Patents Issued in March 2, 2004
  • Patent number: 6698921
    Abstract: A method and device for rapidly predicting the temperature of an object through a sensor reading of the object's temperature by using a processor comprising finite impulse response (FIR) filters to determine the average value, the first derivative, and the second derivative of the sensed temperature based upon a predetermined number of temperature samples, apply a respective weighting factor to each of the average value, the first derivative, and the second derivative respectively, and calculate a temperature estimate by combining the weighted average value, the first derivative, and second derivative together with an offset factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Alaris Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Siefert
  • Patent number: 6698922
    Abstract: A temperature sensor according to the present invention includes a sensor body for sensing a temperature; a sheath pin core wire electrically connected to the sensor body; a connector electrically connecting between the sheath pin core wire and the lead wire; and a protection tube for containing the connector and the sheath pin core wire, and for protecting the connector and the sheath pin core wire. A connection portion between the sheath pin core wire and the lead wire is hardened by a ceramic material so that a molded portion is provided. A displacement limiting means is provided for limiting displacement of the molded portion exceeding a predetermined value in the protection tube. The present invention can sufficiently reduce the tension acting on a sheath pin core wire. Further, the present invention can provide an exhaust temperature sensor having a sufficiently low tension acting on the sheath pin core wire which can be effectively used in an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Adachi, Atsushi Kurano
  • Patent number: 6698923
    Abstract: A device for collecting data relating to a cooking and/or heating process performed on a hob comprising at least one sensor associated with wireless data transmission means and means for receiving the signals transmitted from the data transmission means and connected to a hob management system for the purpose of permitting automatic control of the process. The sensor is fitted substantially at one end of a kitchen utensil suitable for coming into contact with the food to be cooked and/or heated, while the data transmission means are arranged in the handle of the kitchen utensil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nicola Bedetti, Gianpiero Santacatterina, Daniele Turetta
  • Patent number: 6698924
    Abstract: A system and method for improving cooling of a heat-generating component in a closed-loop cooling system is shown. The system comprises a venturi having a throat which is coupled to an expansion tank that is exposed to atmospheric pressure in the embodiment being described. The venturi, when used with a pressure switch, can operate to determine a flow rate which can be used to generate a signal which in turn is used to activate or deactivate one or more of the components, such as the heat-generating component, in the system. Also shown is another embodiment wherein a circular venturi is provided to permit a venturi passageway to be defined about an axis of the pump in order to shorten the overall length of the pump and venturi combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Tank, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph H. McCarthy, Jr., Hoa Dao Pham
  • Patent number: 6698925
    Abstract: A fastener for a reclosable package comprises a flexible zipper and a string for maintaining zipper closure. The fastener may optionally further comprise a slider for pressing the string into a groove on the zipper and/or extracting the string from the groove. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises first and second zipper parts and a string. The first zipper part comprises a rib. The second zipper part comprises a first body, a second body and a narrow strip connecting the first and second bodies. The first and second bodies and the narrow strip define first and second grooves having respective openings on opposing sides of the second zipper part. The first groove is profiled to receive and hold the string, while the second groove is profiled to receive and hold the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Per Bentsen
  • Patent number: 6698926
    Abstract: A reclosable closure arrangement for use with packages, such as food and non-food packages, that includes a zipper closure having a slider device to open and close a pair of mating closure profiles. The slider device includes a protruding cleaning plow that is received within the pair of closure profiles prior to the closing profiles being brought into mating engagement. The cleaning plow removes debris from each of the closure profiles to allow for more reliable sealing of the zipper closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Buchman
  • Patent number: 6698927
    Abstract: A bag stuffer for an expandable bag has an insert movable from a collapsed to an expanded orientation and made of at least one substantially rigid and substantially planar side panel and a bottom panel. The side panel is connected to one end of the bottom panel at a hinge containing a fold between the side panel and the bottom panel and a Z shaped torsion spring biases the insert toward the expanded orientation. The spring has a torso disposed only at the hinge for directly acting on the fold to bias the side panel away from the bottom panel and toward the expanded orientation, and a pair of arms extending at angles from opposite ends of the torso, each arm lying flat against an inside surface of the respective bottom panel and side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Barclay Brown
    Inventors: Maurice Hedaya, Kenneth James Kelly, Alfred Powell Kelly, Tom Aloysius Kelly
  • Patent number: 6698928
    Abstract: The present invention provides a package comprising a bag having lines of weakness and a pull-tab opener secured to the bag proximate to the lines of weakness, the pull-tab opener having a pull-tab opening integral therewith. In a preferred embodiment, the pull-tab opener is a reusable pull-tab opener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Anne Louise Miller
  • Patent number: 6698929
    Abstract: A turbo compressor is provided which includes a motor having a stator with a rotor which rotates in the inside of the stator. A rotation shaft is press-fitted into the rotor and is integrally rotated with the rotor. A bearing is provided for supporting the rotation shaft of the motor. At least one impeller is attached to the rotation shaft of the motor and rotated therewith. A foil bearing including a plurality of foils is provided. First ends of the foils are respectively fitted into a multitude of engaging grooves defined on a circumferential inner surface of the stator, and second ends of the foils make contact with a circumferential outer surface of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Moon Chang Choi, Kwang Ha Suh, Young Kwan Kim, Yoo Chol Ji, Dae Sung Wang
  • Patent number: 6698930
    Abstract: The present invention is to provides a foil gas bearing which has sufficient damping effects due to a frictional force and a sufficient stiffness to support the rotary shaft. The foil gas bearing has a rotary shaft retainer for retaining a rotary shaft; and a back spring for preventing the displacement of the rotary shaft, which is provided between rotary shaft and rotary shaft retainer. Plural protrusions are formed at one element, which is either the rotary shaft retainer or the back spring. Plural recesses are formed at the other elements, which is either the back spring or the rotary shaft retainer at places which correspond to the protrusions. The protrusions partially fit into the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Akizuki, Akihiko Matsui, Takero Makino
  • Patent number: 6698931
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dynamic pressure-type liquid bearing unit which can prevent lubricating oil from flowing outside by discharging air that is trapped in the bearing. A sleeve and a thrust plate that is attached to one end side of the sleeve sandwich a thrust bearing leaving a gap around the thrust bearing. Unsymmetrical herringbone-shaped dynamic pressure-generating grooves are formed on at least one of the outer circumferential surface of the stationary shaft and the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve. A first capillary sealing portion is formed between one end of the stationary shaft and the sleeve, and a second capillary sealing portion is formed between the other end of the stationary shaft and the thrust plate. Groove portions for removing air are formed between the first capillary sealing portion and the second capillary sealing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshifumi Hino
  • Patent number: 6698932
    Abstract: A bearing assembly used for a work implement of a construction machine with an excellent bearing performance, excellent durability and good maintenance. A pair of first bushings with flanges and a pair of second bushings with flanges are fixed respectively in the bore of the boss and the brackets in a manner such that the first bushing flange faces the second bushing flange. An anti-wear material applied on at least one of the sliding surfaces of the flanges of the first and second bushing flanges that face each other. The first bushings with flanges fixed in both sides of the bore of the boss can be a double-structural member including an outer tubular member and an inner sliding member fixed in the bore of the outer tubular member respectively. Furthermore, the first bushings can be a double-structural member including an outer tubular member and an inner sliding member fixed in the bore of the outer tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Komatsu, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Hamaguchi, Yoshiaki Shimada, Monta Kondou
  • Patent number: 6698933
    Abstract: The motor has a thrust cap (50) fitted to its end cap by snap fit fingers (54). The thrust cap (50) closes a hole (46) in the bearing retainer (42) of the end cap and provides a thrust bearing surface (52) against which the end of the shaft contacts to limit axial movement or end play of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson Electric, S.A.
    Inventor: James Ching Sik Lau
  • Patent number: 6698934
    Abstract: A drive for powering an agitator in a chemical process vessel may be located inside a housing attached to the vessel and may have a motor that drives a shaft that is attached to an agitator assembly inside the vessel. The shaft may pass into the vessel through a floor in the housing, which may be provided with a standpipe to prevent the flow of fluid on the floor into the vessel. A shield attached to the shaft may be provided above the standpipe to prevent fluid from entering the standpipe from above. In addition, a sump may be provided to allow effective lubrication and cooling for bearings that support the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Mike L. Harclerode
  • Patent number: 6698935
    Abstract: An anti-friction bearing, especially for supporting a shaft (2) of a gear case (3), is provided for a portable handheld work apparatus. The anti-friction bearing has an inner race (4) and an outer race (6) surrounding the inner race (4) at a radial distance (5). Roller elements (7) are arranged between the outer race (6) and the inner race (4). A cover disc (8) is provided at the anti-friction bearing (1) in order to prevent a passage of lubricant (27) through the anti-friction bearing (1). The cover disc (8) extends radially from the inner race (4) to an inner edge (9) of the outer race (6). The inner edge (9) faces axially toward the roller elements (7). A narrow radial gap (10) is provided between the cover disc (8) and the inner edge (9). The axial elevation (33) of a radial outer edge (28) of the cover disc (8) is equal to or less than the axial elevation (34) of the inner edge (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventor: Joachim Kottke
  • Patent number: 6698936
    Abstract: A tool for pre-stressing of two races to be welded to one another includes a hub having a cylindrical lateral hub wall and a tubular chuck having a cylindrical lateral chuck wall coaxially received and movable in the lateral hub wall. One of the lateral walls has a cylindrical face of revolution for radially supporting and centering the two races. A first axial abutment is immovable with respect to the chuck and against which a first free axial face is engageable, while a second axial abutment is immovable with respect to the hub and against which a second free axial face is engageable. A coaxial mechanism for axially moving the chuck towards the hub and hence for tightening the second axial abutment axially towards the first axial abutment is provided such that the two races therebetween are tightened against one another until a pre-determined pre-stress value is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Sagem SA
    Inventors: Hervé Dardelet, Michel Augot, Marc Jenger
  • Patent number: 6698937
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fiber optics. In this regard, embodiments of the invention may be construed as providing interconnection systems for optical media. An embodiment of the present invention includes an optical circuit pack assembly, an optical circuit board, a child board, an optical device having a front end and a back end, an optical connector, and an optical connector mechanism. As such, the optical device is mounted on the child board and the child board is in turn slidably affixed to the optical circuit board. The optical connector is mounted on the optical circuit pack assembly such that as an operator inserts the optical circuit board into the optical circuit pack assembly, the optical connector and optical device are obscured from view. Operation of the optical connector mechanism causes the child board to move along a longitudinal axis of the child board, thereby causing the optical connector and the optical device to become operably engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Grimes, Norman R. Lampert, Charles J. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6698938
    Abstract: A connection device for establishing a coupling appropriate for transmission of an electrical or optical signal between a first connector piece and a second connector piece includes a socket, into which the first connector piece, which is designed as a plug, can be plugged detachable in one plug direction, and a base on which the second connector part is mounted or is mountable. The socket is adjustable with respect to the base transverse to the plug direction between a function position, in which the socket aligns with the second connector piece and in which the first connector piece can be plugged into the socket and is coupled with the second connector piece to transmit signals when plugged in, and a cleaning position, in which the socket is displaced to the side of the second connector piece and in which the second connector piece is exposed for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jochen Ziegler, Rolf Steinbrunn
  • Patent number: 6698939
    Abstract: A number of holes (3) are formed in the outer circumferential wall (2) of a tubular metallic pipe (1) at regulator intervals in both circumferential and axial directions. Each of the holes (3) consists of a polygonal opening (4) and raised pieces (5) formed by bending the material from the peripheral edge surrounding the opening (3). This pipe may be used as an insert pipe in injection molding an article such as a lead screw, an optical fiber ferrule or the like. The raised pieces reinforce the part of the pipe surrounding each hole, and enhances the bonding between the molding material and insert pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignees: Mold Research Institute Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Act One
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Ishii, Akira Kato
  • Patent number: 6698940
    Abstract: A method for assembling an optical assembly including a base member and a receptacle is disclosed. The base member retains a light source such as a laser diode therein, and has a first junction surface. The receptacle retains an optic fiber therein and has a second junction surface. The method includes the steps of: bringing the receptacle and the base member together with the junction surfaces engaging each other, adjusting the relative position between the base member and receptacle to obtain the best alignment therebetween, applying a heat curable adhesive between the junction surfaces, heating the adhesive by means of a heating device, the heating device having an annular portion surrounding the optical assembly proximate to the junction surfaces whereby the adhesive is cured to secure the base member and the receptacle together. The annular portion of the heating device includes a pipe forming a plurality of nozzles for directing streams of heated air toward the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chungyung Wang, HungLun Chang, Hsiang-Jui Wang
  • Patent number: 6698941
    Abstract: An optical system includes a cavity having a semiconductor light-emitting device, and an optical fiber having a first terminal optically coupled to the semiconductor light-emitting device, the cavity having a cavity length defined between a first facet of the semiconductor light-emitting device and second terminal of the optical fiber, wherein a length of the optical fiber is such that a mode-locking oscillation frequency is not more than 1 GHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6698942
    Abstract: A mount for use in the outdoors to support a camera for recording images of flora, fauna, and participants in outdoors-recreational activities. The camera mount comprises a pivot and a rotatable support plate atop a clamping mechanism, which will clamp upon square, rectangular, and round shaped shafts. A camera is statically fastened to the rotatable support plate by a thumbscrew extending through a round hole and tightened. The pivot and rotatable support plate mount to the clamping mechanism with a bolt extending through holes aligned in each and a threaded knob, that when tightened or loosened on the bolt adjusts compressive tension on the clamping mechanism; also, securing the desired angle of rotation. An embodiment is shown of an alternate position of the bottom of the clamping mechanism for mounting on smaller round shafts. A method of mounting a camera for use in the recording of flora, fauna, and participants in outdoors-recreational activities is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffery Scott Ward
  • Patent number: 6698943
    Abstract: There are described herein systems and methods for producing and distributing personalized photographic souvenirs for spectators of an event. Equipment well-known in the art is used to take photographs of performers at the event, and to scan images or take photos of items representative of the event, for example a ticket stub, advertisement, or team names and logos. In addition, at least one pan-and-tilt camera system, also well-known in the art, is used to take an orderly, indexed series of photos of the spectators such that substantially every spectator will appear in at least one spectator photo. The spectator photos are indexed according to a predetermined mapping algorithm which maps a particular location of the venue to a virtual sector. Individual souvenirs are then created at the venue in a centralized processing location, by organizing and combining a spectator photo with the other photos and/or scanned images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Media Technologies Licensing, LLC.
    Inventor: Adrian Gluck
  • Patent number: 6698944
    Abstract: The exposure apparatus and the substrate processing unit is connected via an in-line I/F portion. In addition, information on the substrate carriage is communicated in between the control unit of the exposure apparatus side and the control unit of the substrate processing unit, and both units decide their next operation that contribute to improving the processing capacity related to the wafer carriage, before actually starting the operation. Therefore, the throughput of the series of wafer processing performed by the substrate processing unit and the exposure apparatus can be improved, and as a consequence, becomes possible to improve the productivity of the device. In this case, for example, information on the predicted time or the expected time when the substrate can be received or sent out is reciprocally communicated between both units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Fujita
  • Patent number: 6698945
    Abstract: An automatic photo film feeding apparatus includes a transport mechanism for successively transporting a plurality of film cartridges to a feed position. Transport mechanism includes a first transport unit for supporting the film cartridges with photo films drawn downward and successively transporting film cartridges substantially horizontally to a transfer position, and a second transport unit for receiving film cartridges transported to the transfer position by the first transport unit, and transporting film cartridges horizontally to the feed position. Second transport unit has a posture change mechanism for changing film cartridges to a posture having photo films drawn from film cartridges being directed substantially horizontally. Feeding apparatus includes a feed mechanism for drawing photo films out of film cartridges transported to the feed position, and feeding photo films to a processing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisashi Omori
  • Patent number: 6698946
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a circular processing drum that defines a processing chamber therein. The circular processing drum includes a first media path for media of a first type which includes a first set of grooves in opposing walls of the processing drum, and a second media path which includes a further set of grooves in the opposing walls of the processing drum. The combination of the first and second media paths provides for a drum that is capable of processing multiple types of media while utilizing a minimum amount of space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Daniel M. Pagano
  • Patent number: 6698947
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier for use with a printer that can support irregularly shaped substrates having a top surface. The carrier includes first and second planar members. The first planar member has top and bottom surfaces, a thickness, and an inner edge that conforms to an irregularly shaped outer edge of a substrate. The second planar member has a top surface that is coupled to the bottom surface of the first planar member. A recess, defined by the inner edge of the first planar member and the top surface of the second planar member, is adapted to receive the substrate such that top surfaces of the substrate and the first planar member are coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fargo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Lenz, William Gibbs
  • Patent number: 6698948
    Abstract: If bus resetting occurs during transmission of printing data (ST21), a printer device is requested to transmit the information output before the occurrence of bus resetting by a STB (C18). Responsive to a request from the STB, the information input before the occurrence of the bus resetting is output from the printing device to the STB (R18). Based on the information input responsive to the request, printing data is again output from the STB to the printing device (C19). So, the system itself recognizes the information output by the STB before the occurrence of the bus resetting to re-initiate data transmission as from mid data (S14). Thus, data transmission is to be carried out in a shorter time even when the bus resetting occurs to shorten the entire printing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yushi Ihara, Takashi Kojima
  • Patent number: 6698949
    Abstract: According to the present printing apparatus, in case that print processing of a preceding job to a particular job has not ended yet when a control section is to start input processing of that particular job, the control section waits until the print processing of the preceding job ends and sets a print-inhibiting time for inhibiting parallel print processing to handle interruption processing in a period between an end of the print processing of the preceding job and a start of the input processing of that particular job. Then, the control section waits until the print-inhibiting time ends and starts the input processing of that particular job, and then starts print processing of that particular job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiki Yoshioka, Katsuji Furushige, Masaki Baba
  • Patent number: 6698950
    Abstract: A printer implements printing(printer jobs) of the data received from personal computers and printing(copier jobs) of the data scanned through a copier functional device. When a user approaches the printer, a user identifying portion identifies the ID number(user name) of this user. If a printer job of this user name has been registered in the management memory of the printer, it is determined whether the printer job of this user name is ‘allowed’ to make an interrupt and whether the priority of this printer job is higher than that of the copier job. After confirmation of these facts, the printer job of this user name is started by making an interrupt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Wataru Nishii
  • Patent number: 6698951
    Abstract: A paper jam detection system for a folding machine includes an interval signal generator for generating an interval signal which assumes ON and OFF levels alternately according to cutting intervals of a cutting cylinder; a signature detection mechanism including reflection plates each having a light reflection surface and being arranged circumferentially at an outer circumferential surface portion of a jaw cylinder and a photoelectric sensor adapted to generate a reflection plate detection signal upon detection of the reflection plate; and a control unit for outputting a paper jam signal on the basis of the interval signal and the reflection plate detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Kitai, Takashi Iijima, Makoto Tsunashima, Yoshihiro Iwahashi
  • Patent number: 6698952
    Abstract: An encoding instrument held in substantially the palmar axis of a hand has a concavo-curved keypad surface accessibly equidistant to the thumb of the holding hand. The primary surface of the keypad is substantially not coincidental with a handle. Encoding switches mounted on the keypad are connected by cable or wireless signal transmission to operate selected functions. A movement control device mounted at the thumb end of the handle is operated by the thumb of the holding hand. Analog switch movement is positively and negatively manipulated by digit fingers of the holding hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen A. A. Goddard
  • Patent number: 6698953
    Abstract: A print image, such as for a franking apparatus, is composed of a number of elements to which different security levels are assigned. In a storage medium, and in a franking apparatus containing such a storage medium, for the print image, the image data are stored in a manner allocated to respectively different security levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jens Hertlein
  • Patent number: 6698954
    Abstract: A maskable drive signal generator selectively generates one of n types of maskable drive signals for each main scan pass, and a drive signal masking section generates a drive signal to be supplied to ink-expulsion drive elements of a print head by masking the maskable drive signal according to a print signal. The printing of ink dots on each raster line is completed in n×m main scan passes while employing each of the n types of maskable drive signals m times on each raster line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Otsuki
  • Patent number: 6698955
    Abstract: A control circuit generates two sorts of printing timing signals on the basis of the position of the printing mechanism module detected by a detector, and sends the generated signals to respective drive circuits. Herein, the printing mechanism module is configured of two printing element assemblies each of which includes a plurality of printing elements, and both of which are mechanically coupled. The two drive circuits taking charge of the two printing element assemblies send printing input signals to the respective printing elements which are to be driven according to the two sorts of printing timing signals received by the drive circuits. The relative positions between the print dots of the two printing element assemblies can be adjusted for each direction of printing on a sheet by changing the difference between the times of the two sorts of printing timing signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6698956
    Abstract: In the wire dot printer head of the present invention, an armature adapted to move pivotally between a printing position and a stand-by position is provided with a pivot shaft serving as a fulcrum, and the pivot shaft is pinched and supported by a pair of support members from both sides in the pivoting direction of the pivot shaft. In at least one support member is formed a concave support groove into which an outer periphery surface of the pivot shaft is inserted in a state of surface contact with the groove. When the armature moves pivotally in a printing operation, the surface of contact increases because the pivot shaft and the pivot groove are in surface contact with each other, thus preventing the occurrence of a local concentration of a strong force on the contact portion between the pivot shaft and the support groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Toshiba TEC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunobu Terao, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Tetsuro Ichitani, Keishi Tsuchiya, Takeshi Okui
  • Patent number: 6698957
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable keyboard, and more particularly, to a foldable keyboard adapted for a point stick and/or at least one hot key. Two or more keypad portions are hingably connected by a connection board on which a point stick or at least one hot key is disposed. When the keyboard is in a deployed configuration, the keypad portions slide along the keyboard plane to combine with the point stick or the hot keys so that a complete keyboard is formed. The connection board of the present invention may further include a circuit board to be electrically connected with each key and the point stick or the hot keys in order to receive and decode the signals from each key and the point stick or the hot keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Mao-Sung Huang
  • Patent number: 6698958
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for sublimating at least one sublimation dye on at least one side of a web. The sublimation station includes a plurality of sensors which senses a web temperature and controls a plurality of heating elements, such as infrared lamps to control the web temperature so that it is maintained within a desired sublimation temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Paxar Corporation
    Inventors: Monti Emery, Scott Chilson, David Whitley
  • Patent number: 6698959
    Abstract: A loading lid is provided with a roll holding mechanism. The roll holding mechanism is constituted of a holder plate, a first position regulate section and a second position regulate section. The holder plate and the loading lid are attached to a same shaft. The holder plate is biased by a spring toward the loading lid. After the printing paper roll is put on the loading lid, it is closed. On closing the loading lid, as it relatively moves to the holder plate, an open angle between the loading lid and the holder plate becomes smaller gradually. When first and second positioning plates and the holder plate contact to a periphery of the paper roll, the loading lid stops relatively moving to the holder plate. Thereafter, the loading lid and the holder plate move together while they keep the open angle in accordance with the largeness of the radius of the paper roll. When the loading lid is perfectly closed, a center of a roll core is set at a predetermined position, regardless of the largeness of the paper roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akimasa Kaya
  • Patent number: 6698960
    Abstract: A push-button writing implement includes a barrel having at least a transparent or semitransparent part, a refill axially slidably contained in the barrel, and provided with a writing tip, and a refill-operating mechanism including a push button, and a return spring and designed so as to be operated by the push button to project the writing tip of the refill from a tip of the barrel and to retract the same into the barrel. A front stopper ring having the shape of an O ring is put on the refill, a fancy member is axially slidably put on part of the refill extending backward beyond the front stopper ring, and the fancy member is moved up and down along the refill when the refill is moved by resilience of the return spring by operating the refill-operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Kotobuki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaoru Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6698961
    Abstract: A grout sealer applicator brush that carries with it a reservoir of grout sealer. The brush includes a handle with a broad concave upper surface used to support and cradle the reservoir. The grout sealer within the reservoir is conducted through a tube that dispenses the fluid directly on the bristles of the brush, ready for application to the grout. The reservoir is placed in proximity to the bristle to reduce the torque of the reservoir on the operator. Holding the reservoir in place is a handle, cradling arrangement that can accommodate different sized reservoirs. To reduce manufacturing costs, the brush and the tube are all formed simultaneously, typically of plastic, in a pressure molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Pollock
  • Patent number: 6698962
    Abstract: A joint for a telescoping rod includes a body having a cavity defined in the body to receive a sleeve in the body. A hole is longitudinally defined in a lower portion of the body and communicates with the cavity. The telescoping rod includes an outer tube securely inserted into the hole in the body and an inner tube inserted into the body. The inner tube penetrates the sleeve and is partially received in the outer tube. A locking member is rotatably mounted on the body and has a threaded rod screwed into the sleeve to cause the sleeve to make the inner tube securely abut the inner periphery of the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Chi Yu Steel Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 6698963
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint in a vehicle control link and methods therefor including a ball with a connecting member coupled thereto disposed and pivotally retained in a socket by molding a plastic ball in the socket or by molding a plastic socket about the ball. The ball and socket joint may generally be formed of different materials, and in one embodiment the ball and socket joint is plastic formed by insert molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Parker, Jason K. Trotter, Eric David Ross Thompson, Craig L. Simdon
  • Patent number: 6698964
    Abstract: A connection assembly for constructing animal stalls including a connection body that is rigidly constructed and adapted for releasable and variable positioning upon an elongate support rail. A first releasable connector is formed in the connection body and is adapted for releasable fixation to an animal stall divider. The connection body is elongately constructed along a longitudinal axis with first and second ends that are distally located one from the other. The first releasable connector is positioned at the first end of the connection body. The connection body has first and second side flanges that are connected together by a webbing. At least a portion of the first and second side flanges project away from the webbing to form a receiving area between the portions of the first and second side flanges that is configured to insertibly accept a portion of an animal stall divider to be secured therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: John D. DaSilveira
  • Patent number: 6698965
    Abstract: A shim carrier assembly for optionally retaining shims therein, wherein the carrier has at least three intercontiguated planar portions with holes or slots therein, such that a fastener may be inserted through the holes or slots for aiding in the shimming of fastened components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Gornick, Michael A. Van Camp
  • Patent number: 6698966
    Abstract: A releasable fastener formed of a first, male (2), and second female component (4) is provided. Deformable arms (18) on the male component (2) extend back from the lead edge (14) of the body portion of the male component which is inserted into the female. Wedges (24) on the arms lock in apertures (40) in the second component (4). The gap between the arms (18) and the body portion is closed off by an end cap and grip portions on the arms to prevent trapping of fingers. The fastener is particularly suited to attaching nursery items, such as parasols, to nursery equipment such as pushchairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ninaclip, Plc
    Inventors: Kevin Hilton, Daniel Martin
  • Patent number: 6698967
    Abstract: A device (10) for length adjustment has a bar-shaped component (12) with an external profiling (14) which is received in a receptacle (16) of a base body (18). The base body (18) has at least one profiled segment (22, 24) which, under the influence of an axially slidable hollow element (28), is shifted into a locking position at a first axial position of the hollow element (28), in which the base body (18) and component (12) are axially rigidly coupled, and is shifted into an unlocking position at a second axial position of the hollow element (28), in which the base body (18) and component (12) are axially displaceable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Küster Automotive Control Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Henrich, Bernd Bock
  • Patent number: 6698968
    Abstract: A first frame section is hollow and has a substantially uniform polygonal cross-sectional shape. An axial load is applied to the first frame section. A second frame section is hollow and has a substantially uniform polygonal cross-sectional shape. The axial load is transmitted from the first frame section to the second frame section. A transmitting portion is provided in at least one of the first and second frame sections. The transmitting portion receives the axial load that acts on each edge of the first frame section and transmits the axial load to each edge of the second frame section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutomo Kajiwara, Yuzo Konishi, Kiyohito Morimoto, Seiji Sakai, Terutsugu Gotanda, Shinichi Haneda, Kazuo Mori, Kazunari Azuchi, Kazunobu Nuno
  • Patent number: 6698969
    Abstract: An adjustable steering tie rod assembly having a steering terminal with a threaded rod connected to a tube having an annular cavity and an intermediate tubular member. The intermediate member has an internal helical thread and an external thread. The threaded steering terminal, the intermediate member and the tube are connected in a concentric arrangement. The internal and external threads of the intermediate member allow adjusting the length of the assembly without axial movement of the intermediate member. The bracketing mechanism is designed to assure that the three components are adequately fixed and form a solid assembly. The helical threads of the intermediate member are thrust on the external thread of the rod of the steering terminal and internal thread of the tubular extremity of the steering tie rod to provide security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Industrial S/A
    Inventors: Enzo Paduano, Joao Garcia
  • Patent number: 6698970
    Abstract: A multipoint locking mechanism for locking a window sash in a closed position in a window frame. The locking mechanism is of the type having a slider portion translating longitudinally in a window frame in response to an actuation of a handle to engage at least two engagement members of the slider portion with corresponding keeper portions in the window sash for locking the window sash to the window frame. At least one of the at least two engagement members is a cam wedge having at least one ramped portion and a rest portion. The cam wedge is positioned on the slider portion such that the at least one ramped portion abuts the corresponding keeper portion during a translation of the slider portion, and is guided by the corresponding keeper portion to abut the rest portion thereagainst to prevent a displacement of the window sash toward an open position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ferco Architectural Hardware
    Inventors: Guy Guillemet, Daniel Varin, Marcel Van Der Hoeven