Patents Issued in March 2, 2004
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Patent number: 6698619Abstract: A “bag-in-a-drum” container for storage and dispensing of fluids. The container is adapted to minimize volumetric space requirements in storage, transport and use of the container. The containers are usefully employed in a system of supplying liquid in containers to an end user market and refabricating containers subsequent to consumption of the liquid from the containers.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventor: Richard Wertenberger
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Patent number: 6698620Abstract: An aerosol valve for high rate filling including an upper chamber and a lower chamber formed inside a housing. A stem is attached to the upper chamber in a vertically movable manner and a switching valve is attached to the lower chamber in a vertically movable manner. A narrow flow port is arranged in the switching valve to provide flow communication between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. The switching valve is pressed and urged against a valve seat of the flow port to close the flow port except for the communication of the narrow flow port, and the switching valve is pressed by filling pressure to open the flow port during a filling procedure of the content via the stem to thereby enable the content to be filled rapidly.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Toyo Aerosol Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ken Ogata, Shinobu Watanabe
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Patent number: 6698621Abstract: A selection manifold for use for use with a beverage dispenser apparatus for dispensing both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages and including a plurality of dispensing valves with a syrup and a water line feeding each dispensing valve further comprising a selection manifold connected between at least one of the water lines and sources of both carbonated and non-carbonated water, the manifold having a selecting mechanism allowing a user of the apparatus to easily switch between directing carbonated and non-carbonated water through the water line to the dispensing valve. In a preferred embodiment, the selection mechanism includes a portion that enables a viewer to easily determine whether carbonated or non-carbonated water is selected. In another preferred embodiment, the selection mechanism includes a lock to prevent inadvertent switching of the mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.Inventors: Jerry L. Landers, M. Scott Bennett, Hershel E. Fancher, Alan S. Lucas
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Patent number: 6698622Abstract: A double-barreled syringe is provided which includes a mixing tip which is detachable after the tip is locked to the syringe body, so that the tip may be replaced by a locking cap. Locking occurs when a neck extending from the body between two shoulders is inserted into a bore in the tip (or, alternatively, the cap) and the tip is rotated so that two symmetrically opposed tabs attached to the tip are each received within a recess determined by a shoulder and a locking rib attached to the shoulder, and two diametrically opposed detents extending from the neck are each received within a recess in the bore surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Discuss Dental Impressions, Inc.Inventors: Ravi K. Sawhney, Lance Hussey, Robert G. Hayman
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Patent number: 6698623Abstract: A fluid dispenser pump actuated manually to dispense a metered quantity or “dose” of fluid each time it is actuated. The pump has a pump body containing a pump chamber and a return spring resiliently urging the pump towards its rest position and returning it automatically to the rest position after each actuation. The pump chamber has an outlet value that is urged towards a closed position by the pressure from the fluid while the pump is being actuated, and is opened mechanically by a valve control element at the end of actuation. Once the full dose has been prepared, the outlet valve is kept in the open position while the fluid is expelled from the pump chamber. This prevents the flow of fluid from closing the outlet valve again before the full dose of fluid has been expelled.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Valois S.A.Inventor: Ludovic Petit
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Patent number: 6698624Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleanly and conveniently refilling a flowable substance in a dispensing device which comprises a container assembly of a container containing a flowable substance; a container holding assembly attached to the container which includes an opening mechanism for securing the opening of the container when the container holding assembly is held in a stable delivery position on a reservoir. An unlatching mechanism is also provided to release the container holding assembly from the reservoir in a convenient way. The invention also relates to the combination of such a container assembly and a reservoir assembly which is especially adapted for securely receiving the container assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Gerhard Ufheil, William F. Overbaugh, Randall C. Chrisman, J. Antonio Gutierrez, Donald G. Melanson, Jr., Gerald Squires, Geno Piacentini
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Patent number: 6698625Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device with an input container that is configured for receiving a product that includes a fluid component and a second component. A whipper with a conical whipper surface has an axis is configured for aerating and frothing the product. The whipper surface extends between first and second end portions, with the first end portion having a smaller diameter than the second end portion. The whipper surface is preferably oriented at a surface angle to the axis of about between 5° and 65°. A motor is in driving association with the whipper for rotating the whipper about the axis at a speed sufficient for aerating and frothing the product. A product exit conduit is disposed downstream of the whipper and is configured for dispensing the product of the fluid and second components.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Gerhard Ufheil, Romanus Eduard Verhoeven
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Patent number: 6698626Abstract: A lint remover and spray dispenser apparatus rotatably supports a tubular adhesive lint remover tape roll or fixedly supports a single strip or multiple strips of a directional lint remover fabric. The apparatus includes an elongated handle section and a cylindrical or oblong support section. The elongated handle has an open end having external threads adjacent to the open end. A spray top having a hand pump and a threaded cap is mounted on the elongated handle. The liquid container-handle combination may be a molded polymer container having a trigger activated spray pump attached thereto. Alternately, the handle is configured to receive a separate liquid spray dispenser container.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: William D. McKay
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Patent number: 6698627Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing member (1, 2) and packaging (4) surrounding said dispensing member at least in part, said dispensing member (1, 2) comprising a fluid reservoir (1) defining a neck (11) and at least one deformable actuating wall (10) serving to be pushed in to reduce the internal volume of the reservoir, said dispensing member (1) being provided with a dispensing orifice (25) through which the fluid is delivered by pressing on the actuating wall (10) of the reservoir (1), said packaging (4) having at least one deformable face (41) situated facing the actuating wall (10) of the reservoir, so that the actuating wall can be pushed in via the deformable face of the packaging, said fluid dispenser being characterized in that the packaging (4) is connected to the dispensing member (1, 2) at a fixing appendage (21) that is secured to or integral with the dispensing member and that has a fixing zone (210) for fixing to the packaging (4).Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Valois S.A.S.Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Alex Milian
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Patent number: 6698628Abstract: Extension for bottle dispenser, in particular for food product, having a stopper part (10) to be applied on the mouth of the bottle and provided with a spout (11) curved downwards, comprising in a single piece: a conduit portion (20) in continuation of the cavity of the spout (11) into which can be inserted with interference a vertical tubular cavity portion (21) into which converges the conduit portion (20), comprising an inner core (22) and coaxial outer cylindrical wall (23); a cladding portion (28) in continuation of the vertical tubular cavity portion (21) and brace (29) that surrounds the stopper part (10) of the dispenser; and a distinct elastomeric valve (3) to close the vertical tubular cavity portion (21)Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: EMSAR S.p.A.Inventor: Francesco Mascitelli
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Patent number: 6698629Abstract: The comestible fluid dispensing system of the present invention preferably employs a pump or valve operable to control movement of comestible fluid from a comestible fluid source to a tap provided with a draw-back valve. The draw-back valve is preferably capable of drawing comestible fluid in an upstream direction in the tap during closure of the draw-back valve. Preferably, suction generated by closure of the draw-back valve is employed for one or more purposes including: to remove comestible fluid dangling from the tap, to draw comestible fluid into the tap away from view and from exposure to the environment, to reduce comestible fluid buildup on and near the tap outlet, to enclose or at least partially enclose comestible fluid downstream of the draw-back valve, and to operate a downstream cutoff valve in the tap. A damper is employed in some embodiments to control valve movement.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Christopher J. Taylor-McCune
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Patent number: 6698630Abstract: A combination shoehorn and shoe counter clip is disclosed which comprises an elongated member or handle having upper and lower ends. A U-shaped horn portion is secured to the lower end of the elongated member at the forward side thereof to create a clip space therebetween. The counter of the shoe to be donned is positioned within the clip space and the individual is able to maneuver the shoe as required since the shoe is securely held in the clip space.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Mark T. Maguire
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Patent number: 6698631Abstract: A worn janitorial supply carrier for even weight distribution and convenient access to carried janitorial supplies, the carrier having a back panel; left and right hip panels; left and right shoulder straps; lacings, straps and take up buckles adjustably interconnecting the back panel, the left and right hip panels, and the left and right shoulder straps; reinforcing straps extending laterally across the lower ends of the left and right hip panels; stitchings interconnecting the reinforcing straps and the left and right hip panels, the left and right hip panels, the stitchings, and the reinforcing straps defining hook receiving channels; upwardly opening bottle receptacles; and “S” hooks removably attaching upper ends of the upwardly opening bottle receptacles to the lower ends of the left and right hip panels, the “S” hooks engaging the channels.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: David E. Haskins
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Patent number: 6698632Abstract: A nail coil and tool holding assembly, having a belt and a number of nail coil pouches each having a front and a rear. The rear of each pouch is attached to the belt by a single rivet. Pivotal attachment onto the belt by the rivet allows the pouches to be rotated to maximize ease of access to the nails. A hammer holder, a utility knife holder pouch, and a pencil holder pouch may be attached to the belt by means of fastening material attached to the rear surface of the belt. Each nail coil pouch has an open top lip and a vertical slot on the front surface, to facilitate easy access to the nails. The nail coils may be positioned in the nail coil pouch so that the points of the nails are oriented towards the pouch rear to minimize the risk of injury to the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: William Turner, Jr., William Turner, Sr.
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Patent number: 6698633Abstract: A relatively rigid body member is combined with a relatively soft pad member to form a shoulder pad. The pad member is mounted on a curved lower surface of the body member. The upper surface of the body member includes a slot which accepts a luggage strap and which is angled forwardly toward the lower surface. The curved lower surface accommodates the curvature of the user's shoulder while the pad member conforms to the individual user's shoulder anatomy. The upper and lower surfaces of the body member are formed in an angular relationship so that during use, the slot is always directed toward the user's shoulder so that the load exerted by the shoulder strap keeps the shoulder pad in place on the user's shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: David Finkelstein
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Patent number: 6698634Abstract: A camping unit is mounted for transport by a vehicle,. The unit having first and second spaced side units defining an opening there between. A top extends over the opening. A moving compartment is mounted for movement from a position in which it is located in the opening between the side units and under the top, to a position in which at least a portion of it extends outwardly of the side units. The side units and moving compartment all define interior areas or compartments for storing equipment and other goods. The camping unit is adapted to be located in the bed of a vehicle, with the moving compartment mounted upon rails for sliding outwardly of the bed. In one embodiment, the camping unit includes electrical, water and sound systems. Various equipment support platforms, compartment/storage doors and other features are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Stephan Thomson
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Patent number: 6698635Abstract: A golf bag holder that would be attached to a motorcycle is disclosed. The golf bag holder would comprise a series of support bars that would be mounted to the rear side mounts of a motorcycle, with a golf bag being placed on top of the support bars and then strapped in.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Kenneith Brown
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Patent number: 6698636Abstract: A moisture/heat channeling/wicking and vented waist pouch or pack adapted for use by an individual wherein the pack can be worn securely around the waist specifically to contain and/or carry items such as; personal electronics, cell phones, music electronics and any other personal items needed. The pack is secured to the waist by means of two waist straps attached to both ends of a pouch container element comprised of front and rear panels attached at their periphery with a recloseable opening and/or plurality of pockets to insert items to be contained. The front side and rear panels use moisture wicking and ventilation enhancing materials, constructed, connected and configured together creating evaporative channels which take or remove moisture absorbed through the back panel of the pouch, from the users body, and channels it for evaporation, through airation, to areas of the pouch which do not touch the users body directly.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: June Angus, Keith Willows
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Patent number: 6698637Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fracture-separating a workpiece which comprises one or more ring-shaped workpiece sections that are aligned axially one behind the other. The method comprises the following steps: fixing the workpiece for the fracture-spectrum process; axially introducing at least one expansion device into at least one borehole which is formed in each ring-shaped workpiece section; creating at least one fracture notch in at least one borehole during and/or after the axial introduction of the expansion device; and expanding the expansion device for fracture-separating at least one ring-shaped workpiece section. The invention also relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out said method.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbHInventors: Michael Hahnel, Horst Wisniewski
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Patent number: 6698638Abstract: A PCB scrap edge removal tool comprising scrap removal jaws formed of two matching opposing pieces of metal having cut-outs in a castellated fashion. The jaws have a gap between them for receiving a PCB work piece to be finished. Metal dowels for PCB positioning span the gap. A PCB is positioned in the gap and rocked back and forth to break off the scrap edge pieces. The cut-outs in the scrap removal jaws correspond to portions of the PCB edge that are not to be removed. These portions move freely in the cut-outs as the PCB is rocked back and forth.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: AG Communication Systems CorporationInventor: Gary E. Stanek
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Patent number: 6698639Abstract: An automatic wire feeder of a wire electric discharge machine in which electric discharge is generated between a traveling wire electrode (1) and a workpiece so as to machine the workpiece by the electric discharge energy, comprises: a feed roller (2) for feeding the wire electrode (1); a slider block (11) supported being capable of going up and down; a guide pipe (9), fixed to the slider block (11), for guiding the wire electrode (1); a hollow member (10), fixed to the slider block (11), the outer diameter of which is reduced in a wire feed direction; and a pressurized gas supply for supplying pressurized gas toward the outer diameter of the hollow member (10), wherein a forward end section of the hollow member (10) is inserted into an inner diameter section of an upper section of the guide pipe (9) while a predetermined overlapping length L is kept, a predetermined clearance D1 is formed between the inner diameter of the guide pipe (9) and the outer diameter of the forward end section of the hollow member (Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoichi Otomo, Hisashi Yamada, Yutaka Terada
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Patent number: 6698640Abstract: A motor-operated stapler is disclosed which, when a bundle of sheets to be stapled is thin, prevents staple leg portions once inserted through the bundle of sheets from again piercing through the sheets bundle and which, in the case of a thick bundle of sheets, bends staple leg portions sufficiently to staple the bundle of sheets to a satisfactory extent. In the motor-operated stapler, a clincher base which carries a bundle of sheets thereon is supported by a housing of a magazine which pushes out a U-shaped staple downward, the bundle of sheets is pinched by both the clincher base and the magazine, the U-shaped staple is pushed out from the magazine into and through the bundle of sheets, and a pair of leg portions of the staple thus projected from the bundle of sheets are bent by a pair of clinchers installed on the clincher base.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuya Hakozaki, Shinya Abe
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Patent number: 6698641Abstract: A system for dispensing a fastener from a reel of fastener stock so as to secure a product onto a display card includes a module for dispensing the fastener, a counterbalance for supporting the module, a mounting stand for supporting the counterbalance, a reel holder for supporting the reel of fastener stock and an anvil for supporting the product and display card. The module includes a hollowed needle, a retractable needle guard assembly disposed over the needle, a feed mechanism for advancing the fastener into the needle, a severing mechanism for severing the fastener from the fastener stock, and an ejection mechanism for ejecting the fastener through the needle. The retractable needle guard assembly is capable of being disposed between a protective position and a retracted position and includes a fixedly mounted needle guard and a movable needle guard which is slidably mounted on the fixedly mounted needle guard.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Avery Dennison CorporationInventors: Steven E. Flannery, Paul A. Davignon, Hidekatsu Kinbara
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Patent number: 6698642Abstract: The present invention relates to a wire retainer of a stapler that is applicable for stapling objects with different staple size, and such stapler comprises a groove bracket being disposed at the bottom edge between two side casings for accommodating the staples; a staple roller assembly being disposed on the groove bracket; a staple plate being disposed at the front edge of the side casing for shooting the staple; characterized in that: a detachable wire retainer being disposed at the front edge of the staple plate of the stapler such that the user can switch the wire retainer of different specifications, and maintain a smooth and stable stapling working surface for different stapler specifications without a need of switching the stapler. The present invention effectively improves the current existing stapler that can only fit a single specification to attain the purpose of convenient operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Tung-I Chen
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Patent number: 6698643Abstract: A cutting and stapling device for use as an attachment to an electromechanical device driver comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which separate and close against one another in a continuously parallel alignment. The upper jaw includes a series of staple guides corresponding to one or more staples in a removable staple tray disposed within a lower jaw, whereby a blade and wedge having a threaded bore travel upon a matching threaded shaft in a channel disposed in the lower jaw below the staple tray, such that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the wedge through the channel while a sloped surface of the wedge contacts the staples to push the staples against the staples guides, closing the staples.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Power Medical Interventions, Inc.Inventor: Michael P. Whitman
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Patent number: 6698644Abstract: A single-tube Coriolis mass flow sensor includes a stainless steel sleeve having an unplated interior surface and a titanium member having a cylindrical end inserted into the stainless steel sleeve. The exterior surface of the titanium cylindrical end forms a joint with the unplated interior surface of the stainless steel sleeve. The titanium cylindrical end is brazed to the unplated interior surface of the stainless steel sleeve at the joint, and the stainless steel sleeve exerts compressive stress on the titanium cylindrical end at the joint.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Rainer Lorenz
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Patent number: 6698645Abstract: A method of producing fiber-reinforced metallic building components having a complicated three-dimensional geometric shape includes the following steps. First, metal-coated SiC fibers are applied to a metallic sectional piece having a simple geometric shape, and are then held thereon without restraint by a metallic counterpart piece. Then, the unit consisting of the sectional piece, fibers and counterpart piece undergoes plastic deformation in vacuo between mold halves by applying pressure at an elevated temperature, without bonding of the fibers to one another or to the building component metal. By further increasing the pressure and/or temperature, the molded unit is compressed further between the mold halves and is consolidated to a monolithic part by metallic bonding (diffusion welding), whereby the part, either alone or bonded to other parts, forms the building component, after cooling and removing it from the mold halves.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbHInventors: Michael Buchberger, Bertram Kopperger, Alexander Sagel, Axel Rossmann
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Patent number: 6698646Abstract: The present invention is a method for bonding gold wire to gold bond pads at temperatures lower than 125 degrees Celsius, and more particularly at room temperature, defined to be 25 degrees Celsius. By applying compressive force and ultrasonic energy, an intermetallic bond can be formed between a gold wire and a gold bond pad without elevating the temperature. Furthermore, the present invention uses ultrasonic energy with frequencies low enough to be in the range of commercially available wire bonders.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kim H Chen, Soojin Choi, Chun Yee Chan, Johnny Monis Nigos
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Patent number: 6698647Abstract: The invention includes an aluminum-comprising physical vapor deposition target bonded to an aluminum-comprising backing plate to a bond strength of greater than 10,000 pounds/in2. The invention also includes a method of bonding a first aluminum-comprising mass to a second aluminum-comprising mass. The first aluminum-comprising mass has a first surface, and the second aluminum-comprising mass has a second surface. The first and second masses are pressed together to bond the first mass to the second mass. Additionally, the invention includes a method of bonding a physical vapor deposition target material to a backing plate material. The target material and backing plate material are joined in physical contact with one another. The target material and backing plate material are then compressed under a load that progresses sequentially.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Jaeyeon Kim
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Patent number: 6698648Abstract: Process for the production of at least one solderable surface in selected solder regions and of at least one functional surface in function regions differing from the solder regions on circuit carriers provided as well as of corresponding circuit carriers.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbHInventors: Christian Wunderlich, Petra Backus, Hartmut Mahlkow
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Patent number: 6698649Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing solder ball connections from electrical circuits are disclosed. The apparatus and methods comprise a solder ball removing tool 20 having a multiplicity of raised ribs 22 defining a contact surface 24 and made up of heat conductive material having a melting point above the melting point of solder. There is also included a heating source 30 for heating at least a portion of the multiplicity of raised ribs 22 to a temperature sufficient to melt the solder and yet below the melting temperature of the conductive material. The tool 20 is preferably supported or constructed such that the contact surface is tilted so that the melted solder will run down the raised ribs into a collecting pan 46.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Emory M Mercado, Eric P. Velasquez, Arthur Allan Bayot, Emmanuel A. Evangelista
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Patent number: 6698650Abstract: A boxed end container is shown having one end closed by a transverse ridge seal and carrying a pull tab. The pull tab allows a separating force to be applied to the ridge seal of the sealed container to separate at least part of the ridge seal and thus open the container and allow discharge of its contents. The pull tab is a generally planar member having an axially extending shank member with a proximal end portion which can be gripped and pulled by a user and a distal end portion having foot members extending transversely to each side of thereof. The shank and foot members are substantially co-planar with one another. The pull tab is secured by the foot members externally to a wall of the container at or adjacent to the ridge seal of the container.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Easycarton LimitedInventors: Jonathan Paul Laker, Kirk Anthony Laker
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Patent number: 6698651Abstract: A tray and track assembly for a typical rural mailbox has a track frame attached to the mailbox bottom with longitudinal rails for receiving and guiding a pair of track members on the bottom of a tray. Two extension arms are pivotally attached to the sidewalls of the tray, and attached to the inside of the hinged mailbox front door. When the front door is opened the extension arms pull the tray forward on the track frame until stop members on the track frame and tray halt the forward movement of the tray. A part of the tray is then beyond the interior of the mailbox. The extension arms push the tray back into the mailbox when the front door is closed. Ridges elevate the mail above condensation that forms on the tray bottom, and drain holes in the tray allow such liquids to drain.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Jack R Green
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Patent number: 6698652Abstract: A method of operating a multistage counter in only one counting direction includes the step of changing a counter reading of a single-stage auxiliary counter at given counter readings of the multistage counter. The single-stage auxiliary counter and the multistage counter can only be changed in one counting direction. Respective counter readings of the multistage counter and of the single-stage auxiliary counter are registered. Values of the respective counter readings of the single-stage auxiliary counter and of the multistage counter are compared with one another, and an indicator signal is generated based on a comparison result determined in the comparing step.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Robert Allinger, Robert Hollfelder, Wolfgang Pockrandt, Armin Wedel
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Patent number: 6698653Abstract: An identification method and equipment, especially for airports and like controlled access facilities acquires an image of the face of an individual in a limited region including the eyes and nose and generates data representing a compression of that image and which can be stored in a data base and on a chip. A boarding pass and a baggage tag can each be on a respective chip, the compressed facial data of which can be compared with a data base to verify the individual and his or her baggage.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: Mel Diamond, Raymond R. Renouf
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Patent number: 6698654Abstract: A card reader/writer which interfaces between a host application program and a data storage card. The card reader/writer reads from and writes to the application program with high level language of the commands. The card reader/writer translates the high level language commands of the host program to corresponding sequences of low level commands for reading and writing to the data storage card. The card reader/writer stores a plarality of sets of such low level commands, and is able to establish the card type for any card interfaced with the card reader/writer, and to use the appropriate command set for the established card type. The card reader/writer also translates low level commands from the card to high level commands for the host application program. The card reader/writer can be loaded with low level command sets for additional card types as required.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Smartmove (NZ) Ltd.Inventor: Alan N. Zuppicich
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Patent number: 6698655Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for ordering, receiving, staging, and delivering supplies to assembly line locations in an assembly plant. Cross-dock and staging functions are combined at one facility—a super cross-dock—so that suppliers to a large-scale manufacturer with multiple assembly plants may make deliveries of supplies to a single facility that services the multiple assembly plants. Supplies from multiple suppliers are received at the super cross-dock and staged for distribution to the assembly plants that comprise a manufacturing operation. Supply order requests are submitted from assembly plant computer systems that consolidate the orders before submitting an order to a supplier. Orders are consolidated based on when supplies are required at the various assembly plants. A bar code labeling system at the suppliers supports the super cross-dock inventory and distribution of supplies according to delivery time and assembly plant.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ted Kondo, Masayuki Tamai, Neil Vining
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Patent number: 6698656Abstract: An optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: James A. Parker, Jeffrey Pine, Thomas J. Koziol, Michael A. Ehrhart, Andrew Longacre, Jr., Robert M. Hussey, George S. Smith
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Patent number: 6698657Abstract: An interactive interpreter of synchronous or asynchronous selective data from an annular indicia. The annular indicia has data contained thereon that is formatted into bit-cells. The bit-cells are angularly positioned about the circumference of the annular indicia. The annular indicia may, if desired, be rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction enabling the interpretation of data encoded as bit-cells. A controller with memory, the memory having stored therein a software program that provides interpretation of the data contained on the annular indicia and the directional rotation of the data. The rotation of the annular indicia may, if desired, be started and stopped at any convenient time without loss of data or reinterpreting of data. The data contained on the annular indicia may, if desired, be selectively disposed about the circumference of the annual indicia.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: Victor A. Murphy, John T. Dunlap, Steven J. Drucker
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Patent number: 6698658Abstract: A scanner comprising a data reader integrated with a weigh scale includes a processor that recognizes specific types of optical codes. In a preferred embodiment, when a weighable item is read by the data reader, a fixed delay timer, which prevents multiple reporting of the same item data before the timer expires, is not allowed to expire until after the item is removed from the weigh scale. In an alternative embodiment, the timer is set for one of several possible delay times depending on the type of symbol being read. The timer is not allowed to expire until the most recently reported data is no longer observed by the reader. Thus, the likelihood that multiple reads of the same symbol will be reported is greatly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.Inventor: Alexander M. McQueen
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Patent number: 6698659Abstract: A radius of curvature of a projection lens for projecting illumination light on bar codes varies in the arranging direction of the line sensor to collimate the illumination light at each point along the extending direction of the projection lends such that a focal distance at each point agrees with a distance between the point and the position of the LED.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Kunihiko Itou
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Patent number: 6698660Abstract: In a method of recording and managing information, information is written on a product using a handheld writing device, the handwritten information being recorded electronically and at least partly communicated in a communication network. Moreover, the user writes by means of the writing device a command which is recorded electronically and which qualifies the managing of the electronically recorded information in the communication network. A system for information management, a server unit in such a system, a computer program for information management and a product are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: ANOTO ABInventors: Christer FÄhraeus, Linus Wiebe, Marianne Lindström
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Patent number: 6698661Abstract: In order to render a chip gratuity counter more flexible, the invention consists in recording in the chip card memory a file architecture to facilitate the management of its counters. Said architecture is characterized in that a counter unit file, wherein are located the counters relative to an application, is associated with rules which are applicable thereto. Thus, the simple designation of a counter unit implies the implementation or rules applicable to the counters on the counter unit. The implementation is internal to the chip card and does not require any exchange with the reader. The chip memory further comprises the rules file, the conditions file and the computing file the interaction of which provides greater flexibility of use.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1999Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: GemplusInventors: Pascal Cooreman, Jean-Paul Kirik
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Patent number: 6698662Abstract: The invention concerns microprocessor cards and, in such cards, various devices for hiding operations performed in the card against fraudulent breaches by analysing the current consumed. The invention is characterised in that it consists in adding in the card a device (20) modifying the consumed current, either by averaging it by integration, or by adding thereto random values by a random signal generator (28) so as to hide the operations performed. In another embodiment, it consists in carrying out simultaneously an operation for making secure and writing in an EEPROM memory, the latter generating chaotic current variations which hide the operation to be made secure.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: GemplusInventors: Nathalie Feyt, Olivier Benoit, David Naccache
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Patent number: 6698663Abstract: Optimized control algorithms for a vehicle automatic climate control system (ACCS) are developed using math-based models of the vehicle, the ACCS and a vehicle occupant. The models are cross-coupled in closed-loop fashion with feedback from both vehicle systems and occupant. A first feedback loop including the vehicle and the ACCS, simulates how the ACCS interacts with the cabin environment; and a second feedback loop including the vehicle, the ACCS and the occupant, simulates how the occupant will adjust the ACCS to optimize comfort. When the system arrives at a control algorithm that satisfies control objectives and optimizes occupant comfort, an auto-code generation tool is used to create program code directly from the control model, which may be downloaded into a test vehicle for final system confirmation and calibration.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mingyu Wang, Charles Andrew Archibald, Lin-Jie Huang
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Patent number: 6698664Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter located within the tube assembly; and a first attachment portion. The coil group subassembly includes a solenoid coil that is operable to displace the armature assembly with respect to the seat; and a second attachment portion that is fixedly connected to the first attachment portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventors: Michael P. Dallmeyer, Robert McFarland
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Patent number: 6698665Abstract: The present invention provides a fragrance emitting apparatus comprising: a container body containing an aqueous solution of a perfume composition; a sucking wick held at an opening part of a top of the container body and for sucking the aqueous solution; and a vaporizing part disposed on a top of the sucking wick and for volatizing the aqueous solution sucked through the sucking wick, wherein a part or all of the vaporizing part is covered with an artificial flower that is made of a fabric, a plastic or a combination thereof and that has an apparent volume of 200 to 1500 cm3. The apparatus is excellent in volatizing capability of perfume composition and usability and has also high interior decorating performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Dainihon Jochugiku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Minamite, Chie Nakano
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Patent number: 6698666Abstract: In a fuel injection valve having a pressure control chamber, a nozzle, and an electromagnetic valve, a fuel flow-in passage, a fuel flow-out passage and at least a part of the pressure control chamber are formed in a single piece of a plate in such a manner that the part of the pressure control chamber is opened to an axial end surface of the plate and the fuel flow-out passage extends so as to penetrate the plate axially from an inner wall of the part of the pressure control chamber to another axial end surface of the plate and the fuel flow-in passage comprises a first passage extending from the axial end surface of the plate and a second passage extending from the inner wall of the part of the pressure control chamber, which intersect with each other within the plate, wherein an entrance orifice is formed in first passage.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Koichi Ohata, Nobuhisa Kakehashi, Toshiyuki Yoda, Eiji Itou
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Patent number: 6698667Abstract: A nozzle beam for descaling or cooling metal strand material, particularly rolling stock, includes an inlet for the product treatment liquid and an additional inlet for a device cooling liquid, an outlet for the device cooling liquid, and a switching member for opening and closing the device cooling liquid outlet. The switching member is automatically switchable through a device cooling liquid pressure which controls the state of operation of the nozzle beam.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: SMS Demag AGInventors: Dankfried Klempel, Heinz-Peter Schmitz, Dirk Schmidt
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Patent number: 6698668Abstract: A mobile shielded plot sprayer including a wind shield having a side wall that defines an enclosed area, and a movable atomizer within the enclosed area. A track assembly is located within the enclosed area and supported on the windshield. The atomizer is part of a spray assembly mounted on the track assembly and is movable thereon in at least one horizontal direction relative to the wind shield. A reservoir integral with the spray assembly and adapted to hold a liquid spray composition is operatively connected to the atomizer to supply the spray composition thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Monsanto CompanyInventor: Sammy J. Stehling