Patents Issued in February 24, 2004
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Patent number: 6694861Abstract: A sensor mountable within a hydraulic cylinder provides a precision signal indicative of the position of the piston. The sensor includes a flexible connector attached between the cylinder piston and a converting element for sensing the piston displacement. The converting element comprises a pick-up spool, under tension, coupled to the other end of the connector and rotatable about an axis. A lead screw engages threads on the spool, and translates linearly when the spool rotates. A non-contacting electromechanical transducer senses the position of the lead screw, and provides an output signal proportional to the motion or position of the movable element. The transducer may be an LVDT or other transducer. A high-pressure seal assembly provides an electrical path between the sensor and an external connector. A piston stop prevents the piston from damaging the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Control Products Inc.Inventor: Richard O. Glasson
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Patent number: 6694862Abstract: A hand-operated pump, readily accessible and useable by people with disabilities, complies with the specifications set forth in the American Disabilities Act. The reciprocating pump provides for counterbalance-assisted rotary motion input by the user, is simple in design, inexpensive to produce, operates reliably in the field, and requires very little maintenance. The pump is suitable for use in remote areas, such as on ranches, farms and in the National Forest System campgrounds and recreational areas.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of AgricultureInventors: Robert G. Beckley, Charles W. Harding, Tyler V. Kuhn
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Patent number: 6694863Abstract: A swash plate compressor includes a cylinder block, a shaft rotatably supported in a central portion of the cylinder block a swash plate which rotates along with rotation of the shaft a crankcase for retaining the swash plate, and pistons each connected to the swash plate and sliding in a corresponding one of the cylinder bores as the swash plate rotates. Each of the pistons includes a hollow cylindrical portion for sliding within the cylinder bore and a bridge for rollably supporting the pair of shoes. The bridge projects radially outward with respect to the hollow cylindrical portion. The cylinder block is formed with a projecting portion projecting from a central portion of a front end face thereof toward the crankcase, within a range limited such that the projecting portion does not interfere with the connecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Zexel Valeo Climate Control CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Kanai, Shunichi Furuya
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Patent number: 6694864Abstract: A swash plate (3, 18) included in a swash plate type compressor for compressing a refrigerant is made of an aluminum alloy as a base material. Sliding contact surfaces (3a, 18a) of the swash plate (3, 18) in sliding contact with shoes (7, 19) linking the swash plate (3, 18) to pistons (6, 17) are coated with a film of a solid lubricant containing at least one lubricating material selected from molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide and graphite by a transfer method. Therefore, the performance of the film and the productivity thereof are improved.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Takayuki Kato, Hayato Ikeda, Seiji Katayama, Masaaki Taga, Noriyuki Shintoku, Toru Takeichi, Motonobu Kawakami
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Patent number: 6694865Abstract: Belt guide members guide an upper belt and a lower belt for closing a slit of a cylinder tube. Belt holder sections for the upper belt and belt separators for separating the upper belt and the lower belt from each other are integrally formed in the belt guide members. Bearings for positioning a slider are disposed to engage with the belt guide members.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: SMC Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junya Kaneko, Tetsuya Naruse
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Patent number: 6694866Abstract: Disclosed is a diaphragm-based spring brake actuator assembly which allows for the delivery of more force to the push rod without increasing the size of the actuator unit. The invention allows for the use of a stronger heavy main compression spring in the emergency brake chamber to provide greater emergency or parking brake force to the push rod. The invention also allows the service brake chamber to operate more efficiently when braking pressure is introduced. These functions are accomplished through modifications in the design of the actuators which allow for the deployment of a larger pressure plate inside either the emergency housing or the service brake housing, or both, allowing delivery of more force to the push rod of the actuator; and are made possible in actuator units having the same dimensional profile as existing weaker units.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventors: Teddy D. Smith, Michael D. Stubblefield
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Patent number: 6694867Abstract: A scraper device includes a scraper fixture which is adapted to be placed in a working position adjacent to a surface to be scraped. At least one flex arm is connected at its proximal end to the scraper fixture and includes a distal end extending from the fixture toward the surface to be scraped when the scraper fixture is in the working position. A scraper plate is located at the distal end of the flex arm and extends at an acute scraping angle with respect to the surface to be scraped when the fixture is in the working position. In this position, a scraping edge of the scraper plate makes contact with the surface to be scraped to provide a scraping action as the scraper device is driven over the surface to be scraped.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Freezing Machines, Inc.Inventor: Eldon Roth
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Patent number: 6694868Abstract: A detachable pan handle structure includes a pan body and a handle. The bottom section of the handle of the pan is provided with an arch-shaped actuating block. The bottom side of the actuating block is connected to the handle, and the other three sides of the block are positioned with an open slot, the actuating block has one side being connected and three other sides of the block are opened without a connection, so that the actuating block can be bent downward and can be withdraw from an engaging hole thereby enabling the pan handle to be detached from the body of a pan.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Ming-Tsun Hung
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Patent number: 6694869Abstract: A vertical baler includes a horizontally disposed floor plate having an arched surface for receiving material to be compacted thereon. A compression plate is mounted for reciprocating vertical movement with respect to the floor plate, and left and right hydraulic pistons carried outside the wall of the baler are operably attached between the floor plate and the compression plate for reciprocating the compression plate relative to the floor plate. Material placed between the arched floor plate and the compression plate is compacted and formed with an arched bottom surface for ease in sliding fork elements of a lift truck thereunder. Once compacted and tied, the bale is pushed from the compaction chamber by pusher tabs vertically extending from a rear edge of the floor plate which is operable for horizontal reciprocation causing biasing of the pusher tabs against the material in a horizontal pushing of the bale from the chamber onto an adjacent floor surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Load King Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Gregory Bryan Sutton, Dennis E. Finegan, Mark E. Lindsey
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Patent number: 6694870Abstract: In the method for leading a web between calendar roll nips (N), a web (W) is guided between the calender roll nips (N) in a loop which runs apart from the calender rolls, inside which loop an air pocket (3) is formed. The mass and/or beat flow in the air pocket (3) is prevented in the cross direction of the web by means of obstacles (5) placed in connection with the pocket.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.Inventors: Reijo Pietikäinen, Vesa Ijäs, Pekka Koivukunnas
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Patent number: 6694871Abstract: A baler having pre-compression lid stops and method of operation where stops located on a pre-compression lid prevent rotation of the pre-compression lid into the pre-crush chamber to prevent impingement of a gatherer ram with the pre-compression lid.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: IPS Balers, Inc.Inventors: Forrest H. Wildes, Emory L. Olds
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Patent number: 6694872Abstract: Conventional methods of making holographic labels use separate, stand-alone machines for embossing, laminating, printing, and diecutting. This means that embossed material must be transferred and loaded into the laminator, that laminated material must be transferred and loaded into the printer, and that printed material must be transferred and loaded into the diecutter. Unfortunately, transferring and loading material into the separate machines is not only time consuming but also introduces errors, particularly in achieving accurate registration, or alignment, of embossed, printed, and diecut patterns. Accordingly, the inventors devised an in-line rotary microembosser for use with a rotary laminator, printer, and/or diecutter. One embodiment, or implementation, of the invention includes a rotary microembosser operatively coupled in line with a rotary laminator, a rotary printer, a rotary diecutter, or another web processing device to concurrently process a continuous web.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Holographic Label Converting, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. LaBelle, Bill L. Bohn
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Patent number: 6694873Abstract: Holographic labels are used on a variety of articles of manufacture for security, authenticity, or aesthetic appeal. Manufacturing a holographic label or sticker typically entails microembossing, that is, imprinting or cutting, microscopic grooves into a clear plastic sheet with a shiny aluminum coating. The grooves diffract light and form a three-dimensional image, such as the dove commonly found on Visa™ brand credit cards. Unfortunately, conventional microembossing machines, or microembossers, suffer from a number of problems. For example, these microembossers include two large base rollers that move back and forth in sequence to contact a shimroller. The clumsy back and forth movement not only limits how fast embossing can occur but also causes misalignment of embossed images. To address this and other problems, the inventors devised an exemplary microembosser which includes a single base roller and a shimroller which one or more unique features.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Holographic Label Converting, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. LaBelle, Bill L. Bohn
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Patent number: 6694874Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a pictorial cancellation mark that may be applied to the postage indicia on a mailpiece. The pictorial cancellation originates as a digital image that is then printed through a printer on the mailpiece. This invention takes advantage of the technology now available in digital printing techniques to vary the pictorial cancellation through a variety of color, sizes, shapes, and images. Pictorial cancellations may thus be individualized for markets, applications, and unique purposes.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: The United States Postal ServiceInventor: Khalid Hussain
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Patent number: 6694875Abstract: A screen printing method and apparatus for printing a circuit pattern corresponding to that of a stencil (4), onto a print-object article (1) placed on an ascendable/descendable positioning stage (2), through moving a squeegee (5a, 5b) horizontally while the squeegee is pushed in on the stencil so that print paste (9) is printed to the article via the stencil. The squeegee is lifted to an extent of a push-in stroke, to which the squeegee has been pushed in on the stencil, and thereafter the article is separated away from the stencil by moving the stage downward. The board is classified into first and second areas (121, 120) where values of opening sizes of the stencil along a squeegee moving direction are smaller than and not smaller than a threshold, and a speed of the squeegee at the first area is made slower than that at the second area.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ken Takahashi, Naoichi Chikahisa, Yousuke Nagasawa, Takao Naito, Akihiko Wachi, Seishiro Yanachi, Nobuyasu Nagafuku, Nobuyuki Kakishima
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Patent number: 6694876Abstract: An apparatus for changing operational plate cylinders during rotary press operation is provided. This apparatus is possible to substantially equalize an actual print count to a set print count before change of operational plate cylinders. This can eliminate waste to print undesired recording paper (paper loss) and lead to cost down. A rotary press includes at least two or more plate cylinders (P), drive means (13, 13′) for driving the plate cylinders (P) and switching means (15) for selectively switching the plate cylinders (P) in a printable state and in an unprintable state.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai SeisakushoInventor: Hideo Kawamori
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Patent number: 6694877Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in an offset printing press, for permitting the supporting and positioning of at least the format-dependent printing cylinders of the printing press individually exchangeably therein, in which for positioning of at least the format-depending printing cylinders provision is being made for a system with bearing arms, by means of which these cylinders can be positioned by rotation.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Drent Holding B.V.Inventors: Gerrit Wolters, Adelbert Lucas Schoonman
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Patent number: 6694878Abstract: A device that is useable to clamp a rotatable shaft or spindle and which is provided with cams or pressure pieces, to retain or to tension packings on a cylinder, is provided. The shaft or spindle can be both rotated about an axis of rotation, as well as clamped against rotation by the device. The device can be pivoted with respect to the shaft or spindle about a pivot axis which is essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft or spindle. The pivotable device can be provided as a pawl or lever that interacts with a pair of stops to hold it in a shaft or spindle locking position.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Koenig & Bauer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gianpaolo Pezzetta, Martin Heinz Schoeps
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Patent number: 6694879Abstract: In an erasing and cleaning device for cylindrical surfaces, in particular of printing-form and rubber-blanket cylinders of a printing machine, with the aid of a cleaning cloth capable of being moved by cleaning-cloth transport means, the cleaning-cloth transport means comprising a fresh-cloth roll, a pressure element, which presses the cleaning cloth against the cylindrical surface, and a dirty-cloth roll for receiving the spent cleaning cloth and cooperating with a positioning unit for the operating position and a drive, to make it easier to change the cleaning cloth and to achieve a reduction in the time taken by this change and, moreover, to make this erasing and cleaning device capable of being used universally, there is provision for the cleaning-cloth transport means together with the cleaning cloth, to be packaged in an independent cassette and to be exchangeable in this form and for the positioning unit, in the form of a running mechanism with a drive for the cassette, to be arranged permanently as aType: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AGInventors: Alfons Schuster, Thomas Hartmann
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Patent number: 6694880Abstract: There is prepared a printing plate on which a material being hydrophilic at a first temperature and being hydrophobic at a second temperature which is lower than the first temperature is provided. First, the whole surface of the printing plate is forcibly made either one of hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Next, a region having the other nature out of hydrophobic and hydrophilic is formed so as to correspond to an image to be printed. Then, ink is supplied onto the region having hydrophobic nature to conduct offset printing.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobufumi Mori, Takao Nakayama, Takashi Nakamura, Koji Kamiyama
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Patent number: 6694881Abstract: A direct-to-plate method of lithographic printing is disclosed wherein a printing press is used that is coupled to a coating apparatus and to a cleaning apparatus; wherein the coating apparatus applies an image-recording layer on a substrate so as to obtain a printing plate, which is mechanically transferred to the printing press; and wherein, after the print job, the printing plate is mechanically transferred to the cleaning apparatus wherein the substrate is recycled, so that the recycled substrated can be reused in a next cycle of coating, printing and cleaning. The off-press coating and the off-press cleaning step provide a fully automated printing method wherein the press down-time is minimized. The method comprises also an off-press or an on-press exposure step.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Agfa-GevaertInventors: Eric Verschueren, Rudi Goedeweeck
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Patent number: 6694882Abstract: A holographic stereogram printing system capable of printing a holographic stereogram by selectively performing a desired image processing on a still picture image or a motion picture image entered. The printing system is comprised of an image processing server for selectively performing an image processing on an image data, an image storage server for storing the image data processed in the image processing server, and a printing device for printing a holographic stereogram in accordance with the processed image data stored in the image storage server.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shigeyuki Baba, Akira Shirakura
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Patent number: 6694883Abstract: First, the inking behavior of the printing units of a multicolor rotary printing machine is determined by means of test forms. The inking nonuniformities on the test forms are transmitted to the pre-press stage. Using the data about the inking nonuniformities of the test forms, the raster tonal values of the color separations of a printing form are modified in such a way that the inking nonuniformities are compensated locally on the basis of the location of their occurrence in the print on the printing forms or films.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventor: Axel Hauck
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Patent number: 6694884Abstract: A card supply for use with an identification card printing system includes a card hopper and a supply circuit. The card hopper contains a stack of cards. The supply circuit is mounted to the card hopper that includes a memory containing supply information relating to parameters of the card supply.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Fargo Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Gary M. Klinefelter, Jeffrey D. Upin, Gary A. Lenz, Martin A. Pribula, James R. Meier
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Patent number: 6694885Abstract: A process for preparing a ceramic decal in which a printed image is applied to a backing sheet, and a covercoating is then applied to the printed substrate. A digitally printed ceramic colorant image is applied to the backing sheet; metal oxide colorant with a refractive index of greater than about 1.6 is used as the colorant. Thereafter, the printed image is covercoated with an overcoat containing frit and binder. The total amount of frit applied in the process divided by the total amount of colorant used is at least 2, and the frit used has a melting temperature of at least 550 degrees Centigrade.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: International Imaging Materials Inc.Inventors: Pamela A. Geddes, Barry J. Briggs, Daniel J. Harrison
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Patent number: 6694886Abstract: The present invention provides a rigid reactive cord such as a detonating cord (10) that includes a core (38) of an energetic material and a rigid non-metal sheath (40) disposed about the core. The cord (10) is sufficiently rigid so that it can be inserted through a material to be fractured or through passages formed therein. A method of using the rigid reactive cord for the removal of combustion residue from boiler tubes is also presented.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford CompanyInventors: Mark E. Woodall, Dennis P. Johnson, Eric C. Gerst
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Patent number: 6694887Abstract: A shotgun shell flight path indicator is described which in general includes a shell casing having a primer end having a primer, a propellant disposed within the interior of the casing proximate to the primer adapted for ignition by the primer, and a non-combustible indicator positioned within the casing. The indicator generally includes a base positioned proximate to the propellant where the base has a sufficient mass and size for unaided observation following discharge from a shotgun barrel. The indicator may include ballast integral to the base and pedals extending outwardly from the base to assist in aerodynamic drafting behind expelled shot to visually represent the flight trajectory of the expelled shot of a shotgun shell. The indicator may further include a plug disposed in the casing between the ballast and the propellant where the plug is adapted to compact the ballast within a ballast pocket integral to the base upon discharge of the shotgun shell to reduce peak barrel pressure for a shotgun.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: E. Wendell Diller
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Patent number: 6694888Abstract: A frangible hollow point bullet is disclosed. The bullet (or slug) is formed from a frangible material such as sintered copper to provide a bullet-shaped body. A plurality of coaxial, substantially cylindrical cavities having progressively decreasing bore diameters are formed in the nose of the bullet-shaped body, extending rearwardly therefrom, to provide a bullet that both expands and fragments in a semicontrolled fashion upon impact with a target. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the coaxial cavities is multiply scored to provide a substantially symmetric fragmentation pattern and controlled and uniform fragment size. Controlling the aggregate depth of the coaxial cavities enables the retention of a recoverable base or shank that is suitable for ballistic investigation following bullet impact.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventors: Bill Jopson, Howard Davis
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Patent number: 6694889Abstract: A siphon drainpipe system and method for use in a railway tank car includes a railway tank car having a tank at least partially defined by a generally elongate hollow cylinder having closed ends. The tank includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and forms a generally enclosed interior portion. A nozzle is coupled with the upper surface of the tank. A siphon pipe which extends from the nozzle toward the lower surface of the tank is coupled with the nozzle. The siphon pipe is at least partially disposed within the interior portion of the tank. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention the siphon pipe includes a generally rigid, metallic portion disposed adjacent the upper surface of the tank, and a generally flexible portion disposed adjacent the lower surface of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: TRN Business TrustInventors: Wade J. Woodall, Stephen W. Smith
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Patent number: 6694890Abstract: A method and apparatus for a Between Car Barrier for multi-car transportation vehicles which utilize a combination of a flexible member and a secured mount, each of which are attached at opposed ends of adjacent cars of a vehicle in substantial alignment with another where the longitudinal axis of each car is substantially aligned. A positioning member keeps the flexible member from extending beyond the edge of the car, even when the vehicle is turning or traversing a curve. This provides a barrier to deter passengers from inadvertently and/or accidentally walking between cars of the multi-car transportation vehicle, thereby reducing the risk of injury.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityInventor: George R. Kennedy
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Patent number: 6694891Abstract: A foldable desk includes a desk top, a support post, and a base. The support post is formed of an outer tube and an inner tube slidably received in the outer tube. The desk top is provided with a retaining block, which is disengageably meshed with a retaining block of the top end of the inner tube of the support post. The outer tube is provided at the bottom end with a support seat which is rotatably fastened to the base in conjunction with a locating member.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Hsiu-Chen Lai
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Patent number: 6694892Abstract: An exhausting device includes an anatomic table having a bearing table surface and a laminar air flow generator having an inlet and an outlet and disposed above the table to cover an inner part of the bearing table surface. The table has a circumference including a trough which surrounds the inner part to form a depressed area for laying an anatomizee. An inner portion of the trough forms a flow path which surrounds four lateral walls of the trough. Middle positions of the four lateral walls have openings to provide connected air seams. One side of the trough includes an air outlet. An exhaust outlet is installed at the corner of the anatomic environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Institute of Occupation Safety and HealthInventors: Chin-Liang Lin, Cheng-Ping Chang, Rong-Ing Cheng
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Patent number: 6694893Abstract: An art table having a top surface, two ends, and a lower tray. Each end has two legs. A brace is placed at each end supporting a plurality of holders, where drawing materials can be placed. Wheels are attached to two legs of one end. A paper dispenser is placed under the top surface and holds a roll of paper, so that paper can be fed over the top surface for drawing. The lower tray serves as a brace to provide extra support for the table and also serves as a holding place for extra papers and drawing materials.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: ABC School Supply, Inc.Inventors: Jose Alcala, Sofia Dumery, Sun Chul Kim, Kimberly Leonard, Andrew Schloss
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Patent number: 6694894Abstract: A pallet of the load-and-roll type having a frame constructed to carry sheet steel of varying widths, being light weight, stackable and nestable for unloaded return shipment. The pallet defines a front or roller end, a back or lift end, two sides and a top surface. The pallet includes frame members and peripheral arms and side rail members. A vertical roller is provided at each corner of the pallet to assist in moving the pallet into and out of lading carrying container.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: C.M.I. Freight-Trans, Inc.Inventor: James R. Darnell
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Patent number: 6694895Abstract: The invention is directed to a tray which includes a base having an upwardly opening open-ended groove and a member slidable in the groove for limited right-to-left and left-to-right movements in a horizontal plane. Upper surfaces of the base and the slidable member lie substantially in a common plane such that at least two input devices, such as a keyboard and a mouse, can be supported thereon on substantially the same horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Charles A. Gillis
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Patent number: 6694896Abstract: A foldable scorer (or like) table or desk having an A-frame wheeled base with a changeable advertizing sign panel mounted on its front and a rear worktop which is pivotally mounted for movement between a storage position adjacent the rear of the base and an operational horizontal position projecting rearward from the base at desk or table height. The worktop is supported in its operational position by a foldable leg unit mounted to its underside which pivots down to provide a floor contacting leg. A storage shelf is provided in the base and a storage compartment is provided above the shelf between the advertising panel and the folded down worktop.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Lee J. Milazzo
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Patent number: 6694897Abstract: A table includes a leg anchor. The leg anchor is coupled to a leg of the table and is embedded in a core of a table top to couple the leg thereto. The core is positioned in an interior region of a shell of the table top. A lower shell member of the shell provides an underside of the table top and includes a rim and a stiffening rib arrangement that cooperate to provide a channel for receiving the leg.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.Inventor: Leng Lou-Hao
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Patent number: 6694898Abstract: A columnar race game having columns that move in a vertical direction. The object of the game is to hit a target causing actuation of the column in the vertical direction. The first column to reach a uppermost point activates a detection device which stops the game and signals the winner of the game.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.Inventor: Jack D. Cook, II
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Patent number: 6694899Abstract: A method for minimizing corrosion and the build-up of deposits on surfaces of a flue-gas system exposed to moist substances and elevated temperatures, and particularly those surfaces which are used to convey other additives to the system and the surfaces of gas/gas heaters which receive the output from scrubbers, which method involves adding to the system, particularly in those conduits and at the surfaces of the gas/gas heater, generally inert bulking agents such as perlite and vermiculite in expanded form, such agents, apparently by acting under the operating conditions to which they are subjected to retain substantial quantities of water without becoming dissolved, accomplishing the desired results.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Apollo Technologies International Corp.Inventors: Ira Kukin, William Carmen Pepe
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Patent number: 6694900Abstract: The methods and systems of the present invention reduce NOx emissions in combustion systems, e.g., power plants, boilers, furnaces, incinerators, engines, and any combinations thereof. The inventive process decreases NOx emissions from stationary combustion sources and provides improved utilization of low-grade biomass and other waste fuels without slagging and fouling problems. The invention reduces NOx emissions while utilizing gasified fuels, including biomass and low-grade waste fuels, by gasifying solid fuels and injecting produced gas into a reburning zone of, for example, a boiler at relatively low temperatures and in relatively small amounts. By feeding the gas directly into a reburning zone, the need for gas cleaning is eliminated or substantially reduced as tars are burned in the flame and alkali species may be present at much lower levels than is the case with direct combustion applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Vitali Lissianski, George Rizeq, Vladimir Zamansky
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Patent number: 6694901Abstract: A buttonhole sewing machine comprises a buttonhole cutting device which includes a knife and a cutting block unit with several cutting blocks, one of which at a time being movable into a position of cooperation with the knife. The cutting blocks are mounted on an anvil that is stationarily joined to the sewing machine. The knife is movable from above against the anvil.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Dürkopp Adler AktiengesellschaftInventors: Karsten Filges, Theodor Janocha, Jochen Fischer
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Patent number: 6694902Abstract: A sewing machine frame having a reinforced structure providing a bed, a tower upstanding from the bed and an arm extending from the tower at a position above the bed. The frame is made from a synthetic resin and includes a main frame body and a frame cover attached to the main frame body. The main frame body includes a back panel wall having a first peripheral edge, and a first side wall integrally protruding from the first peripheral edge. The frame cover includes a front panel wall having a second peripheral edge, and a second side wall integrally protruding from the second peripheral edge. The main frame body and the frame cover are coupled by means for couplings formed near the first and second side walls.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kaoru Sakakibara, Tadashi Kimura, Takeshi Ogi
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Patent number: 6694903Abstract: A knife track adjustment structure of a thread cutter of a sewing machine includes a front guide board bridged over the base board with an upper and a lower ends of the front guide board locked on the base board. The front guide board up and down adjustably displaceable on the base board. A guide is disposed under the middle section of the front guide board, a guide pin being sequentially passed through a hook rod arm and a knife arm. A swing arm, a first end of the swing arm being pivotally connected with the base board, a pin being connected with the bottom of a second end of the swing arm. The pin is sequentially passed through the hook rod arm and pivotally connected on the knife arm. A spring compressed between the swing arm and the base board helps in restoring the knife arm and hook rod arm.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Ching Chi Machine Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shih-Fang Chen
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Patent number: 6694904Abstract: An engaging pin, protruding in a front and rear direction of a sewing apparatus from an end portion of a swing arm, includes a shaft portion and a head portion provided at a free end of the shaft portion. A U-shaped engagement groove is formed at one end portion of a periphery of a housing case of a sewing cartridge, and is attached to and detached from the engaging pin provided in the sewing apparatus. The engagement groove includes a narrow groove portion, which engages the shaft portion, and a wide recessed portion, which engages the head portion. The narrow groove portion and the wide recessed portion are connectedly provided each other. The narrow groove portion includes connecting portions. The connecting portions are inclined so that an opening of the engagement groove becomes wider toward a periphery of the housing case.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshiyuki Mamiya
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Patent number: 6694905Abstract: An automated feeding mechanism for sewing machine is comprised of: a rotary support element rotatably mounted on a table in the vicinity of the sewing machine having a feed dog member; and support elements provided on one side of the rotary support element. A trim cover assembly may be attached on the rotary support element, such that the arcuate peripheral cover section thereof is supported on the support elements and also temporarily retained thereon by a clamp element. A hard synthetic resin material may be stored in that mechanism. With this feeding mechanism, upon rotation of the rotary support element, the arcuate peripheral cover section supported on the support elements and the hard synthetic resin material juxtaposed with that peripheral cover section are smoothly and precisely fed to the sewing machine and thereby sewn together.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yukihito Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6694906Abstract: A system for converting an automatic embroidery machine from one type of work to another type of work is disclosed. The invention adapts a cap frame sash or driver unit or sash to be quickly mounted to and dismounted from a tubular frame sash or holder. The cap frame sash has additional braces so that the cap frame sash snaps into a tubular frame sash. The tubular frame sash has clips that engage the additional braces on the cap frame sash in a quick-release fashion. There is no need to remove the tubular frame sash from the machine to embroider caps. The flat work frame is simply snapped out of the clips of the tubular frame sash, and the cap frame driver or sash is snapped into the tubular frame sash. The invention uses spring clips, registration pins, and complementary sockets. No fasteners are required since a single type of sash is able to accommodate more than one type of workpiece frame when the embroidery machine is reconfigured.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: James Buck
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Patent number: 6694907Abstract: A shaped hull with a fixed angle keel with respect to the hull that when heeled, orients the keel to an angle of attack substantially related to the heel angle. The angle of attack being sufficient to create on the keel a lateral force substantially equal and opposite to the lateral force derived from the wind. The submerged portion of the hull, however, remains symmetrical and oriented parallel to the course sail as is its associated drag contribution vector. Thereby reducing or substantially eliminating the lateral force generated by the hull and the associated drag contribution. The movement of the shaped hull induces a lateral force on the keel without generating a lateral force and its associated drag on the hull, thus providing a sailboat with reduced drag without resorting to the prior art methods and their associated disadvantages.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Patrick Craig Muldoon
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Patent number: 6694908Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing the volume of the watertight hull of a ship in the light or no cargo condition to achieve the required ballast drafts. At least one trunk extending longitudinally from a first end at a bow of the ship to a second end at a stern of the ship. The first and second ends of the trunk connectible to the water surrounding the ship by operation of an inlet valve and an outlet valve adjacent each end. When in the light condition, or no cargo condition, the valves at each end of the trunk or trunks are moved to an opened position to reduce the volume of the watertight hull in order to achieve the desired ballast draft. While the ship is in motion, sufficient pressure differential exits between the bow and the stern of the ship to exchange the volume of water in the trunks over a period of time. Preferably, the fluid flow through the trunks exchanges the water at least approximately every hour when the ship is moving at normal speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventor: Michael G. Parsons
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Patent number: 6694909Abstract: A hydraulically activated device for spacing plural towed lines includes a toroidal and inflatable tube member defining an aperture in an opening of the toroid shape. A plurality of connectors each secure a corresponding one of the plural towed lines to the toroidal and inflatable tube member. The toroidal and inflatable tube member is inflated with sea water to a predetermined volumetric configuration suitable to an operating speed range of the towed lines and upon inflation will space the towed lines in a three-dimensional arrangement therearound. A sheath may also be formed around the toroidal and inflatable tube member, the sheath being formed in cross section as a tear drop or similar streamlined shape.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Kimberly M. Cipolla, David A. Hurdis, Michael R. Williams
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Patent number: 6694910Abstract: A floating island apparatus and method of operation in which a floating main body is connected by a cable system with an underwater sail. The cable system is operated to adjust the sail orientation in an underwater current to regulate the magnitude and vector of forces on the sail. This controls the floating island by enabling the forces on the sail to either move or hold stable the main body.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Sergei Vyacheslavovich Sharapov