Patents Issued in January 29, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040016086
    Abstract: A stud snap system includes a pin, a receiver, and a stud. The receiver fixedly engages with the pin and also fixedly engages with the stud to attach of the stud snap system to a material. The material can include apparel, clothing, sportswear, outdoor gear, fabrics, coverings, and textiles. Use of the receiver affords a large selection of options for materials and geometries to be used for the stud since the pin is not directly engaged with the stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Ching Fung Apparel Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi Ming Choi
  • Publication number: 20040016087
    Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion (22) with a pair of top flanges (24), a pair of fastening fingers (26) and a pair of abutting coupling flanges (28). Each of the fastening fingers (26) are coupled to the body portion (22) that is coupled to an associated top flange (24). Each of the abutting flanges (26) has a concave surface, which engages the mounting structure. The fastening finger (26) portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Williams Osterland, Jeff A. Slobodecki
  • Publication number: 20040016088
    Abstract: A panel fastener forming a blind connection between a primary and secondary panel is herein disclosed. The panel fastener is constructed and arranged to be preassembled with an attachment structure extending from an undersurface of the primary panel. The head of the panel fastener has an alignment detent or detent extending therefrom that engages the attachment structure of the primary panel so as to maintain the panel fastener in a predetermined orientation therewith. The panel fastener has a shank with a retaining mechanism constructed and arranged to be received and retained in a bore formed through a secondary panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Roger A. Angellotti
  • Publication number: 20040016089
    Abstract: A magnetic closure for bags, rucksacks and items of clothing, comprising a first element and a second element that are suitable to couple to each other, each one of the first and second elements accommodating internally at least one permanent magnet; each one of the first and second elements comprises a base provided with male engagement elements and female engagement elements, the male and female engagement elements of the first element being able to mutually couple respectively to the female and male engagement elements of the second element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: SAMA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Erico Grunberger, Franco Revel
  • Publication number: 20040016090
    Abstract: A slider device having contoured top and sidewalls is disclosed for use with a resealable package. In a first embodiment, the slider device includes an engagement structure for engaging and interlocking first and second closure profiles of a resealable closure mechanism. The engagement structure includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion depending from the top wall of the slider device for engaging first and second closure profiles of a resealable closure mechanism. The first and second protrusions selectively open and close the resealable closure mechanism as the slider device is moved from a first position to a second position. In a second embodiment, a slider device is disclosed having first and second slide channels that engage first and second closure profiles. The first and second slide channels selectively open and close the resealable closure mechanism as the slider device is moved from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Michael E. Schreiter
  • Publication number: 20040016091
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a two-sided nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced three-dimensional image that is durable to both converting and end-use application. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a first precursor web comprising a first fibrous matrix and a second precursor web comprising a second fibrous matrix. Between the first and second precursor web, a fluid-pervious support layer or scrim, is interposed and subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface having a three-dimensional image transfer device. By formation of a nonwoven fabric in this fashion, a three-dimensional image that is durable to abrasion and distortion due to elongation is imparted and a product formed which exhibits on its opposite surfaces the unique properties of the respective fibrous matrix used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel Rivera, Ralph A. Moody, Michael J. Putnam
  • Publication number: 20040016092
    Abstract: In a texturing system with a texturing nozzle and a first drum (22) connected thereto and a further drum (23), a thread is guided on the outlet side of a texturing nozzle (10) at the circumference of a drum (22) in the form of a strip (1′) by friction and at least in part in positive manner, so that the longitudinal speed of the strip (1) at the circumference of the drum (22) accords with the circumferential speed of the drum in the area of the guide (220), whereby, by means of a pressure difference in an air guidance system, the effect is achieved of pressing the strip (1′) onto the surface of the drum (22), and whereby the thread is guided in relation to its conveying speed and packing density, by positive and friction guidance under the imposition of air, as far as an outlet point on the first drum, and is transferred onto a second drum (23), on which the strip is cooled, extended if appropriate, and passed on to further guide or conveying rollers (22′) respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: MASCHINENFABRIK RIETER AG
    Inventor: Armin Wirz
  • Publication number: 20040016093
    Abstract: A self-supporting package of strand is disclosed. The disclosed method of manufacturing a package of strand is directed to the bulk collection of the strand. The disclosed strand collection system includes an attenuator that attenuates filaments from a bushing. The attenuator includes a pair of belts between which the strand is pinched to pull the filaments from the bushing. The attenuator directs the strand to a deflector assembly that slows down and imparts a degree of movement to the strand. The deflector assembly includes primary and secondary deflector surfaces which the strand engages. After the strand deflects off the secondary deflector surface, it is directed into a container assembly. The attenuator and deflector assembly traverse above the container assembly to deposit the strand. The container assembly is periodically vibrated by a vibrating mechanism as it collects strand. The vibrations settle and shift the strand in the container assembly for better strand distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Christoph Lueneburger, Michael Blaise Fazio, Michael A. Strait, Clark Thomas Forbes, Richard A. Green, Fred C. Grube, Eric Harlan Ramey
  • Publication number: 20040016094
    Abstract: A method of forming a capacitor comprises: providing a first metallic thin-film layer; forming a dielectric thin-film layer of an anodized metal on a side of said first metallic layer; providing a second metallic thin-film layer on a side of the dielectric layer opposite the first metallic layer; and excising an area of the resulting structure to obtain at least one capacitor having a pair of electrode plate structures constituted by portions of said first and second metallic layers separated by a portion of said dielectric layer, and having connection points at adjacent electrode plate edges which are accessible from a same side of the capacitor and effective for operatively connecting the capacitor such that the capacitor does not exhibit an inductive resonance below a frequency of at least 1 GHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas
    Inventor: Leonard W. Schaper
  • Publication number: 20040016095
    Abstract: A method of laser milling an aperture in a workpiece for use with manufacturing ink-jet nozzles includes initially illuminating a surface of the workpiece with a laser beam at a point within an outer perimeter of a desired aperture and a distance away from the outer perimeter sufficient to substantially avoid initial ablation of the outer perimeter. The laser beam is driven substantially in the direction of the outer perimeter at a variable rate controlled to avoid deformation of the outer perimeter. Material of the workpiece is ablated in a pattern designed to substantially remove material within the outer perimeter, thereby forming the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Xinbing Liu, Chen-Hsiung Cheng, Dan Hogan, Nancy Edwards
  • Publication number: 20040016096
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing valve seals from a cylinder head of an engine. More particularly, valve seal removal apparatus having a lever and at least a pair of gripping members for frictionally gripping a portion of a valve seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas D. Capoferi, Fred L. Capoferi
  • Publication number: 20040016097
    Abstract: A fastener delivery and installation system is provided that comprises an end effector mounted on an automated machine and operable to drill a hole through a workpiece and insert a fastener through the hole, and a fastener feed unit operable with the automated machine to deliver the fasteners through the end effector and into the workpiece. Further, a hand-held tool is operable against a second surface of the workpiece and is aligned with the end effector. Once the hand-held tool is positioned properly, a magnetic field is generated and the workpiece is clamped to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, a detector is located on the hand-held tool for generating guidance information to inform an operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the hand-held tool with the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel D. Bloch, Branko Sarh, Bruce Harman
  • Publication number: 20040016098
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Don E. Reich
  • Publication number: 20040016099
    Abstract: A seal attachment fixture and method are provided for attaching a seal to an encapsulated gasket disposed on a work piece, for example, an automotive window assembly. The seal attachment fixture includes fixture members, which slidably move into contact with openable lip portions on the gasket, thus exposing a retention slot defined therein. With the gasket retention slot open, a seal is then inserted within the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hicks, Thomas M. Lingle
  • Publication number: 20040016100
    Abstract: A method for forming an integral socket to a pipe made from biaxially oriented thermoplastic material is described. The pipe has a pipe body and is provided, at one or both ends, with an integral socket. The biaxially oriented thermoplastic pipe is subjected to a socket-forming operation comprising the steps of fixing both axial ends of the unheated end part of the pipe, heating the fixed end part to a suitable socket-forming temperature in one or more steps, and expanding the axially fixed end part with the aid of a fluid pressure in the interior of the end part and/or a vacuum on the outer side of the end part, which expansion may begin as early as during the heating of the end part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Arjan Dirk Van Lenthe, Jan Visscher, Duncan Hamilton Wormald, Jan Hendrik Prenger
  • Publication number: 20040016101
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method for producing a vehicle door is disclosed. Interior door components such as a window lift mechanism, a lock assembly, and a horizontal energy absorbing member are coupled to a door substructure. A finished exterior door panel having a class-A surface is adhesively bonded to the substructure, disposing the door interior components between the finished exterior door panel and a portion of the door substructure. The assembled door is coupled to a previously painted vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Malik, Hamid G. Kia, Lei Zhang, Li Yu, Dexin Wang, Xie Cheng, Shengxiang Zuo, Yongcheng Li
  • Publication number: 20040016102
    Abstract: A dual actuator pivot bearing system and method for making the same is disclosed, wherein the need for adhesive bonding is eliminated and assembly time is minimized. The dual actuator pivot includes a first and a second actuator bearing assembly that include an upper sleeve having an upper and lower ball bearing press fitted into the upper sleeve to form the first actuator bearing assembly and a lower sleeve having an upper ball bearing press fitted into the sleeve to form the second actuator bearing assembly, the first and second actuator bearing assemblies being press fitted to a shaft assembly comprising a shaft having a ball bearing press fitted at a shaft base. The first and second actuator bearing assemblies are press fitted using-a predetermined axial load that is tuned to select a desired resonance frequency for the first and second actuator bearing assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Walter L. Prater, Ambrish A. Misra, Miquel Dominguez
  • Publication number: 20040016103
    Abstract: A canvas framing system and method for attaching canvas to an extruded aluminum frame to achieve a taut mount painting surface, including forming the frame of aluminum material, rounding selected corners and edges of the frame, temporarily securing a first portion of the canvas to the frame and attaching the canvas to the frame, preferably with staples using a modified staple gun, stretching the canvas on the frame and temporarily securing an opposing portion of the canvas to an opposing side of the frame, which is then stapled thereto, and stretching and attaching remaining portions of the canvas to the frame with the staple gun. Cross bracing can be installed on the frame to prevent bending when the canvas is stretched taut thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Mark T. Eastwood
  • Publication number: 20040016104
    Abstract: A mixed potential electrochemical sensor for the detection of gases has a ceria-based electrolyte with a surface for exposing to the gases to be detected, and with a reference wire electrode and a sensing wire electrode extending through the surface and fixed within the electrolyte as the electrolyte is compressed and sintered. The electrochemical sensor is formed by placing a wire reference electrode and a wire sensing electrode in a die, where each electrode has a first compressed planar section and a second section depending from the first section with the second section of each electrode extending axially within the die. The die is filled with an oxide-electrolyte powder and the powder is pressed within the die with the wire electrodes. The wire-electrodes and the pressed oxide-electrolyte powder are sintered to form a ceramic electrolyte base with a reference wire electrode and a sensing wire electrode depending therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Rangachary Mukundan, Eric L. Brosha, Fernando Garzon
  • Publication number: 20040016105
    Abstract: A method of making a motor stator in which the stator includes an inner stator part and an outer stator part, the method including placing the inner stator part inside the outer stator part, and rotating the inner stator part with respect to the outer stator part such that the inner stator part is retained with respect to the outer stator part by means of an interference fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Raymond Martin Johnson, David Thomas Black
  • Publication number: 20040016106
    Abstract: Embodiments include a slider having a silicon body and at least one carbide pad structure embedded therein. At least one head structure for reading and/or writing data is located on the silicon body. The silicon body includes an air bearing surface on which the head is located. The air bearing surface also includes at least a portion of the carbide pad structure thereon. In one aspect, the metal carbide structure may be made from a material such as titanium carbide, zirconium carbide, vanadium carbide, tungsten carbide, or molybdenum carbide. In another aspect, the head may be located on the air bearing surface between carbide pad structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Lille
  • Publication number: 20040016107
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-actuatable, self-limiting wear contact pad slider and method for making the same. A protruding element surrounding the transducer is fabricated using a third etch step so that the protruding element has a height that is greater than or equal to the designed fly height of the aerodynamic lift surface minus the disk roughness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Pantelis S. Alexopoulos, Lee K. Dorius, Francis Chee-Shuen Lee, Timothy C. O'Sullivan, Gurinder Singh
  • Publication number: 20040016108
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic field generator and method for assembling the same for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the method comprising: establishing a layout for a permanent magnet of a magnet assembly comprising a pole piece, a ferromagnetic plate yoke and a permanent magnet. The method also includes populating the layout with a plurality of mock-up sticks and block retainers to form a mock layout for the permanent magnet; and installing a magnet block in place of at least one mock-up stick of the plurality of mock-up sticks. Installing the magnet blocks includes pushing the magnet block along a selected slot formed by the displacement of at least one mock-up stick of the plurality of mock-up sticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Jarvis, Ronald Floyd Lochner, Alex Palkovich, Bu-Xin Xu
  • Publication number: 20040016109
    Abstract: Pillars are formed in a fully integrated thermal inkjet printhead to prevent particles from entering into a nozzle chamber along an ink refill channel. The pillars are formed after a step of applying a thin film structure to a substrate. At one step, pits are etched through the thin film structure. At another step, material for an orifice layer is deposited into the pits. At another step, a firing chamber is etched into the orifice layer. At another step, a trench is etched into the backside of the wafer in the vicinity of the filled pits. The material filling each pit is not removed and remains in place to define the respective pillars. Two or more pillars are formed within the trench for each inkjet nozzle chamber. Alternatively pillars are formed by depositing material into the underside trench and performing photoimaging processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Naoto Kawamura, David R. Thomas, David J. Walter, Timothy L. Weber
  • Publication number: 20040016110
    Abstract: A chip thermistor is produced by first preparing green sheets containing a NTC thermistor ceramic material and an organic binder, then applying a resistor paste on one or more of these green sheets and an inner electrode paste on some others, and forming a layered structure free of PTC materials by stacking and compressing together specified numbers of these green sheets. The layered structure is then subjected to a firing process and outer electrodes are formed on oppositely facing pair of outer end surfaces of the layered structure. The chip thermistor thus produced has a main body of a thermistor ceramic material having a specified resistance-temperature characteristic, a pair of outer electrodes on its end surfaces, at least one resistor having resistance greater than 1&OHgr;, and at least one pair of inner electrodes opposite each other and separated from each other with the thermistor ceramic material in between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Masahiko Kawase
  • Publication number: 20040016111
    Abstract: A functional element arrangement which includes a functional element which is to be mounted on a component, especially but not exclusively on a brittle or non-rigid component made of a material containing cavities or pores, e.g. plastic, wood, metal foams, plastic or metal filled with hollow bodies, or another relatively soft material, selectively embodied as a sandwich construction or as a composite material e.g. in the form of a single layered or multilayered structure comprising, for example, two layers of sheet metal or plastic and a core made of one of the above-mentioned materials. The invention is characterized in that it is provided with an auxiliary assembly element which enables the functional element to be blocked using forming techniques when it is mounted on the component in a riveting process or a stamping and riveting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Rudolf Mueller, Richard Humpert
  • Publication number: 20040016112
    Abstract: A method for assembling a vehicle body entails that body components are moved to predetermined positions in relation to one another and joined together. A first body component is placed in a first retainer device which is moved by a first industrial robot to a stationary fixing device where it is positionally fixed. A further body component is moved correspondingly to the fixing device. The two body components are joined together by means of a joining device which is carried by an industrial robot. An assembly plant for assembling a vehicle body on the basis of a number of body components includes a number of manipulators and a control system. The manipulators have means (26, 29) for displacing, positioning, positionally fixing and joining together the body components. The control system has at least one program module and a plurality of processors. The plant has a stationary positioning and fixing device with coupling members (26) for cooperation with coupling members on a retainer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Goran Eriksson, Ted Ostergaard
  • Publication number: 20040016113
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing operations on an electronic substrate includes a frame, a transportation system that moves the substrate through the apparatus, a substrate support system coupled to the frame that supports the substrate during a manufacturing operation on the substrate, wherein the substrate support system includes a deformable material, and a device coupled to the frame that performs an operation on a surface of the substrate. Manufacturing operations are performed on the substrate while the substrate is substantially evenly supported by the deformable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald Pham-Van-Diep, John E. Morini
  • Publication number: 20040016114
    Abstract: A Land Grid Array structure is enhanced with a flex film interposer that not only provides a Land Grid Array (LGA) electrical connection between a Multi-Chip Module (MCM) and the next level of integration such as a system board, but also provides a reliable means to implement desired Engineering Change (EC) capability as well as a means for decoupling power to ground structure to minimize switching activity effects on the System. The invention as described can be implemented for EC repair, for Capacitive Decoupling or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20040016115
    Abstract: Wirings 2B1 are formed by application of heat treatment after an ink jet system is used to discharge a conductive liquid L onto a provisional substrate 5 having a predetermined repellent property, bonding an insulating layer 4B1 to the wirings 2B1 with an adhesive material 3B1 therebetween, peeling and removing the provisional substrate 5, and bonding and fixing the wirings 2B1 together with the insulating film 4B1 to a main substrate 1 by an adhesive material 3B1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Takashi Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20040016116
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for modifying an inner-layer circuit feature of a printed circuit board. A trimming point on the inner-layer circuit feature is identified using an x-ray inspection system. The coordinates of the trimming point are then related to the coordinates of a visible reference marker on the printed circuit board. Next, the relationship between the visible reference marker and the trimming point is used to position a cutting tool over the trimming point. Finally, the cutting tool is used to make one or more cuts into the printed circuit board, until the inner-layer circuit feature is acceptably modified at the trimming point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Albert An-Bon Yeh, Regina Nora Pabilonia, Thomas James Weaver, Arthur Fong
  • Publication number: 20040016117
    Abstract: A technique for reducing the number of layers in a multilayer signal routing device is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for reducing the number of layers in a multilayer signal routing device having a plurality of electrically conductive signal path layers for routing electrical signals to and from at least one electronic component mounted on a surface of the multilayer signal routing device. In such a case, the method comprises routing electrical signals on the plurality of electrically conductive signal path layers in the multilayer signal routing device for connection to and from a high density electrically conductive contact array package based at least in part upon at least one of an electrically conductive contact signal type characteristic and an electrically conductive contact signal direction characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Aneta Wyrzykowska, Herman Kwong, Guy A. Duxbury, Luigi G. Difilippo
  • Publication number: 20040016118
    Abstract: This invention concerns electronic substrates comprising a non-woven filler material and a resin material. The present invention also includes electronic products manufactured from the electronic substrates of this invention including, but not limited to prepregs, metal clad laminates, and printed wiring boards with and without lased via holes. The present invention further includes a method of manufacturing printed built-up wiring boards including the steps of forming a prepreg and forming at least one via in the prepreg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: David Haas, Chengzeng Xu
  • Publication number: 20040016119
    Abstract: A method of making a microelectronic spring contact array comprises forming a plurality of spring contacts on a sacrificial substrate and then releasing the spring contacts from the sacrificial substrate. Each of the spring contacts has an elongated beam having a base end. The method of making the array includes attaching the spring contacts at their base ends to a base substrate after they have been released entirely from the sacrificial substrate, so that each contact extends from the base substrate to a distal end of its beams. The distal ends are aligned with a predetermined array of tip positions. In an embodiment of the invention, the spring contacts are formed by patterning contours of the spring contacts in a sacrificial layer on the sacrificial substrate. The walls of patterned recesses in the sacrificial layer define side profiles of the spring contacts, and a conductive material is deposited in the recesses to form the elongated beams of the spring contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin N. Eldridge, Gaetan L. Mathieu, Carl V. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20040016120
    Abstract: An electret device. The device has a thickness of substrate material having a contact region. An electrically floating conducting region is formed overlying the thickness of substrate material. The floating conducting region is free from physical contact with the contact region. A protective layer is formed overlying the floating conductive layer. The protective layer has a surface region and seals the floating conducting region. The thickness of substrate material, floating conducting region, and protective layer form a sandwiched structure having a charge density of at least 1×10−4 Coulombs/m2 and a peak to peak charge uniformity of 5% and less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Justin Boland, Yu-Chong Tai
  • Publication number: 20040016121
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing cams (1) for a camshaft. The cams are produced by bending together the ends of long profile strips (4) or by bending and putting together several pieces of profile strips in a circumferential direction. Cams produced in such a way are preferably welded onto the shaft. The invention also relates to suitable welding methods such as resistance welding, laser-beam or electron-beam welding and corresponding devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Karl Merz
  • Publication number: 20040016122
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a crank shaft for a hermetic reciprocating compressor comprises the steps of forming the main shaft portion and a weight balancing member eccentric with respect to the main shaft portion, forming the weight balancing member positioned adjacent an end of the main shaft portion and between the weight balancing member and the crank portion of the crank shaft member, assembling the crank shaft member and the weight balancing member by caulking, and attaching the assembled crank shaft member and weight balancing member by brazing. The crank shaft member includes the main shaft portion and the crank portion eccentric with respect to the main shaft portion as manufactured by cold forming a ferrous pipe or a solid drawn steel tube. The weight balancing member is formed by press processing a ferrous cold-rolled plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Seung-Don Seo
  • Publication number: 20040016123
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for producing a gear wheel from a powder metal blank (1) which is sintered and pressed with an overmeasure in the flank and root region of the teeth and which in the region of the overmeasure is densified under plastic deformation by the overmeasure by pressing in a counter-toothing (3) of a pressing tool (2) which engages in the toothing (4). In order to provide advantageous conditions it is proposed that during the plastic deformation of the flank or foot region of the tooth, the tip surface of the respective tooth is subjected to a pressure force counteracting an extension of the tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Christian Sandner
  • Publication number: 20040016124
    Abstract: A method of making a rim of sheet metal for a vehicle wheel, in which:
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Bruno Guimard
  • Publication number: 20040016125
    Abstract: A disk cutter including an annular disk-shaped base adapted to be driven about an axis of rotation; a plurality of tip supports formed along the outer circumference of the base integrally therewith so that a gullet is defined between adjacent ones of the tip supports; and a plurality of hardened cutter inserts respectively fixed to the tip supports. The base is imaginarily divided into a plurality of segments by radially extending lines. The hardened cutter inserts in each segment are arranged symmetrically with respect to a circumferential center line of the segment so that the pitches of the hardened cutter inserts on each side of the circumferential center line are stepwise increased in a direction from the circumferential center line toward the radially extending line on the same side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: TENRYU SEIKYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tanehiko Asada, Hisao Sakai
  • Publication number: 20040016126
    Abstract: A hand held dual purpose hair removal and skin lubrication device has a U-shaped resilient body. One leg of the U fits the user's thumb, and the other leg of the U fits one or more opposing fingers. The device can be manipulated to expel lubricant from an internal reservoir, or to operate only the razor head. Both the razor head and the lubrication can be done in a third mode operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Bryan P. deBlois
  • Publication number: 20040016127
    Abstract: A kitchen accessory member comprising a tool for separating discrete portions of food items frozen together in a stacked array. The tool includes an impact member having a wedged shaped end forming an edge and a guide rod connected to and extending away from an opposing end of the impact member. A drive member is slideably mounted on the guide rod for manually manipulating the drive member into contact with the impact member or an upper end of the guide rod to force the edge of the wedge-shaped end between adjacent food items in the frozen stacked array of food items to separate adjacent food items from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Olan L. Long
  • Publication number: 20040016128
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hair clipper blade includes providing a blank with a comb teeth shaped cutting edge portion, and forging the cutting edge portion to have an acute tip angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC WORKS, LTD.
    Inventors: Masami Yanosaka, Yoshifumi Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20040016129
    Abstract: A portable, handheld envelope opening device is disclosed. The envelope opening device has a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion includes a slot defined by a pair of opposing walls and a base plate. The walls being spaced so as to guide the passage of an envelope and preferably are slightly angled to provide a tapered insertion end. A pair of rotary discs disposed within the head portion adjacent the base plate intersects in partially overlapping fashion along a centerline of said slot. The discs are spaced and positioned adjacent the base plate. The first disc includes a cutting edge, and the second disc is adapted to urge the envelope into engagement with the first cutting disc to sever a marginal edge of the envelope to expose the contents. A motor is coupled through a gearbox to the rotary discs to drive the discs. A switch is used to couple the motor to a battery power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony J. Lammers, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Jeffrey Scott Plantz, Patrick W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20040016130
    Abstract: A chain saw handle extension that includes an attachment mechanism at the far ends thereof for securement to a top and a bottom of a chain saw; and a clamping structure attached to the attachment mechanism that is clampable about the bottom of an existing chain saw handle and a bottom end of the extension; the extension including a speed control trigger connectable to the control trigger of an existing chain saw that is located such that the speed control trigger of the chain saw handle extension is positioned well behind the existing trigger of the chain saw; each of the attachment structures at the end of the V-shaped structures including a threaded knob which is threadable into a threaded aperture that is provided within a body of a chain saw attached to the existing chain saw handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Samuel E. Barger
  • Publication number: 20040016131
    Abstract: An assistant cutting tool for cutting vegetables, such as onions, the tool having a body with a semi-spherical inner space and a plurality of slits within the body so as to be traversed over the body to connect the inner space and the outside. A half cut onion is held in the inner surface and is cut by inserting a blade of a knife through the slits successively. After the onion is cut in one direction, it is then rotated by 90 degrees and then cut again in the same manner to obtain small pieces of onion. According to the tool, small dice-like onion pieces can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Toshio Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20040016132
    Abstract: A composite metal article from two dissimilar metals is prepared. A metal base is comprised of a first metal and having first and second opposing surfaces and a least one longitudinally-positioned depression in each of the first and second opposing surfaces for receiving a wire. An elongated metal element comprised of a second metal is introduced into each of the at least one first and second depressions of the metal base to form a composite assembly, and the composite assembly is heated under pressure to urge the adjacent surfaces of the second metal elements and the depressions together to form a bonded article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: William Engineering LLC
    Inventors: Paul Armand Dion, Gregg Anthony Dion
  • Publication number: 20040016133
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a handheld implement, in particular a portable chainsaw (100), with a handle housing part (12) that contains at least one carrying handle (10), and with at least one motor housing part (16) that carries a drive unit (14) and is connected to the handle housing part (12) by means of an antivibration system that consists of at least one vibration-reducing reducing element (18). The invention proposes an antivibration system of this type, in which the above-mentioned problems are solved due to the fact that an exchange of the vibration-reducing elements can be eliminated, wherein the antivibration system is still able to fulfill the individual requirements of the operator and the machine. This is achieved due to the fact that the at least one vibration-reducing element (18) is realized such that it can be adjusted with the aid of a tool or without requiring a tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: DOLMAR GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Olaf Kruse
  • Publication number: 20040016134
    Abstract: A power tool, such as a reciprocating saw. The power tool generally includes a spindle for supporting a tool element, a body defining a pivot axis and housing a motor and a drive mechanism driven by the motor, the drive mechanism driving the spindle, the body having a forward end supporting the spindle and a rearward end, and a grip connected to the rearward end of the body for pivoting movement about the pivot axis. The power tool may include a locking assembly for locking the grip in a pivoted position relative to the body and a switch assembly at least partially supported on the grip. The switch assembly is preferably inoperable when the locking assembly is in an unlocked condition, and the locking assembly preferably cannot be moved to the unlocked condition when the switch assembly is in an operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Richard Bednar, Thomas Paul James, Roger Dean Neitzell, Troy Charles Thorson
  • Publication number: 20040016135
    Abstract: My invention works in accordance with a hole saw, (which is a drill/boring hole maker.) The funnel is placed over the hole saw and the cavity is placed in the enclosure box, etc. The cavity is used to capture debris, filings and particles which are being bored and drilled. The pieces are being contained within the cavity to ensure safety and not have pieces cause injury or damage to persons or equipment. My invention gets placed into a drill motor which is used to bore the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Giovanni Lisa