Patents Issued in December 23, 2003
  • Patent number: 6665906
    Abstract: A hinge consists of a movable upper leaf, a lower leaf, a transmission and a pair of caps for anchoring a panel of a table or a storage rack or a merchandise shelf fastened to the hinge on an extending or folding position. The transmission connects the movable upper leaf and the lower leaf to make the movable upper leaf turnable. The transmission has a retaining mechanism to engage with the movable upper leaf to allow the panel and the upper leaf extending and anchoring within allowable angles, or to disengage with the upper leaf to move the panel to a folding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Jr-Hua Li
  • Patent number: 6665907
    Abstract: A pivot hinge has a stem, a bracket and washers provided on opposite sides of the bracket. Each washer is a disk and composed of multiple first sectorial areas and multiple sectorial areas parallel to the first sectorial areas. Each of the first sectorial areas is intermittently connected to one another and a second sectorial area is formed between two adjacent first sectorial areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 6665908
    Abstract: A handle is provided for moving a component with respect to a receptacle along an insertion axis. The handle includes a grasping portion and flexible latching portions extending from the grasping portion, each of which latching portions is configured to extend substantially parallel to the insertion axis, and each of which latching portions includes an engagement surface extending substantially perpendicular to the insertion axis and being configured to engage a surface of the receptacle. Manipulation of the grasping portion in a direction to remove the component from the receptacle deflects the latching portions toward the insertion axis, thereby releasing the surface of each of the latching portions from engagement with the surface of the receptacle. A module configured to be inserted into a receptacle along an insertion axis, and a modular computer system including such a modular component, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventor: Keith D. Mease
  • Patent number: 6665909
    Abstract: A low-profile, durable mounting clip is provided for holding personal devices (such as personal electronic devices). The mounting clip may have an essentially inverted “L” shaped configuration including a foot portion having engagement elements for attachment to corresponding engagement elements on a housing of a personal device. A leg portion provides for attachment to an undergarment or other suitable article of clothing. A heel portion located between and connecting the leg portion and foot portion allows the foot portion to flexibly and durably retract from the housing for attachment. The mounting clip may include a snap tab beam locking mechanism having a barb for interlocking with a bump provided on the housing or a rotatable cam locking mechanism having one or more radial snap tabs having engagement elements for engaging corresponding surfaces on the mounting clip. Rotation of the rotatable cam locks and unlocks the mounting clip onto the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Collins, Sheldon B. Moberg, Dave S. Kimball, Timothy Payne
  • Patent number: 6665910
    Abstract: A manual stretcher includes a frame, a shaft, a ratchet, a claw, a joint and a crank. The frame includes two lateral plates, an intermediate plate interconnecting the lateral plates and a hole defined in each of the lateral plates. The frame can be attached to an external structure so that the manual stretcher can be retained in position in operation. The shaft includes a slot defined therein for receiving a portion of a strip of work to be stretched. The shaft is inserted trough the holes. The ratchet is mounted on an end of the shaft. The claw is pivotally mounted on one of the lateral plates of the frame for engagement with the ratchet. The joint is mounted on another end of the shaft for engagement with the crank for rotation of the shaft. The shaft includes two halves. The ratchet includes two meniscus holes defined therein for receiving the halves of the shaft. The joint includes two meniscus recesses defined in an end thereof for receiving the halves of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 6665911
    Abstract: A concealable buckle apparatus includes a supporting element, a buckle, a locking device and a panel. The buckle is pivotally mounted on the supporting element between an extended position and a concealed position. The locking device is movably mounted on the supporting element between a locking position for locking the buckle in the concealed position and a releasing position. The panel is mounted on the supporting element and defining an opening through which the buckle extends in the extended position and a slot through which the locking device is accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 6665912
    Abstract: A web adjuster is provided including a housing, an actuator movably coupled to the housing, and a pincher that releasably retains a web threaded through the housing. The actuator moves the pincher between a first position inhibiting movement of the web relative to the housing and a second position permitting movement of the web relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Turner, Michael C. Dorsey, Andrew B. Mendenhall, Richad Glover
  • Patent number: 6665913
    Abstract: An end-fitting buckle having a cam cover that allows webbing to be inserted when the cam cover is in an up position. After inserted, a free end of the webbing is pulled to tighten the webbing while the cover is in an intermediate position. The cover may then be closed to lock both the free end and load end. When the cover is locked, movement of the load end is prevented by teeth in the cam cover. The teeth lock the free end into place, holding the set position of the webbing. The cover design also promotes use of varied thicknesses of webbing, because the cam action of the cover utilizes friction between the two ends of the webbing instead of a pinching action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Bodypoint Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Kosh, John N. Tilden
  • Patent number: 6665914
    Abstract: A clip is attached to a member or center cluster for detachably attaching the member to an attaching member or instrument panel. The clip is provided with a pair of engaging members projecting with an inclination so that a distance therebetween is narrowed toward the inserting direction of a rib of the center cluster, and engaging portions of the engaging members engage an engagement hole of the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Atsushi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6665915
    Abstract: Disclosed is a buckle comprising a first section including an engagement portion for engagement with a belt-like, flexible, adjustable fastening member and a latch portion, and a second section which is structured to detachably mate with said latch portion of said first section, said engagement portion being capable of pivotally moving to said latch portion. According to the present invention, irrespective of the direction of a pulling force applied to one end of the adjustable fastening belt engaged with the buckle, no such condition can be produced that the adjustable fastening belt is gradually loosened so that it is finally dropped off the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Camel Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koshiro Higuchi
  • Patent number: 6665916
    Abstract: A display of cremated remains of humans or animals in a decorative and artistic fashion. In the preferred mode, the remains are applied to one-dimensional or multi-dimensional objects, such as a wall hanging, plaque, or urn, in the form of a silhouette of the deceased. The silhouette may be of the face, head, or body of the person or pet, and, importantly, is derived from at least one photograph for image accuracy. In addition to the ash silhouette, the frame or plaque may include text relating to the deceased, such as the person or animal's name, dates of birth and death, or other inscription. Finally, the decorative item may also include other colors or graphics, including items or scenes related to the life of the deceased. Thus, in total, the method results in an artistic, aesthetically-pleasing reminder of a beloved family member or cherished pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventors: Maria Santorello, Jena Consiglio
  • Patent number: 6665917
    Abstract: The invention described and claimed is method of fabricating a planar pre-stressed bimorph actuator. The bimorph actuator is a symmetric load system composed of electrically and mechanically similar transductive elements. The method facilitates the bonding of planar metallic members about likewise planar transductive members thereby forming a planar multi-layer element. Fabricaton is performed at an elevated temperature under a vacuum with a mechanical load applied to the multi-layer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: QorTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, Bruce Bower
  • Patent number: 6665918
    Abstract: A tool for removal of a pulley from a shaft includes articulated arms mounted on a hub with a thrust bolt provided to drive the hub and attached arms outwardly from a shaft on which the pulley is mounted. The arms comprise jaw members which in combination with wedge members ensure maintenance of the jaw members in mechanical contact with the pulley to thereby effect its removal from a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventor: Danny Williams
  • Patent number: 6665919
    Abstract: An apparatus for removal of a windshield wiper arm or bracket and blade assembly from a threaded stud or shaft includes gripping jaws which are held in position by a cam that engages and pivots the arms into a desired gripping position. The apparatus further includes a central or axial shaft which may be rotated to drive a specially formed cup against the exposed wiper blade mounting shaft to thereby cause the jaws to move in a manner which will effect axial movement of the jaws and pulling of the wiper arm assembly from the mounting shaft or stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Scotty R. Kurtz, Marvin C. Negley
  • Patent number: 6665920
    Abstract: A track-laying assistance device to hold, at ground-level, a raised end of an opened track having pre-angled connectors, wherein the track-laying assistance device comprises a first element fastened to the part of the track held to the ground and a second mobile element able to be dismounted with respect to the first element and able to push back to ground-level a raised end of the track to allow the vehicle to engage in it. The device may be activated mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically and is applicable to tracked vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Bernard Timmer, Eric Thuillier
  • Patent number: 6665921
    Abstract: An improved puller apparatus for pulling various articles, including automotive pitman arms, includes a puller frame having a base and at least one upstanding arm extending therefrom, the arms having inwardly extending gripping projections for transmitting pulling force to the article being pulled, the base having an aperture extending therethrough for receiving pushing means, which pushing means include an actuation means disposed at a portion of the pushing means proximal to the article being pulled, such that a user may engage the actuation means at a position within the puller frame to axially move the pushing rod against a relatively stationary interiorly disposed object around which the article to be removed is mounted. The pushing force applied against the interiorly disposed object creates a corresponding reaction force in a direction opposite the pushing force, which reaction force is transmitted to the article being removed via the gripping projections on the puller frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventors: Bryan Winterfeldt, Todd Freeman
  • Patent number: 6665922
    Abstract: A fastener for installation into a workpiece which may be installed by either a swaging operation or a torquing operation. The fastener includes an enlarged protruding head which is proximal to a substantially cylindrical smooth shank portion. A threaded shank portion positioned distal to the smooth shank portion includes a male thread which is sufficiently strong to have a swage collar swaged onto it. Distal to the threaded shank portion is a pin tail portion having a surface which is configured to engage a tool. Positioned between the threaded shank portion and the pin tail portion is a breakneck groove having a lower tensile strength than any other portion of the fastener. The tensile strength of the breakneck groove is controlled such that the fastener severs within the breakneck groove when a preset range of tension is applied to the pin tail portion by the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Hi-Shear Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Schultz
  • Patent number: 6665923
    Abstract: A clutch specially adapted for a screw gun includes an output clutch and a driving clutch. The output clutch is movable axially to engage the driving clutch. A helical spline arrangement on the driving clutch causes the driving clutch to move axially towards the output clutch a short distance when torque is transferred through the clutch. When the clutch slips and the torque is released, the driving clutch moves axially away from the output clutch a short distance and a gap is created between the output clutch and driving clutch which prevents clashing. Also, a retaining ring is mounted to an input spindle to limit the axial movement of the driving clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Porter-Cable/Delta
    Inventors: Alan Gene Phillips, John Robert Kriaski, Daniel Paxton Wall
  • Patent number: 6665924
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a rotor to a drive cone in a centrifuge includes positioning a rotor upon a drive cone and providing a nut movable in an axial direction in the drive cone. A screw passing through a region of the rotor engages the nut, and a spring is located between a surface of the nut and a surface of the drive cone. By tightening the screw into the nut, the nut moves in an axial direction to compress the spring between the surface of the nut and the surface of the drive cone. The arrangement of the screw, nut, and spring prevents a loosening of the screw from the nut during operation of the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, L.P.
    Inventor: Klaus Schütz
  • Patent number: 6665925
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for manufacturing rubber-based spiral wound gaskets,in which a length of an elongate band (22) passes through a bath (34) for applying a coating of a rubber sealing material and then is wound in overlapping relation on a die (100) to make a spiral wound gasket. Wire brushes (70) remove the rubber sealing material from selected portions of the band, to define interior and exterior diameter portions of the wound gaskets. The die (100) defines a slot (102) extending inwardly from a perimeter for receiving a distal end portion of the elongate band (22) so that the gasket does not unwind. A fixing device (120) secures selected portions of the wound elongate band together at the interior and exterior diameters. A cutter (90) severs the elongate band (22) in order to remove the spiral wound gasket from the apparatus (10). A tapper (134) moves strikingly against a perimeter portion of the die to dislodge the spiral wound gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Acadia Elastomers Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Suggs, Kris Kolb, Ken Fulmer
  • Patent number: 6665926
    Abstract: A method for making a valve assembly is disclosed. The method includes providing a first work piece having a longitudinal axis and a first end and providing a second work piece having a surface. The method also includes disposing the first work piece and the second work piece axially between a pair of aligned elements that are relatively movable toward and away from each other along the longitudinal axis of the first work piece. Additionally, the method includes relatively moving the pair of aligned elements toward each other to axially clamp the first work piece and the second work piece and actuating the pair of aligned elements and delivering to the first work piece and the second work piece a controlled clamping force that acts to coin a zone of surface contact between the first end and the surface. Further, the method includes repeating the actuating of the pair of elements a plurality of times. An apparatus used to perform the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: James Robert Parish
  • Patent number: 6665927
    Abstract: A method for decreasing resonance in a printed circuit board (PCB) uses cuts in a ground plane to slow a signal passing through the ground plane. Cuts in the ground plane may be used alone or in conjunction with the lengthening of signal traces. Slowing the signal passing through the ground plane enables a mismatch between the signal transit time of the ground plane and a signal oscillation period of the circuit board to be obtained. The mismatch results in decreased resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Keith E. Dow, Russell N. Shryock
  • Patent number: 6665928
    Abstract: A method of mounting electronic components on a circuit substrate using an electronic component mounting device. The electronic component mounting device is operatively associated with (1) a component-supply table which includes a displaceable table and a plurality of component-supply units on the displaceable table and (2) a table displacing device which displaces the displaceable table in a desired direction and which positions the component-supply portion of each component-supply unit at a predetermined component-supply position. The electric component mounting device includes a plurality of component holders which are positioned at a component received position opposed to the component supply position. The method includes causing the component holder to receive, at the component receive position, an electric component from the component-supply portion of each component-supply unit which is positioned at the component-supply position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg., Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinsuke Suhara
  • Patent number: 6665929
    Abstract: A method of transferring of integrated circuit devices into and/or out of a plurality of underlying sockets having contacts and mounted to a board, comprising the steps of (A) disposing a socket presser block across at least some of the plurality of sockets, the presser block defining a matrix of cutouts and ribs and being configured to assume a first position in which the presser block is movable and a second position in which the matrix of cutouts is adapted to align with the sockets, (B) placing the presser block in the first position and moving the presser block so the cutouts are aligned with the sockets, and (C) placing the presser block in the second position and transferring the devices into and/or out of the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: Larry N. Bright
  • Patent number: 6665930
    Abstract: A printed circuit board with SMD components electrically connected to the printed circuit board by means of a reflow soldering process. In order to provide the printed circuit board with connection elements which can be mounted at minimal cost, the printed circuit board is provided with one or more connection elements for making an electric connection to other electric components. These connection elements are journaled in recesses of the printed circuit board and do not project to the exterior via the surface of the printed circuit board on which the SMD components are secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Peter Matuschik
  • Patent number: 6665931
    Abstract: A wiring method is provided, in which a wire conductor is stuck on a surface of a substrate by causing a three-dimensional relative movement between a wiring head for guiding the wire conductor and the substrate such that the wiring head relatively moves along an adhesive layer on the surface of the substrate and the wiring head and the adhesive layer intermittently come close to each other for point contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Yamaguchi, Masaaki Arahori, Toshio Yamamoto, Toshimitsu Nishiwaki
  • Patent number: 6665932
    Abstract: An SMT connector suitable for surface mounting on a printed circuit board enabling the necessary coplanarity to be secured even if not providing a coplanarity correction step after assembly, wherein contact members made of a metal having a high hardness have lead members made of a metal having a low hardness and shaped straight connected to them, the connection parts are covered by an insulating material, next, the lead members are bent in a crank shape, whereby the coplanarity of the lead members is maintained at within a predetermined accuracy, and a method of production of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Nagano Fujitsu Component
    Inventor: Nobuo Saito
  • Patent number: 6665933
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a heat sink with high-density parallel fins is provided. The process includes steps of providing a metal block including a first base and a second base, the first base being rectangular-solid shaped, the second base being rhombus-shaped and disposed over the first base wherein the second base includes a first edge surface and a second edge surface inclined at a specific angle, cutting the second base from a position on the top surface of the second base and parallel with the first edge surface until the first base is reached, thereby forming an inclined sheet, adjusting the inclined sheet to be normal to the top surface of the first base, thereby forming a fin, and repeating the cutting step and the adjusting step to produce the heat sink with high-density parallel fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kuo-Ying Tsai, Chih-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 6665934
    Abstract: A method for making a heat dissipation device (3) includes the steps of: providing a metal plate (2) and a fin member (1), bending the metal plate to form a body (2′), and attaching the fin member to the body. The metal plate includes a central portion (22) and a pair of end portions (24). The central portion is thicker than the end portions. The body includes a chassis (22′) originating from the central portion of the metal plate, and a pair of side walls (24′) originating from the end portions of the metal plate. The fin member is attached to the chassis between the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Foxconn Precision Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei Ta Lo
  • Patent number: 6665935
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle chassis and a vehicle chassis that is formed in modules with couplers for connecting extruded beams. The method includes extruding a plurality of beams and a plurality of couplers that are loosely assembled together to a fixture having locating pins that are received in pockets formed on the couplers and securing the beams and couplers together to form a chassis. The chassis includes a center chassis module to which the fire wall bulkhead and passenger compartment are secured, a drive train and front suspension module to which the engine transmission and front suspension are attached, a rear suspension module to which the rear suspension and gas tank are secured, and front and rear crush modules including the front and rear bumper assemblies, respectively. Couplers used in forming the chassis include a central portion having an outer wall and a plurality of inner walls extending inwardly from the outer wall to the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel E. Panoz
  • Patent number: 6665936
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for finishing the ball star of a homocinetic joint, especially for automobiles. The ball star has a ball ring-shaped bearing surface for mounting in a ball cage, and has a plurality of essentially axial running guideways provided for the balls. Said balls are arranged in the ball recesses of the ball cage and transmit torque between the ball cup and the ball star. In order to be able to finish such ball stars quickly, economically and as fully automatic as possible, the invention provides that both the ring-shaped bearing surface provided for mounting in the ball cage as well as guideways provided for the balls are produced by a hard-rotary turning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Iprotec Maschinen-und Edelstahlprodukte GmbH
    Inventor: Guido Kochsiek
  • Patent number: 6665937
    Abstract: A liquid container for a hair removing apparatus with at least one chamber for receiving a liquid and delivering that liquid to a liquid dispensing device of the hair removing apparatus, wherein the liquid container is equipped with a pumping device drawing in air and/or a liquid and conveying it to the liquid container, and provision is made in the liquid container for a storage material for holding the liquid to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Fürst, Werner Haczek, Andreas Peter
  • Patent number: 6665938
    Abstract: A hair clipping device includes a housing, a blade chassis engageable upon the housing and having a bladeset including a stationary blade and at least one moving blade configured for reciprocal movement relative to the stationary blade. A comb assembly is configured for releasable attachment to the blade chassis and includes a comb base and a comb member. The comb member is selectively slidably adjustable relative to the comb base between a retracted position and an extended position. An adjustment mechanism is provided for selectively adjusting the comb member between the extended position and the retracted position, the adjustment mechanism having a handle and being configured so that movement of the handle will cause extension or retraction of the comb member relative to the comb base. In a hair clipping device, a housing encloses an apparatus for creating a vacuum, and has a vacuum inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Wahl Clipper Corporation
    Inventors: James Edward McCambridge, Jon Thomas Freas, Jason M. Long, Walter Francovich
  • Patent number: 6665939
    Abstract: Scissors having two shear bodies joined to each other for opening and closing movements, each shear body composed of a blade with a pivot portion, a shank, and a finger grip, wherein the shank of each blade has a desired portion distal from the pivot portion thereof arranged wider in a plan view and a first opening provided in the wider portion thereof, allowing the shank of each shear body to be reduced in weight and also improved in strength against deflection. The finger grip having a circumferential portion thereof arranged wider in a plan view than the shank's proximal portion and a second opening provided in the wider circumferential portion thereof to allow accessories such as a finger brace and a hit point to be mounted to the circumferential portion of the finger grip at the outside of the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Hidemi Adachi
  • Patent number: 6665940
    Abstract: A portable tool, such as a trimmer, with an output shaft locking pin disclosed. A gearbox of the portable tool includes a rotating shaft. A rotary member rotatable with the shaft is coupled to the shaft. A locking pin located along the exterior of the gearbox housing is constrained to move between at least two positions: a locking position and an unlocked position. In the locking position the locking pin extends below the gearbox housing to engage the rotary member mounted on the shaft, thereby locking the shaft. In the unlocked position the locking pin is retracted to avoid interference with the rotary member. The locking pin is biased to the unlocked position so that the top of the locking pin must be manually depressed to move and maintain the locking pin in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren Sanders, Ronnie Church
  • Patent number: 6665941
    Abstract: A weed cutter (10) having a protective housing (32) with an air impeller (28), an air diverter (50) and a motor driven rotary cutter element (12, 14, 16, 18). The air impeller creates a vacuum to effectively pull weeds into an inlet opening (42) in the protective housing prior to contact with the cutter element and exhausting the debris through an exhaust outlet (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Teeple
  • Patent number: 6665942
    Abstract: A string trimmer comprising an elongate shaft and a cutting head rotatably mounted on one end of the shaft. A cutting member which extends from the cutting head. An attachment is pivotally mounted on the string trimmer by at least one pivot mechanism, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises a latching mechanism about which the attachment is capable of latchably rotating relative to the string trimmer. The attachment is a barrier which is capable of being used by an operator to move vegetation away from a path swept out by the cutting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Richardson, Michael Wilson
  • Patent number: 6665943
    Abstract: A hedge trimmer is provided with a substantially circular housing and a substantially circular blade having a plurality of cutting elements thereon. The substantially circular blade is mounted within the substantially circular housing and adapted to rotate. A handle projects from the housing. A motor for rotating the circular blade is mounted in the handle. The substantially circular housing is provided with a plurality of digits between which hedge may be received wherein the cutting elements on the rotating circular blade may cut the hedge. The cutting elements on the circular blade may be substantially U-shaped elements equally spaced about the periphery of the substantially circular blade. A plurality of digits may be formed in a circular housing on each side of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventors: Bart P. Sloane, Thomas Carson Sloane
  • Patent number: 6665944
    Abstract: A self-balancing marine compass. A described embodiment includes a pivot assembly, a buoyant-magnetic chamber assembly, a reading card assembly, and a dome. The pivot assembly includes fulcrums, each of which fit within fulcrum holders located on an inner surface of the reading card assembly. The buoyant-magnetic chamber assembly is positively buoyant within the dome and includes pivots meeting with pivot axes of the fulcrum holders. This embodiment is also a no spin compass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Rule Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Feng Wei, Bruce Wilkinson, Scott K. Batchelder
  • Patent number: 6665945
    Abstract: A touch probe system that includes a receiver and a probe head that has a probe element positioned in a work space and a transmitter that transmits signals to the receiver. A rotating mechanism connected to the probe head for rotating the probe head around an axis in case of a change of position of the probe head within the work space so that the receiver receives signals from the transmitter even after the change of position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Hagl, Kurt Feichtinger
  • Patent number: 6665946
    Abstract: The machine alignment system comprises a master alignment plate having parallel faces. The alignment plate is mounted on a spindle in place of a saw blade to define the plane perpendicular to the spindle axis. The saw table surface is adjusted to be at a right angle with respect to the alignment plate, and the miter slot is adjusted to be parallel to the alignment plate. Parallelism is achieved by use of a slide bar in the miter slot and a dial indicator on the side bar to measure parallelism of the miter slot with respect to the master alignment plate. The slide bar is of adjustable width so that it can be adjusted to slide in the miter slot without slack. The fence and miter gage can each be adjusted using the master alignment plate as the reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Reilly
  • Patent number: 6665947
    Abstract: A marking and cutting guide particularly adapted for use on large flat panels—such as pieces of plywood. The invention clamps onto large panels and remains in place while the user either uses it to mark a cutting line or uses is as a saw guide. Adjustment means are provided so that the user can easily adapt the device to panels of different sizes. Clamping means are provided so that the user can easily clamp the device to a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation
    Inventor: Edward E. Kirkland
  • Patent number: 6665948
    Abstract: A drill bit penetration measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a rotating drill bit in a bore. A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventors: Scott Hal Kozin, Joseph C. McGinley, Scott T. Porter
  • Patent number: 6665949
    Abstract: A drying tool for drying moisture present in cells of a honeycomb core. The tool includes an inflatable bladder compartment having a bendable exterior surface and a plurality of open-ended nozzles protruding from this exterior surface, with each nozzle having a passage in fluid communication with the bladder compartment. A connector element is connectible with a hot air source for delivering hot air into the bladder compartment for subsequent dispatch through the plurality of nozzles. Preferably, the nozzles are situated in a grid formation and are of a generally conical configuration. In use, the bendable exterior surface with the protruding nozzles is bowed or curved to generally configure to the exterior shape of the honeycomb core such that hot air is pinpointed in a grid pattern to drive heated air into the core and thereby cause circulation through the core cells for moisture evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Carl A. Reis, Doris Andren Reis
  • Patent number: 6665950
    Abstract: Known gas-heated infrared radiators for infrared drying units have a radiator housing (1) that is subdivided by a gas-permeable burner plate (5) in a distribution chamber (6) for the gas-air mixture and a combustion chamber (7), the front side of which emits the radiation. The radiator is held by mixing tube (9) that is affixed to the rear side. A gas-air mixture is supplied to the distribution chamber (6) via said mixing tube (9). The mixing tube (9) has a gas nozzle (11) with a gas inlet (12) and an air inlet (17) on the end opposite the radiator housing (1). The mixing tube is affixed to a holding frame of the drying unit. In order to disassemble the infrared radiator from the infrared drying unit and to mount said radiator on said unit as rapidly as possible, the rear side of the radiator housing (1) is connected to the holding frame by releasable fixing means (20, 33-36) that can be released manually from the front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Krieger GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Uwe Riepe, Richard Aust, Peter Arlinghaus, Juan Paniagua, Frank Schicht
  • Patent number: 6665951
    Abstract: Spin drying of a stack of flats such as egg trays is performed within a housing by movement of a rotatable lifting head into engagement with the undersurface of the stack. A stack lifting device lifts the lifting head and the stack of flats positioned thereon vertically upwardly into engagement with a drive engagement device thereabove which is rotatably powered by a drive with an optional braking device. Operation of the drive will cause rotation of the lifting head, the stack of flats and the drive engagement device simultaneously. The stack of flats will be held between the lifting head engaging the lower surface thereof and the drive engagement device engaging the upper surface thereof for fixedly securing these three elements together during powered rotation thereof. The rotation will spin off any liquids remaining on the flats such as would be present after being washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Kuhl
  • Patent number: 6665952
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for subjecting a substrate on which a coating film is formed to heat processing, and the method comprises the steps of heating the substrate to a predetermined high temperature and decreasing the temperature of the substrate to a predetermined low temperature, wherein in the step of decreasing the temperature of the substrate to the low temperature, a first step of decreasing the temperature of the substrate from the predetermined high temperature to a predetermined intermediate temperature and a second step of decreasing the temperature of the substrate from the intermediate temperature to the predetermined low temperature are performed separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Shinji Nagashima
  • Patent number: 6665953
    Abstract: Method for controlling a washing and drying machine, for improving drying performance, and saving energy, the method having a drying cycle for supplying heated air into an inner tub to dry laundry in the inner tub, wherein the drying cycle includes a plurality of drying steps each having the steps of rotating a pulsator for a preset time period, and rotating the inner tub for a preset time period in regular and reverse directions, for enhancing flow of the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung Chul Woo, In Chul Jeong, Kyeong Hwan Kim, Choon Myun Chung, Mu Yong Choi
  • Patent number: 6665954
    Abstract: A boot includes a shell having a foot portion and an upper. The shell is composed of a waterproof first part and at least one non-waterproof air-pervious second part. The second part includes upper and lower margins, and two opposite side margins connected to the upper and lower margins. The second part is connected to the first part at least along the side margins and the lower margin. The first part is made of a waterproof stretchable material at least in the upper. A waterproof air-pervious lining is attached to the second part along the upper, lower and side margins. Waterproof seam sealing members are disposed along connection seams between the first and second parts and the lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Eddie Chen
  • Patent number: 6665955
    Abstract: A footwear sole include a rubber inner sole and a textile outer sole. The textile outer sole is at least partially impregnated into at least one surface of the inner sole. A method of forming a footwear sole includes the steps of forming at least one inner sole and at least partially impregnating a textile material into at least a portion of at least one surface of the inner sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Wiesner Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Mizrahi, Xiaoming Yu