Patents Issued in January 20, 2004
  • Patent number: 6679538
    Abstract: A sun visor mounting arrangement, for supporting a sun visor assembly in a vehicle that has a support structure, includes a deformable sun visor mount adapted to be supported by the support structure. The mounting arrangement further includes a sun visor mounting bracket for supporting the sun visor assembly and configured to be attached to the mount such that the mounting bracket is supported by the mount. When the mounting bracket is subjected to sufficient loading, the mount is configured to plastically deform to thereby manage energy associated with the loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Sturt
  • Patent number: 6679539
    Abstract: The rear roof element includes a central element that is movable relative to said rear roof element. The central element is connected on either side of the vehicle to the bodywork by two pivot arms comprising a front arm and a rear arm, and is hinged about respective front and rear hinge axes carried by respective ends of the corresponding pivot arms whose respective opposite ends are hinged to the bodywork of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Societe Europeene de Brevets Automobiles
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Paul Queveau, Gerard Queveau
  • Patent number: 6679540
    Abstract: A door intrusion beam is of laminated construction and has a base metal stamping with end flanges, with the base metal stamping being of an inverted generally U-shaped cross section. Slidable and nested on the base metal stamping are a plurality of slidable and stackable elongated plastic elements each having a generally M-shaped configuration. The first plastic element next to the metal stamping and all stackable elongated plastic elements are secured together by layers of adhesives where surfaces contact one another. The plastic elements are of varying length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Trim Trends Co., LLC
    Inventors: Donald G. Graber, Frisco B. Borrero, James Stewart Green
  • Patent number: 6679541
    Abstract: A push-pull drive chain mechanism and scissors linkage assembly powered by a hydraulic cylinder to affect the coordinated, linear movement of an expandable room in a recreational vehicle. The drive chain moves generally vertically along a first structural member, such as a vehicle frame member, as the hydraulic cylinder extends or retracts to move the expandable room relative to the vehicle frame. The drive chain is pivotally connected at the proper place on the scissors-type linkage assembly, the links that form the scissors extending and crossing for pivotal attachment to a structural member of the vehicle body and a structural member of the expandable room. The drive chain is constructed and guided to provide the required force for opening and closing the scissors assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: HWH Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Edmund Hanser, Stacy Hanser
  • Patent number: 6679542
    Abstract: A folding camper (15) is provided for a pickup truck (20). A pair of side wings (22) are pivotally attached to a base assembly (10) that rests on the floor of the pickup truck bed. A roof (28) is attached to a roof lifting mechanism (30). Enclosures (32), (38), and (42) enclose the area between base assembly (10) and roof (28) when expanded. Doors (34) and (36) provide access to the interior. Slanted jacks (47) and (48) lift the camper off the pickup truck bed. Straps (62) and braces (64) and (66) stabilize the camper (15). Roof racks (46) are attached to roof (28) for long objects. When closed, side wings (22) are folded upward, and enclosures (32), (38), and (42) are folded inward. Roof (28) is lowered to rest on base assembly (10) and to overlap side wings (22). Lower door (36) is operable and the interior of camper (15) is available for transport or storage use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Daniel Semotuk
  • Patent number: 6679543
    Abstract: A Comprehensive Modular RV Hybrid Electric Drive And Modular Construction System for recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, trailers, amphibious vehicles, and houseboats, and with full-length vehicle widening slide-outs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Messano
  • Patent number: 6679544
    Abstract: A molded energy absorber includes two sections connected by a plurality of hinge elements. One section has a plurality of telescopically crushable tubular cylinders integrally molded thereon. The two sections are folded together and the energy absorber attaches to a structural vehicle pillar on the inside of the vehicle. Upon impact, the tubular cylinders are fractured and crush telescopically, thereby dissipating much of the impact energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Hubbert, Michael J. Hier
  • Patent number: 6679545
    Abstract: A multi-functional radiator support assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. The multi-functional radiator support assembly includes a radiator support for operative attachment to forward end of the motor vehicle. The radiator support is made of magnesium or a magnesium alloy material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Scott Balzer, Michael Henry Maj, Paul Kenneth Dellock, William P. Edmunds
  • Patent number: 6679546
    Abstract: The present invention provides a front body structure of a vehicle having a dash panel extending in a vertical direction and constituting a front end wall of a crew's cabin, a floor panel continuously extending rearward from the dash panel, and a tunnel portion protruding upward and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The tunnel portion is provided in a substantially center portion of the floor panel. The dash panel is provided with a dash cross member structured such that one end portion is jointed to a side surface of the tunnel portion, a middle portion extends in the vehicle widthwise direction along the dash panel, and another end portion is connected to a hinge pillar inner, thereby restraining backward movement of the dash panel at a time of a head-on collision and restraining intrusion of a side-sill or doors at a time of a side collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Mishima, Takayuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 6679547
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a front pillar reinforcing structure of a vehicle with a front pillar inner reinforcing panel installed at the part where the front pillar upper mounting bracket and the front pillar hinge bracket are folded to receive an impact caused in a collision due to the balanced strength of the inner and outer sides of the front pillar, thereby effectively absorbing or dispersing the impact, preventing separation of the part coupling the front pillar inner panel and the front pillar outer panel, and minimizing the amount of push of the front pillar toward the interior of the vehicle to protect the passengers to the maximum extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kim Ju-Sik
  • Patent number: 6679548
    Abstract: A transparent roof module for a motor vehicle roof where the transparent roof module includes a transparent pane for covering a roof opening, the cover including a nonviewing area and a viewing area through which objects are viewable through the cover, a transmission reducing layer provided on the viewing area of the transparent pane for reducing transmission of at least one of infrared and visible spectral range through the viewing area and solar cells provided at the nonviewing area of the transparent pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Webasto Karosseriesysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Teschner, Werner Pätz, Reinhard Wecker
  • Patent number: 6679549
    Abstract: A table seat comprises a foldable frame (1A) supporting an at least partly foldable housing (2) for receiving a child, said frame (1A) comprising opposing lateral portions (3) for its securing to the top (5) of the table (6), each portion (3) presenting, superposed, an upper first arm (10) and a lower second arm (11), the second arm (11) comprising a tubular structure (15) bent at its free end (16) and supporting a movable projecting intermediate portion (17), said portion (17) and the bent end (16) being intended to cooperate with the underside (at 8) of the top (5) of the table (6). The intermediate portion (17) of the second arm (11) comprises a first hollow tubular element (23) movable along its longitudinal axis (K) relative to the tubular structure (15), said first element (23) containing a second coaxial element (25) movable longitudinally independently of the first (23), but manipulable jointly with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Artsana SPA
    Inventor: Pietro Catelli
  • Patent number: 6679550
    Abstract: The infant safety seat of the present invention provides improved occupant protection in all vehicles, especially in the front seat of vehicles equipped with a passenger-side airbag. The infant safety seat includes an air bag deflecting canopy, and dampening mechanisms to protect against the shock of airbag deployment and an impact. The safety seat comprises a base, adapted to be secured to a seat of the vehicle by a seat belt passed through an opening in the base and a cradle having a back portion and seat portion having sides and a handle attached across said sides. A latching mechanism incorporated in the base removably secures the cradle to the base by grasping an attachment element between the handle and sides. The cradle of the safety seat is removable utilizing a single-handed release mechanism to unlock the cradle from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: XSCI, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Goor, David F. Clement, Kris Alan Arnott
  • Patent number: 6679551
    Abstract: A stackable chair includes a base with a pair of inverted U-shaped leg members. Each of the leg members includes a front leg portion, a rear leg portion, and a generally horizontal portion interconnecting the front and rear leg portions. The base also has a generally horizontal seat cushion frame extending between the U-shaped leg members with the transverse front spring reinforcement bar extending side-to-side. A back support frame has a generally vertical portion with an upper and lower end and a generally horizontal end portion that extends from the lower end. The generally horizontal portion includes a transverse rear spring reinforcement bar. A spring member has one end interconnected with the front spring reinforcement bar and another end interconnected with the rear spring reinforcement bar. The spring member supports the back support frame such that the back support frame has an unstressed position and a reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Michigan Tube Swagers and Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Duane Ware, William F. Lohness
  • Patent number: 6679552
    Abstract: In this nursery instrument, a selection plate (100) is fixed to a reinforcing plate (29) with a pin (110), to be slidable through a slot (125e). A through hole (125a, 125b, 125c) has the same bore diameter as an engaging hole (25a, 25b, 25c), and a through hole (125d) consists of a slot having a length substantially twice that of an engaging hole (25d) in a sliding direction. According to this mechanism, only a bed state can be selected up to a lapse of a constant time after birth of a baby. Thus, a nursery instrument capable of protecting respiration of the baby can be provided on the basis of medical criteria for the baby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Aprica Kassai Kabushikikaisha
    Inventor: Kenzou Kassai
  • Patent number: 6679553
    Abstract: A chair includes a base having an adjustable column, a seat, and a back. An underseat assembly operably supports the seat and the back on the base. The underseat assembly includes a metal bottom support with a tapered socket shaped to engage the column, and includes a seat-supporting yoke constructed with a center section shaped to vertically engage the bottom support. Opposing side support sections include inwardly facing mounting sections that mateably engage a top of the center section. A retainer plate clamps the bottom support, yoke, and side support sections together. A link is operably attached to the side support sections and the back for supporting the back. The seat, the back, and underseat components are constructed for top down assembly without requiring that the chair be inverted during assembly, and they form a four-bar linkage with the link that supports synchronous movement of the seat and back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Gary L. Karsten
  • Patent number: 6679554
    Abstract: A stand aid is provided with at least one sitting surface that is arranged on a support frame and can be adjusted between a load-free rest position and at least one sitting position in which it is subjected to the load of a user, whereby adjustment is carried out by the support frame which automatically readjusts the sitting surface back into the rest position by a resetting mechanism as soon as the load of the sitting surface is removed. The aim of the present disclosure is to provide a stand aid that takes over as much of the strain of standing as possible. To this end, the support frame is provided with a pivoting mechanism, can be anchored at a bottom and is provided with at least one support leg. The support frame rests on the support leg in the sitting position in order to receive the vertical forces and define the adjusting angle at the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Fridolin Anders
  • Patent number: 6679555
    Abstract: An adjusting device for a piece of furniture on which to lie or for sitting on with at least one swivel part (12, 14) that is pivotally attached, by way of a torsion bar (20, 22), to the piece of furniture on which to lie or for sitting on, with a housing (26) and with a bearing element (38, 40) accommodated in the housing (26) whereas the bearing element (38, 40) is provided with a recess (66, 68) that partially surrounds the torsion bar (20, 22) and in which the torsion bar (20, 22) may be introduced so that the adjusting device (24) is attached to the torsion bar (20, 22) with positive fit, and with an actuating drive (46, 48) that is accommodated in the housing (26) and acts on the torsion bar (20, 22). The bearing element is connected to the actuating drive (46, 48) which are slidably arranged in the housing (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Christian Bangert
  • Patent number: 6679556
    Abstract: In an adjustable arrangement for reclining or seating furniture, where the furniture has two or more mutually adjustable articulated members (R, S, F), which together form an adjustable frame for support of a mattress, cushion, upholstery or the like, where the adjustable frame is mounted in a support member (A) by means of horizontal axles/dowels, stays/sliding elements or the like, which constitute fulcrums (2, 3, 5) for the mutually adjustable, articulated members (R, S, F), where the back member (R) has a fixed fulcrum (2) in relation to the support member (A), located at a distance from the linkage (1) to the seat member, and where the adjustment of the furniture's respective articulated members is performed by means of a spring mechanism (17) which is arranged between an arm (6) on the underside of the back member (R) and a point on the support member (A), the furniture's seat member (S) is designed with an extension member (T, 8, 12) preferably arranged between the seat member and the back me
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Kjartan Alvestad
  • Patent number: 6679557
    Abstract: An article of furniture includes a support having a support surface. A plurality of air bladders are positioned relative to the support surface, each air bladder having expandable foam therein. At least one fluid line fluidly couples the air bladders together. A single valve is fluidly coupled with the at least one fluid line. A contoured cushion has an inner contoured portion generally conforming to said plurality of air bladders. The plurality of air bladders are mounted between the support surface and the contoured cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond E. Craft, Randall L. Bixler
  • Patent number: 6679558
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a seat back includes placing a steel support structure within a mold and blow-molding a hollow plastic body onto the steel support structure to form a seat back with the steel support structure integrally supported within the body. The steel support structure may be a hollow, U-shaped steel tube having first and second attachment features at distal ends thereof for attachment to a lower seat structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Daryl Adams, Keith Hensley, Michael W. Moran
  • Patent number: 6679559
    Abstract: An auger flight support for use with an augering systems for mining which bores a pair of side-by-side holes through the coal seam using respective augers. Each auger includes a drilling section which is followed by a series of auger flights for conveying the bored coal back out of the respective hole. The auger flight support includes a pair of thrust bearing and housing assemblies which are tied together and each supported by a respective leg which lowers the friction between the auger flight and the bottom of the bore. This significantly reduces the power required to rotate the augers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Warren E. Kelm
  • Patent number: 6679560
    Abstract: A wheel for an in-line skate includes a hub having a central stem, two symmetrical upper wings that extend oppositely and sidewisely from the central stem, and two symmetrical lower wings that extend oppositely and sidewisely from the central stem. A solid tire has a hub connecting ring portion that securely embraces and that radially and outwardly extends relative to the upper wings, and a ground engaging ring portion that axially reduces and that radially and outwardly extends from the hub connecting ring portion. The hub connecting ring portion cooperates with the upper wings to form an outer rim of the wheel that is capable of fulcruming about the central stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: PC-VAN Sportartikel GmbH
    Inventor: Hendrikus Adrianus van Egeraat
  • Patent number: 6679561
    Abstract: A paired spoke bicycle wheel has optimized circumferentially offset spoke spacing which minimizes high stress imposed by overly close spacing and reduces long felt difficulties resulting from out of balance loads of unpaired spokes, the rear wheel additionally having similar spoke angles in a lateral plane while displacing brake surfaces to a centered location when allowing for clearance for a drive cogset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley J. Addink, Dirk J. Rettig
  • Patent number: 6679562
    Abstract: Described is a bicycle wheel (10) wherein the metal rim (12) is formed by a hollow-chambered rim (22) with an external flange (28) and an internal flange (26), by which a peripherally extending hollow rim chamber (35) is defined. The external flange (28) is provided with holes (34). The distal ends (38) of the spokes are integrally connected through the holes (34) in the external flange (28) to a spoke anchoring body (45) which extends peripherally in the hollow rim chamber (35) and which comprises the injection molding material of the spoke body (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignees: Gubesch GmbH, Schurmann Fahrradteile GmbH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Gubesch, Walter Goldbecker
  • Patent number: 6679563
    Abstract: A spoked rim assembly includes an annular rim and a plurality of spokes. Each of the spokes is provided with a seal structure so that a tubeless tire can be used with the rim. The rim preferably has an annular recess with a plurality of spoke attachment openings. Each of the spokes has an outer end portion coupled to one of the spoke attachment openings. Each of the outer end portions of the spokes includes a support member and a resilient seal member that form the seal structure for the spoke. The support members and the seal members are arranged and configured such that the support members selectively contact the spoke attachment portion to prevent full compression of the seal members when a radial force is applied to the support members. The support members can be separate or integrally formed with the spokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Shinpei Okajima
  • Patent number: 6679564
    Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle hydraulic pressure source device includes a hydraulic pressure pump pressurizing and discharging fluid, an accumulator accumulating fluid pressurized and discharged by the hydraulic pressure pump, a hydraulic pressure detector continuously detecting the accumulator hydraulic pressure, and a controller controlling operation of the hydraulic pressure pump based on a comparison of the detection result of the hydraulic pressure detector with a predetermined target pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Nitta, Michiharu Nishii, Tadashi Terazawa, Masaki Oishi, Kenichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6679565
    Abstract: A force generating apparatus provides a force to a moving element upon receipt of an electrical force signal. The force generating apparatus includes a force applying element coupled to the moving element for applying the force to the moving element and an actuator coupled to the force applying element for actuation thereof in response to receiving the electrical force signal. The force generating apparatus further includes a controller for receiving a desired force actuation signal, determining a parameter of the desired force actuation signal, selecting a set of gains based on the parameter, applying the set of gains to a linear control function, determining the electrical force signal as a function of the linear control function, and sending the electrical force signal to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan P. Riddiford
  • Patent number: 6679566
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake system containing four isolation piston assemblies each of which is comprised of a cylinder, a piston, and a pair of hydraulic lines. The cylinder has only two apertures, and the piston is disposed in the cylinder. The first hydraulic line communicates between a wheel brake and a first side of the piston through one of the apertures. The second hydraulic line communicates between an accumulator and a second side of the piston through the other of the apertures. The system components are arranged in a compact, easy to manufacture package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Reuter, Jerry L. Newton, Robert S. Mattern
  • Patent number: 6679567
    Abstract: A control valve for controlling fluid flow in a hydraulic control unit of a vehicular brake system includes a valve seat. A sleeve is mounted on the valve seat. An armature core is slidably received in the sleeve. The armature core has a passage extending between first and second planar end surfaces of the armature core. An armature body is formed from a moldable material onto the armature core. The armature body has a central section received in the passage of the armature core, a first end section extending from the first end surface of the armature core, and a second end section extending from the second end surface of the armature core. This control valve is particularly adapted to be mounted in a bore of a housing of a hydraulic control unit of an electronically controlled vehicular brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Wendell D. Tackett, Herbert L. Linkner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6679568
    Abstract: The invention relates to a block-protected braking system for a vehicle, comprising an electronic controller (22, 24) arranged in a housing (12), a valve block (14) to accommodate solenoid valves for controlling the hydraulic fluid in the braking system, and a pump motor (16) for a pump which delivers hydraulic fluid, with the solenoids (20) of the valves being accommodated in an intermediate body (18) which is arranged between the valve block (14) and the housing (12) of the electronic controller, said intermediate body (18) comprising electric connecting means (34, 38) for connecting the electronic controller with the solenoids (20), and said valve block (14) and said housing (12) of the electronic controller being connected with each other by means of the intermediate body (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lucas Industries public limited company
    Inventors: Daniel Schäfer, Leo Gilles
  • Patent number: 6679569
    Abstract: In a method and a device for controlling a brake system, the wheel brake pressure is set at the wheel brakes electrically as a function of the driver's braking input. The high-pressure supply arrangement for pressure buildup, for which at least one pump and one accumulator are provided, is monitored by comparing the change in accumulator pressure to a least one permissible limiting value. In the case of a fault in the pressure supply, it is made possible for the driver to grip through hydraulically to the wheel brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Schmidt, Jürgen Binder, Hermann Winner, Ulrich Gottwick
  • Patent number: 6679570
    Abstract: A track frame structure which can increase a crawler actual ground contact length (L0) from a first track roller to an endmost track roller without increasing a whole length of a traveling apparatus. A notch portion (2a) having a size not contacting with an endmost track roller (6r) is formed in a portion facing to the track roller (6r) in a side of a crawler drive wheel (8) of a joint plate (2) provided so as to close one end portion in a longitudinal direction of a track frame (1), and the endmost track roller (6r) is arranged close to a side of the crawler drive wheel (8) so that the endmost track roller (6r) faces to an inner side of the notch portion (2a). A side portion of the notch portion (2a) in a joint plate (2A) is bent toward the crawler drive wheel (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinobu Kamikawa
  • Patent number: 6679571
    Abstract: A furniture kit includes several pieces of furniture which can be combined in one way to produce an infant changing table and in another way to produce a desk. The furniture kit includes a table, a drawer, a chest, and an infant changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Jack L. Lawson, Nancy J. Rasche, Dennis M. Turner, Edmund M. Apperson, IV
  • Patent number: 6679572
    Abstract: An improved appliance is provided for easy and controlled movement of the door from a closed position to an open position. The appliance includes a door pivotally mounted over an access opening. A gas-charged cylinder or strut is mounted within the appliance and connected to one end of a lever arm, with the other end of the lever arm being connected to the door. A push-push latch normally retains the door in a closed position. A person can easily push on the door to release the latch, after which the cylinder arm is automatically extended to move the door to the open position. The door, cylinder and latch combination of the present invention can be used on top-loading and front-loading appliances and appliances with doors pivotal about horizontal and vertical axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Sears
  • Patent number: 6679573
    Abstract: A shelf includes a one-piece open frame made of molded synthetic material and a piece of glass closing an opening of the frame. Each of opposite side frame portions are defined by an upper wall, a side wall and at least one finger with the opposing fingers being spaced from each other and each defining with an associated upper wall a glass piece side edge-receiving channel. The glass piece is snapped into the glass piece side edge-receiving channels. The fingers slide upon the ledges whereby product loading upon the glass piece which might cause the fingers to inadvertently deform and release the glass piece side edges is effectively resisted to preclude inadvertent glass piece/frame disassembly under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Gemtron Corporation
    Inventor: Craig Bienick
  • Patent number: 6679574
    Abstract: The present invention has as its object to detect the termination of ink reliably and highly accurately in an ink jet recording apparatus. An ink cartridge 2 has an opening 5 for connection to a recording head 1, and is include of a negative pressure generating member containing portion 14 containing a negative pressure generating member 13 and having an atmosphere communicating port 10, and an ink containing portion 16 which is adjacent to the negative pressure generating member containing portion 14 and communicates therewith at the bottom 11 of the ink cartridge. Ink detecting device 3 is provided below the ink containing portion 16. When the detecting device 3 detects a reduction in the remain in the ink containing portion 16, ink remains only in the negative pressure generating member containing portion 14 and the remainder can be substantially estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Sato
  • Patent number: 6679575
    Abstract: In conventional ink jet printers there has been a problem such that with a decrease in residual quantity of ink, the density of the ink becomes lower and so does the print density. In a color conversion processing which a color conversion module 10c1 executes in a printing data generating process executed by a printer driver 10c, an amount of ink used is acquired with respect to ink contained in each of ink cartridges 32 and 33 and the degree of variations in ink density is acquired on the basis of the amount of ink used. Then, on the basis of the degree of variations in ink density, a correction coefficient table TBL is retrieved to acquire a correction coefficient associated with print density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Someno
  • Patent number: 6679576
    Abstract: A fluid ejection device has an orifice plate with an orifice therein, and a heating element that heats fluid and ejects the fluid through the orifice that is associated with the heating element. The orifice has an exit area O, and the heating element has an effective surface area R, wherein a ratio R/O is below about 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Paul Crivelli
  • Patent number: 6679577
    Abstract: A method of performing printhead maintenance comprises the steps as follow. First, the orifices of the printhead are defined to form a plurality of orifice groups. Then, a test graph comprising a plurality of test lines associated with the orifice groups is provided, and the ink is ejected through the printhead to obtain a printing result of the test graph. Next, the orifice groups containing the clogged orifices are selected according to the printing result. Then the orifice groups to be cleaned undergo the maintenance procedure. In the present invention, the orifice groups to be cleaned are determined by comparing the printing result and the test graph. Then the maintenance procedure can be selected to purge only the orifice groups containing clogged orifices, so that the unnecessary consumption of ink in purging unclogged orifices is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventors: Ben-Chuan Du, Yung-Yi Li
  • Patent number: 6679578
    Abstract: In an ink-jet printer, a support member includes a wiper cleaning zone provided upstream of a wiping direction of a nozzle surface. The wiper cleaning zone includes a cleaning wall, a first surface, and a plurality of grooves. The cleaning wall protrudes from the support member. The first surface extends in a direction reverse to the wiping direction, continuously from the cleaning wall. The plurality of grooves are provided in the first surface, extending from the cleaning wall. The grooves are formed at a predetermined distance from each other and hold ink therein by capillary action. Ink, adhered to a wiper by wiping operation, is rubbed by the cleaning wall provided in the wiper cleaning zone, and the collected ink is held by the grooves continuously formed from the cleaning wall. A similar, but reversed, structure is found on the other side of the nozzle surface in the wiping direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Arakawa
  • Patent number: 6679579
    Abstract: A method for wiping a printhead of an inkjet printing mechanism is provided. During a wiping process, firstly, a first amount of wiping force is exerted on the printhead for wiping the printhead in a first direction. Subsequently, a smaller amount of wiping force is exerted on the printhead for wiping the printhead in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The potential damages on the printhead by a dry wiping can thus be decreased by controlling the wiping force on the printhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ah Chong Tee, Cheng Tee Tang, Cherng Linn Teo
  • Patent number: 6679580
    Abstract: A printer having a power bus for delivery of power to a print carriage is disclosed. The power from the power bus is picked up by a charge pickup system mounted on the print carriage. The charge pickup system can include a conductor contact and a spring to pressure the conductor to maintain contact with the power bus. The power bus can be implemented on the slide bar or on a separate bus bar. A ground return bus can be used to provide ground lines to the print carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Meados
  • Patent number: 6679581
    Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a carrier including a substrate and a substructure joined to a first surface of the substrate, and a plurality of printhead dies each mounted on a second surface of the substrate. The first surface of the substrate includes a surface deformation and the substructure is joined to the first surface by an adhesive. As such, the adhesive conforms to the surface deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Janis Horvath, Lawrence E Gibson, Byron K Davis, David K Mc Elfresh, Gerald V Rapp
  • Patent number: 6679582
    Abstract: A nozzle guard 80 for an ink jet printer printhead with an array 14 of nozzles 22 and respective ink ejection means for ejecting ink onto media to be printed. The nozzle guard 80 has ink containment formations 146 that stop any misdirected ink droplets or ink leakage from damaged nozzles from interfering with the operation of surrounding nozzles or dropping onto the media. To maintain print quality and to stop the supply of ink to damaged nozzles, each containment formation 146 has an ink sensor. The nozzle or nozzles 22 within the containment formation are disabled if a predetermined amount of ink is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty, LTD
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 6679583
    Abstract: A dot matrix printing method is provided for printing an image on a printing medium with a printing head (10) having a contiguous set of equally spaced marking elements (11). The marking elements available to be fired at firing moments are described as the active set. There is relative linear movement between the printing head (10) and the printing medium in a fast scan direction (Y). The method comprises the steps of: 1) dividing the image in a plurality of sub-images to be subsequently printed with mutually interstitial printing steps, and 2) using the printing head (10) to generate a plurality of equally spaced raster lines of dots on the printing medium in the fast scan direction (Y) by firing the marking elements (11), each raster line extending in the fast scan direction (Y), adjacent dots in the raster line not being generated by the same marking element (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert
    Inventors: Rudi Vanhooydonck, Patrick Van den Bergen
  • Patent number: 6679584
    Abstract: A print assembly for pagewidth inkjet printing that includes an elongate carrier that is mountable on a support structure of a printer in an operative position with respect to a platen of the printer. A number of printhead chips are positioned on the carrier. The printhead chips together define a printhead that is configured to eject at least one billion drops per second into a printing zone defined between the printhead and the platen of the printer. Control circuitry is also positioned on the carrier and is configured to control operation of the printhead chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 6679585
    Abstract: The ink jet recording head 1 of the invention is provided with a black ink nozzle array Bk1 for black ink constituting first ink, and plural color ink nozzle arrays C1 to C3 for discharging color inks. In a color ink nozzle array C1 having the shortest print distance from the black print formed by the black ink nozzle array Bk1, there is introduced a color ink showing the highest mutual reactivity with the black ink, and a color ink showing the next highest mutual reactivity is introduced into a nozzle array C2 having the next shortest print distance, and a color ink showing the lowest mutual reactivity is introduced into a nozzle array C3 having the longest print distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masao Kato, Nobuyuki Matsumoto, Daisaku Ide, Yoichi Takada
  • Patent number: 6679586
    Abstract: A sheet-position synchronizing signal is generated once each time a recording sheet is transported by a single-line worth of distance in a sheet feed direction. A print-driving signal and a refresh-driving signal are generated within a time interval of two successive sheet-position synchronizing signal. When the print-driving signal is applied to a piezoelectric element of a nozzle, then a print ink droplet is ejected, thereby a dot is formed on a recording sheet. On the other hand, when the refresh-driving signal is applied to the piezoelectric element, then a negatively-charged refreshing ink droplet is ejected. The refresh ink droplet refreshing ink droplet is deflected by an electric field and collected by a metal mesh without reaching the recording sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Printing Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Kobayashi, Takahiro Yamada, Kunio Satou, Hitoshi Kida
  • Patent number: 6679587
    Abstract: A fluid ejection device comprising a composite substrate, wherein the composite substrate has two substrates with a patterned etch mask therebetween, and a fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Chien-Hua Chen, Charles C Haluzak