Patents Issued in February 24, 2004
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Patent number: 6694811Abstract: A flow meter is formed with a passage for introducing and carrying air to measure and has a sensing part disposed in the passage for measuring a flow rate of the air. A contraction part is formed on an inner surface of the passage so that the contraction part faces the sensing part. The contraction part narrows the flow of the air flowing near the sensing part. A flat surface of the contraction part is formed in parallel with the surface of the sensing part and at least upstream of the sensing part. Thus, collision of particles against the sensing part and adhesion of contaminants to the sensing pert are inhibited. Meanwhile, the flow rate of the air is measured stably and accurately.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yasushi Kohno, Toshimasa Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Wado, Tetsuo Yoshioka
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Patent number: 6694812Abstract: Machine and method for dynamically balancing rotatable shafts featuring positioning and welding equipment that is controlled by an electronic control unit that determines the imbalance of a rotating shaft and the amount of weight required at predetermined balance planes associated with misalignment joints of the shaft. The positioning and welding equipment is moved along a rail of the machine parallel with the shaft mounted therein into precision points and the welding gun moves into a welding position in which the shaft is griped by the welder and the correction weight is welded at the correction point on the shaft in the correction plane. In a second embodiment, balancing is achieved by removing calculated amount of materials at points on the shaft determined by the electronic control unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Schenck Rotec CorporationInventors: Peter Loetzner, C. Peter Hemingray, Charles Maas
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Patent number: 6694813Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope includes supporting members that are fixed to the vicinities of two node points of a bar-shaped vibrator. The supporting members extend from the positions at which they are fixed to the vibrator in the widthwise direction of the vibrator. The supporting members also include intermediate portions positioned on the plane (neutral plane) which is substantially parallel to first and second main surfaces of the vibrator and which passes through the approximate center of the thickness direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masato Koike
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Patent number: 6694814Abstract: A dynamic sensor includes stationary electrodes and movable electrodes facing each other and forming a capacitance therebetween. The capacitance changes in accordance with a dynamic force such as acceleration imposed on the sensor. Plural projections are formed on the stationary electrodes to avoid or suppress electrode sticking between the movable electrodes and the stationary electrodes due to an excessive impact imposed on the sensor. The projections are formed to have various heights so that higher projections first hit the movable electrodes and thereby protect lower projections. Even after the higher projections are destroyed by the excessive impact, the lower projections remain intact and serve to prevent the electrode sticking by the excessive impact which may occur later.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Seiichiro Ishio
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Patent number: 6694815Abstract: To predict residual settlement quantity and residual horizontal deformation quantity of ground where a liquefaction phenomenon has occurred due to earthquake. Soils in situ (stratum B to stratum D) are sampled from ground, and are made to be element test object stratums. A stratum whose characteristic is well-known, or the like may be substituted for a numerical model (stratum A). Next, setting of input conditions is performed, and vertical stress, horizontal stress and initial shear stress, which are equivalent to applied load that the ground at a depth of the point suffers, are worked on to each stratum. This recreates a stress status of soil before earthquake occurs. Then, shear displacement and the movement quantity of interstitial water by earthquake are given to the test piece, and the quantity of shear stress and pore water pressure, which have occurred, is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Tohoku Techno Arch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Motoki Kazama, Noriaki Sentou, Akira Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 6694816Abstract: The x- and y-direction vibration components of radial vibration of a rotational shaft 106 obtained by measurement from x and y directions are transformed into frequency sample values {XkYk, k=0, 1, . . . N−1} by discrete Fourier transform. RMS amplitude values {2½|Fki(2j&pgr;/M)|, j=0, 1, . . . M/2−1} are calculated at azimuths {&thgr;j=2j&pgr;/M, j=0, 1, . . . M/2−1} corresponding to 0 to &pgr; on the basis of frequency sample values at frequency points {ki, i=1, . . . P} corresponding to specific frequencies {fi, i=1, . . . P} of NRRO vibration components selected from the x- and y-direction frequency sample values obtained by the discrete Fourier-transform. RMS evaluation values Aki are selected from these RMS amplitude values.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventor: Katsutoshi Matsuoka
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Patent number: 6694817Abstract: The cantilever of a probe-based metrology instrument such as an AFM is deflected by directing a beam of ultrasonic energy at the cantilever to apply ultrasonically generated acoustic radiation pressure to the cantilever. The energy is generated by an ultrasonic actuator such as a ZnO transducer driven by a power source such an RF signal generator. The transmitted beam preferably is shaped by focusing, collimation, or the like so that it impinges at least primarily on a region of interest of the cantilever such as the free end. The ultrasonic actuator produces a much better controlled force on the cantilever than can be achieved through the use of a traditional piezoelectric actuator and, accordingly, produces a response free of spurious effects (at least when the cantilever is operating in liquid). It also has a frequency bandwidth in the MHz range.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: F. Levent Degertekin, Abidin Guclu Onaran, Babur B. Hadimioglu
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Patent number: 6694818Abstract: A semiconductor sensor chip is interposed between a sensor case and a housing. A first pressure is introduced from the sensor case and applied to a rear surface of the sensor chip, while a second pressure is introduced from the housing and applied to a front surface of the sensor chip. The sensor chip detects a pressure difference between the first and the second pressures and converts it into an electrical signal. The sensor chip is hermetically mounted in a depressed portion formed in the sensor case by charging a sealing material from holes formed around the depressed portion. The charging holes are positioned between terminals electrically connecting the sensor chip to an outside circuit to avoid enlarging the pressure sensor size by forming the charging holes.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kenji Chikuan, Michitake Kuroda
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Patent number: 6694819Abstract: A pressure gauge having a pressure operated piston for measuring the difference in pressure between two pressure signals including an automatically operative pressure relief valve and a manually operable three-way valve to provide a venting function useful for inspecting the operation of the pressure operated piston of the pressure gauge.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Gammon Technical Products, Inc.Inventor: Howard M. Gammon
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Patent number: 6694820Abstract: In a pressure sensor, a first electrode is formed on a base plate. A insulating laminate material coats the first electrode. A conductive rubber is attached on a click rubber. The conductive rubber is brought into a pressure contact with the first electrode coated with the insulating laminate material.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Atsushi Ono
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Patent number: 6694821Abstract: A cuff of a wrist-mount blood pressure monitor capable of oppressing an artery of the wrist securely without having effects of muscle, tendon or bone existing in the wrist area is presented. This cuff 10 of a wrist-mount blood pressure monitor comprises a first air bag 14A as a first inflatable portion, and a second air bag 16A as a second inflatable region disposed between the first inflatable portion 14A and the wrist, being made of a material of a higher stretchability than the material for the first air bag 14A.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Ken-ichi Yamakoshi, Shojiro Oku, Takahide Tanaka, Yoshihiko Sano, Hiroyuki Kato
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Patent number: 6694822Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure sensing device that includes at least one GMR sensor, and preferably an array of GMR sensors, with each GMR sensor having a conducting spacer layer interposed between two ferromagnetic layers. In an unbiased state, the magnetization vector of each of the ferromagnetic layers is preferably parallel to each other. Upon application of a current, however, the magnetization vector of each ferromagnetic layer is changed, preferably to an antiparallel position, in which state the sensor is used to then sense stress applied thereto. Upon application of stress, the magnetization vectors of both free magnetic layers will rotate, thus causing a corresponding and proportionally related change in the resistance of the sensor. This change in resistance can be sensed and used to calculate the stress applied thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Fidelica Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Srinivasan K. Ganapathi, Shiva Prakash
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Patent number: 6694823Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (LCPA) for measuring a load applied to a quantity of material. The LCPA includes a load cell assembly sandwiched between an inner plate and an outer plate. The load cell assembly measures the load applied to the quantity of material when a force is exerted against the outer plate. Preferably, the load cell assembly includes three equally spaced apart load cells. In one aspect, the LCPA is a part of a gyratory compactor such that the LCPA measures the load applied to a paving material test specimen when a ram exerts a force against the outer plate during the compaction and gyration process. In one aspect, the location of the resultant force exerted by the ram on the specimen is calculated so that the performance of the test specimen may be evaluated.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Hussain U. Bahia, Guler Murat, Peter J. Bosscher
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Patent number: 6694824Abstract: A flow meter includes a flow path through which a fluid flows; a pair of transceivers for sending and receiving an ultrasonic wave propagating across the flow path; and a flow calculation section for calculating a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path based on a result of the ultrasonic wave being sent and received by the pair of transceivers. The flow path has an equal flow speed area in which the fluid flows at a substantially equal flow speed over an entire flow rate area ranging from a high flow rate area to a low flow rate area. The pair of transceivers send and receive the ultrasonic wave so that the ultrasonic wave propagates in the equal flow speed area.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Norio Shinmura, Shigeru Iwanaga, Yukio Nagaoka
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Patent number: 6694825Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately controlling the amount of NH3 to be applied to a field by measuring the NH3 flow rate without condensing or cooling the NH3. The system includes a control station 12 on the vehicle with a tachometer 12A or a GPS system for providing a vehicle speed signal to a control panel 13. The control panel includes a toggle switch 17 for adjusting the opening or closing of a valve 52 in the flow line to regulate the flow through the system, although the control panel alternatively may automatically control the valve 52. The vehicle transports a tank 20 containing liquid NH3 and a tool bar 30 for distributing the NH3 to the soil. After flowing through the flow meter 40,60, 130, the NH3 is conducted to the soil through a series of hoses, fittings, a distributor, and tubing. The flow meter transmits a signal to the control panel, which is converted to a corrected flow rate signal in response to a fixed value vaporization correction factor.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.Inventors: Spence M. Nimberger, Kevin J. Cessac
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Patent number: 6694826Abstract: A detecting device (1) is provided to detect signals from a sensing mat (2) including a plurality of sensing cells (R) electrically interconnected to each other in a matrix. Each sensing cell (R) is changeable in resistance with a change in a load to be applied. The detecting device (1) comprises a detecting circuit (Rp) and voltage applying means (5). The detecting circuit (Rp) detects a signal through a conversion of changes in the resistance to changes in voltage. When detecting a sensing cell (R11) connected to a specified line path (2a), the voltage applying means (5) applies a particular voltage to the remaining line paths (2a). The particular voltage is for example voltage of which potential is the same as a voltage detected from the selected sensing cell (R11). Applying the particular voltage prevents current from bypassing the other line paths irrelevant to the detection.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shinichi Kiribayashi, Tadashi Ozaki, Hiroshi Fujitsuka
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Patent number: 6694827Abstract: A fluid coupling capable of indicating proper tightening includes a fitting body having a flared end with a back side. The fitting body also includes an indicator spaced a predetermined distance away from the back side. A threaded nut is positioned around the fitting body adjacent the flared end and includes a back end and a shoulder portion spaced away a predetermined distance therefrom. The shoulder portion is concentrically aligned with the back side of the flared end. The fluid fitting also includes a belleville washer(s) positioned around the fitting body adjacent the back side of the flared end, which is (are) compressed upon threading and torquing of the nut onto the threaded end of a male fitting. When a predetermined amount of torque has been applied to the nut, the indicator is visible adjacent the back end of the nut.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Crane-Resistoflex CompanyInventor: John Austin
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Patent number: 6694828Abstract: A device includes at least one magnetic field generator placed on a first plane of a right section of a shaft and at least one magnetic field detector placed in a second plane of a right section of the shaft. The detector produces a signal proportional to the torque following the relative angular shift of the field generator in relation to the detector, the magnetic field generator having a magnetic structure supported by support mechanisms connected to the turning shaft. The magnetic field detector is located roughly opposite the magnetic field generator and is supported by support mechanisms connected to the turning shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: The Torrington CompanyInventor: Christophe Nicot
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Patent number: 6694829Abstract: A load cell 1 includes a strain body 2, a bridge circuit and a coating film 10. The bridge circuit is formed of a strain gauge 7 arranged on the strain body 2. The coating film 10 is formed on the strain body 2, covers at least a portion of the strain body 2 attached to a member made of a metal material dissimilar to the strain body and a strain occurring portion of the strain body 2 except for a portion to be attached to the strain gauge 7, includes a coating layer made of resin having a glass transition temperature of 40° C. or more, and has an electrical insulating property.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukiko Chimura, Yukio Wakasa
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Patent number: 6694830Abstract: An inline sampling device adapted to remove a representative sample drop-wise from a fluid flowing through a fluid line through a sampling probe disposed in the fluid line wherein the sampling probe has at least one fluid receiving, volume relief port adapted for receiving a multiplicity of drop-wise samples of fluid flowing through the fluid line and for discharging a portion of the volume of a sampling container. The device is particularly suitable for testing for mastitis in milking animals.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Reggie Hakes
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Patent number: 6694831Abstract: A method and system for automatically locating a component connected to a planar, such as a printed circuit board, is disclosed. The method and system comprises providing at least one substantially clear latch coupled to the component, mounting a light emitting element on the planar beneath the at least one latch, and activating the light emitting element, thereby illuminating the at least one latch of the component such that the component can be readily located.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Charles Assimos, II, Mohamad Hassan Tawil
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Patent number: 6694832Abstract: A kit is provided to measure the depth to which the tip of a probe should be set inside an assembly such as a combustion can. The acquired depth is then transferred to a set of probes for installation. The fixtures and the associated process ensure that the probe will be in a proper position for accurate measurement and to eliminate inconsistencies in measurement due to probe insertion to different depths.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Eamon P. Gleeson
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Patent number: 6694833Abstract: A gearbox assembly including a housing supporting an input shaft to drive a first shaft that includes drive gears that correspond to driven gears on a second shaft. The driven gears are movable axially along the second shaft by shift levers such that a desired gear ratio can be selected. The second shaft also includes a worm shaft portion that drives a corresponding worm gear disposed on an output shaft. Another embodiment includes an input shaft driving first and second shafts. A third shaft includes two clutch assemblies with driven gears that engage drive gears of the first or second shafts. A gear on the third shaft drives a gear of an output shaft. The clutch assemblies move one of the driven gears into engagement with one of the first and second drive gears to selectively vary the speed of the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Drive-All Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Richard T. Hoehn, Barbara P. Boxwell
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Patent number: 6694834Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a preferred method is disclosed for operating a transfer case synchronized range shift mechanism. The range shift mechanism can be selectively actuated for establishing a four-wheel high-range drive mode, a neutral mode, and a four-wheel low-range drive mode. The synchronized range shift mechanism is comprised of a first input gear system, a second input gear system, and an output gear system. The output gear system is comprised of a rotary output member that may be selectively engaged with either the first input gear system or the second input gear system, depending on which four-wheel-drive operating mode the vehicle operator selects. The range shift mechanism is further comprised of a synchronizing mechanism. The present invention discloses a novel method for controlling the speed of the range shift as a means for reducing the time it takes to perform the range shift.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventors: Eric A. Bansbach, William E. Smith
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Patent number: 6694835Abstract: The power transmission mechanism has a first gear secured to an input shaft. A second gear connectable to the input shaft through a clutch mechanism is provided around the input shaft through a one-way clutch that allows the input shaft to rotate freely in the direction of rotation of the driving force from the engine when the clutch mechanism is in a disengaged state but does not permit rotation of the second gear relative to the input shaft in an opposite direction. A brake mechanism is provided to restrain the rotation of the second gear. A third gear is in mesh with the first gear. A fourth gear is in mesh with the second gear. The power transmission mechanism further has first to third bevel gears. The gear ratio between the first and third gears is equal to that between the second and fourth gears.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Tamiya, Inc.Inventor: Kazuhiko Kawahara
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Patent number: 6694836Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle includes a variable-speed V-belt drive disposed on one side of a crankcase of an engine, a V-belt drive cover covering the variable-speed V-belt drive, a gear transmission of transmitting a power of the engine in cooperation with the variable-speed V-belt drive, and a speed sensing device. The speed sensing device includes a speed sensor of measuring a rotating speed of a member which transmits the power of the engine to the wheels. The speed sensor is disposed right under the V-belt drive cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuichi Kawamoto, Kiyohito Takano
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Patent number: 6694837Abstract: A forward/reverse transmission, shiftable under servo-control, includes a movable clutch bell and a free-wheeling, one-way centrifugal lock-out clutch that permits a gear change from forward to reverse or reverse to forward only while the engine is operating at or below idle speed. The centrifugal lock-out clutch includes a spring-loaded pawl which is yieldably biased by a compression spring and held in a non-interfering, shiftable position when the engine is being operated at or below idle speed. As the engine rpm increases above idle, the centripetal acceleration force overcomes the bias force of the compression spring and the pawl is extended radially outwardly for engagement with a torque transfer pin. In the radially extended position, the pawl is disposed for interference contact against the clutch bell housing, thus preventing clutch engagement/disengagement.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Traxxas LPInventor: Shi-Tang Yeh
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Patent number: 6694838Abstract: A shifting device for the electronic selection and/or control of the gears of a vehicle transmission is provided with a shift knob and at least one shifting mechanism. The shifting mechanism has a gear selection device. The shifting mechanism is mounted pivotably around at least one axis. A converting device converts the mechanical shifting movements into optical and/or electric and/or hydraulic signals (shift commands). A transmitting device transmits the signals. A bracket (8) is provided for the stationary positioning of the shift knob (1) in the interior of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventor: Metin Ersoy
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Patent number: 6694839Abstract: The invention concerns a neutral point setting device for the rotating ring of a roller bearing (5) provided with an inner ring (6) and an outer ring (7), one of the rings being integral with a fixed element (9) and the other ring being integral with a rotating element (1). The return device comprises springs designed to apply a return torque on the rotating ring to return it to the neutral point and means for limiting in two directions the rotation of the rotating ring.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: SKF FranceInventor: Franck Landrieve
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Patent number: 6694840Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device basically includes first operating member operatively coupled to a winding mechanism by a follower link and an operating link. A second operating member is also preferably operatively coupled to the winding mechanism. The cable winding mechanism is mounted on a first pivot axle and is configured to be selectively retained in a plurality of shift positions. In one shift operating device, the operating link is pivotally mounted on the first pivot axle. In an alternate shift operating device, the operating link is pivotally mounted on a second pivot axle that is spaced from the first pivot axle and parallel to the first pivot axle. The first operating member is preferably arranged to reciprocate in a first direction. The second operating member is preferably arranged to move in a second direction that is substantially parallel to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 6694841Abstract: A self adjusting closure mechanism for a locking plier or similar device. Central to the invention is a set of one or more friction pawls which slide along a support rod, moved by a push link working against a spring. The push link is free to rotate between two positions relative to the rod as it slides. In the first position, and in between the positions, the push link bears against the center of the friction pawls and they remain free to slide along the rod. When the push link rotates to the second position, it presses on the edge of the pawls, causing them to tilt, coupling to the rod and preventing movement along the rod. In a typical locking plier, the support rod is mounted to the frame and the opposite end of the push link connects to the handle. As the handle closes, the push link rotates towards its second position and optionally slides along the support rod. When the friction pawls lock, the plier begins to grip and lock on to the work piece.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Donald A. Kesinger
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Patent number: 6694842Abstract: A structure restraining movement of a handle of a children's cycle comprises a handle, a frame, a cover and a block. The handle has a bolt and a nut. The frame comprises a strut at the front end. Both the cover and block comprise a hole at their center portion thereof, whereas the cover is secured to the handle and the block is secured to the strut of the frame. By inserting the bolt through the holes of the cover and the block, the handle and the frame are pivoted and secured together with the nut from the other end. This secures the handle to the frame of the cycle and allows the handle to turn with respect to the frame. Whereas a stud protruding from the cover seats in an arc slot of the block, which restrains the stud to go any further when it has reached to the two ends of the arc slot, this also restrains the handle to turn to a certain position.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Far Great Plastics Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen
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Patent number: 6694843Abstract: A flexible bushing for a cam follower, comprising a substantially rigid inner sleeve including an inner cam follower engaging surface, a length of the inner sleeve being greater than a thickness of a ram into which the flexible bushing is inserted, a substantially rigid outer sleeve including an outer ram engaging surface, a length of the outer sleeve being substantially equal to the thickness of the ram, the inner and outer sleeves being substantially concentric, and a shock absorbing flexible material disposed between the inner and outer sleeves.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Intech CorporationInventors: Georg Bartosch, Todor S. Mihov
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Patent number: 6694844Abstract: A gravity apparatus having a wheel-like, connected, encircling surface, includes an axially horizontal track which has an interior surface which weighted objects contact and are carried around the interior surface. The interior surface is a connected, encircling, wheel-like surface, is not a round circle or a cylinder, but has an offset center of rotation closest to a side which approaches perpendicular, the weighted objects are carried by spokes attached to a support hub through the offset center of rotation. A plurality of spokes extend diametrally of the track in axially and circumferentially spaced array. Weighted objects are mounted on opposite ends of each spoke. The offset center causes the spokes to move axially diametrally of the track and extend the weights to rise and lower as the weights traverse the path of the interior surface. Optional bearings on the weights, wheel, and at the hub-spoke interface minimize friction.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Ralph E. Love
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Patent number: 6694845Abstract: A bicycle pedal, having a pedal shaft which has an end surface in which a blind hole is formed, is provided with a permanent magnet which is designed to interact with a sensor of the pedalling cadence, provided on the frame of the bicycle. The permanent magnet is housed within the blind hole and retained simply by magnetic attraction, if the pedal shaft is made from ferromagnetic material, or, for example, if the pedal shaft is not made from ferromagnetic material, by means of an auxiliary element of ferromagnetic material which is fixed within the aforesaid blind hole and to which the permanent magnet adheres simply by magnetic attraction.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
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Patent number: 6694846Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly has a cleat releasably coupled to a pedal by a cleat engagement mechanism formed on an upper surface of its pedal body. The pedal body has a front end configured and arranged to include a sole guide portion that assists the rider in rotating the pedal body about its pedal shaft. In one embodiment, the sole guide portion is formed by a first concaved sole receiving recess located in a tip surface of the pedal body and a second concaved sole receiving recess located on the upper surface of the pedal body adjacent to the tip surface. Alternatively, the concaved sole receiving recesses can be replaced with either a pair of laterally spaced projections located on at the front end of the pedal body, or a V-shaped tip surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Tsutomu Muraoka, Tomohiko Nishimura
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Patent number: 6694847Abstract: A cutting tip having a three-layer laminated structure is provided. The tip is made from a disc-shaped three-layer laminate wherein a second layer consisting of a hard sintered compact of CBN or diamond is sandwiched by a first layer and a third layer consisting of a tool material such as cemented carbide. Prismatic blanks of rectangular cross-section are cut out by cutting the three-layer laminate in strips. Semi-completed tips of a desired shape are obtained by cutting up the prismatic blanks. Desired cutting edges are formed on the semi-completed tips to produce completed tips. Because prismatic blanks are obtained from a three-layer laminate and semi-completed tips are cut out from the prismatic blanks like this, the semi-completed tips can be obtained in large numbers, yield is high, and the manufacturing cost of the tip can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Minoru Hiroyasu, Satomi Isibasi, Masatomi Ito, Hiroyuki Nomura, Shigemitsu Nomura, Hiroyuki Fukushima
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Patent number: 6694848Abstract: An adjustable pair of pliers including two branches, and each branch has an articulation region located between a jaw portion and a handle portion. A first branch includes a guide surface 25, and an articulation surface 26, a front guide mechanism 11, and a front articulation mechanism 12. A rear guide mechanism 17, 43 is provided for guiding the second branch.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: FacomInventor: Jean-Pierre Flavigny
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Patent number: 6694849Abstract: A lathe (10) includes a support structure (12) which supports a magazine (14) in a substantially vertical operative orientation. The magazine (14) is rotatably supported in a carriage (24). The magazine (14) is a multi-spindle magazine and supports a plurality of workpieces. A workstation head (40) is mounted on the housing (18). The workstation head defines a plurality of workstations (46). Each workstation head includes a plurality of working tools.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: K. D. Binnie Engineering Pty Ltd.Inventor: Kevin Douglas Binnie
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Patent number: 6694850Abstract: Cutter for cross cutting of reeled webs comprising a rotary cutting assembly including a blade and a counter blade rotated in synchronism with an advancement assembly of the web. The rotation axes of the blade and of the counter blade are displaceable relative to each other, perpendicularly to the web, and a gear actuator is provided to operate mutual approaching thereof when the blade and the counter blade are placed in a mutually facing angular position for cutting the web. The blade and the counter blade are rotated only at the time of cutting.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1999Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Temco SRLInventor: Giacomo Tosatto
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Patent number: 6694851Abstract: A miter box is comprised of two incomplex components, namely, a base and a U-shaped guide member, which are assembled by engagement of a pivot post on the guide member within a passage extending normal to the surface of the table of the base. An assembly for clamping the workpiece against a fence member on the base consists of a lug that is engageable at each of numerous locations along the length of a channel for location proximate the fence, and a clamping piece that is rotatably mounted on the lug piece for being turned into clamping engagement with the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: James S. Erisoty
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Patent number: 6694852Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting open a case of product having a top and a bottom is provided. The case is placed on a conveyor and moved to a cutting apparatus. The top is cut open at the cutting apparatus. The case is moved to a lift apparatus. The top of the case is opened and the product is lifted from the bottom of the case. The case is then cut thereby separating the bottom of the case from the top of the case.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Kellogg CompanyInventors: David C. Ours, Randall Scherer, James E. Mabe
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Patent number: 6694853Abstract: A cable stripper apparatus is disclosed for stripping insulation from electric cable. The apparatus includes a framework and a drive secured to the framework. A wire feeder is rotatably secured to the framework and is rotatably driven by the drive. A guide is provided for guiding the cable towards the wire feeder. Also, a cutter is connected to the framework adjacent to the feeder. The arrangement is such that when the cable is guided by the guide towards the wire feeder, the wire feeder and the cutter cooperate with each other for stripping the insulation from the cable.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Allan R. Adams
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Patent number: 6694854Abstract: There is provided a half-cutting device which makes it possible to attain the energy saving, downsizing of the construction of a tape printing apparatus using the device, and reliable cutting with a beautiful cut, and the tape printing apparatus incorporating the device. A half-cutting mechanism carries out half-cutting on a tape material introduced between the same and a tape-receiving member in a direction of the tape material. A half cutter of the half-cutting mechanism has a cutter blade formed by an angular blade, and performs a cutting operation on the tape material by moving in a direction of the width of the tape material. A cutter moving mechanism causes the half cutter to cyclically move through a cutting wait position, a cutting start position, a cutting completed position, a withdrawn position, and then to the cutting wait position.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Yoshikiyo Furuya
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Patent number: 6694855Abstract: The present invention relates to a braider (1) comprising a device for controlling the thread lever (10). Said braider is formed by a curved path (30) that is closed in a circular ring-shaped manner, a sliding block (31) appurtenant thereto and a reverse gear (20) by means of which the direction of rotation of the drive motor is reversed in such a way that the group of the upper delivery bobbins and the group of the lower delivery bobbins rotate in opposing directions. The aim of the invention is to enable such a braider (1) to have a higher ceiling speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventors: Wolfgang Emmerich, Rainer Dorstewitz
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Patent number: 6694856Abstract: Disclosed is a high-speed, high-force impulse load damper susceptible to adaptive control including a cylinder, a piston defining in the cylinder a volume, a coil, fixed relative to the cylinder, configured to generate a magnetic field, and a fluid channel, configured to be influenced by the magnetic field, for one or both of providing fluid to and evacuating fluid from the volume. Also disclosed is a damper including a cylinder, a piston defining in said cylinder a first volume and a second volume, a first fluid channel for one or both of providing fluid to and evacuating fluid from the first volume, first means for regulating flow through said first fluid channel, a second fluid channel for one or both of providing fluid to and evacuating fluid from the second volume, and second means for regulating flow through said second fluid channel, wherein said first fluid channel and said second fluid channel are in fluid communication.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignees: The University of Maryland, Systems Planning and AnalysisInventors: Peter C. Chen, Norman Wereley
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Patent number: 6694857Abstract: An apparatus (20) for discharging shells from a magazine. The apparatus comprises a first ramming element (42) for initial, primary linear discharge of a shell (G) from the magazine, and a second ramming element (56) for continued, secondary feed of the shell (G) to an advanced position while the return movement of the first ramming element (42) is effected.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Alvis Hagglunds ABInventor: Claes Eriksson
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Patent number: 6694858Abstract: A system to provide mechanical energy to well-head equipment by directing pressurized gas existing in nearby pipelines to an engine. The engine is a linearly reciprocating piston in a closed cylinder driven by pressure differentials between the gas on either side of its piston, the differential being controlled by a switching valve which directs higher and lower pressured gas to the appropriate side of the piston, and which recirculates spent gas from the lower pressure side of the piston back to the pipeline. The system is a closed system, and avoids venting or flaring gas used in the engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: CDK Services Ltd.Inventor: Edward C. Grimes
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Patent number: 6694859Abstract: A single stage, electrically controlled variable pressure relief valve assembly is provided that uses a valving element assembly slideably disposed within a housing having first and second inlet and outlet ports, the valving element assembly has a differential area defined thereon which acts in cooperation with an electrically controlled coil assembly to proportionally control the flow of fluid between the inlet port and an outlet ports of the housing. The valving element assembly has inlet and outlet ports that are oriented generally perpendicular to the flow of the fluid through the valving element assembly to effectively offset the effects of flow forces acting on the valving element.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventor: David P. Smith
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Patent number: 6694860Abstract: A fluid control system includes a pump, a tank, and an actuating cylinder having a rod end chamber and a head end chamber. The fluid control system also includes an independent metering valve arrangement and a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure of fluid at the head end chamber. A controller communicates with the valve assembly and the pressure sensor. The controller selectively actuates at least one valve of the independent metering valve arrangement based on the sensed pressure at the head end chamber and a mode of operation of the control system.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignees: Caterpillar Inc, Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi LtdInventor: Kazunori Yoshino