mounting groove (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd
    Inventors: René Bachofner, Wolfgang Kappis, Pavel Rihak, Ferdinand Thueringer, Ulrich Waltke, Hans Wettstein
  • Patent number: 6647603
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing electronic device packages includes a step of forming a metal sheet into a runner part and a plurality of spaced apart terminal parts. The runner part extends in a longitudinal direction. The terminal parts are connected to the runner part and are aligned in the longitudinal direction. Each of the terminal parts includes a pair of spaced apart connecting legs that have lower inserting sections connected to the runner part, and upper soldering sections which extend from the lower inserting sections and which are offset from each other in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction so as to define an inserting gap therebetween. The process further includes the steps of positioning an electronic element in the gap in each terminal part, and respectively connecting the upper soldering sections to two opposite side faces of the electronic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ceramate Technical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Wang
  • Patent number: 6647604
    Abstract: A rolling system has a die having a row of separate throughgoing passages for producing a plurality of continuously advancing and parallel hot metal strands and a plurality of pinch rollers for pulling the strands out of the die and moving them in a direction along a path. A vertical-roll stand on the path receives the strands and horizontally compresses them. A horizontal-roll stand on the path aligned in the direction with the vertical-roll stand receives the strands and vertically compresses them. The rolls are rotated to draw the strands downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: SMS Demag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ferruccio Sclippa
  • Patent number: 6647605
    Abstract: The present relates to a machine tool for machining a workpiece by moving a tool and the workpiece relative to each other and to a pallet changer thereof. The machine tool is provided with a spindle for mounting the tool thereon, a table for a pallet (P) having the workpiece mounted thereon to be placed on the table, a pallet loading station for setting up the workpiece to the pallet (P) on the pallet loading station, and a pair of pallet change arms arranged to swivel about a vertical axis between the table and the pallet loading station, one pallet change arm (37) of which is arranged to be able to move independently of the other pallet change arm (37) in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Hiramoto, Keigo Tada, Takashi Hoshi
  • Patent number: 6647606
    Abstract: In an assembly of a toroidal continuously variable transmission, a sheath member (41) is temporarily fitted on a male screw (3A) so that a step between a spline part (21A) and a male screw (3A) of a CVT shaft (3) does not catch on an output disk (18, 20) when the CVT shaft (3) is passed through the output disk (18, 20). The outer diameter of the sheath member (41) is gradually reduced in a tapering shape from an outer diameter equal to that of the spline part (21A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshifumi Hibi
  • Patent number: 6647607
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an auxiliary tool for assembling a scrubber which includes a motor, a shaft rotatably coupled to and extending through the motor, a shaft pin detachably connected to the shaft, and a disk coupled to the shaft and having a notch located relative to the shaft pin at a predetermined angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shaft when properly assembled. In specific embodiments, the auxiliary tool comprises a tool body configured to at least partially receive the motor, the shaft pin, the disk, and the notch of the disk. The tool body includes a first recess configured to at least partially receive the shaft pin and a protrusion configured to be at least partially received into the notch of the disk. The first recess and the protrusion are arranged at the predetermined angle to position the notch of the disk and the shaft pin of the scrubber for proper assembly at the predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mosel Vitelic, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Chieh Chen, Hsiao-Ping Hsieh, Wen-Kan Hu, Wen-Chin Wu
  • Patent number: 6647608
    Abstract: A stud for installation in a host panel and for fastening a component to the host panel includes at least one shaft having a longitudinal axis. An annular flange extends radially from the shaft at a substantially right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. A shoulder for engagement with the host panel has a top adjacent to the shaft and a base adjacent to the flange. The shoulder extends radially from the shaft wherein the shoulder and the flange define an undercut therebetween at the base of the shoulder such that a diameter of the shoulder is smaller at the base than at the top. At least one anti-rotation tab is located intermediate between the shoulder top and the flange, and is aligned for engagement with the host panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: FabriSteel Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley E. Wojciechowski, Michael J. McShane
  • Patent number: 6647609
    Abstract: An apparatus for press fitting inserts into corresponding receptacles in workpieces includes a press comprising a ram and a backup tool spaced from the ram. An insertion tool is alignable between the ram and the backup tool. An insert magazine feeds inserts to the insertion tool. A workpiece positioner sequentially moves each workpiece through receiving positions that align the receptacles with the insertion tool between the ram and the backup tool. The ram repeatedly engages the insertion tool to press fit an insert into each of the corresponding receptacles. The backup tool supports the workpiece against the force of press-fit insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Unova IP Corp.
    Inventor: Orrin P. Beggs
  • Patent number: 6647610
    Abstract: An upholstery tack strip includes a metal ribbon and a thermoplastic sleeve covering at least a portion of the ribbon. The sleeve includes at least one, and possibly a pair of, lengthwise removed strip section(s) so as to expose a corresponding lengthwise surface of the metal ribbon. The metal ribbon integrally includes nail sections which protrude outwardly from said tack strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: David L. Haygood, Gary T. Schwertner
  • Patent number: 6647611
    Abstract: A fixturing or workpiece holding and clamping apparatus or device, as well as method, utilizing the viscosity increase or solidification of a magnetorheological liquid or rigidity increase of a malleable semi-solid or clayish magnetorheological material to secure both regular and irregular shaped workpieces for precision machining or measuring operations. The workpiece is placed in a desired position and orientation in an open cell containing a magnetorheological liquid or medium which conforms to a portion of the surface of the workpiece. A magnet then applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological liquid or material to increase the viscosity or rigidity thereof, applying a uniform clamping pressure to secure the workpiece in the desired position and orientation for machining or measuring operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Xuesong Zhang
  • Patent number: 6647612
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing an ultra-low-flying-height slider for carrying a transducing head in a disc drive system including a rotatable disc. The method comprises removing material from an air bearing surface of the slider to create a channel at a likely location of contact with the rotatable disc and filling the channel with a low-friction, high-wear-resistance material. The channel is filled such that the air bearing surface is configured the same as the air bearing surface configuration prior to removing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Zine-Eddine Boutaghou, Jorge Vicente Hanchi, Andreas Argyros Polycarpou, Thomas Roy Pitchford, Anthony Pascal Sannino
  • Patent number: 6647613
    Abstract: A batch fabrication technique is described that increases the manufacturing efficiency of servo write heads and also improves servo pattern definition for fine features, while reducing tape and head wear. Multiple heads are fabricated as a batch from one or more ferrite wafers. A nominally flat, large wafer surface and a contour suitable for uniform photoresist application an planar photolithography permit fine servo pattern definition with low linewidth variation. Non-magnetic material is photolithographically defined to produce gaps above a spacer. The non-magnetic material may be photoresist, semiconductor materials, glass, metal or the like. The material may even be removed later to leave air gaps. Additionally, a lower ferrite wafer may be mated to the upper ferrite wafer to complete a magnetic circuit around the gaps. A rounded leading edge on the head creates an air bearing to reduce ware of the tape and of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.
    Inventors: Patricia A. Beck, Paul W. Poorman, George M. Clifford, Jr., Richard H. Henze
  • Patent number: 6647614
    Abstract: A method for changing an electrical resistance of a resistor. Initially, the resistor is provided, wherein the resistor has a length L and an electrical resistance R1. A portion of the resistor is exposed to a laser radiation, wherein the portion includes a fraction F of the length L of the resistor. After the resistor has been exposed to the laser radiation, the resistor has an electrical resistance R2, wherein R2 is unequal to R1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Cyril Cabral, Jr., Daniel C. Edelstein, Anthony K. Stamper
  • Patent number: 6647615
    Abstract: A parts mounting system includes a plurality of mounting units and a parts distributor unit for distributing parts to the mounting units. The parts distributor unit includes a specifying section for specifying types of parts that can be mounted by each of the mounting units, as division-specified parts, and a distributor section for sequentially distributing parts, based on the types of parts, from the parts other than the division-specified parts, to the mounting units. The distributor section sequentially distributes the division-specified parts to the mounting units so that the division-specified parts are divided thereby to reduce a difference in mounting time by each mounting unit after the parts other than division-specified parts are distributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nonaka, Hiroaki Kurata
  • Patent number: 6647616
    Abstract: A bump bonding unit is disclosed including a novel storage, transport, and feed system for allocating trays that hold IC chips to various operations of the bump bonding unit. The bump bonding unit includes fist and second tray storage and feed apparatuses that transport trays from empty stacks to full stacks and vice versa, and a transfer head for picking up an IC chip without a bump formed thereon and moving the IC chip to a bump formation location, and for picking up the IC chip with the bump formed thereon and moving the IC chip to a storage location. The bump bonding unit also includes a bump forming unit for forming the bump on the IC chip. Each tray storage apparatus includes a carrier that moves vertically to position a stack of trays, a tray receiver that cooperates with the carrier to support a lowermost tray in the respective stack of trays, and tray holder to support and release a tray supported by the tray receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuya Matsumura, Hiroyuki Kiyomura, Kenichi Nishino, Kenji Takahashi, Shinji Kanayama
  • Patent number: 6647617
    Abstract: A method of constructing a mapping catheter is described where the catheter has numerous electrodes each associated with a single connection in a plug. The method consists of first arranging a plurality of wires in the desired relationship, with each of the wires running to a connection in a plug. Next, a single electrode is formed on each wire. Because it is often difficult to associate a particular connection with a particular plug, an electrical signal is then applied to a single one of the wires. The electrical signal can be applied to the connection or to the electrode. The electrical signal is then found among by examining either the electrodes or the connections, depending on which where the electrical signal was applied. Once the electrical signal is discovered, a map can be made between the connections and the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Graydon Ernest Beatty, Jonathan Kagan, Jeffrey Robert Budd
  • Patent number: 6647618
    Abstract: A method of assembling a circuit board into a housing to form an assembly is disclosed. The method includes inserting a first end of the circuit board into a first slot of the housing, flexing the circuit board over a deflection/retention feature, inserting a second end of the circuit board into a second slot of the housing, and pressing the circuit board into place until the circuit board clears the deflection/retention feature and snaps into place. The circuit board thereafter returns to a substantially flat state. Moreover, inserting a first end of the circuit board into a first slot of the housing and inserting a second end of the circuit board into a second slot of the housing each include simplifying initial alignment of the circuit board into the slot by first contacting a lower surface of the slot that extends farther from a front of the housing than an upper surface of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.
    Inventor: Michael Wortman
  • Patent number: 6647619
    Abstract: The arrangement includes first and second patterns such as photolithographic patterns of electrically conductive indicia provided on respective first and second surfaces of the components to be positioned. The patterns are adapted for relative movement in sliding contact relationship along the positioning axis. The patterns of electrically conductive indicia define electrically conductive pads at least one of which reaches the condition of being either open or closed when the surfaces on which the patterns are provided reach a given position along the positioning axis. Sensing is preferably effected by means of an amperometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Libero Zucchelli, Luigi Gastaldi
  • Patent number: 6647620
    Abstract: A center bond flip chip device carrier and a method for making and using it are described. The method includes forming a seat with a cut out portion in at least one trace on a substrate and providing an elastomeric material over the substrate. The seat is sized and configured to receive a conductive connecting structure. The elastomeric material has a gap at the seat to allow electrical connection of the conductive connecting structure with a semiconductor die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tongbi Jiang, Alan G. Wood
  • Patent number: 6647621
    Abstract: A method for efficiently producing low resistance electrical contacts between stainless steel and conductive layers in integrated lead suspensions and components. The method includes applying an amount of current for a period of time which is effective to reduce the resistance to a desired level. One embodiment of the invention includes applying a 100 mA current for 16 msec to a contact formed by thermosetting conductive epoxy. Resistance levels below 1 ohm can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael E. Roen, Larry C. Webb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6647622
    Abstract: A method of repairing a coolant system associated with an engine for a vehicle, including disconnecting a gooseneck connected to the engine and removing from the engine its thermostat; disconnecting a bottom radiator hose connected to the engine and flushing the engine with water; reconnecting the bottom radiator hose and reconnecting the gooseneck; refilling the engine's radiator with an antifreeze solution; opening a drain valve on the radiator and allowing a predetermined amount of coolant to drain out of the engine corresponding to a volume of a treatment composition to be added, starting the engine when the engine is cold, and turning on the engine's heater; adding the composition to the radiator of the engine while the engine is cold and idling; running the engine until the composition causes leakage and/or vapor in the engine's exhaust stream is substantially stopped; and stopping the engine and allowing the engine to cool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: SCIX, LLC
    Inventors: Clement R. Hipple, Robert W. Barks
  • Patent number: 6647624
    Abstract: A method of fitting an impingement plate to a platform of a guide blade of a gas turbine. The impingement plate is first fastened at individual spots by spot welds to at least one supporting surface of the platform and is then brazed at the supporting surface to the platform. The impingement plate is prefabricated with recesses and the spot welds are executed at the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd
    Inventors: Reinhard Fried, Richard London, Peter Marx
  • Patent number: 6647625
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a heat pipe structure in a radiating plate is provided. A tunneling means is used to form a plurality of radiating channels in the radiating plate. Each of the plurality of radiating channels has only one opening. Then, only one of the openings of the radiating channels is left unsealed, while sealing the other openings of the radiating channels. Working fluid is injected into the radiating channels via the unsealed opening. The radiating channels are vacuated and the unsealed opening is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Wei Te Wang, Hung-Bin Chan
  • Patent number: 6647626
    Abstract: In an electric rotary shaver in which outer cutters are provided in outer cutter holes formed in a cutter frame so that the outer cutters can move in the axial direction and tilt in any desired direction with inner cutters disposed between the outer cutters and inner cutter drive shafts that are urged in the axial direction toward the outer cutter, the outer surfaces of the outer cutters and the inner surfaces of the outer cutter holes being caused to make a sliding contact so that the outer cutters tilt in any desired direction in the outer cutter holes. The circumference of each outer cutter is curved so as to snugly engage with the curved outer surface of each outer cutter hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Izumi Products Company
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Nakano
  • Patent number: 6647627
    Abstract: An improvement to a severing implement (10) having a pair of relatively movable blade elements (22) (33) that are pivotally connected together as at (52) wherein the improvement comprises a pair of cooperating gripping units (13) (14) for captively engaging and retrieving the severed portion (71) of an item (70) that is completely cut by the blade elements (22) (33) wherein the cooperating gripping units include a capture plate member (40) fixedly secured adjacent the cutting edge (39) of one of the blade elements (33) and a pusher bar member (50) vertically aligned with the cutting edge (23) of the other blade element (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Willis G. Nickel
  • Patent number: 6647628
    Abstract: A carpet cutters includes a blade-supporting structure and a tuft-parting structure. The blade-supporting structure includes a longitudinally extending guide with a forward portion and a carpet-contacting edge that extends along a first axis toward the forward portion of the guide. A blade is mounted adjustably on the blade-supporting structure in a carpet-cutting position of the blade. The tuft-parting structure is on the forward portion of the guide where it functions as means for parting tufts on the carpet in order to facilitate cutting a backing portion of the carpet without cutting the tufts. The tuft-parting structure includes an elongated member with a tip. The elongated member protrudes forwardly beyond the forward end portion of the guide along a second axis that intersects the first axis, thereby to facilitate positioning of the tip of the elongated structure in between adjacent tufts of the carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Kelly E. Braaksma
  • Patent number: 6647629
    Abstract: A handle tool handle has two interlocking first and second hollow molded plastic parts. The first part is formed with a peripheral lip. The second part is formed with transversely disposed peripheral surfaces inwardly disposed of the peripheral lip. Each handle part is formed a first plastic material and with a molded over second softer plastic material which covers the hand grip portion but not the peripheral lip or the peripheral surfaces. A tool blade is disposed between the interlocked handle parts. Rivets and a grommet provide pressed engagement of the handle parts with tight sealing of the peripheral lip. The hollow handle parts have respective facingly opposed structural ribs having respective spacedly disposed free ends to maximize the pressing engagement and insure sealing the peripheral lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hyde Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Farland
  • Patent number: 6647630
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel stud punch tool for punching a stud. The tool includes a first member, a second member, a third member pivotally connected to the first and second members, and a punch assembly. The first member has an opening for receiving the stud and a bore that is in communication with the opening and which allows the punch assembly to move through the bore and the opening to punch the stud. The second member has slots therein to allow the punching assembly to be slidably mounted therein such that a portion of the punch assembly is capable of being positioned at a first end of the slot when the second member is parallel to the first member and such that the portion is capable of being positioned at a second end of the slots when the second member is angled from the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Greenlee Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Lucas, William F. Nordlin
  • Patent number: 6647631
    Abstract: A can opener includes a pair of handles, a traction wheel, and a cutter blade for removing a lid of a can. An operating knob is supported at one side of the can opener and rotates about an axis transverse to a central axis of a can being opened. The knob is coupled by step-down gearing to the traction wheel. For a left-handed user, the knob is mounted on the opposite side of the can opener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Shun So
  • Patent number: 6647632
    Abstract: A position measuring apparatus for an alignment of an array of devices such as a thin film magnetic heads on a semiconductor wafer with a high degree of accuracy and satisfactory reproducibility, comprising, on a base, an object holding unit on which an object to be measured, an X-stage, a portal sub-base arranged across over the X-stage, a Y-stage arranged on the portal sub-base, a TV microscope (detector) capable of movement in a Z-axial direction, a ball circulation type linear guide and a motor for driving and guiding the X-stage and the Y-stage, an X-axial straight bar and a Y-axial straight bar attached to side surfaces of the object holding unit, and triangulation type laser displacement meters arranged in the vicinity of and in opposite to the X-axial bar and Y-axial bar, for detecting lateral motion errors during straight movement of the holding unit in the X- and Y-axial direction with a high degree of accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Tominaga, Satoshi Hirokawa
  • Patent number: 6647633
    Abstract: A low profile compass of the type including a transparent base member and fluid-filled vial contains a directional indicator in the vial in the form of a circle which is alignable with another circle imprinted on the vial. A hinged cover assembly can be detented to selected positions and includes a mirrored sight line for direct line sighting, and a lower protective cover or shoe for the base of the compass also serves as a receptacle for instruction sheets and scales for use in taking directional readings as well as for orientation alignment on a topographic map and inclinometer readings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: The Brunton Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Marlin D. Iden
  • Patent number: 6647634
    Abstract: A bubble leveling device includes a bubble level having a gas bubble formed on a liquid surface, an illuminator projecting light through or towards the gas bubble for producing an optical image of the gas bubble, and a sensor having a coordinate screen for locating the image of the gas bubble on the screen for checking the coincidence or deviation of the image with or from the coordinate center of the screen for reliably checking the horizontality or inclination angle as measured by the bubble leveling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Sue-Zeng Yang, Hou-Ging Chin
  • Patent number: 6647635
    Abstract: A device for measuring the length of a spur on the leg of a turkey. A pair of leg cradles are placed on the back side of a turkey leg with the spur being located between two slide rails. A slide indicator is moved towards the spur until a spur bar comes in contact with the spur. The length of the spur is then determined by reading the measurement on the scale where the slide indicator is aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Carson Banfield
  • Patent number: 6647636
    Abstract: A measurement block 10 which moves longitudinally on a road surface includes disk-shaped first, second, and third rollers 11, 12, and 13 having the same outer diameter with a predetermined spacing set therebetween, a first coupling rod 14 which is mounted on rotary shafts of the first and second rollers in a revolving manner, a second coupling rod 15 which has the same length as the first coupling rod and which is mounted on rotary shafts of the second and third rollers in a revolving manner, a distance measurement device 16 which is mounted on the rotary shaft of the first or second roller, and a rotary encoder 18 which is mounted on the second coupling rod to detect an angle between the first and second coupling rods. Each time the measurement block moves by a length between the first and second coupling rods, the angle between the first and second coupling rods is detected by the angle detection means to thereby create a longitudinal profile based on the detected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sunway Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Fukuhara, Hisayoshi Sato, Akihiko Yoneya
  • Patent number: 6647637
    Abstract: A downhole caliper instrument utilizing a linear or arcuate magneto resistive sensor to determine the position of one or more caliper arms which extend from a carrier tool to touch the surface of a borehole wall. A processor and firmware are included to calculate and plot the borehole radius. A plurality of magneto resistive sensors are provided to calculate the sine, cosine and tangent for accurate motion of each independent arm. The magneto resistive sensors sense the position a precise magnetic ruler linked to the caliper arm. The position of the caliper arm determines the radius of the borehole. Calculation of Radius/Diameter is preferably performed in the computer on surface. The downhole controller's firmware controls the multiplexer switching, A/D conversion and other functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Helmut Lechen
  • Patent number: 6647638
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a technique for uniformly spacing deck boards on a deck, as well as protecting the joists of the deck. The invention provides a deck spacer that can be placed over a joist between adjacent deck boards to provide uniform spacing, as well as to cover and protect the portion of the joists which would otherwise be left exposed by the gap between adjacent deck boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Eric Doyal
  • Patent number: 6647639
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of drying wet or water damaged structures. Specifically, several improved features of a forced air system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Injectidry Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest J. Storrer
  • Patent number: 6647640
    Abstract: A drying station for drying printed sheets transported by a transport belt includes an irradiation device for irradiating the printed sheets, a deflection section located in vicinity of the irradiation device for guiding the transport belt away from the irradiation device, and a shielding device disposed between the transport belt and the irradiation device for shielding the transport belt against radiation from the irradiation device while the sheets are exposed to the radiation. A printing machine including the drying station and a method for drying printed sheets are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Martin Greive
  • Patent number: 6647641
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of substrates has a fluid container and two substrate transport devices positionable above the fluid container. Each substrate transport device is a hood for receiving multiple substrates. Each substrate transport device has at least one substrate support device having a first position for locking the substrates and a second position for releasing the substrates. The substrate transport devices are rigidly connected to one another and linearly movable for alternatingly positioning one of the substrate transport devices above the fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Steag MicroTech GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Weber
  • Patent number: 6647642
    Abstract: A cleaning processing apparatus and method of wafers W held by a rotor capable of holding a plurality of wafers W, which is one embodiment of the liquid processing apparatus of the present invention, comprises an outside chamber, an inside chamber arranged slidable between a process position and a retreat position, and a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the inside chamber in the retreat position. The cleaning mechanism includes a cylindrical body arranged in the inside chamber so as to form a substantially cylindrical cleaning processing space between the inside chamber and the cylindrical body, a cleaning liquid spurting nozzle for spurting a cleaning liquid into the cleaning processing space, and a gas supply nozzle for supplying a predetermined drying gas into the cleaning processing space so as to make it possible to clean and dry the inside chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yuji Kamikawa, Taichi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 6647643
    Abstract: A clothes dryer, for drying washed clothes, including a drum supported in a case rotatably, for drying clothes inserted to the inside of the case, a driving means installed in the case, for rotating the drum, a suction duct connected to a side of the drum, for supplying heated air to the inside of the drum, an exhaust duct connected to the other side of the drum, for exhausting air which dried the clothes in the drum, a first blowing means installed in the suction duct or the exhaust duct, for flowing air to the inside of the drum and exhausting the air at the same time and a suction increasing means installed in the case, for blowing air into an inlet of the suction duct can improve clothes drying performance and reduce time for drying clothes by increasing the amount of air supplied into the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Bae Song, Sang Wook Hong, Sang Heon Yoon, Hwan Joo Myung
  • Patent number: 6647644
    Abstract: A welted shoe includes an insole disposed within an upper. A welt member underlies a lower peripheral edge portion of the upper and together with a peripheral portion of the insole to form a sandwiched structure which is fastened by uprightly extending fastening members, such as stitches and rivets, to form a sub-assembly. An outsole is molded with the sub-assembly to form an outsole body underlying the welt member and a central portion of the insole, and a surrounding seal wall extending uprightly to surround completely the welt member and sealingly abutting against the upper to provide a good waterproofing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Kun-Chung Liu
  • Patent number: 6647645
    Abstract: A midsole structure for an athletic shoe includes an upper midsole (3) formed of a soft elastic material and disposed from a heel region to a forefoot region of the shoe, a lower midsole (4) formed of a soft elastic material and disposed at least at the heel region of the shoe under the upper midsole (3) and a corrugated sheet (5) sandwiched between the upper and lower midsoles (3, 4) and extending from a heel portion (H) of the upper midsole (3) to a midfoot portion (M). The corrugated sheet (5) has a laterally extending sheet portion (5a) and a medially extending sheet portion (5b). Edges (50e, 51e) of the laterally and medially extending sheet portions (5a, 5b) are overlapped in a band-shape and connected to each other. The edge (51e), or a boundary line between the laterally and medially extending sheet portions (5a, 5b) crosses a load transfer curve (TW) for a heel striker who strikes onto the ground from the heel region of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mizuno Corporation
    Inventor: Kenjiro Kita
  • Patent number: 6647646
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe sole comprising an outer sole 1F, 1B, a midsole 2 and a reinforcement device 4 made of a resin plate. The reinforcement device 4 is firmly secured to the underside of an arch portion 2M of the midsole 2. At a medial side 11 and a lateral side 10 of the foot, the reinforcement device 4 is shaped like an arch between separated outer sole parts 1F and 1B. A medial foot portion 43 of the reinforcement device 4 is formed to have a higher hardness than a lateral foot portion 40 of the reinforcement device 4. This allows the reinforcement device 4 to have a greater flexural rigidity in its medial foot portion 43 than in its lateral foot portion 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: ASICS Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Mitsui, Tsuyoshi Nishiwaki, Noboru Nakabe, Masashi Isobe
  • Patent number: 6647647
    Abstract: An article of footwear provided with a ground engaging unit. The ground-engaging unit according to the present invention extends outwardly from a sole of the article of footwear, and has at least a portion that can be adjusted to present a varying height profile (i.e., a distance that the ground-engaging unit extends from the sole). The ground-engaging unit is preferably a single unit attached or otherwise fixed to the sole. It preferably includes a tip movably mounted on a base. The tip is selectively extendible or retractable with respect to the base. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tip and the base are threadedly engaged, such that the height of the tip is adjustable by rotating the tip relative to the base between predetermined positions. A locking mechanism may also be provided to fix the tip and base in a particular relative relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry Auger, Kevin Fallon