Patents Issued in January 6, 2004
  • Patent number: 6672895
    Abstract: A marking system to enable physicians to determine whether a connector of a lead is properly seated within the pulse generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Avram Scheiner
  • Patent number: 6672896
    Abstract: A built-in KVM switch: comprising: a card; a fixing support, fixedly coupled to one side of the card and having at least one opening, inserted into an augmentation socket in a host; at least one connector, disposed in the opening on the fixing support; at least one connecting wire corresponding to the connector connected to the connecting wire at one end; and a logic control unit, disposed on the card so as to process a signal from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Power Communication Tech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: How-Chin Li
  • Patent number: 6672897
    Abstract: A bulb-holder for use in a decorative lamp is disclosed. The bulb-holder includes a tubular body having a first end defining a cord hole and a second end defining a bulb-receiving opening. The tubular body further has a first wing formed with a first mouth opening and an opposed second wing formed with a second mouth opening. The bulb-holder is intended to be attached to a decorative fence that has tracks consisting of two spaced rails each. In this way, a bulb plugged in the holder may be situated between the rails and gives out light to both sides of the fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Jeou-Nan Tseng
  • Patent number: 6672898
    Abstract: The invention relates to a duplex plug-in connector for optical fiber connectors, comprising two fastening devices for receiving two simplex plug-in connectors (14) for forming a duplex plug-in connector (22), the fastening devices being designed in such a way that they at least partially enclose the connector housing (18) and/or a kink preventer (17) of a plug-in connector (14) to be received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Krone GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Kahle, Detlev Thalemann
  • Patent number: 6672899
    Abstract: An electric connector assembly has an upper connector (1) stacked on a lower connector (2) and having an insulated housing (4), whose opposite side-walls extend downwards to form pairs of elongate legs (5). An insulated housing (20) of the lower connector (2) also has opposite side-walls extending down to form a pair of stubby legs (21) shorter than the elongate legs (5). The lower connector (2) is detachably secured in between the elongate legs (5) so as to be nested in the upper connector (1), in such a manner that either of the upper and lower connectors (1,2) can be separated from the other so as to be used alone, although any additional supporting parts or the like is not required to stack the upper connector on the lower connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Morita, Toshiaki Horii
  • Patent number: 6672900
    Abstract: A replacement kit for replacing an electrical device coupled to a vehicle via a plurality of vehicle lead wires. The replacement kit includes a replacement electrical device, a plurality of lead wires extending from the replacement electrical device, and a housing assembly for protecting a spliced connection formed with the lead wires to create an electrical connection between the electrical device and the vehicle. The housing assembly includes a base having a plurality of individually isolated bores extending therethrough. Each bore is capable of housing a spliced connection of a respective vehicle lead wire and a respective replacement electrical device lead wire, and each bore has therein a plurality of seal rings to form a substantially water-tight seal around the associated portion of the spliced connection. The housing assembly also includes a cap secured to the base. Preferably, the electrical device and the replacement electrical device are oxygen sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Ken France, Juergen Lampater, Heinz Schoenborn, Norman Hahn, Brad Pilgrim, Craig Magera, David Greig
  • Patent number: 6672901
    Abstract: A connector for a plug-connected electrical component, in particular, an optoelectronic transceiver, includes a package having fastening pins for fastening the package on a printed-circuit board, the fastening pins to be connected to the board in a press-fit. Preferably, the fastening pins are U-shaped and have two resilient legs able to move toward each other. Each of the two legs has external serrations, particularly, barbs. The package is a one-part package and has a clearance on a bottom side for accommodating a plug, already fastened to the board, when the package is connected to the board. The package couples the component to the board. Also provided is a method of mounting the package by first soldering the plug for the electronic component to the board and testing the plug. Then, the package is fitted onto the board accommodating the plug with the fastening pins connected to the board in a press-fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Klaus Schulz, Andreas Stockhaus
  • Patent number: 6672902
    Abstract: A system includes a chassis having at least one wall, the chassis housing electrical components and a layer of flexible foam electromagnetic interference (EMI) emission absorption material covering an interior surface of the wall. A system also includes a chassis containing slots, the chassis housing electrical components and a layer of flexible foam electromagnetic interference (EMI) emission absorption material covering at least one of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Harry G. Skinner, Steve Y. Chang, Howard L. Heck, Yun Ji
  • Patent number: 6672903
    Abstract: A signal-line connector includes a connecting member, a rod-shaped conductor, a plurality of grounding members and a shell. After the connecting member, the conductor and the grounding members are assembled together with and in the shell, the conductor and the grounding members are separated by separating members to prevent signal lines connected with the conductor and the grounding members from contacting with each other accidentally, and the metal material needed for the grounding members are much saved, and their resistance is reduced a lot, with the capacitance between the grounding members and the non-metal connecting member lessened mush so that the signal-line connector may have good contact and signal transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Ting-Chu Chen
  • Patent number: 6672904
    Abstract: A memory card connector is constructed to include a housing, first terminals, second terminals, third terminals and fourth terminals installed in said housing for the contact of a SM card, a memory stick, a SD card/multimedia memory card, or xD memory card respectively, and a lever fastened pivotally with the housing and supported on a spring member for controlling the insertion of an assigned memory card into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kingconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuan-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 6672905
    Abstract: A connector device that can reliably carry high data rates is described. The device disclosed offers multiple termination mediums and a variety of electrical packaging applications. The connector device ensures a high degree of wire position control through the use of wire retention combs and/or registration holes. The wire retention combs grip and secure portions of the discrete wires, and the registration block secures the ends of the exposed wires such that a stable connection between the wires and the electrical contact leads of the device can be maintained. In alternative embodiments, one surface of the contact leads are designed to connect with discrete wires and an opposite surface of the contact leads are designed to connect to an electronic device card. In some embodiments of the present invention, the connector device is formed of two substantially identical components that are attached to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Enhance, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith F. Tharp, Theodore J. Colburn
  • Patent number: 6672906
    Abstract: A jack device which does not malfunction because of overcurrent in an apparatus or a device that is connected to the jack device by preventing short-circuit between contacts in inserting a plug. The jack device, into which a single-head plug (50) having plug poles in the direction of insertion is inserted for connection, has a contact piece (11) that is arranged at the end of plug (50) and brought into contact with a first plug pole (plug pole 54) and contact piece (10) that is arranged neighboring the first plug pole and brought into contact with a second plug pole (plug pole 52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoru Kimura
  • Patent number: 6672907
    Abstract: A suitable contact state is attained by an always stable contact pressure between a male contact and a female contact which form a tuning fork type contact. For a contacts providing a tuning fork type contact 2 that attains a contact state by inserting a male contact 4 between a pair of beams 6a and 6b provided on a female contact 6, in the connected state, male contact 4 and female contact 6 are arranged so as to maintain a state wherein the width direction of the male contact is angled relative to the direction of separation of the beams 6a and 6b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Eddie A. Azuma
  • Patent number: 6672908
    Abstract: This invention provides a substrate connector (63) allowing mating terminals to be inserted into terminal accommodating chambers in the housing main body (67) from one side or the other side and comprises an insertion guide portion (75) provided around an installation opening (73) in the housing main body (67) and for guiding the mating terminals into the terminal accommodating chambers (65) when inserting the mating terminals into the terminal accommodating chambers (65) from the other side of the housing main body (67).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Okabe, Tetsuya Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6672909
    Abstract: An electrical connector has a conductive member formed from several sheets of a resilient conductive material, such as a wire mesh or conductive textile. The sheets are layered and joined together at intervals to form separate passages between the sheets through the member. Screened wires in the connector pass through respective passages and the member is compressed about the wires by a strap tightened about the member so that electrical connection is made to the wire screens. The resilience of the member means that the strap can be released and retightened, allowing removal and replacement of wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Icore International Limited
    Inventors: Guy James Ashley Dewdney, Jonathan Michael White
  • Patent number: 6672910
    Abstract: A contact having a contact spring, a contact positioner, and a locking element. The contact spring having resilient contacts. The contact positioner receives the contact spring for connection to an electrical conductor. The locking element has a guide face with a locking side that maintains the contact in a housing. A cover covers the locking side to form a closed surface. A guide plate is integrally formed with cover and covers the lateral side of the guide face to form a closed surface. The cover and guide plate enlarge a seal opening of the housing to prevent the seal from damage by the locking element when the contact is inserted and withdrawn from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventor: Gheorghe Hotea
  • Patent number: 6672911
    Abstract: A terminal socket assembly for electrically connecting a male input blade with an output cable. The socket assembly includes a spring cage exhibiting a three dimensional rectangular and arcuate cross sectional shape having a plurality of angled and torsioned beams. A sleeve exhibits a similar rectangular configuration and receives the configured spring cage in axially inserting and interference fitting fashion and so that the assembled sleeve and spring cage is capable of biasingly receiving and engaging the male blade. Gripping portions are integrally secured to the rectangular sleeve and fixedly engage an extending end of a cable to electrically communicate the cable to the blade. A sealed connector housing encases the terminal socket assembly and extending connector cables and encloses the assembled spring cage and sleeve. Other elements of the housing including a seating terminal position assurance element, seals and retainer elements engageable with opposite open ends of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Limited
    Inventors: Weiping Zhao, Robert F. Gutman
  • Patent number: 6672912
    Abstract: An integrated circuit socket includes one or more cavities formed in a top surface of the socket, where the one or more cavities are formed in a region over which an integrated circuit can be placed. Multiple conductive contacts are attached to the socket, where each contact includes a first member that extends into one of the cavities, and a second member that provides at least part of a conductive path between the first member and the socket. The first member at least partially holds in place a discrete device inserted into the cavity. An integrated circuit package or interposer attached to the top surface over the cavity also can at least partially hold the discrete device in place. The first member makes electrical contact with the discrete device, thus completing a conductive path between the discrete device and the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Figueroa
  • Patent number: 6672913
    Abstract: A plug connector (1) includes an insulative housing (2), a center contact (3), an inner contact (4) and an outer contact (5). The housing defines a cutout (23) at a rear end thereof. The center contact has a U shaped tail portion (32) at a rear end thereof, a mating portion (35) for electrically engaging with a complementary connector and an intermediate portion (31) embedded in the housing and connecting the tail portion and the mating portion. The inner contact and the center contact are insert molded with the housing. The inner contact has a mating face (42) exposed in the cutout at a rear end thereof. The outer contact has a reversed U shaped tongue (53) facing opposite to the tail portion of the center contact and extending from a rear end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei Che Wang
  • Patent number: 6672914
    Abstract: A bus bar mounting system has a frame assembly and a bus bar assembly. The frame assembly includes a chassis which is mountable within an equipment cabinet, and an interlocking portion that forms a unitary member with the chassis. The bus bar assembly includes a set of bus bars, and a bus bar block. The bus bar block includes (i) a base portion, each bus bar of the set of bus bars coupling to the base portion, and (ii) an interlocking portion that is configured to interlock with the interlocking portion of the frame assembly in order to retain the bus bar assembly in a fixed position relative to the frame assembly. The interlocking portion of the bus bar block forms a unitary member with the base portion of the bus bar block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Claprood
  • Patent number: 6672915
    Abstract: A connector is connected to a terminal of a coil wound on a motor bobbin in a motor, and coupled with a mating connector to electrically connect the motor and an external device. In the connector, at least one conductive connection member is accommodated in an insulative holder. The connection member includes a main body, a first engagement section monolithically formed on a first end portion of the main body to elastically hold the terminal of the coil, and a second engagement section monolithically formed on a second end portion of the main body to be coupled with the mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Seiichiro Noritake
  • Patent number: 6672916
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle having an open seating arrangement includes one driving engine for reciprocally or simultaneously powering an all-wheel-drive travel drive and a swim drive, constructed as jet drive, with the aid of at least two clutches which are independent of one another, the driving engine being arranged essentially in the center between the axles of the travel drive below the seating arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Hans-Martin Lent-Phillips, Ulrich Hackenberg
  • Patent number: 6672917
    Abstract: A process for forming an improved anodizing film on the surface of an aluminum alloy material. The film is impregnated with an amorphous substance which fills pores formed in the film during its growth. If the film has a flaw reaching the aluminum alloy material, the amorphous substance and aluminum form a layer of passivity which restrains the corrosion of the aluminum alloy material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Yutaka Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Matsuda, Hiroyuki Murata, Norimasa Takasaki, Morihiro Takemura
  • Patent number: 6672918
    Abstract: An induction system for a 4-cycle engine of a small watercraft includes an improved construction which can accommodate a large plenum chamber notwithstanding being placed in an engine compartment limited in size. The induction system includes improved filtration, and accessibility characteristics. The air induction system can include a plenum chamber member defining the plenum chamber. The air induction system can also include one or more throttle bodies within the plenum chamber to allow the construction of a large plenum chamber. The plenum chamber member is can comprise at least three parts with at least one part being disposed substantially above the spark plugs and being removable. The air induction system can also include an air filter having a water repellent element and an oil-resistant element arranged such that a flow of air entering the combustion chambers passes through both the water repellent and oil-resistant elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Mashiko, Masaki Takegami
  • Patent number: 6672919
    Abstract: Temperature control system for marine engine exhaust system. The control system lowers flow of cooling water to water jacket and exhaust gas conduit of the exhaust system at low engine speeds. The control system is typically activated at and below a predetermined engine speed. Once activated, the control system operates to reduce flow of cooling water to the exhaust system. The control can operate in an on/off mode, or can modulate rate of flow of water through the exhaust system, or both. However the water flow is limited, a predetermined minimum flow of cooling water is maintained through the exhaust system, at least either at periodic intervals, or at a constant but lowered rate, to maintain cooling in the exhaust system on rubber components of the exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas William Beson
  • Patent number: 6672920
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a scuba diving fin. The scuba diving fin utilizes adjustment mechanisms for the fin blade to be rotatably adjusted and locked in a first position that is in the same plane as the diver's leg and, alternatively, adjusted and locked in a second position behind the diver's calf. The present invention also utilizes a ski boot-type rigid outer shell, including the ski-boot style of clamping device used to close the boot around the diver's lower calf and ankle area. The present invention further utilizes a diver's neoprene bootie attached to the rigid outer shell to provide for a flexible lower boot portion. The fin blade first position is for diving and the second position is for walking or climbing steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Scot Morgan Wilson
  • Patent number: 6672921
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a micro-cup array. Such an array may find use in a number of applications such as, for example, a video display. The micro-cups find particular use in electrophoretic or liquid crystal displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: SiPix Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Rong-Chang Liang, Mary Chan-Park, Zarng-Arh George Wu, Xianhai Chen, HongMei Zang
  • Patent number: 6672922
    Abstract: The invention aims to provide a method for preparing a composite substrate which has minimized surface asperities on a dielectric layer, which are otherwise developed under the influence of an electrode layer, unevenness upon printing, and surface roughness inherent to thick-film dielectrics, which eliminates a need for a polishing step, which is easy to manufacture, and which is applicable to the fabrication of a thin-film light-emitting device of high display quality, as well as the resulting composite substrate and a thin-film EL device using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiko Shirakawa, Taku Takeishi
  • Patent number: 6672923
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an arc tube having a light emitting tube portion, a first pinch seal portion, and a second pinch seal portion, all formed on a quartz glass tube. The first and second pinch seal portions are disposed on both sides of the light emitting tube portion. The quartz glass is provided almost vertically with the first pinch seal portion down. A thermal insulating plate is provided in a boundary position between the light emitting tube portion and a portion to be pinch-sealed in an outer peripheral space of the quartz glass tube. Liquid nitrogen is jetted from a cooling nozzle provided obliquely below the light emitting tube portion toward the same, thereby cooling the light emitting tube portion. The portion to be pinch-sealed is heated with a burner, and pinch-sealed with a pincher immediately thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Ohkawai, Yoshitaka Ohshima, Akihiro Nagata, Shinichi Irisawa
  • Patent number: 6672924
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cathode ray tube (1). In the method, a cone part (4) of the tube is first provided with a first coating (13) so as to reduce an annoying crackling sound, whereafter a neck part (5) is connected to the cone part (4). Due to the presence of a closing element (20) on the cone part (4), said first coating is prevented from covering an inner surface of the cone part (4). As a consequence, the performance of the tube is not affected. A good quality of the connection is obtained if the layer thickness of the first coating (13) is equal to or less than 1 &mgr;m. A suitable material for the first coating is Antimony Tin Oxide combined with TEOS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Maria Azalina Antonius Compen
  • Patent number: 6672925
    Abstract: A vacuum microelectronic device (10,40) emits electrons (37) from surfaces of nanotube emitters (17, 18). Extracting electrons from the surface of each nanotube emitter (17) results is a small voltage variation between each emitter utilized in the device (10, 40). Consequently, the vacuum microelectronic device (10,40) has a more controllable turn-on voltage and a consistent current density from each nanotube emitter (17,18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Alec Talin, James E. Jaskie, Bernard F. Coll
  • Patent number: 6672926
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an emitter of a field emission display. A mixture of metal and silver paste with glass material is screen printed on a substrate as a silver electrode. The metal is selected from a hard solder alloy such as Al/Si alloy containing tin, zinc, aluminum or other low melting point metal. Alternatively, the metal and the silver paste with the glass material are separately screen printed on the substrate. The metal is selected from tin, zinc, aluminum, or an alloy with a low melting point such as aluminum/silicon alloy. A carbon nano-tube layer is formed on the silver electrode by coating the carbon nano-tube material with the electric arc. Alternately a catalyst layer can be formed on the silver electrode prior to the formation of the carbon nano-tube layer. A metal layer such as nickel and copper is formed on the carbon nano-tube layer to prevent the carbon nano-tube layer from absorbing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Delta Optoelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Tsang Liu, Yui-Shin Fran, Lai-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 6672927
    Abstract: A spacer assembly has first and second spacers standing on first and second surfaces of a plate-like grid to be integral with them. First and second molds each with a plurality of through holes are arranged on the first and second surfaces of the grid to be in tight contact with them. After that, the through holes of the molds are filled with a glass paste containing an ultraviolet-curing binder, and the glass paste is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, while the molds are held in a tight contact state, the glass paste is calcined at a predetermined temperature. Thus, the first and second spacers are integrally formed on the grid surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shigeo Takenaka, Kumio Fukuda, Masaru Nikaido, Satoshi Ishikwa
  • Patent number: 6672928
    Abstract: An image display appratus is manufactured by processing a panel member through a plurality of chambers including ones for a bake processing and a getter processing. The getter processng is performed at a temperature lower than a temperature of the panel member subjected to the bake processing, to prevent degrading of a getter film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kaneko, Kohei Nakata, Toshihiko Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6672929
    Abstract: A puppet system consisting of puppet, or other first body, able to fit within an opening or hole in an second object. The first object has straps that are attached on both ends to the first object. At least one end of the strap is reversibly attachable. The strap is able to fit in second openings in the second objects and then re-attached to the first object securing the first objects to the second object in a loose but secure manner. A preferred embodiment is use of a puppet as the first object and a book cover as the second object so that an operator can use one to both support the book cover and operate the puppet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Lisa Leleu
  • Patent number: 6672930
    Abstract: A toy having movable elements actuated upon introduction of compressed air is disclosed. The toy may include a source of compressed air which is adapted to direct air through a valved port for communication to individual and removable play pieces. Each of the play pieces may include movable elements which are caused to move upon contact with the compressed air. Each of the play pieces may be stackable to allow for simultaneous actuation of multiple play pieces through a single valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig McElhaney
  • Patent number: 6672931
    Abstract: A system of interconnectable construction elements created from molded plastic, and which include planar and cylindrical strut members of varying lengths and thicknesses which can be coupled together and to various construction elements of varying geometries, wherein the construction elements are capable of movement such as pivoting relative to an attached construction element, wherein cylindrical struts include regularly spaced ball structures and regularly spaced gaps therebetween, and wherein the planar and cylindrical struts include a variety of attaching means disposed on the ends thereof that are capable of coupling with complementary structures to thereby form a variety of models, shapes, patterns or designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Jim Bagley
  • Patent number: 6672932
    Abstract: A toy or article containing an elastomeric and deformable bladder therein that facilitates in actuating a component of the toy or article such as a tail or an arm when squeezed or otherwise deformed is disclosed. The actuatable toy generally comprises a deformable bladder containing a fluid substance and is deformable proximate to the actuatable component upon application of pressure thereon. In addition, the actuatable toy comprises a flexible outer covering enclosing the deformable bladder, where at least a portion of the outer covering comprises a movable material disposed proximate to the actuatable component of the toy, whereupon actuating of the movable material and deformation of the bladder facilitate actuation of the actuatable component upon application of pressure on the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Treasure Bay, Inc.
    Inventors: Don J. Panec, Scott Stillinger, Ron LaRonge
  • Patent number: 6672933
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for using one or more inflatable three-dimensional humanoid figures for use in background scenes associated with still photography, motion pictures and video productions which are low in cost, lightweight, easy to use, easy to store, easy to transport and provides a greater range of viewing angles. It is also envisioned that this invention can be used for corporate conventions requiring the illusion of a large number of participants, in advertising and other functions where the illusion of large numbers of people enhance the overall objective of the functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: John Stanley David Stanier
  • Patent number: 6672934
    Abstract: An amusement device is disclosed having an animal body portion and a remote control portion. The animal body portion may be a lizard having horns and a tail. A user may use the remote control to cause the animal to move. The animal body has at least one motor operably connected to the animal's head, legs, and tail. The motor causes the animal to walk forward, walk backward, or dance in place at the selection of the user, and causes the tail to move and the mouth of the animal's head to move. An extendable tongue protrudes from the mouth. The tongue may have a magnetic tip for connecting with a magnetic or metallic object. The device may also contain a speaker that plays music and/or words as selected by the user through the remote control. In one embodiment, the lizard dances while playing music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Trendmasters, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Daniel J. Beckman, Marcellus R. Benson, William H. Bronson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6672935
    Abstract: The present invention includes a toy figure that is hinged at the waist. The hinged waist permits the figure to pivot or move the top half of the body relative to the bottom half. A control mechanism controls the movement such that the figure will move from a standing position through a “somersault” ending back in a standing position again. In other embodiments the control mechanism can stop the movement or pose the figure in a position, such as a “headstand” or a position prior to a headstand. When the figure stops the movement prior to a headstand, the figure can prompt a user to assist the figure in completing the headstand. When the user helps the figure in completing the headstand, the figure could continue to perform a somersault or flip over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Lund & Company
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Krishnan Srirangam, Michael Starrick, Sunil Moothedath
  • Patent number: 6672936
    Abstract: A toy vehicle (10) comprising a part (12) resembling a truck tractor, a part (14) resembling a truck trailer and a pivotal connection (16) therebetween. The pivotal connection (16) is positioned between a platform portion (20) of the tractor part (12) and a front portion (22) of the trailer part (14) that extend over the tractor's platform portion (20). The pivotal connection (16) includes a recess-and-projection arrangement allowing pivotal movement between the tractor part (12) and the trailer part (14), and a groove-projection arrangement limiting the maximum turning radius between the tractor part (12) and the trailer part (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Little Tikes Company
    Inventor: Aaron Shaffer
  • Patent number: 6672937
    Abstract: A miniature toy vehicle, preferably of the wireless control self-propelled type equipped to flip or upset another similar toy vehicle or object upon forward impact therewith. The preferred toy vehicle includes a molded toy car body supporting front and rear wheels, steering, a control circuit board, a drive motor and a battery. A front flipping member is supported by the car body having a forwardly distal portion at a height, when the flipping member is armed, for engagement beneath a lower side or end margin of another toy vehicle or an object. The flipping member will upwardly flip or upset the other toy car or object when a trigger member thereof strikes the other toy car or an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen J. Motosko
  • Patent number: 6672938
    Abstract: A process for creating shapes enclosing the margins of cut and pre-shaped bra cups to embroider the same with a design without sewing or riveting any other external decorative element with a reduced production time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: David Sanchez del Olmo
  • Patent number: 6672939
    Abstract: A unidirectional and bidirectional optical fiber couplers using polymer optical fibers having mirrors formed within the polymer optical fibers for reflecting optical signals. The mirrors comprise a notch having at least one surface angled with respect to the central axis of the optical fiber for reflecting the optical signal perpendicular to its central axis. A unidirectional embodiment allows input optical signals to be coupled from any combination of input optical fibers and transmitted into any combination of output optical fibers. A bidirectional embodiment allows optical signals from tapping fibers to be reflected in opposite directions along a first, or BUS optical fiber. Another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus and method for controlling the depth of the notch by monitoring residue power through the optical fibers while the notch is being cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Laboratories America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Fasanella, Yao Li, Ting Wang
  • Patent number: 6672940
    Abstract: A system for cooling a slurry compound used during polishing and grinding is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a cooling module, such as a refrigeration unit, connected to a heat-transfer device, such as a metal coil. The cooling module cools the heat-transfer device. The heat-transfer device cools the slurry compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Scratch Off, a division of Austin Graham, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Graham
  • Patent number: 6672941
    Abstract: A method to planarize the surface of a semiconductor substrate having shallow trench isolation (STI) reduces erosion of a silicon nitride planarization stop layer, reduces dishing of large areas of the shallow trench isolation, and prevents under polishing of the surface of the semiconductor substrate that will leave portions of the silicon dioxide that fills the shallow trenches covering the silicon nitride planarization stop exposed, is described. The method to planarize the surface of a semiconductor substrate having shallow trenches begins by chemical/mechanical planarization polishing at a first product of platen pressure and platen speed to planarize the semiconductor substrate. Polishing at a first product of platen pressure and platen speed will cause a high rate of material removal with low selectivity to increase production throughput. The silicon nitride stop layer will be examined to determine an end point exposure of the silicon nitride stop layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Chen-Hua Yu, Syun-Ming Jang
  • Patent number: 6672942
    Abstract: A grinding machine for welding electrodes comprises a housing 1, grinder motor 2, grinding disk 3, swing plate 4, holder guide 6, electrode holder 7, electrode turning motor 8 and swing plate moving mechanism 9. The axis &phgr;a of electrode A extends along a line perpendicular to the axis &phgr; of motor drive shaft 2a and first grinding part 3a of the grinding disk is formed to conform to the finishing contour of electrode A. The grinding disk is turned by the grinder motor and at the same time electrode A is turned by the electrode turning motor. The grinding machine, using one grinding disk, grinds the end portion of an electrode to final form and finishes the tip end of the electrode to a mirror surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: Fujikin Incorporated, Japan Science and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nobukazu Ikeda, Akihiro Morimoto, Katunori Komehana, Teruo Honiden
  • Patent number: 6672943
    Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary methods, systems and apparatus that provide improved substrate characteristics after grinding operations by avoiding or reducing overgrind damage to the wafers. In one embodiment, a grinding apparatus (100) includes a first spindle (110) having an eccentric-shaped abrasive matrix (112) coupled thereto and a second spindle (116) adapted to hold a substrate (118) to be ground. The second spindle is offset from said first spindle such that the abrasive matrix passes through the substrate surface center (134) for only a portion of the time during grinding operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Wafer Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vogtmann, Krishna Vepa, Michael Wisnieski
  • Patent number: 6672944
    Abstract: An initial position setting method for grinding work apparatus includes: a grind stone 11; a pair of lens rotating shafts 14, 14 which are capable of approaching and drawing apart each other along a normal line of the grind stone 11; a ditch excavation grind stone 23 and chamfering grind stones 24, 25. A measurement standard 70 with a predetermined shape is adapted to be held by the lens rotating shafts 14, 14. The ditch excavation grind stone 23 and the chamfering grind stones 24, 25 are adapted to be moved to the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Yasuhito Eto, Kenichi Watanabe, Yoshiyuki Hatano