Patents Issued in December 2, 2003
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Patent number: 6655400Abstract: A height-adjusting medical crutch having a fixed globe (6) whose center is penetrated so that a middle bottom frame (4) can pass therethrough, a side frame (8), a rivet (10) which fixes a fixed globe (6) on a lower part of the side frame (8) and the middle bottom frame (4) which is moved through the inner side of the fixed globe (6) so that the height of the medical-adjusting crutch can be adjusted. A tight coupler (12) having an arc form is formed continuously on the inner radial surface,of the fixed globe (6) so that the tight coupler (12) adheres to the space between the middle bottom frame (4) and the side frame (8). A side frame (8a) is penetrated to be inserted into both sides of the inner radial surface of the fixed globe (6a) and the side frame (8a) is fixed on the upper edge and lower edge of the medical crutch.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Kyungil Cho
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Patent number: 6655401Abstract: A dispenser selectively mixes one or more chemical fluids into a motive fluid such as water by using diverting motive fluid to one or more channels formed in an eductor body, at least one of the channels being an eductor. When the motive fluid passes through the eductor, a selected chemical fluid is eductively drawn into the venturi of the eductor, producing a mixed fluid having a desired total flow rate and dilution ratio. Additional dilution ratios, flow rates, and chemical fluids are selectable by diverting motive fluid to another channel or combinations of channels. Carry-over of chemical fluid between dispensing is avoided by diverting the motive fluid rather than by diverting the concentrated chemical fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Hydro Systems CompanyInventors: William F. Sand, Mark D. Dalhart
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Patent number: 6655402Abstract: A flushing system and method are provided for substantially reducing sewer solid accumulation in urban drainage systems such that their performance is optimized, their structural integrity is substantially maintained, and pollution of receiving waters is substantially minimized. The flushing system includes at least one flush reservoir that fluidly communicates with the urban drainage system and discharges wet weather flow to flush accumulated sewer solids therefrom. An air release valve on the at least one flush reservoir closes when it is substantially full to create a vacuum that is broken by drawing air through an air intake conduit in the at least one flush reservoir when the urban drainage system is drained to a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventor: Chi-Yuan Fan
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Patent number: 6655403Abstract: A fuel vapor venting system for fuel tanks having a saddle-shaped upper wall. A vapor vent valve is disposed entirely within the tank in each vapor dome compartment formed by the upper tank wall. The vent valves are interconnected by a conduit passing under the lowest portion of the upper tank wall and a drain valve installed in the lowest point of the conduit. The drain valve may be pressure operated or float operated.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
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Patent number: 6655404Abstract: The invention refers to a control device for an actuator (1). The device, controlled by a control valve (20; 71; 80, 81), comprises slides (30, 31) to obtain different conditions of the control valve, and these slides (30, 31) are activated by a two-position fluidics solenoid valve (32, 33) to which a set-point instruction is applied (6). The control device comprises a processor (10) to be assured of the response of the solenoid valve depending on the set-point instruction (6) over the full range that the actuator (1) can cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Crouzet AutomatismesInventor: Jean-François Hilaire
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Patent number: 6655405Abstract: In some prior art Blowout Preventer (BOP) operating systems, high velocity fluid flows and low differential pressures induced vibration in the system. This vibration may result in collapse and failure of hydraulic hoses in the system. A quick dump valve has been added at or near the open port on the BOP assembly to reduce vibration and other problems. The dump valve has a vent position and an open position. Several alternative embodiments add a ball check valve assembly to the shuttle in the quick dump valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Cilmore Valve Co.Inventors: F. Harold Hollister, Jason P. Curtiss, III, Frank B. Springett
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Patent number: 6655406Abstract: An apparatus and a method of hot tapping a conduit and inserting a sensor is disclosed wherein the conduit is hot tapped and the sensor inserted in one step. The apparatus includes a first cavity, a propellant disposed in a first end of the first cavity, a plunger, and a second cavity adapted to contain a sensor. The plunger includes a shearing surface and an aperture. The propellant propels the plunger from the first end of the first cavity towards the second end of the first cavity, creating an aperture in the conduit. When the plunger is disposed at the second end of the first cavity, the first and second cavity are in fluid communication with each other and the apertures in the plunger and the conduit are aligned with the second cavity, and the sensor is then automatically propelled through into the conduit by the propellant.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: David A. Paddock
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Patent number: 6655407Abstract: A refrigerant charging tool. In a described embodiment, a refrigerant charging tool has two separately formed handles pivotably attached to each other. One of the handles has a container piercing member mounted thereon. Interchangeable spacers are configured for attachment to the other handle, so that a selected one of differently shaped containers may be biased against the container piercing member when the handles are pivoted toward each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Technical Chemical CompanyInventor: Newton Howard Dudley
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Patent number: 6655408Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing startup gas flow through an MFC supplying reactant gases to a semiconductor system, wherein the method includes receiving a gas setpoint in a tunable activation circuit, determining a desired valve control voltage corresponding to the gas setpoint, and bypassing an MFC valve controller signal. The method further includes ramping a valve control voltage for a flow control valve of the MFC to the desired valve control voltage with the tunable activation circuit, and returning control of the MFC to an MFC valve controller circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Eric J. Linthorst
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Patent number: 6655409Abstract: The steam valve includes a fast-acting control valve and stop valve acting against a valve seat in a steam flow passage in a closed position. An outlet passage below the valve seat has transition walls therebetween, affording a smooth, continuous flow past the seat into an outlet whereby head losses are reduced. An annular screen about the valve has support structure recessed in the walls of the inlet to reduce flow blockage and vortex formation. A balance chamber disposed above the control valve has a bleed hole for equalizing steam pressure in the balance chamber and steam valve which inhibits depressurization of the balance chamber and facilitates fast closing of the control valve. Buttress threads interconnect the control valve stem and the control valve head to preclude binding of those parts due to oxide buildup.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Howard Steenburgh, Roger Bennett Clark, Nicholas Dundas Porteous
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Patent number: 6655410Abstract: This invention relates to a hydraulic, multi-way distributor comprising a body (10) with a water inlet passage (11) and several water outlet ways (12) towards just as many uses. A rotary diverter device (13) in said body is provided with an axial hole (16′) communicating with the water inlet passage and a lateral opening (16) designed to be positioned far away from or fully or partially in line with at least one of said outlet ways, in order to intercept the inlet water flow and to distribute water flow towards said uses, selectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Rubinetterie Zipponi di Nember OscarInventor: Oscar Nember
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Patent number: 6655411Abstract: A poppet valve body for opening and closing supply and discharge valve seats by a movable core is provided in a valve chamber having the supply and discharge valve seats. The supply valve seat is formed at a valve seat body movable to approach and move away from the discharge valve seat. The valve seat body has first and second pressure receiving faces having different pressure receiving areas and on which fluid pressure from an input port acts in opposite directions and a third pressure receiving face on which fluid pressure in the valve chamber acts. The valve seat body, poppet valve body and movable core move forward to approach the discharge valve seat when the supply valve seat is closed with the poppet valve body. The valve seat body moves rearward to move away from the poppet valve body when the poppet valve body opens the supply valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: SMC CorporationInventors: Hideharu Sato, Shinichi Yoshimura
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Patent number: 6655412Abstract: A ball valve unit for shutting off the flow of fluids flowing in heating and plumbing systems. The ball valve unit includes a ball valve and a main section including a flange formed integrally with the main section. A chamber is formed in the main section for receiving the ball of the ball valve. The main section is made of brass in order to prevent galvanic action between ball valve unit and the heating/plumbing system.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Webstone Company IncInventor: Michael E. Reck
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Patent number: 6655413Abstract: A method and device for pressure testing a pipe line is provided wherein a fitting is inserted into the pipeline by inserting male ends of the pipeline into female ends of the fitting to define a flow path through the fitting extending along a longitudinal axis. The fitting has an internal boss extending around a circumference of the flow path and extending radially inward toward the centerline a distance corresponding to the wall thickness of the mating male ends of the pipes so the pipes and boss define a periphery of the flow path through the fitting. A recess is formed in the boss to sequentially receive two slides. An externally accessible port allows a test slide to be inserted into the recess, with the test slide sealing against the walls defining the recess to form a fluid-tight seal for pressure testing the line. The test slide is removed and a finish slide is inserted into the recess.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Securus, Inc.Inventors: Duane R. Condon, Thomas L. Kendall, Larry D. Brown, Scott W. Randolph, Dennis L. Hart
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Patent number: 6655414Abstract: A fuel hose having a two layer structure comprising an inner layer made of a fluororesin and an outer layer adjacent thereto, made of a thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin, wherein the fluororesin has a tensile strength at break of higher than 21 MPa, and the fluororesin of the inner layer has a melt adhesiveness with the thermoplastic resin of the outer layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LImitedInventors: Eiichi Nishi, Masako Nagashima
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Patent number: 6655415Abstract: A continuous, seamless, copper tube having a mass in excess of 500 kilograms formed by an extrusion process and at an extrusion temperature of approximately 750 degrees Celsius.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: BWE LimitedInventors: John Dawson, Daniel John Hawkes, Phillip A. Jones, Stephen James Laidlow
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Patent number: 6655416Abstract: A textile material in sheet form consisting of a warp and weft fabric produced by rovings of continuous technical filaments (for example, glass, carbon, or aramide filaments) without torsion is disclosed. The textile material may be produced according to a plain weave or derivative thereof, for example, the density of the warp threads (C) and the weft threads (T) may be balanced. The warp threads(C) or weft threads (T) are weakened or cut individually at predetermined intervals without any noticeable deterioration in the characteristics of the weft or warp threads located beneath the weakened or cut area. The areas in which a series of threads of the fabric (C) or (T) are weakened or cut may be produced with a lateral and vertical thread course between two consecutive threads.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Etablissement les Fild d'Auguste Chomarat et CieInventor: Michel Serillon
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Patent number: 6655417Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for binding an object, in particular a cable harness, by means of a band, having a tool body (1) and a clamp (2) which is at least partially formed by clamp parts (3, 3′), mounted in a movable manner on the tool body (1), and is provided with a band guide, it being possible for the clamp parts (3, 3′) to be closed such that, in a closed state of the clamp (2), a free space (6) is produced between their free ends, it being the case that arranged at the free end of at least one of the clamp parts (3, 3′) is a slide (5, 5′) which can be moved between a position in which it releases the free space (6) and a closing position and, at least in its closing position, forms part of the band guide. The invention also covers an arrangement having the abovementioned tool and a band for binding an object.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Hellermann Tyton GmbHInventor: Viktor Kurmis
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Patent number: 6655418Abstract: A drop tube sealing assembly may contain a riser pipe having a proximal end with internal threads and an underground storage tank spaced apart from the proximate end of the riser pipe. The storage tank may contain a threaded inlet which is positioned atop the tank. A pipe nipple may include a first end in cooperation with the proximal end, an opposite end in cooperation with the threaded inlet, and an annular inner surface that forms a conduit. The inner surface may comprise a female thread section. A drop tube adapter fitting may be concentrically disposed within the pipe nipple. The adapter fitting may contain an outer surface containing external threads in cooperation with the female thread section. A seal in the form of an O-ring may be disposed between the adapter fitting and the pipe nipple. A drop tube having a open end may be coupled to the adapter fitting.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventors: Milton Daniel McGill, Thompson William Wyper
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Patent number: 6655419Abstract: A method for conditioning a receptacle which can contain a pressurized liquid, e.g. a gas cylinder, whereby the receptacle is fitted with a positive pressure valve into which a gas with a water or water vapor content of less than 40 ppmv is introduced after the internal volume, i.e. the inside, of the receptacle has been dried in order to remove any water vapor therein. A receptacle conditioned in such a way can be used in a welding operation, especially TIG, MIG or MAG welding, or in a plasma-arc cutting operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: L'Air Liquide - Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventor: Joachim Grundmann
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Patent number: 6655420Abstract: A vacuum water making method and device, the vacuum water making device comprises a water storage tank, a first gas extraction pipeline, a vacuum container connected to one end of the first gas extraction pipeline and the water storage tank, an intake pipeline disposed in the vacuum container, a mild water temperature control portion disposed between the intake pipeline and the water storage tank, a bottle filling injection pipeline with one end connected to the water storage tank, and an isopiestic continuous room disposed below the bottle filling injection pipeline. The vacuum water is produced by said device.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventors: Wen Hui Chung, Chih-Chao Choung
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Patent number: 6655421Abstract: A weight-based, multiple filler filling machine has a simplified wiring arrangement. The filling machine fills a plurality of bottles with a predetermined amount in weight of an article through associated ones of a plurality of valves. The weight of the article placed in each of the bottles is measured by a load cell. An arithmetic unit is mounted on the surface of or inside each load cell for determining the weight level of the article as measured by that load cell and controlling the associated valve in accordance with the determined weight level.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Yamato Scale Company, LimitedInventors: Toru Kohashi, Yoshiyuki Ishisaka
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Patent number: 6655422Abstract: A method of filling a cylinder with a target weight of a gas. The method includes successively measuring weight of the cylinder at periodic time intervals to obtain successive actual weights of the cylinder; opening a first valve and filling the cylinder with the gas at a high flow rate; and closing the first valve after reaching a predetermined weight difference between the target weight and an actual weight. After closing the first valve, the method opens a second valve and fills the cylinder with the gas at a low flow rate. After opening the second valve to fill the cylinder with the gas, the method adjustably controls, via an adjustable valve, the flow of gas to the cylinder. The method differences each successively measured actual weight from the target weight of the gas to obtain multiple first difference values. The method also differences adjacently measured actual weights to obtain multiple second difference values.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: ATNL, Inc.Inventor: Robert F. Shock
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Patent number: 6655423Abstract: A front-opening unified pod quick-opening apparatus. The apparatus is positioned in a front-opening unified pod loading system. The apparatus has a rail, a slide, a short linking rod having a first end rotatably fixed on the slide to drive the slide to move along the rail, a long rocker arm having a first end rotatably fixed on a second end of the short linking rod, and a second end rotatably fixed on a pin on the backboard; and a power source. When the power source drives the long rocker arm to rotate upwards around the pin on the backboard, the long rocker arm leads the short linking rod, and the short linking rod drives the slide to move upwards along the rail which results in an upward rectilinear motion, and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Fortrend Taiwan Scientific Corp.Inventors: John Rush, Chawshiang Wu, Torben J. Ulander, Kung Chris Wu
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Patent number: 6655424Abstract: An inexpensive fuel gas filler structure for a gas-fueled vehicle enables the connection between a ground line and a ground connection portion of the vehicle before the insertion of a fuel gas filler nozzle into a fuel gas filler receptacle. The fuel gas filler structure for a gas-fueled vehicle comprises a fuel gas filler receptacle to which a fuel gas filler nozzle of an external fuel gas filling station is to be connected, a fuel filler lid which is opened or closed, by a fuel filler lid opener, for selectively covering the fuel gas filler receptacle, a ground connection portion to which a ground line of the fuel gas filling station is to be connected, and a ground connection lid which is opened or closed for selectively covering the ground connection portion, wherein an operating section of the fuel filler lid opener is disposed in a region which is covered by the ground connection lid in a closed state.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Kawazu, Yoshihiro Shimizu, Tohru Ono, Seiji Ohgami
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Patent number: 6655425Abstract: The apparatus has a closed housing (4, 29), one side of the housing (4, 29) being the filling side (13), which, during filling of the container (2), is located opposite an introduction opening (6) provided in said container. The housing (4) has a filling tube (3, 33) passing through it axially in relation to the axis of the introduction opening (6), said filling tube, on the filling side (13), protruding to such an extent that, in the filling position, projects into the introduction opening (6). The interior of the housing (4, 29) is connected to an external arrangement for extracting dust by suction, and the filling side (13) has an air-inlet opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Glatt Systemtechnik GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Doerffel, Siegfried Krieger
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Patent number: 6655426Abstract: An apparatus and method supplies lubricating fluid to an oil lubricating fluid receiving port of a mechanical device. A tank is adapted to hold the lubricating fluid, and a manually operated pump is mounted to the tank. A hose extends from the pump, so that the pump when operated pumps lubricating fluid from the tank into the hose. A shut-off valve is located at an end of the hose, and is manually moveable between an open position and a closed position. An adapter is attached to the shut-off valve and also attaches to the lubricating fluid receiving port, so that operation of the pump when the shut-off valve is in the open position forces lubricating fluid through the tube and through the adapter and into the lubricating fluid receiving port.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: SPX CorporationInventor: Michael Shevela
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Patent number: 6655427Abstract: A wood planing machine includes a carriage having four corners mounted on a base via four hollow posts. Four screw rods are disposed rotatably in the posts. Four tubular threaded members are secured to the corners of the carriage, and are disposed within the posts, respectively. Each of the threaded members defines a threaded bore for engaging the respective screw rod, and has an internally threaded portion, and a circumferential slot formed through the internally threaded portion to divide the same into upper and lower parts. The upper part has a bottom surface confining a top end of the slot. The lower part is formed with a threaded bore therethrough. A locking bolt engages the threaded bore in the lower part, and presses against the bottom surface of the upper part such that threads on the upper parts press upwardly against the screw rods and that threads on the lower parts press downwardly against the screw rods.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Pei-Lieh Chiang
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Patent number: 6655428Abstract: A dowel hole and slot cutter comprise a motor having a base slidably mounted on a track and a cylindrical cutting bit mounted at one end of the motor and extending outwardly therefrom. A support includes a pair of arms with one arm extending upwardly from each side of the track and a cross-portion joining the arms and having an aperture extending therethrough for movement of the cylindrical cutting bit. A flat member having an aperture therethrough includes a track at its upper and lower end which engages the cross portion of the bracket for movement transverse to the cross portion. In operation, the cutter may be used to drill holes, dowel holes, or slots in a fast efficient manner. A polycarbonate member having a elongated slot for the cylindrical cutting bit is mounted between the flat member and a adjustable support member, which includes a perpendicular portion extending outwardly therefrom and two portions extending downwardly from the perpendicular portion therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Keith Kornhoff
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Patent number: 6655429Abstract: A saw mill includes a base frame having a front and a rear and being sized and configured to support a log; saw apparatus having a cutting blade and being connected with the base frame for horizontal movement in a cutting stroke from a start position near the front of the base frame to an end position near the rear of the base frame and in a return stroke back to the front of the base frame and being for cutting in a generally horizontal plane a board from the log; power apparatus for powering the saw apparatus; at least one pushback arm connected to the saw apparatus and being sized and configured to engage and eject the board from atop the log during the return stroke; and, a board guide apparatus extending generally forwardly from the saw apparatus and including a crossbar and plurality of fingers connected with the crossbar and positioned to engage and guide the board in a desired path as it is being ejected from the log, each finger including an upper link connected to the crossbar and a lower link hingeType: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Wood-Mizer Products, Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Tekulve, Scott Laskowski
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Patent number: 6655430Abstract: A low pressure tire 20 for off road use has a carcass 21 reinforced with carcass plies 22 and a composite structure including a tread 32, a belt or breaker reinforcement 26 and one or more low angle cord reinforced layers 60.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: William Michael Hopkins, Lewis Timothy Lukich, Terry John Waibel
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Patent number: 6655431Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises at least one carcass ply of steel cords, in which a wrap part wound on a bead core along its outer peripheral face is disposed in a turnup portion of the carcass ply and at least one wire chafer wound around the bead core from a main body portion of the carcass ply toward the turnup portion thereof in a widthwise direction is embedded in the bead portion or the main body portion of the carcass ply is adequately regulated so as to enhance lateral stiffness of the bead portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Kato, Takahiro Kimura
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Patent number: 6655432Abstract: A building board 1 which comprises a cement substrate 14, a front surface coat layer 5 formed on the front surface of the cement substrate 14, and a plastic sheet layer, preferably a polyethylene sheet layer 15 formed on the back surface 12 of the cement substrate 14. A plastic sheet, preferably polyethylene sheets M and F are adhered onto the rabbeted portions 2 and 3, respectively, of the cement substrate 14. Since the rabbeted portions 2 and 3 are covered with polyethylene sheets M and F, the water absorption from the rabbeted portions 2 and 3 can be effectively prevented. and the dimensional change in the whole board can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Nichiha CorporationInventor: Tomoyoshi Yabe
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Patent number: 6655433Abstract: An optical fiber ribbonizing apparatus is disclosed which arranges a plurality of optical fibers in parallel, applies a resin to peripheries of the plurality of optical fibers, and hardens the resin to form the optical fibers into a ribbon. The apparatus comprises a ribbonizing jig integrally including an optical fiber aligning mechanism for aligning the plurality of optical fibers in parallel, a resin applying mechanism for applying the resin to the optical fibers aligned by the fiber aligning mechanism and a resin hardening device for hardening the resin applied to the optical fibers by the resin applying mechanism, the optical fiber aligning mechanism, the resin applying mechanism and the resin hardening device being arranged in a line in an optical fiber inserting direction, and movement mechanism for moving at least one of the ribbonizing jig and the optical fibers in a predetermined direction relative to the other.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Mamoru Hirayama, Koichi Arishima, Shin Sumida
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Patent number: 6655434Abstract: A method/apparatus closes and finishes an open end of a product that can be fused together with heat. The apparatus includes a bending stage, a fusing stage, and a pressing/cooling stage, which all can be integrally formed, with the bending stage positioned upstream of the fusing stage, and the pressing/cooling stage positioned downstream of the fusing stage. The apparatus can further include a trimming stage positioned upstream of the bending stage for preparing the ends of a panel. The product has a pair of spaced layers with edges that form an open end. Either one or both of the layers can be heated and rolled toward the other layer while being heated so that they contact and fuse together. The layers can overlap and fuse at their contact surfaces, or the edges can abut to form a butt joint, or the edges can overlap slightly.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Peter Danko
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Patent number: 6655435Abstract: A system for creating a coil of stamps from a web of stamp material having an adhesive applied to a side thereof is provided. The system includes an anvil and a perforation die cooperating therewith with the web passing therebetween in order to perforate the web. The web is passed between the anvil and the die with the adhesive side thereof facing the anvil. The anvil is chilled so as to inhibit the adhesive from adhering thereto as the web is perforated. The anvil may be chilled from an outer surface thereof, or may be hollow and chilled from an inner surface thereof. In the former case, the system preferably includes a trough holding a chilling material through which at least a portion of the outer surface of the anvil is passed. Where the anvil is chilled from an inner surface thereof, a cooling fluid is preferably passed therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: George Schmitt & Company, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Penati, Richard J. Brining, Peter Moore, William G. Gunther
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Patent number: 6655436Abstract: A labeling head includes a printing unit and an applicator foot assembly for printing and applying labels onto a layup of material. The printing unit is integral to the labeling head and prints each label prior to applying the label to the layup. The applicator foot assembly transfers the printed label onto the layup. The labeling head of the present invention can be used either with a cutter, a spreader or as a standalone unit. The labeling head of the present invention prints and prepares labels while the cutter head cuts the part. Once the part is cut, the labeling head applies the prepared label onto the cut part. The labeling head also includes a layup height sensor allowing the labels to be applied to layup having varying heights.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Gerber Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jay Venditti, Robert Murphy, Stephen McCarthy, Michael T. Silva
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Patent number: 6655437Abstract: A quilt heat bonding apparatus is provided to aid in the assembly of quilts when used in conjunction with STITCH WITCHERY(™) to produce quilts via a heat fusing process. A handle with a power cord and a control switch that accepts round heating elements of various diameters. The heating elements. vary in size from approximately one inch to two inches. A quilt would be assembled in five layers with the top quilt on top, followed by a layer of STITCH WITCHERY(™), then the batting, then another layer of STITCH WITCHERY(™), and finally the quilt backing. Various sizes of heating elements would be used on various types and sizes of quilts and the final intended use.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Mona Lou M. Emerfoll
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Patent number: 6655438Abstract: A machine for machining and deflashing tire treads, having a frame, a drum for supporting the tire and rotating it about its axis, a cylindrical cutting tool and means for orienting the tool in various directions with respect to the tire, including means allowing rotation of the tire to be reversed and means for arranging the tool to work in two substantially symmetrical positions relative to the tire, a first position for cutting proper and a second position for deflashing, each of said positions corresponding to an opposite direction of rotation of the tire.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Francois Trochon, Carlo Conzatti, Giorgio Marangoni
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Patent number: 6655439Abstract: The present invention provides a scalable, preformed, mold covered with fabric to form a window treatment. The fabric is cut to fit the mold and adhered to its contours in order to obtain the shape of the desired window treatment. The fabric can also have alignment tabs in order to make attachment to the mold easier. One or more rod hooks can be adhered to the fabric covering the mold or integrated into the mold. The rod hook attaches the window treatment to any standard curtain rod. Optional side extensions allow the creation of fuller pieces. The mold is designed to look attractive on the underside as well as the top side (front-back).Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Diane E. Parsonage
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Patent number: 6655440Abstract: A garage door bottom seal retainer (10) comprises a seal cavity (36), a exterior tension member (38), and an interior tension member (40). In use, an installer slides a retaining member (20) of a seal (12) into the seal cavity (36). Then the installer seats an exterior gripping edge (58) of the exterior tension member (38) upon an exterior shelf (32) of a bottom surface (14) of a garage door (16). The installer then applies force to the interior tension member (40) so as to seat an interior gripping edge (66) into place upon an interior shelf (34) of the bottom surface (14). In this manner, the seal (12) is secured to the retainer (10) and the retainer (10) is then secured to the garage door (16) without the use of any tools or fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Amarr Garage DoorsInventor: Darrin Brunk
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Patent number: 6655441Abstract: A friction transmission mechanism for a motor-driven blind is constructed to include a driving unit, and at least one cord roll-up unit controlled to the driving unit to lift/lower or tilt the slats of the motor-driven Venetian blind. Each cord roll-up unit includes an amplitude modulation wheel controlled by the driving unit to lift/lower the slats and bottom rail of the Venetian blind, a frequency modulation wheel for rotation with the amplitude modulation set to tilt the slats of the Venetian blind, spring elements, which forces the frequency modulation wheel into friction-engagement with the amplitude modulation wheel, and a support supporting the amplitude modulation wheel, the support having a shoulder adapted to act with a protruding block of the frequency modulation wheel and to further limit angle of rotation of the frequency modulation wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignees: Industrial Technology Research Institute, Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yu-Che Wen, Song-He Lui
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Patent number: 6655442Abstract: A sectional door includes a series of track-guided pivotal door panels, wherein at least one of the door panels comprises several interlocked panel members. The panel members are of various widths so they can be assembled in different combinations to create a door panel of a desired total width. The panel members can be extrusions that are readily cut to length to match doorways of various widths. The ability to readily provide a panel in various widths and lengths makes such a door panel particularly useful as a replacement panel whose size needs to match that of existing door panels. In some cases, one or more panel members can be transparent to create a door panel with an integral window.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventor: Ronald P. Snyder
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Patent number: 6655443Abstract: A shutter includes a shutter panel 10 having a plurality of plates 1 which are rotatably connected to one another by hinge members 2, and a pair of guide rails 4 formed with guide grooves 40 which slidably hold opposite end edges of the shutter panel 10. By using the hinge members 2 which connect the adjacent plates 1 to each other so that the plates are rotatably bent only in a direction in which a curvature becomes greater than a portion of the guide groove 40 having a minimum curvature, it is possible to smoothly open and close the shutter even when the curvature of the guide rail 4 is varied along the sliding direction of the shutter panel 10.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Isel Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masanori Mochizuki, Kenji Mochizuki
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Patent number: 6655444Abstract: A method of advertising in a shower for the hospitality industry including providing replaceable advertisements on a shower closure, for example a door, curtain or the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: 420820 Ontario LimitedInventors: Shaul Goldenberg, Sean Davies
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Patent number: 6655445Abstract: A metal injection molding apparatus is provided with features which reduce the amount of metal which enters the drive mechanism of the apparatus. The apparatus contains a piston having the head and the shaft, the shaft having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the head. At least one piston ring circumscribes the piston shaft. The apparatus contains an injection chamber having an accumulation portion and a shaft housing portion. The shaft housing portion has openings in the sidewalls and a polygonal internal cross section. The accumulation portion of the injection chamber is maintained at a higher temperature than the shaft housing portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Kaname Kono
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Patent number: 6655446Abstract: An apparatus and method for casting metal strip includes a moving chill body that has a quench surface. A nozzle mechanism deposits a stream of molten metal on a quenching region of the quench surface to form the strip. The nozzle mechanism has an exit portion with a nozzle orifice. A depletion mechanism includes a plurality of independently controllable gas nozzles to supply a reducing gas to multiple zones of a depletion region located adjacent to and upstream from the quenching region. The gas flow profile can be controlled in each zone independently of controlling the gas flow in other zones. The reducing gas reacts exothermically to lower the density to provide a low density reducing atmosphere within the depletion and substantially prevent formation of gas pockets in the strip.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Metglas, Inc.Inventors: Howard H. Liebermann, Stephen D. Albert, Phillip L. Roberts, David W. Palm, Shinya Myojin
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Patent number: 6655447Abstract: The invention relates to a strip-casting machine (20) for producing a metal strip. Said strip-casting machine consists of a pair of casting rolls (22, 24) arranged in side-by-side parallel relation with a casting gap thereinbetween and of lateral sealing elements (25) that are provided with respective sealing plates (61) at both sides of the casting rolls (22, 24) that are pushed or pressed against the casting rolls from the front by means of pushing or pressing means. The respective sealing plate (61) is pushed or pressed against the two equilateral front faces (22′, 24′) of the casting rolls (22, 24) in such a manner that, in the heated operational state, it facilitates an extremely exact positioning on the front faces of the casting rolls. To this end, the sealing plate (61) is mounted in such a manner as to allow a three-dimensional displacement of the sealing plate, as if floating.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignees: SMS Demag AG and Main Management, Inspiration AGInventors: Heinrich Marti, Jacques BarbĂ©
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Patent number: 6655448Abstract: A radiator. The radiator includes heat dissipating pieces secured together in series by a connection device. Each of the heat dissipating pieces includes upper and lower bending edges, and at least one opening. An insert is inserted into the openings of the heat dissipating pieces positioned in a series and secured therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Hai-Ching Lin
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Patent number: 6655449Abstract: A heat dissipation device by liquid cooling includes a casing, which has a spacing wall to form a channel therein. The casing has sidewalls and the inner surfaces of the sidewalls and the surface of the spacing wall are provided with a plurality of first toothed projections. An upper cover covers the casing and includes a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet at locations respectively corresponding to two corners of the channel. A plurality of posts are alternately placed inside the channel and a surface of each post is provided with a plurality of second toothed projections. Thereby, a liquid flowing inside the channel of the casing strikes the first and second toothed projections to promote flowing turbulence and increase heat transfer surface areas for heat dissipation.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Cho-Chang Hsien