Patents Issued in March 2, 2004
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Patent number: 6698971Abstract: A unitary connector made from thin sheet metal is provided that forms a substantially concealed connection between a held member (especially a joist) at the end face thereof to a holding member (especially a header). The connector has a first flange to be applied against the end face of the held member to be connected and a second flange extending away therefrom and which is applied against the holding member, wherein these flanges or fastening flanges cam each be provided with fastener openings (generally round), through which fasteners, such as nails, dowel pins, screws or bolts, can be driven into the members to be joined to one another. The second flange is folded over itself to give it strength. A third flange can extend from the second flange over the held member to strengthen the connection.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.Inventor: Jurgen H. Wilhelmi
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Patent number: 6698972Abstract: A Method of manufacturing a hollow, one piece, reflective pavement marker, including at least one retro-reflective face. The method includes molding a plurality of cube-corner reflective elements within a plurality of cells, defined by plural load carrying and partitioning walls. The pavement marker includes a profiled lower surface to improve agglutination to a roadway. The pavement marker can be made from high impact and abrasion resistant thermoplastics.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Adil Attar
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Patent number: 6698973Abstract: An adjustable manhole cover frame assembly suitable for mounting on a manhole basin upper section has an outer ring, capable of resting on the top surface of the upper section, and an inner ring engaging the outer ring by screw threads and having support for a manhole cover. The lower surface of the frame assembly has a part spherically curved surface resting on a similarly curved surface of the manhole basin upper section and which allows the orientation of the frame assembly to be adjusted. Also, the frame assembly itself may have parts with part spherical mating surfaces allowing an upper part to be adjusted for slope when the remainder of the frame assembly has been fixed.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Ismail Cemil Suatac
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Patent number: 6698974Abstract: A system for variably powering and vibrating a compaction roller on a compacting machine for use in compacting surfaces. The system includes a chassis and at least one compaction roller rotatably journaled to the chassis. The compaction roller forms the rotor of a variable reluctance motor for driving the roller in a rotational manner and for vibrating the roller.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: George Codina, Dean R. Potts, Thomas J. Richards
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Patent number: 6698975Abstract: A leaching chamber is configured to be coupled in series to another such leaching chamber located forward of the chamber and to yet another such leaching chamber located rearward of said leaching chamber. The leaching chamber comprises a conduit extending about an axis to define an axially extending cavity. The conduit includes an axially front section having an overlying wall and a rear section having an underlying wall. The overlying wall is configured to overlie the underlying wall of the forward chamber when the chambers are coupled together. The underlying wall is configured to underlie an overlying wall of the rearward chamber when said chambers are coupled together. A projection extends from the front section of the conduit. A pocket is located at the rear section of the conduit. The projection is configured to be received by the pocket of the front chamber, and the pocket is configured to receive the projection of the rear chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Hancor, Inc.Inventor: Arnold G. Benecke
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Patent number: 6698976Abstract: Grouting equipment and methods suitable for use in underground water wells, which accomplish their goals by better centering the grouting equipment within a bore hole, even in curved bore holes, in an manner that prevents leakage of the grout into the well. Improved grouting is achieved by using corrugated, bendable incasings and expandable tubes which create a seal between the incasing and the well wall for the grout, and which prevent both contaminated surface water and grout from contaminating the groundwater. The disclosed techniques are implementable in such a manner that grouting does not necessarily need to precede the location of a groundwater nappe.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Songdo TechnoparkInventor: Heuy Nam Cho
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Patent number: 6698977Abstract: A modular ditch liner have open and closed embodiments. An open modular ditch liner includes a plurality of open liner sections and at least one alignment key. A substantially concave shape is formed in a top of each open liner section. A key slot is preferably formed on at least one side of each open liner section to receive a single alignment key. A closed modular ditch liner includes a plurality of closed liner sections, a plurality of covers, and at least one alignment key. The cross section of each closed liner section includes at least one trough contour and a single cover retention lip formed on a top end of each side thereof. Each cover is laterally retained between the two cover retention lips. A key slot is preferably formed on at least one side of the closed liner section to receive a single alignment key.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: James W. Charon
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Patent number: 6698978Abstract: A rock drilling rig has a carrier (1) provided with a service platform (7) which is arranged on a boom (6). The carrier (1) is provided with a four link mechanism (8) which is swingable in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (2) of the carrier. The boom (6) is swingably arranged on one link (9) of the four link mechanism (8) and arranged at a distance from the carrier (1).Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills ABInventors: Jonas Albertson, Hans Eriksson
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Patent number: 6698979Abstract: A hand tool for subsurface placement of wires, cables and other elongated strand-like elements into soil and like materials wherein the tool includes a body having a front tapered penetration end. The tool is generally hollow having a channel which extends from a rear portion of the body to a discharge opening adjacent the penetration end. The tool may include an elongated tortuous slot formed in a side wall of the body through which the wires and cables may be laterally inserted into the channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: David M. Ambrose
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Patent number: 6698980Abstract: A rock stabilizing apparatus and method for use with adhesion materials has a tensionable reinforcing member having a threaded portion at one end and an opposite end. The member-threaded portion threadably receives a nut and a bearing plate is retained on the member-threaded portion by the nut. A shearing element is provided for temporarily fixing the nut in a first operating position. At a predetermined torque, the shearing element fails and the nut is freed to advance on the threaded member portion from the first temporary operating position to a second permanent operating position. The first fixed operating position is located at the top end of the member-threaded portion. The second operation position is located at the bottom end of the member-threaded portion so that the bearing plate is in abutting contact with the face of the rock formation. In its first operating position the nut and reinforcing member may be rotated together for mixing the adhesion materials located within the drill hole.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Stewart Mining Products Inc.Inventor: Rock Mongrain
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Patent number: 6698981Abstract: A drill has first, second and third teeth each tooth having a cutting edge at its front end. The cutting edge of the first tooth extends all the way to a center axis of the drill; the cutting edges of the second and third teeth have inner ends spaced from the axis to form a space between one another. A cooling channel extends axially through the drill until approaching the front end of the drill whereupon it becomes inclined relative to the axis and forms an exit port in the space.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Seco Tools ABInventors: Tomas Beno, Curt Muhrén
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Patent number: 6698982Abstract: A machine tool has a table body and a drive line on a bed. The table body is linearly movable via a guide member having a sliding or rolling guide surface. The drive line has a ball screw or the like, and moves the table body along the guide surface. A pair of guide members are provided at positions in point symmetry about the position of the center of gravity of the table body. Moreover, a pair of drive lines having the ball screws or the like are provided at positions in point symmetry about the position of the center of gravity of the table body. Alternatively, drive line having the ball screw or the like is provided at the position of the center of gravity of the table body.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Akira Watanabe, Kensuke Ide, Tetsuo Ichikizaki, Seiji Horiuchi
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Patent number: 6698983Abstract: A wheelchair restraint has four primary components: a base assembly, two pivot members or arms, hinges and belt assemblies. The base assembly is used to mount the restraint to a vehicle. The arms are connected to the base assembly and each retain a belt assembly via a respective hinge. The arms pivot independently from a horizontal operating position about a horizontal axes to a vertical storage position. The vehicle restraint allows an operator to quickly and easily secure or release a passenger in a wheelchair, while maintaining the integrity of the straps/belts and prolonging strap/belt life by storing the straps/belts out of the range of the elements that would otherwise deteriorate them. In the storage position, the area can be used by other passengers not requiring securement and remain out of the way during wheelchair ingress and egress.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: USSC Group Inc.Inventors: David G. Kiernan, Richard A. Watts, Rick Klotz
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Patent number: 6698984Abstract: An improved structure extendible tip shoring bar comprising an outer rod connected to a base enables the extension and retraction inserted inside the outer rod and base. The base having a levering handle, a safety catch, and an L-shaped linkage, wherein an anterior pawl and a posterior pawl disposed at the front extremity of the levering handle. The posterior pawl and the levering handle are rotatably coupled to the base, while the anterior and posterior pawls contact unidirectionally inclined teeth. Furthermore, a pin projects from the front aspect, with each subjected to tension from the two extremities of an encompassing arcuate spring, and the surface and spring side is against the safety catch and L-shaped linkage. Conversely, toggling the safety catch to actuate the L-shaped linkage and elevate the anterior and the posterior pawls allow the inner rod pushed inside the outer rod, achieving a more convenient operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Ying-Chih Chen
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Patent number: 6698985Abstract: A bolt with a partially threaded shank has a plurality of locking grooves located on the shank between the thread and its head. The bolt is inserted through a component stack and spacing washers and a stepped reaction washer such that at least half of the locking grooves are left exposed. A deformable frusto-conical locking ring is positioned on a nut having a circular receiving cavity on one end. The nut and locking ring are positioned on the thread of the bolt and tightened so that the locking ring is deformed from a frusto-conical shape to a substantially flat disc such that its bore diameter is reduced, thereby retaining it within one of the locking grooves. The outer diameter of the receiving cavity abuts the stepped reaction washer.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Bae Systems plcInventor: David William Gort
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Patent number: 6698986Abstract: A mounting bolt for use in mounting toilet stools has upper and lower ends with an elongated threaded shank therebetween. An elongated planar head is on the lower end of the bolt and has a width similar to the diameter of the shank, and a longitudinal length larger than the diameter of the shank. The head has a center axis extending along its length. An indicia mark is on the upper end of the bolt visually indicating the position of the center axis to assist the placement and tightening of a threaded nut on the upper end when the position of the head is concealed when the nut is being threadably mounted on the upper end of the bolt.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: William T. Fraleigh
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Patent number: 6698987Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-drilling and thread-forming connecting element, in particular a screw. The screw comprises a threaded shank including a cylindrical core and a thread formed as a protuberance on the core. The screw also includes an end drilling tip for drilling a core hole for the thread.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: A-Z Ausrustung und Zubehor GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Robert Dicke
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Patent number: 6698988Abstract: Calendars, posters and the like have slides applied to spaced top and bottom edges in an efficient and cost effective manner without diminishing production output levels nor requiring operator manipulation and involvement. The system includes a first and a second semi-automatic or automatic tinner which are joined together by a conveyor or a similar apparatus for transferring each of the serially processed calendars, posters or the like. Each calendar is processed in the first tinner to have a slide applied to a first or top edge of the calendar or poster. Each one is then serially discharged from the first tinner onto a conveyor in which the leading edge of the calendar includes the slide. The conveyor automatically transfers and reorients each calendar to the second tinner so that upon entering the second tinner, the bottom or opposite edge without the slide is the leading edge. The second tinner applies a slide without operator involvement or manipulation.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Stuebing Automatic Machine CompanyInventor: William M. Hoffman
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Patent number: 6698989Abstract: A method for conveying a non-free flowing paste where the non-free flowing paste is loaded into a vessel or container having a conical lower portion designed to provide mass flow of the paste. A gas is applied to the vessel to cause the paste to flow out. The paste may be transported to another vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where it may be stored. The paste may then be discharged using a gas to transport the paste to a third vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where the loaded vessel itself may be transported, such as by boat, to another destination, such as the shore. The third vessel may be disposed vertically or horizontally on the boat. Thereafter, the paste may be transported to a fourth vessel for further transport or the third vessel may be moved from the boat to a truck for further transport. A frame, the size of a shipping container may enclose a vessel or the frame enclosed vessel may be coupled to other frame enclosed vessels.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: CleanCut Technologies LimitedInventor: Brian Snowdon
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Patent number: 6698990Abstract: A transfer installation for piece goods, in particular for ISO containers, including a warehouse having individual linear storage modules, and including at least one loading installation which can be displaced transversely to the storage modules and is intended for land-going means of transport, between which a storage and retrieval unit assigned to each storage module operates. The loading installation includes at least two ground-level leading stations for means of transport, to each of which is assigned one intermediate buffer store which is arranged on the second level, located above the means of transport, and has at least one storage location from which the respective means of transport can be manually loaded/unloaded by means of an associated loading crane. The intermediate buffer stores are connected to one another via a transfer transporter and one of the intermediate buffer stores is connected to the warehouse via the storage and retrieval unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Gottwald Port Technology GmbHInventors: Mathias Dobner, Hermann Franzen, Joachim Kröll
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Patent number: 6698991Abstract: A fabrication system is provided which includes a storage apparatus coupled perpendicularly to a branch transport aisle, and one or more environmentally controlled fabrication tools coupled parallel to the branch transport aisle. The fabrication tools can encompass single chamber units or larger cluster tools with sub mainframes. The storage apparatus has one or more load ports which allow transfer of wafer carriers to or from a factory transport agent. A tool loading platform is positioned to receive a wafer carrier from the storage apparatus and to enable the fabrication tool to access a wafer carrier positioned thereon. A plurality of fabrication tools may be coupled beside each other within the equipment set. Each of the plurality of fabrication tools is coupled to the storage apparatus so that a wafer or wafer carrier may be received from or transferred to a factory transport agent and may travel along the storage apparatus to any of the plurality of fabrication tools coupled thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Robert Z. Bachrach, John C. Moran
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Patent number: 6698992Abstract: An elastically expandable positioning device for positioning a cover of a unified pod is disclosed, which has a central fastener having one end protruded on the interface plate and an axial input hole opened at another end, and at least one radial distributing hole equally opened at its circular surface; a ring-shaped inflatable body made from an expandable elastic material; a supporting ring encircled around the central bolt and positioned above the distributing hole, for supporting the inflatable body, the supporting ring having at least one radial inflating hole equally positioned corresponding to the radial distributing hole of the central bolt; and an input fluid source connected to the axial input hole of the central bolt, for providing an input fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Fortrend Taiwan Scientific Corp.Inventors: Kung Chris Wu, Torben J. Ulander, Chawshiang Wu, John Rush
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Patent number: 6698993Abstract: A transporter is adapted to tip by using bilateral rams on opposite sides of a main compartment in the form of an open topped bin. The main bin is V-shaped in profile and when the trailer is tipped a conveyor underneath the bin raises an ingredient flowing from the bin. The bin is divided by flow-promoting dividers which are asymmetric in profile, each divider has a front face defined by an included angle “A” of about 34° and a rear face defined by an included angle “B” of about 75°, measured from the horizontal when the bin is in a horizontal transport position. Faces of adjacent dividers converge to a flow through passage that an ingredient flows along the V-sides of the bin and the faces directly through the flow through passages.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Anthony Leon Stephens
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Patent number: 6698994Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading objects, particularly motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the like, on a carrying vehicle. The apparatus typically includes at least one vehicle attachment mount arm for engaging the carrying vehicle. A slide bracket is pivotally carried by the vehicle attachment mount arm, and a support having front and rear ends is slidably carried by the slide bracket. A first winch engages the support for selectively sliding the support forwardly or rearwardly on the slide bracket. A carriage is slidably carried by the support for receiving the object. A second winch operably engages the carriage such that the carriage slidably traverses the support toward the front end of the support responsive to a forward operation of the second winch, and the carriage slidably traverses the support toward the rear end of the support responsive to a reverse operation of the second winch.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: William C. Barrett
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Patent number: 6698995Abstract: A hitch mountable refuse container transport device has a vertical element supporting a telescoping mount that carries T-bar keys on a horizontal bracket. Each key has a horizontal surface sized to be received within a recessed portion on the refuse container and engage a lip on an upper periphery of the recessed portion. Adjustment of the telescoping mount lifts the containers for transport.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: Russell J. Bik, William J. Kelley
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Patent number: 6698996Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specialized truck bed wherein the bed is divided into two areas or deck sections connected by a transverse hinge. The invention is also directed to a winch system for use on a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Up-N-Atom, Inc.Inventor: Raymond E. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 6698997Abstract: The dump body of a dump truck includes an opening in the bottom of the dump body through which material in the receptacle can be deposited onto an endless conveyor below the dump body. A spreader is removably mounted on the conveyor whereby material moved by the conveyor onto the spreader is discharged rearwardly of the dump truck. The conveyor and spreader unit can be extended and retracted relative to the dump body and can be completely removed from the dump body and the opening in the bottom of the dump body covered when using the dump truck in a dumping mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: The Louise Berkman CompanyInventors: John R. Arne, George M. Bailey
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Patent number: 6698998Abstract: A foldable wheelchair ramp is disclosed having a mountable base, a first ramp section and a second ramp section. In an extended configuration, the first and second ramp sections form a single, continuous ramp for facilitating wheelchair access to vehicles. For convenient storage, the first and second ramp sections fold with respect to each other and preferably retract into the vehicle floor such that, in the folded configuration, the top surface of the second ramp section lies substantially in the same plane as the vehicle floor. A linking assembly is provided to facilitate and control the folding of the ramp sections. For safety purposes, the ramp also includes a lid that covers the gaps between the ramp and the vehicle floor when the ramp is in an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Ricon Corp.Inventor: Dmitry Koretsky
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Patent number: 6698999Abstract: A pallet changer is rotatable around a pin which releasably engages a shop floor. A pneumatic load module assembly creates a cushion of air which supports the pallet changer for manual rotation. The pin can be released from the floor to allow linear horizontal movement of the pallet changer or the cushion of air when it is necessary to repair, refurbish or replace equipment adjacent the pallet changer.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company, Inc.Inventor: Mark J. Morman
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Patent number: 6699000Abstract: A machine such as an articulated loading shovel, has a working arm, the machine including a body part to which a first end of the arm is attached for relative pivotal movement about a first generally horizontal axis and the arm having a second end adapted to mount a working implement for movement relative to the arm about a second generally horizontal axis characterized in that the arm is substantially straight between the first and second ends, and is of substantially inverted channel configuration having a top part and a pair of side walls integrally formed, and the arm over at least a major portion of its length between the first and second ends including a strengthening member which extends between and is connected to the side walls.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: J. C. Bamford Excavators LimitedInventors: John Moses, Norman Charles Hadley
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Patent number: 6699001Abstract: A coupler includes a body having first and second recesses that are adapted for respectively receiving first and second associated pins of an associated bucket or other implement. A wedge lock member is movably secured to the body and is movable between a retracted position one or more extended positions. The wedge lock member at least partially obstructs the second recess when it is moved to an extended position so as to capture a second associated pin in the second recess. An actuator is operably coupled to the wedge lock member and is operable to move the wedge lock member between its retracted and extended positions. A supplemental lock arm member is movably secured to the coupler body and is movable between an unlocked position and one or more locked positions. When the supplemental lock arm member is in its locked position, it engages and prevents movement of the lock member from the one or more extended positions to the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: JRB Company, Inc.Inventor: Ray S. Fatemi
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Patent number: 6699002Abstract: Telescopic lifting vehicle comprising a support frame having a central longitudinal axis of development at the two sides whereof are mounted a control cab and an engine. The engine and the cab identify between them a housing open superiorly and developing along the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The vehicle is also provided with a telescopic arm pivotally engaged to a rear portion of the frame, able to be inserted at least partially in the housing, and having an operative end able to be associated to an operative organ. A lifting cylinder, positioned below the telescopic arm, allows the actuation of the telescopic arm, and can be inserted into a vertical opening obtained in correspondence with at least a part of the housing, when the telescopic arm is inserted in the housing itself.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Komatsu Utility Europe S.p.A.Inventor: Yukio Kinoshita
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Patent number: 6699003Abstract: In most cases, a hot, corrosive atmosphere is created in, for example, a semiconductor wafer processing chamber. When an arm including belts, such as steel belts, is moved into such a semiconductor wafer processing chamber, the belts are exposed to the hot, corrosive atmosphere. Belts, such as steel belts, have limited heat resistance and corrosion resistance and the hot, corrosive atmosphere in the processing chamber shortens the life of the belts. A carrying device of the present invention has a frog leg type arm (3) and a wafer holder (4) connected to the frog leg type arm (3). The wafer holder (4) is pivotally connected to front end parts of a first front arm (8A) and a second front arm (8B) by coaxial joints (10). The wafer holder (4) is linked to the first front arm (8A) and the second front arm (8B) by a posture maintaining linkage (5) including two antiparallel linkages capable of controlling the turning of the wafer holder (4) relative to the first and the second front arms (8A, 8B).Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Hiroaki Saeki, Keisuke Kondoh
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Patent number: 6699004Abstract: Tracking the movement of individual wafers in a semiconductor processing system is improved by using an apparatus to axially rotate a wafer and using both the rotation angle and the wafer's location in the processing system as tracking coordinates. In an example embodiment, the apparatus imparts angles of rotation on the wafers in different stages of wafer processing. The rotation angles of each wafer are collected as data along with the wafer's location in the process. The combined wafer location and angle of rotation data are used to map the path the wafer has traveled from the onset of processing. An important advantage to this apparatus is the increased control and improved yields that the apparatus brings to wafer processing.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Conboy, Russel Shirley, Elfido Coss, Jr.
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Patent number: 6699005Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a booklet stacking apparatus and method. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a booklet stacking mechanism. In one arrangement, the booklet stacking mechanism comprises a gate that is adapted to be placed adjacent an output area, the gate being position able in a closed position and an open position, a delivery path along which booklets can be delivered when the gate is in the open position, and a flipping mechanism that is adapted to receive booklets, invert them, and deposit them in a output bin.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Javier Pena Askins
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Patent number: 6699006Abstract: A method to improve the stacking of containers comprising thermoplastic plastic, and the transfer of the stacks to a successive device. Stacks of a predetermined number are intended to be produced without disturbances, even with a high cycle number of the shaping tool. This is achieved in that the containers are stacked in a first stack magazine, which is exchanged for an adjacent stack magazine between two cycles of the shaping tool after the predetermined number has been reached. The containers are stacked in the stack magazines directly from the shaping tool, or by an intermediate transfer device.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Adolf Illig Maschinenbau GmbH & Co.Inventors: Stefan Schlimgen, Michael Wozny
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Patent number: 6699007Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A “corner”-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a “best” package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Pao-Ter Huang, Christopher Chunsheng Cai, Joseph P. Snyder, Jr., John H. Lecko, Jaroslav Janik, Rajan Chandrakant Penkar, Peter Douglas Jackson
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Patent number: 6699008Abstract: The present invention is a device (100) for at least partially stabilizing an unstable fluid flow within a flow channel (103) by capturing at least a portion of the unstable fluid within a vaneless diffuser having a diffuser slot (104). The present invention also includes maintaining and harnessing a substantial portion of the energy contained in the fluid as it flows through the diffuser in order to utilize the fluid to improve the condition of the flow field. An example of a beneficial use includes discharging the diffuser effluent into the flow at other points critical to instability, hence reducing the overall instability of the flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Concepts ETI, Inc.Inventor: David Japikse
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Patent number: 6699009Abstract: A vacuum pump including a housing having a suction opening in its high-vacuum region, a gas outlet opening in its high pressure region, pump-active cooperating rotor and stator components arranged in the housing for pumping gases from the suction opening to the outlet opening, with an end of the pump-active components adjoining the high pressure region being connected with the gas outlet opening via intermediate chamber, a heating device provided in the intermediate chamber and connected with stator components, which are located in the high pressure region, by a connection having a high thermal conductibility, and thermal resistance elements for separating the heating device from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbHInventor: Peter Fahrenbach
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Patent number: 6699010Abstract: A nozzle adjustment mechanism for a variable-capacity turbine has a connection between a connecting lever, for connecting a nozzle drive component driven by a actuator to a nozzle vane, and an edge of a nozzle shaft on the nozzle vane. The connection has a high degree of strength and does not experience deformation. A connecting hole of the connecting lever has a stopper surface which is flat or curved. The connecting edge of the nozzle shaft also has a stopper surface which corresponds to the stopper surface of the connecting hole. When the connecting edge of the nozzle shaft goes into the connecting hole of the connecting lever, the stopper surface of the connecting edge is brought into contact with the stopper surface of the connecting hole. After contact is made, a fixing process is applied to the connecting edge. The connector lever and the connecting edge of the nozzle shaft are thus effectively locked together in such a way that neither can rotate with respect to the other.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Yasuaki Jinnai
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Patent number: 6699011Abstract: A strut (1) fixed to a main portion of turbojet stator carries a ring (5) by a pair of hooks (4, 6) on one side and joining lips (7 and 8) on the other side. In accordance with the invention, the seal is made on the flat sides (10, 11) adjacent to the lips by elastic deflection of the tabs (13) pushing back one of the lips (7). The tabs (13) can also determine the tangential positioning of the ring (5).Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: SNECMA MoteursInventors: Fabrice Michel Olivier Cot, Alain Dominique Gendraud, Philippe Jean-Pierre Pabion
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Patent number: 6699012Abstract: A pressure-increasing device driven by liquid includes a body, a power unit, a drive unit and a bottom base. The body has a housing provided with an inner tube in the interior, and a water passage formed between the housing and the inner tube. A drive unit is positioned at the bottom of the body, having a plate body provided thereon with a plurality of centrifugal blades. A plurality of extension wings are respectively disposed at preset locations of the outer ends of the centrifugal blades. Each extension wing extends outward to a preset position in the water passage of the body for holding up the water thereon and pushing it upward by the driving force produced by its rotation to produce a powerful pressure-increasinng force for pushing water easily outward.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Po Hung Lin
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Patent number: 6699013Abstract: The forced air cooling fan comprises a flat disk surface having a series of circumferentially spaced apertures each including a V-shaped fan blade connected across the aperture perpendicular to the periphery of the disk-shaped surface. The V-shaped fan blade includes a pivoting device having a first blade member of one side and a second blade member of the opposing side of the pivoting device. In one position of the V-shaped fan blade, the first blade member covers a first portion of the aperture and the second blade members directs the flow of air downwardly through a second portion of the aperture. V-shaped fan blades allow the direction of the forced air to remain relatively constant when the rotational direction of the drive mechanism is reversed.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Quantum CorporationInventors: James Zweighaft, Philip John Turner
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Patent number: 6699014Abstract: An attachment mechanism for mounting fan blades to a ceiling fan, characterized in that a ring is attached to the bottom of the motor housing, the ring having a plurality of dovetailed recesses spaced equally apart. A tongue is located on an end of each fan blade, the tongue having a corresponding dovetail shape such that the tongue can be inserted into a recess. A biasing member is located between the recess and tongue to provide a bias that prevents undue vibration.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: DHI Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Hei Yan Lam, Wai Nan Leung
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Patent number: 6699015Abstract: A damped blade is provided that includes a blade structural member defining at least one coolant channel and a liner formed of a shape memory alloy extending at least partially along the at least one coolant channel defined by the blade structural member. The shape memory alloy that forms the liner is maintained generally at its transition temperature by means of coolant circulated through the coolant channel. The shape memory alloy that forms the liner will resist the onset of vibrations within the blade, thereby effectively damping blade vibrations. A method of fabricating a damped blade is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Robert L. Villhard
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Patent number: 6699016Abstract: An improved watercraft propeller is provided with a hub having a plurality of outwardly extending blades, and at least one reverse thrust member connected to a selected blade of the propeller. The blade to which the reverse thrust member is connected can provide a blade pitch that is constant, variable, progressive, or regressive. The reverse thrust member is formed integrally with or connected to a leading edge of the selected blade. The reverse thrust member effectively increases the pitch of the propeller when operated to propel a watercraft in a reverse direction, thereby improving the performance and efficiency of the propeller.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Peter Dean
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Patent number: 6699017Abstract: A seal is provided between the housing assembly of a variable displacement compressor and a rotary shaft to seal inside the housing assembly. The seal is retained in a retaining chamber, which is separated from a suction chamber and a control pressure chamber. A refrigerant passage is connected to the retaining chamber to feed a refrigerant to the retaining chamber to cause the refrigerant to contact the seal. The refrigerant passage includes a path extending from outside the housing assembly to the suction chamber through the retaining chamber. A restriction ring having a restriction function guides the refrigerant from the control pressure chamber to the retaining chamber and releases an internal pressure of the control pressure chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Masakazu Murase, Naoya Yokomachi, Tatsuya Koide
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Patent number: 6699018Abstract: A micro pump member is provided, in which a plurality of cells formed in a base part are used as pressurizing chambers, and side walls forming the pressurizing chambers are constructed by piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements. The volume of the pressurizing chambers is changed by the displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements to produce a pressure in the pressurizing chambers. The pressurizing chambers are formed independent of adjacent pressurizing chambers. Activation can be carried out by applying a driving electric field having a high field strength to the pressurizing chambers, so that a greater displacement and a higher response can be obtained with a smaller field strength.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Yukihisa Takeuchi, Hiroyuki Tsuji, Kazumasa Kitamura, Nobuo Takahashi
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Patent number: 6699019Abstract: A system for pumping water from a well (32) drilled into an underground water source (44) that is operable in association with the windmill (10) having a tower frame (14), a wind driven turbine (12), and a reciprocating pump shaft (16) operably connected to the turbine. The system includes an air pump (20) mechanically linked to the reciprocating pump shaft (16) of the windmill (10) and operable by the direct reciprocating motion of the shaft (16). The air pump (20) operates through the reciprocating motion of the windmill shaft (16) and delivers a flow of compressed air into the well (32) down to a point below the water level within the well (32). An air lift fluid pump (20, 36) is positioned within the well (32) and comprises a submerged mixing chamber wherein compressed air is injected into the mixing chamber forming a buoyant air-water mixture. This buoyant mixture flows towards the surface which in turn draws water up through the fluid conduit (38) to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: Steven Craig Myers, Allan Curtis Hogue
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Patent number: 6699020Abstract: A fan assembly includes a mounting tube having an annular flange extending radially and inwardly from an inner wall surface thereof. A rotor includes a rotor shaft extending into the mounting tube. First and second bearings are sleeved on the rotor shaft, and each has an abutment plate, and a peripheral flange that extends axially from the abutment plate, that slidably contacts the inner wall surface of the mounting tube, and that cooperates with the rotor shaft and the abutment plate to define a lubricant-receiving reservoir thereamong. Two annular bearing-covering caps are sleeved on the rotor shaft to sealingly cover the lubricant-receiving reservoirs in the first and second bearings.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Hao-Cheng Lin