Patents Issued in April 20, 2004
  • Patent number: 6722622
    Abstract: A compact vibrator support structure has a very high “vibration confinement effect”, and includes a vibrator, vibrator support members, and a vibrator base, which supports the vibrator in midair via the vibrator support members and is made of a material having a specific gravity of about 3.0 or above. Since the high vibration confinement effect of the vibrator support structure reduces leakage of vibration from the vibrator base, the stability of the vibration of the vibrator is greatly improved, thereby increasing the detecting accuracy of angular velocity. This eliminates the need to enlarge the vibrator base or to adhere a weight thereto, resulting in a miniaturized vibrating gyroscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Mori, Nobuyuki Ishitoko
  • Patent number: 6722623
    Abstract: A multi-stage pedal valve structure relates to a flow regulator on the valve opening located between the two compartments inside the body of the one-way pedal valve. The device includes a valve jacket, a piston rod, a graduating disc and a spring, while the valve jacket possesses a concave channel guide and a one-way tilting wedge. The graduating disc is a cylindrical unit on the opposite of the valve jacket. The piston rod comes in the form of a trapezoid, of which the outer section increases from top to bottom, and the middle section of the piston rod features circular channels, of which the end and the lower section come in increasing pitches and the perimeter of the lower section comes with slant blocks in reduced numbers and in even numbers in proportion to the channels on the valve jacket. The device keeps water from flowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Kent Chen
  • Tap
    Patent number: 6722624
    Abstract: A tap for a urine drainage system, having a body, a lever and a barrel with a through bore which is mounted in the body for rotation between a position for through flow of liquid and a position which obturates fluid flow. The lever is mounted directly on the body for reversible rotation therearound, the arrangement being such that, on rotation of the lever, the barrel is movable between the two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Jeremy Watson, Richard John Hunter
  • Patent number: 6722625
    Abstract: A valve assembly HAS an element movable in a mechanical journal arrangement relative to a valve opening to establish an opening position of a valve, and A control unit for controlling the application of an oscillatory electromagnetic force to the element (8) having an known peak amplitude to cause the element to execute a sympathetic oscillatory motion as a friction reducing maneuver. The control unit is adapted to control the peak amplitude of the oscillatory electromagnetic force to sequentially apply a number of different peak amplitudes, each during a different measurement period. A monitor detects changes in the opening position of the valve during each of the measurement periods and provides a measure thereof. A processor is connected to the control unit and to the monitor to determine a working amplitude of the oscillatory electromagnetic force at which the detected changes will be minimized and to supply the determined working amplitude to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Elema AB
    Inventors: Urban Blomberg, Fredrik Jalde
  • Patent number: 6722626
    Abstract: A canister purge valve increases flow through the valve for an increased power level. The canister purge valve includes a housing that defines a volume and has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the volume. A coil is disposed in the volume proximate the outlet. A stator is disposed in the volume proximate the outlet, the stator having a first surface. An armature is disposed in the coil, the armature having a second surface proximate the first surface of the stator and defining a gap therebetween. The armature is movable to an open position permitting fluid flow through the volume in response to an energization of the coil. A biasing member is disposed between the stator and the armature, the biasing member urging the armature to a closed position prohibiting fluid flow through the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Balsdon
  • Patent number: 6722627
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve device reduces wear of a moving member and a non-magnetic member sliding against the moving member and prevents contamination from contacting the sliding part. The moving member is directly and movably supported in a reciprocating manner by a non-magnetic cup. The moving member has a hard layer made of nickel containing PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) particles at the sliding part located against the cup. The hardness of the hard layer is high and is approximately the hardness of the stainless steel cup. Therefore, the wear of both the moving member and the cup can be reduced. The hard layer contains the PTFE particles, and therefore the sliding part between the moving member and the cup is lubricated by the PTFE, which reduces the sliding resistance at the sliding part and improves the responsiveness of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Murao, Futoshi Kawamura, Hiroshi Sumiya, Sanemasa Kawabata
  • Patent number: 6722628
    Abstract: Fluid valves suitable for manufacture as a miniature poppet valve assembly. The valves include an upper pole piece, a lower pole piece and an armature, all formed of magnetic material. The upper and lower pole pieces are permanently joined such as by a press fit to entrap an electromagnetic actuator coil and form the magnetic circuit for a moveable armature assembled therein. A valve seat member is molded to, presses, snaps or barbs onto the lower pole piece entrapping the armature and armature return spring to complete the assembly. Use of intended permanent assemblies and use of the parts of the magnetic circuit as the valve outer housing or case allows realization of valves in relatively smaller sizes and capable of relatively higher speeds and frequencies of operation than could be practically provided using valves of other designs or using other assembly techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sturman Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Seil
  • Patent number: 6722629
    Abstract: A flow control valve capable of increasing a delivery flow rate gradually with a simple structure, comprising a flowout port (26) to deliver a pressure fluid to the outside, a valve disc (3) having a pressing part (31) to arbitrarily open and close the flowout port, and a valve operating body (8) moving the pressing part of the valve disc, characterized in that, when flow is delivered from the flowout port, the flat surface of the pressing part of the valve disc closing the flowout port is inclined by the delivered flow from the flowout port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Yugen Kaisha Kouritu
    Inventor: Mistuhiro Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6722630
    Abstract: A shut-off device (1) includes a housing (2) and a butterfly valve (4). The butterfly valve (4) can be swivelled using a drive shaft (3). When the butterfly valve (4) is closed, the butterfly valve (4) is sealed off from the housing (2) and from the pipe connection by an annular seal (7). The annular seal (7) is held on a face (5) of the housing (2) by a backup ring (6). The annular seal (7) is attached to the backup ring (6) using two annular projections (11, 12). The two annular projections (11, 12), respectively, interface with annular grooves (13, 14) provided on the backup ring (6). A fluid pressure chamber (22) is formed between the backup ring (6) and the annular seal (7), and a fluid connection pipe (24) extends through the backup ring (6) into the fluid pressure chamber (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Warex Valve GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Oberbeck
  • Patent number: 6722631
    Abstract: A valve device has an outer sleeve with a first end to be secured in an orifice of a container. A second end is releasably attached to a receptacle. Walls define a generally cylindrical support passage which extends from said first end to said second end. An inner sleeve is within the support passage with walls defining a generally outer surface adjacent the walls of the outer sleeve. The walls rotatably support the inner sleeve and define an internal through passage. A butterfly valve member is in the through passage. The butterfly valve has diametrically opposed first and second pivot stubs which extend at least into the walls of the inner sleeve to rotatably support the butterfly valve. The walls of the outer sleeve have a profiled opening into which the first pivot stub extends. The first pivot stub includes a cam member which interacts with the profiled opening. Relative rotation of the inner and outer sleeves causes the butterfly valve member to rotate between a closed state and an open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Aventis Cropscience S.A.
    Inventor: Patrick Warren Bailey
  • Patent number: 6722632
    Abstract: A valve for automatically modulating fluid flow includes a flexible flow adjustment member having a variable diameter passage therethrough and an outer surface and a shell surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface and creating a void between the shell and the outer surface. The shell is in contact with the flow of fluid. A thermally reactive material that expands when heated and contracts when cooled is a substantially non-volatile heat transfer liquid that does not undergo a phase change in use and contains inert particulate filler within the void and is in contact with the outer surface of the flexible flow adjustment member. The thermally reactive material exerts pressure on the adjustment member in response to heating the thermally reactive material to cause the passage to narrow and relieves pressure thereon in response to cooling the thermally reactive material to permit the passage to widen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas M. Kenny, Peter Hoynash, Vincent F. Pettinato, Bruce S. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6722633
    Abstract: In a throttle body, a cylindrical body member is made of resin, and a core is made of a material different from the body member and insert molded in the body member. A notch is provided on an outer surface of the body in a peripheral direction, in a proximity of the core. The body member is readily split at the notch when external force is applied to the body member during a dismantling. Therefore, the core is readily removed from the body member. Alternatively, the body member can be constructed of a first body having a hook and a second body having a hook-receiving portion. Both the first and second bodies are connected to each other through the hook and the hook-receiving portion, and the core is held between both the first and second bodies. Thus, the core is readily removed from the body by unhooking the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Kawai
  • Patent number: 6722634
    Abstract: A hydraulic jack includes a first cylinder, a handle pivotally connected to the first cylinder to activate the first cylinder, a second cylinder in communication with the first cylinder and having a piston received in the second cylinder to connect to an arm so as to support a seat on top of the arm. A pivotal shaft is provided at a joint between the first cylinder and the second cylinder so that the first cylinder is pivotally connected to the second cylinder by way of the pivotal shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Kun-Shan Hsu
  • Patent number: 6722635
    Abstract: A jack includes a motor, a gear assembly operably connected to the motor, a ram, and a plurality of screws driven by the gear assembly to move the ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Atwood Mobile Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Scott Erickson
  • Patent number: 6722636
    Abstract: Method for, using a fluid under pressure, installing optical fibers or cables in a tubular section comprising a supply tube and an intallation tube, each having an input and an output, the output of the supply tube being in connection with the input of the installation tube, a fluid under pressure being fed near the input of the supply tube, and the cable being conducted into the input of the supply tube and being propelled through the tubular section by the entraining force of the fluid, at least part of the fluid being discharged from the supply tube at the output of the supply tube and, at the input of the installation tube, a second fluid under pressure being fed. Due to said measures, the pressure drop at the input of the tubular section may be overcome without utilizing mechanical means which might damage the fiber or cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke KPN N.V.
    Inventor: Willem Griffioen
  • Patent number: 6722637
    Abstract: A synthetic fence post assembly for realizing enhanced decorative capabilities of a synthetic fence. The assembly provides an apparatus for securely attaching accessories to the end of a synthetic fence post without structurally degrading the fence post. The apparatus comprises a connector member with a first and second interface surface one of which securely interfaces with the top of a synthetic post and the second of which is available to interface with various fencing accessories. In one embodiment, the connector member is substantially transparent, such that the connector forms a lens that is securely fastenable to a fence post and is capable of supporting a light mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Stallion Fence Accessories
    Inventors: Michael G. Burkart, Jeffrey G. Herion
  • Patent number: 6722638
    Abstract: A choke valve control system includes a choke-operating lever for opening and closing a choke valve of a carburetor, a choke spring for biasing the valve in an opening direction, and a damper for controlling the opening motion of the valve to a lower speed, when the choke valve is opened from its fully closed position by a biasing force of the choke spring. The choke-operating lever, the choke spring and the damper are connected to the choke valve of the carburetor. In this choke valve control system, the damper includes a damper housing, a rotor, and a damper oil which is accommodated in a sealed manner in the damper housing and applies a viscosity resistance to the rotation of the rotor, which resistance increases as the viscosity increases with decreasing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kojima, Hiroshi Moriyama, Ryuhei Tamamoto
  • Patent number: 6722639
    Abstract: A mass transfer column is provided with a liquid distributor that distributes liquid to an underlying mass transfer bed containing one or more random, grid or structured packing elements. The liquid distributor includes a plurality of elongated troughs that are spaced apart and extend across the column. A plurality of liquid discharge holes are positioned in side walls of the trough and are located in one or more preselected planes that are preferably spaced above a floor of the trough. Splash baffles are spaced outwardly from the trough side walls and include upper portions that are positioned to receive liquid exiting the troughs through the discharge holes. Lower portions of the splash baffles form a constricted discharge outlet in a plane below the trough for delivering liquid from the splash baffles to the underlying mass transfer bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Christoph Ender, Tullio Petrich
  • Patent number: 6722640
    Abstract: A U-type bellows air spring is supported on one side relative to the vehicle frame and on the other side relative to the axle or a longitudinal control arm guiding the latter. The lower end of the U-type bellows is fastened on the longitudinal control arm side in a pressure-tight manner to a flange of a supporting element, and a vibration absorber protrudes through the supporting element. A piston cylinder of the vibration absorber is connected to the longitudinal control arm via a joint, and a piston rod on the longitudinal axis of the air spring is supported relative to the vehicle frame. To keep the amount of sealing for the air spring small even if it is not used very much, the supporting element for the lower end of the U-type bellows is arranged rigidly with respect to the piston cylinder of the vibration absorber. A preferably cylindrical circumferential surface for the U-type bellows to roll along during the compression and rebound action extends from the flange toward the longitudinal control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Georg Memmel, Wolfgang Kolb, Roland Berghaus, Burchard Michels, Bernd Rhein
  • Patent number: 6722641
    Abstract: There is provided a liquid filled type vibration isolator in which damping action for both engine idling vibration and engine shake is carried out with the use of a single orifice. In the liquid filled type vibration isolator comprising a rubber-like insulator for absorbing and isolating vibration transmitted from an oscillating body, a main chamber having a chamber wall formed by a part of the insulator, and hermetically charged therein with liquid, an auxiliary chamber connected to the main chamber through the intermediary of an orifice and having a chamber wall a part of which is formed by a first diaphragm, a partition member partitioning between the main chamber and the auxiliary chamber, a working chamber defined and formed with respect to the main chamber by means of a second diaphragm, wherein the second diaphragm has a deforming stiffness which is higher than that of the first diaphragm. The liquid in the orifice effects resonant oscillation with a vibration input during engine idling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Yamada, Tatsuo Suzuki, Keiji Miyoshi, Yoshiki Shimoda
  • Patent number: 6722642
    Abstract: A vacuum chuck for holding a semiconductor wafer during high pressure processing comprises a wafer platen, first through third lift pins, and an actuator mechanism. The wafer platen comprises a smooth surface, first through third lift pin holes, and a vacuum opening. In use, the vacuum opening applies vacuum to a surface of a semiconductor wafer, which chucks the semiconductor wafer to the wafer platen. The first through third lift pins mount within the first through third lift pin holes, respectively. The actuator mechanism couples the first through third lifting pins to the wafer platen. The actuator mechanism operates to extend the first through third lift pins in unison above the smooth surface of the wafer platen. The actuator mechanism operates to retract the first through third lift pins in unison to at least flush with the smooth surface of the wafer platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Thomas R. Sutton, Maximilan A. Biberger
  • Patent number: 6722643
    Abstract: A multi-clamp is illustrated which operates in the manner of a traditional “c”-clamp, but which also operates cooperatively with a support such as a pipe or bar clamp to apply forces normal to otherwise difficult or impossible to reach large sheet materials. A pair of nested u-shaped members are coupled together with a threaded rod. A knob is used to actuate the threaded rod and provide motive force or actuation between the nested u-shaped members. Two alternative embodiments are also illustrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: William C. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 6722644
    Abstract: A cutting board having medial and peripheral drain holes to remove the juices, drippings, and food trimmings produced during the preparation of foods. A trough traverses the periphery of the cutting board to ensure complete drainage of the fluids from the cutting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. Prosser
  • Patent number: 6722645
    Abstract: A machine for the continuous binding of books and booklets, includes clamps mounted on a chain for the transport of groups of sheets to be bound along various stations. Each clamp is provided with a manual opening mechanism. A sheet levelling device includes two parallel horizontal plates joined by connecting elements, the lower of which is permanently fixed to the machine, while the upper of which supports a horizontal levelling table provided with vibrators. Trimming millers are also provided. A glue spreading unit with rollers and blades includes two complementary parts. A first one of the parts is hinged to a structure of the machine, can be rotated laterally and supports a second interchangeable one of the parts that in turn supports a glue tank, the rollers and the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Mario Lorenzi
  • Patent number: 6722646
    Abstract: A sheet treating apparatus including the first intermediate stacking portion for hitting an edge of a sheet in a transport direction against a wall to align the sheet, a pair of delivery rollers for delivering the sheet from the first intermediate stacking portion, the second intermediate stacking portion for carrying-in and supporting the sheet downstream of the pair of delivery rollers in the transport direction and aligning edges of the sheet in a cross direction perpendicular to the transport direction, a sheet stacking portion located below the second intermediate stacking portion in the gravitational direction, and a full load detecting unit for detecting full load of sheets on the sheet stacking portion, in which the full load detecting unit contacts an upper surface of sheets on the sheet stacking portion with a full load detecting flag, which has a pivotal fulcrum in a higher position than that of the pair of delivery rollers to detect a height of the upper surface, and does not perform full load det
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Sekiyama, Yasuyoshi Hayakawa, Takashi Kuwata, Kenichiro Isobe, Masayoshi Fukatsu, Hironobu Ata
  • Patent number: 6722647
    Abstract: A medium transporting apparatus transports a medium along a predetermined transport path. A medium-transporting section is movable between a loading position and an unloading position and has a first transport path. A medium-holding section is movable between the loading position and the unloading position, holds a stack of medium therein, and has a second transport path continuous to the first transport path. A first locking mechanism locks the medium-transporting section to the loading position and unlocks the medium-transporting section from the loading position. A coupling mechanism brings the medium-transporting section and the medium-holding section into coupled engagement with each other and brings the medium-transporting section and the medium-holding section out of coupled engagement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kato, Norihisa Isaka
  • Patent number: 6722648
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for rotating a drive roller includes an input transmission mechanism for transmitting a drive force from a motor, an output transmission mechanism for transmitting the drive force to the drive roller, an intermediate transmission mechanism for selectively transmitting the drive force from the input transmission mechanism to the output transmission mechanism in either a first direction or a second direction, and a switching mechanism for moving the intermediate transmission mechanism to a first position to drive the output transmission mechanism in the first direction or a second position to drive the output transmission mechanism in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shusaku Tsusaka, Yoshiteru Hattori
  • Patent number: 6722649
    Abstract: A card processing apparatus allows for a more compact apparatus that does not cause a reduction in card transporting and printing processing capacity, but improves the freedom of design as an apparatus by establishing a plurality of processing units such as a printer and coating unit in a rational manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Yui
  • Patent number: 6722650
    Abstract: A paper sheet finishing system includes a sheet guiding mechanism having nip rollers to transport a sheet forward, at least one diverter gate through which the sheet passes when the at least one diverter gate is open, and a temporary compiler to support the sheet after the sheet passes the at least one diverter gate, a diverter member to travel in conjunction with the at least one diverter gate, and at least one rear suppressor member connected to the diverter member to push a trailing edge of the sheet forward and pitch a leading edge of the sheet downward after the sheet controllably descends past the temporary compiler with reduced flutter and improved positioning during compilation of the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Salvatore A. Abbata, Richard J. Milillo, Terrance W. Flint
  • Patent number: 6722651
    Abstract: A sheet member discharge mechanism comprising an upper discharge roller and a lower discharge roller for conveying a sheet member in a predetermined direction while nipping it therebetween. A push-down member is disposed downstream of the nipping portion between the upper discharge roller and the lower discharge roller as viewed in a direction of conveying the sheet member, the push-down member being allowed to move between an ascended position and a descended position and is urged to the descended position. The push-down member is moved to the ascended position by the sheet member acting upon the push-down member while the sheet member is being conveyed by the upper discharge roller and the lower discharge roller that work in cooperation. The push-down member moves to the descended position to push down the trailing edge of the sheet member after the trailing edge of the sheet member has passed the nipping portion between the upper discharge roller and the lower discharge roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Syuji Fujisawa, Kuniaki Araishi, Kazuhisa Kondo, Masuo Kawamoto, Yoshio Sugishima, Mitsuhiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 6722652
    Abstract: An intermediate cylinder comprising a main body, and a plurality of suction boxes formed in the main body at positions different with respect to a rotation axis of the main body. The intermediate cylinder further comprises a plurality of suction bores formed in the suction boxes so that they are open at an outer peripheral surface of the main body, an air suction source for generating suction force within the suction boxes, and a switching means for selectively switching connections between the plurality of suction boxes and the air suction source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Kobayashi, Kazutada Dejima, Hitoshi Hirose
  • Patent number: 6722653
    Abstract: A paper sheet gate actuation and guide system for a paper finishing device includes a guide rail, a drive system, a paper gate unit and a sliding cam unit. The guide rail is disposed along a side of the paper finishing device. The drive system includes a torque supplier to controllably supply torque, a timing belt connected to the torque supplier, and a plurality of pulleys to move laterally along the guide rail when the torque supplier supplies torque. The paper gate unit includes a gate arm to enable a paper sheet to pass through when the gate arm is opened, and a lift foot to open the gate arm when the lift foot is raised. The sliding cam unit includes a shoe to slide along the guide rail, a gate cam to raise the lift foot when engaged against the lift foot, a paddle to push a trailing edge of the paper sheet forward as the paper gate unit moves forward along the guide rail, and a fastener to attach the sliding cam unit to the timing belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse J. Brumberger, Richard J. Milillo, Steven D. Olson, Harry A. Davidson, Charles F. Prevost
  • Patent number: 6722654
    Abstract: A golf card game which utilizes one or more decks of playing cards with each deck being divided into four different suits and there being fourteen different numerical value of cards within each suit. Each deck of playing cards also includes a prescribed number of wild cards. There being separate from the playing cards golf hole representations with each representation to display a golf hole number, a par value for the golf hole number, wild card numbers and a numerical value determining a number of the playing cards that are to be dealt to each player when playing a golf hole number. There is also to be used a plurality of stroke card representations which are numerically sequentially arranged which start with the number 1 and proceed to at least number 5. Cards are to be then dealt to all players and melds to be produced by a player, and when a player has completely melded and the first player to produce all melds will be declared the winner of a given hand and assigned a numerical score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher S. Johnson, Richard A. Gama, Richard L. Dupree
  • Patent number: 6722655
    Abstract: A game that combines the concepts of poker and bingo is disclosed. The game is comprised of as many as thirteen individual player-tablets, a game board, a deck of standard playing cards, chips for establishing pots, and tokens for covering indicia cards on the player-tablets. Up to thirteen individual player-tablets can be used in a single game, with each sheet having a unique indicia of twenty-five different playing cards, including one Joker, imprinted on it and arranged strategically in a 5×5 matrix so that no two player-tablets in a given game are the same. The main game board is laid out with five pot areas comprised of a Center Pot, a Four-Corners Pot, a Four-of-a-Kind Pot, a Bingo Pot, and a Jackpot. When one of the pot conditions is covered on a player-tablet, the player wins that pot. Each time the Bingo Pot is won, the present game is over, with all pots that were not won remaining on the game board. Bets are then made again by placing chips in all the pots and another game is played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Royal D. Camero
  • Patent number: 6722656
    Abstract: The improved jousting apparatus includes two sticks which are joined together with a flexible rope-like connecting member which is anchored within the ends of the respective sticks. The connecting member is long enough to allow motion of the two sticks relative to each other. Each stick includes two positioning rings along the length thereof, the upper ring identifying a normal position for the upper hand of each contestant, the first and second rings together identifying a first disadvantaged position for a selected contestant, and the second ring identifying a further disadvantaged position for the selected contestant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Heglund, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6722657
    Abstract: Disclosed is a labyrinth seal assembly for sealing an annular gap defined between a bore of a housing and an outer surface of a cylindrical shaft, wherein the housing and shaft are relatively movable. The seal assembly includes radially inner and radially outer shield rings. The radially inner shield ring has an inner surface which is adapted and configured for support by the shaft. The radially outer shield ring is partially disposed within the sealing channel of the inner shield ring. The outer shield ring includes a casing member, foam seal elements, and a shield element retainer. The foam seal elements depend radially inward into the sealing channel so as to form a circuitous sealing labyrinth therein. The seal elements are formed preferably from polyurethane. A highly viscous fluid is disposed within the circuitous sealing labyrinth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignees: Stemco LLC, The Timken Company
    Inventors: Charles Robin Hood, Donald G. Wells, Mark N. Gold, Richard Borowski
  • Patent number: 6722658
    Abstract: A wiper having an integrated seal, comprising at least one dynamically stressed, first sealing lip arranged in the direction of a space to be sealed, and at least one wiping lip disposed on the side facing away from the space to be sealed. The wiper having an integrated seal also includes quasi-statically stressed second, third and fourth sealing lips which are each configured to be placed against at least one counter-surface of a mounting space of the wiper with integrated seal. The second sealing lip is fluid-conductive. The third and fourth sealing lips are each configured as a pressure relief valve, and sealing lips are arranged in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Uwe Siegrist, Otmar Braun
  • Patent number: 6722659
    Abstract: A shaft seal, which is pre-stressed by a spring, has a main body element and a projection, which is adjacent thereto. The projection is designed as a sacrificial element which, when the seal is used correctly, abrades because of the friction with the opposite surface and, in the process, polishes the opposite surface. The radial cross-sectional profile of the projection is selected in so that the sealing-lip supporting surface is not substantially enlarged with increasing abrasion of the projection, thereby a predetermined surface pressure at the sealing-lip supporting surface of the projection is essentially maintained over the service life of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christian Mohr
  • Patent number: 6722660
    Abstract: An injection molded gasket has a longitudinally extending gasket body with laterally opposite sides and a plurality of longitudinally spaced retention nubs projecting laterally outwardly of the body from the opposite sides. At least one longitudinally extending ingate rib is formed on the gasket body and bridges at least two adjacent retention nubs. The ingate rib has a trimmed edge that extends outwardly of the body no further than that of the retention nubs located adjacent the ingate rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Erich Jacob Gernand, Thomas J. Buster
  • Patent number: 6722661
    Abstract: In order to provide a multilayer gasket, which comprises at least one first layer and one second layer and at least one joining device for joining the layers of the gasket to one another and in which the layers of the gasket are joined to one another in a simple and reliable manner, it is proposed that the joining device comprises at least two through-holes in the first layer, at least one through-opening in the second layer and a joining element constructed separately from the first layer and the second layer, wherein the joining element penetrates the through-openings of the first layer and the through-opening of the second layer and engages behind a retention region of the second layer in such a way that the first layer, the second layer and the joining element are form locked, preventing them from moving apart from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Elring Klinger AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Fritz
  • Patent number: 6722662
    Abstract: A metal cylinder head gasket includes a spacer plate; a sealing layer superposed on the spacer plate; an opening in the spacer plate and the sealing layer for surrounding a combustion chamber of an internal-combustion engine and a full bead provided in the sealing layer and surrounding the opening. The full bead has a crest, and first and second bead feet situated radially inward and, respectively, radially outward of the crest. An annular overlay surrounds the opening and is positioned between the spacer plate and the sealing layer and is in engagement with the full bead. The annular overlay has a radially inner edge face in alignment with the opening edges; and a radially outer edge face situated between the crest and the second bead foot. The sealing layer further has a half bead surrounding the full bead and being spaced radially outward from the second bead foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Sealing Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Heilig, Christoph Hilgert, Fabrice Audibert
  • Patent number: 6722663
    Abstract: A running fluid seal arrangement (10) includes a passage for receiving cable (12) with chambers (20,21 and 22). Water at a higher pressure than gas in main (11) is pumped via pump (26) into chamber (21) from a reservoir (27). A mixture of gas and water from the interface in the region of chamber (20) is passed to a sealed pressure vessel (28). Water therefrom can pass back to reservoir via float valve (29). Wiper seals (30,36 and 37) can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lattice Intellectual Property LTD
    Inventor: Roger Phillip Ashworth
  • Patent number: 6722664
    Abstract: A high pressure seal consists of a minimal convex excess which induces a plastic-elastic deformation on the flat opposing surface. The excess can also be formed by means of a ring with a circular cross section which after tightening of the screw coupling likewise forms a small convex excess. Removal of the ring without damage is accomplished by application of pressure by means of a smaller additional groove and a pressure feeding bore discharging into the additional groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Horst Kleibrink
  • Patent number: 6722665
    Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided for sealing retractable opposing planar surfaces of processing modules each having sealable cavities for the fabrication of semiconductor wafers. The sealing assembly may include an inner frame adapted to be concentrically positioned within a central opening of an outer frame. The outer frame may include lifting tabs attached to an upper portion such that the lifting tabs are graspable to removably position the sealing assembly between the opposing planar surfaces of the processing modules. An O-ring, which may include an elastomeric material, is adapted to fit about a circumference of the inner frame. The opposing surfaces of the processing modules define an opening therebetween which accepts the sealing assembly. The opposing surfaces of the modules are retractably movable towards one another thereby coupling the O-ring between the opposing planar surfaces to provide a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Burkhart, Keith Wood
  • Patent number: 6722666
    Abstract: A seal structure for use in a compressor has a first member, a second member, an O-ring and a gasket. The first member and the second member constitute a housing of the compressor. The first member and the second member are joined to each other at a joint. The O-ring and the gasket are interposed at the joint in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Naoya Yokomachi, Tatsuya Koide, Kazuo Murakami
  • Patent number: 6722667
    Abstract: A connector (20) having an assembly (28) adapted to releasably receive an end (33) of a workpiece (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Jore Corporation
    Inventor: Nathan Cantlon
  • Patent number: 6722668
    Abstract: A chuck includes a driver disposed on a chuck body and in engagement with the jaws so that at least one of rotation and axial movement of the driver with respect to the body opens or closes the jaws. A first detent is disposed in the body in communication with the jaws. At least one of the jaws defines a catch at a predetermined position so that the catch engages the first detent when the jaws are at a predetermined position on the body with respect to a chuck bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark S. Huggins, Stephen W. Steadings, Daijiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6722669
    Abstract: An adjustable suspension system includes a torsion spring, four Scott-Russell linkages for each wheel of the vehicle, and a worm gear for rotating the torsion spring. At least one of the Scott-Russell linkages for each wheel is responsive to the torsion spring to adjust the ride height of the vehicle while maintaining a substantially constant camber angle for the wheel. In one exemplary method for adjusting the ride height of a vehicle, a dynamic parameter of the vehicle is sensed and, based on the sensed dynamic parameter, the torsion spring is automatically rotated to change the orientation of the Scott-Russell linkages and thereby adjust the ride height of the vehicle. The dynamic parameter may be the speed of the vehicle, the pitch and body roll of the vehicle, or the lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The operation of automatically rotating the torsion spring may be controlled by a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: John C. Stammreich
  • Patent number: 6722670
    Abstract: A roller skate includes a boot, a connection frame fastened to the outsole of the boot, an expandable frame fitted with the connection frame, a wheel frame fastened to the connection frame and provided with a plurality of wheels and a brake shoe, and an elastic member located in the connection frame by the expandable frame. The elastic member serves as a shock absorber of the roller skate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Yan-Yee Lee
  • Patent number: 6722671
    Abstract: A bag body for bowling bags. The bag body includes an elongated body member that is provided with a cavity and side open ends. Two lids are hinged to the body member at the side open ends of the body member to selectively open and close the side open ends, and provided with an exterior pouch. A partition is formed in the center portion of the cavity of the body member to divide the cavity into two sub-cavities. The partition may be pectinate and integrated with the body member into a single structure. The bag body may further comprise a cover made of synthetic resin of leather, the cover being provided with an auxiliary pouch and secured to the front portion of the body member by means of bars and bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Sung Hoan Be