Patents Issued in May 6, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040084425
    Abstract: This invention provides a new through weld method to carry out welding of a base metal made of aluminum or that of aluminum alloy using high energy beams wherein a shield gas ambience (an inert gas ambience) to cover a welding site in a submerged-scar is formed, even a shield gas ambience (an inert gas ambience) to cover a welding site irradiated by the high energy beams. Since the former shield gas ambience to cover the submerged-scar pushes the keyhole against the gravity and/or the gas pressure force of the latter shield gas supplied to the laser irradiation side, then the forming of hang down of beads and the resultant projection of the welding base metal are prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanori Yahaba, Masato Takikawa, Hirobumi Sonoda, Junichi Ibukuro, Kenji Okuyama, Toshiyasu Ukena, Yasutomo Ichiyama
  • Publication number: 20040084426
    Abstract: A microdissection apparatus includes a laser light source to emit laser light, and a laser light irradiation optical system to irradiate a sample with the laser light from the laser light source. The laser light irradiation optical system includes an active optical element, which is allowed to form a pattern reflecting a necessary area, and sets a laser light irradiation area, to which the laser light is applied, based on the pattern formed on the active optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Naobumi Okada
  • Publication number: 20040084427
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for thermally processing a substrate with scanned laser radiation are disclosed. The apparatus includes a continuous radiation source and an optical system that forms an image on a substrate. The image is scanned relative to the substrate surface so that each point in the process region receives a pulse of radiation sufficient to thermally process the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Somit Talwar, Michael O. Thompson, David A. Markle
  • Publication number: 20040084428
    Abstract: A welding apparatus having a system to facilitate its assembly. The apparatus is assembled by affixing a pair of molded end panels to a molded base and each of the end panels has a specially constructed receptacle area that is adapted to receive an end of the base. Each end of the base has a pair of snaps that extend outwardly and which engage with a correspondingly located pair of ramps formed in the receptacle area of each of the end panels. Thus the assembly is easily carried out by simply inserting the base ends into the receptacle areas where the snaps ride up the ramps and engage the vertical walls on the inner side of those ramps to securely affix the end panels to the base. Preferably the snaps are U-shaped in configuration with the distal end of the snaps being the closed ends of the U-shaped snaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: James J. Cigelske, Richard M. Achtner
  • Publication number: 20040084429
    Abstract: A welding apparatus having a specially designed receptacle that is formed on the rear molded plastic panel that is affixed to an enclosure in assembling the welding apparatus. A gas valve having a hexagonal body fits snugly into a mating hexagonal shaped of the receptacle. A pair of fingers extend outwardly from the rear panel and have distal ends with barbs formed thereon. In the assembly of the welding apparatus, therefore, the gas valve is simply inserted into the complementary shaped receptacle formed in the rear panel and the barbs snap over the external surface of the gas valve to retain the gas in the desired position affixed to the rear panel while automatically aligning a gas inlet port of the gas valve with an opening in the rear panel to allow accessibility of the gas inlet to an external source of gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Richard M. Achtner, James J. Cigelske
  • Publication number: 20040084430
    Abstract: A magnetically-actuated switch adapted to control a welding device. The magnetically-actuated switch may comprise a set of electrical connectors that are brought into electrical communication with one another by magnetic force. The magnetically-actuated switch may be disposed within a welding implement coupled to the welding device. The welding implement may be operated by disposing a magnet proximate to the welding implement to actuate the magnetically-actuated switch. The magnet may be disposed within a magnet holder securable to a hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel J. Hanzel
  • Publication number: 20040084431
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric heating device as supplemental heating for motor vehicles where the damper register and the control unit are integrated into one structural unit. For controlling the heating elements of the damper register power transistors directly mounted on the printed circuit board are provided. For efficient removal of the dissipation heat from the power transistors the latter are in direct contact on their underside with a cooling element via openings in the printed circuit board. In order to simplify manufacture, the cooling elements are formed in two pieces: the heat-conducting disk with a small thermal mass insertable into the opening of the printed circuit board, and the cooling body which can be connected to that heat-conducting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Catem GmbH & Co. KG;
    Inventors: Gunter Uhl, Michael Niederer, Marc Bernhardt, Franz Bohlender
  • Publication number: 20040084432
    Abstract: The present invention also provides a transparency having a heatable wiper rest area comprising: a first glass sheet having an outer major surface and an inner major surface; a second glass sheet having an outer major surface and an inner major surface, wherein the inner major surface of the first glass sheet faces the inner major surface of the outer glass sheet; an interlayer material securing the inner major surface of the first glass sheet to the inner major surface of the second glass sheet; an opaque band positioned on the inner major surface of the outer glass sheet along at least a portion of a selected edge of the outer glass sheet at an expected wiper rest area; and a wiper rest area heating arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: James H. Schwartz, Allen R. Hawk
  • Publication number: 20040084433
    Abstract: A domestic manually operable iron intended for use without an ironing board comprises a sole plate (3) containing suction apertures (7) and a fan (8) driven by means of a motor (9) so that, in use, a fabric can be held against the sole plate (3) by the suction effect of air passing through the apertures (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Nicola Jane Field, Jonathan Ezinwa Nwabueze
  • Publication number: 20040084434
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for splicing a heatable section (20) of a tubular heater (12) to a cold section, (22) the heatable section (20) includes an outer sheath (78), which has a heating element (84) therein. The cold section (22) includes an outer sheath (88) which has a cold pin (94) therein. The apparatus (10) comprises an enclosure (12) defining a chamber (62) which further defines opposed openings in communication with the chamber (62). A welding tip (30) extends into the chamber (62) and is capable of melting the cold pin (94) and welding the ends (80,90) of the heatable and cold sections (20,22) together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: George B. Desloge
  • Publication number: 20040084435
    Abstract: An electrically heatable glow plug and a method of manufacturing an electrically heatable glow plug allow better decoupling between a heating coil and a combustion-chamber-side end of a glow tube. The electrically heatable glow plug for internal combustion engines includes a metallic glow tube, sealed on the combustion-chamber side, into which an electrically conductive heating coil is introduced, the heating coil being connected in an electrically conductive manner to the glow tube in the region of the sealed combustion-chamber-side end of the glow tube. A sealing arrangement is provided which seals the glow tube on the combustion-chamber side and supports the heating coil and only protrudes into the heating coil if the heating coil is connected to the sealing arrangement via an inner side of the heating coil, for which purpose the sealing arrangement is in contact with the inner side of the heating coil essentially over the entire length protruding into the heating coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Reissner, Steffan Carbon
  • Publication number: 20040084436
    Abstract: An electrically heatable glow plug (1) and a method for manufacturing an electrically heatable glow plug (1) are proposed that enable a protection of a heating coil (10) of the glow plug (1) against nitridation and evaporation of the aluminum from the heating conductor alloy. The glow plug (1) includes a glow tube (5) that is closed at the end, into which the electrically conductive heating coil (10) is inserted, the heating coil (10) being formed at least partially of aluminum, in particular of an aluminum-iron-chromium alloy. In the glow tube (5), oxygen donors are provided in order to form an aluminum oxide layer on the surface of the heating coil (10) before or during the heating of the heating coil (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Reissner, Armin Kussmaul, Steffen Carbon, Christoph Kern
  • Publication number: 20040084437
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating semiconductor wafers in thermal processing chambers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a non-contact temperature measurement system that utilizes radiation sensing devices, such as pyrometers, to determine the temperature of the wafer during processing. The radiation sensing devices determine the temperature of the wafer by monitoring the amount of radiation being emitted by the wafer at a particular wavelength. In accordance with the present invention, a spectral filter is included in the apparatus for filtering light being emitted by lamps used to heat the wafer at the wavelength at which the radiation sensing devices operate. The spectral filter includes a light absorbing agent such as a rare earth element, an oxide of a rare earth element, a light absorbing dye, a metal, or a semiconductor material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Janis Timans
  • Publication number: 20040084438
    Abstract: There is provided a baby wipes warmer comprising a housing which defines an upper housing wall. It also comprises a liquid tank assembly that has an upper tank surface defining at least one vapor aperture therethrough. The tank assembly is disposed within the housing in a manner as to form an inside compartment between the upper housing wall and the upper tank surface. The warmer further comprises a heating element which is disposed within the housing to provide heat to the tank assembly. In this regard, a portion of liquid within the tank assembly transitions into vapors when heated by the heating element and flow to the inside compartment through the vapor aperture(s). By providing the vapors, the moisture and coloration of the baby wipes supported therein can be maintained while warming them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas E. McConnell, Francois Hacquard, Michael E. Henley, Gary L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040084439
    Abstract: A heating element for an electric appliance for heating or cooking foods. The heating element is composed of: a tubular metal envelope; and a resistance wire encased in an insulator disposed at the interior of the tubular envelope. The wire is composed of nickel and iron as the two principal elements, and has a temperature coefficient &agr; greater than 1500 ppm/° C. The wire may be wound in a spiral and the outer diameter of the spiral is greater than 0.7 times the inner diameter of the tubular envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Henri Galliou, Olivier Moine
  • Publication number: 20040084440
    Abstract: A heater effectively uses a current controlled fan motor in series with a resistance heating arrangement. The fan motor preferably is wound with a gauge of wire to appropriate for the relatively high current provided to the fan motor. This arrangement is effectively used to adjust the fan speed to match the heat output when the heating arrangement has variable heat output. More desirable operating characteristics are achieved without increasing costs and fan motor manufacturing savings are realized. The portable heater preferably produces heat at different outputs and the current used to power the resistance heating arrangement is used to power the fan motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Art K. Tateishi
  • Publication number: 20040084441
    Abstract: The invention provides a resistance-heating element comprising a cylindrical heating portion and a pair of terminals formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, wherein a thermal shield for cutting off radiant heat from said heating portion is joined to each terminal at a spacing from the outer peripheral surface, another thermal shield differing in polarity is opposed to the one thermal shield with an insulating space located therebetween, a thermal shield portion is found at a site other than both ends of a straight line for joining an end of the outer peripheral surface of the thermal shield that faces the insulting space with an end of an inner peripheral surface thereof or an end of an inner peripheral surface of the another thermal shield of different polarity, and an opposite thermal shield exists on a straight line that joins the ends of the outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the thermal shield that faces at least one of the insulating spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: SHINAGAWA REFRACTORIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro Moriwaki
  • Publication number: 20040084442
    Abstract: An induction tool for heating well casing and a method for using and manufacturing the tool. The tool comprises a magnetically permeability core and an electrically conductive coil surrounding the entire circumference of the core. The tool generates magnetic flux which flux is used to heat well casing adjacent to or acted upon by the tool. The heated well casing may be used to melt material used for well sealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: CANITRON SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas A. La Rovere
  • Publication number: 20040084443
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inductively heating a work piece. An induction heating system is used to produce a plurality of magnetic fields, each magnetic field extending through a portion of the work piece to inductively heat the work piece. At least one of the plurality of magnetic fields is oriented in a direction opposite to at least one other of the plurality of magnetic fields. The induction heating system may comprise an induction heating support structure adapted to receive the core. The induction heating system may also comprise an induction heating power source, a power source controller, an induction heating cable, and/or a fluid cooling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Mark A. Ulrich, Gregory D. Popp
  • Publication number: 20040084444
    Abstract: A method of bonding together first and second components and a joint are provided. The method includes the steps of applying a film coating of electrically conductive material to an adjoining interface of a first component surface of the first component and a second component surface of the second component. The film coating has a thickness of less than 200 nanometers. The method also includes the step of positioning the first and second components such that the film coating is disposed between the first and second component surfaces. The method further includes the step of irradiating microwave energy to the film coating to generate thermal energy on the film coating to bond together the first and second components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Liusheng Wang, Scott Hellman, Paul Townley-Smith, Michael Ushinsky
  • Publication number: 20040084445
    Abstract: Microwaveable dish for supporting material which is to be treated in a microwave oven, in particular for foodstuffs to be prepared therein, which microwaveable dish comprises two or more compartments, a material which influences microwave radiation being incorporated in the wall of at least one of the compartments, allowing microwave radiation to be attenuated, amplified or converted into heat, and the wall comprising a plurality of layers, which microwaveable dish comprises two identical, separately prefabricated self-supporting partial containers, one of the partial containers being at least partially accommodated in the other, and in which microwaveable dish the material which influences microwave radiation is incorporated as a sheet-like material between the two partial containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Franciscus Johannes Maria van de Weijer, Maurits Simon Johannes Maria Driessen
  • Publication number: 20040084446
    Abstract: A thermoplastic resin article suitable for use in browning of food or browning the surface of food in a microwave oven which article comprises a high heat thermoplastic resin such as a polyetherimide and a ferrite and/or silicon carbide which article can be produced by injection molding. The article may be a plate or other article suitable for browning of food. Also low heat thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene in combination with a ferrite and/or silicone carbide are suitable for microwave welding applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Carlo Perego, Zhengyu Hong
  • Publication number: 20040084447
    Abstract: A collapsible storage and transport container made of plastic, has a bottom, lengthwise and crosswise side walls that rise vertically from it, opposite one another in pairs, in the operating position, and a top end frame connected with the side walls in articulated manner, in the region of their top edge. The lengthwise side walls are mounted on the bottom and on the end frame, in articulated manner, about longitudinal axes that run parallel to one another and to the plane of the bottom, and can be folded about a center longitudinal axis. The crosswise side walls are structured in one piece, in each instance, and are arranged to pivot about a crosswise axis that is parallel to the plane of the bottom, after a lock has been released, from their upright position into a horizontal collapsed position. The crosswise side walls are mounted to pivot in the region of the bottom, and are provided, at their free top edge, with devices to secure them in place with a positive lock, on the top end frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Georg Utz Holding AG
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Dubois
  • Publication number: 20040084448
    Abstract: A collapsible container for storage, including a highly resilient framework fabricated from springsteel, carbon, or other resilient polymer frame members, into a supporting configuration, into the shape as desired for the final storage container, and having a fabric material provided thereover, to form the side walls, base, and perhaps even a top cover, for the configured storage container, when readied for usage; but because of the inherent resiliency of the frame members, the entire container can be collapsed, into a reasonably flattened or laminar condition, for storage, transit, locating within luggage, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Sunny E.L. Huang
  • Publication number: 20040084449
    Abstract: Until now, the only way to add oil to a vehicles engines oil filler port and be confidant you would not spill the oil was to use a funnel or spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Stanley Lee Howard
  • Publication number: 20040084450
    Abstract: A canister lid includes a cover member adapted to cover a canister, thereby defining an interior of the canister. An evacuation valve is adapted to allow evacuation of the interior of the container. A vacuum release valve is adapted to allow venting of the interior of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicants: Tilia International, Inc., Unimark Plastics
    Inventors: Paul W. Havens, Glynn Clements
  • Publication number: 20040084451
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for closing an opening which is formed in a wall, especially in a trim part of a motor vehicle. The wall has on its inside in the area of the opening a supporting shape for the cover which makes it possible to turn the cover inserted in the opening between a closed position, wherein the cover closes the opening, and a tilted position around a tilt axis in which the cover is tilted from its closed position and is removable from the opening at the outside of the wall and/or insertable into the opening. On the cover a first ramp is formed which, when the cover is turned from its tilted position to the closed position, cooperates with a wall-mounted first guide such that the cover when in the closed position assumes a predetermined relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Steffen Burkhardt, Dietmar Preissler, Anton Sautner
  • Publication number: 20040084452
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved multifunctional drinking cup structure, comprising a cup body, an inner cup lid, and an outer cup lid, wherein the inner cup lid is used to cover the opening of the cup body directly, the inner cup lid has an outlet hole, a convection hole, a primary insert hole, and a secondary insert hole (as needed), and the outer cup lid has a corresponding outlet hole, a convection hole, a main insert hole, and a secondary insert hole; the outer cup lid is covered inside the cup body, such that when the outer cup lid is rotated to align the corresponding holes, beverage can be drunk from the outlet hole by the mouth, or by sucking a straw that is inserted into the primary insert hole or the secondary insert hole. Both of the primary insert hole and the secondary insert hole have a guiding structure that prevents the straw from being askew. The outer cup lid may have no holes at all, but is simply used to cover the inner cup lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Wu-Chang Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20040084453
    Abstract: A container has a container body that has an inner chamber, a bottom wall, a top wall, a opening provided in the top wall, and a tube extending from the opening into the inner chamber to provide communication between the inner chamber and the exterior of the container body. The opening can be curved, the tube can have a curved cross-section, and the tube can be positioned offset from the center of the inner chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas Thai
  • Publication number: 20040084454
    Abstract: A one-piece aerosol can cap formed of molded plastic has a top wall with an outside edge. A skirt depends from the outside edge of the top wall to a lower perimeter edge. A plurality of arcuate segments depends from the top wall inside the skirt. Each arcuate segment has an inwardly protruding detent. Each arcuate segment has an inner wall and an outer wall coupled to each other so as to define a space between the walls. An opening is provided in the top wall leading to the space between the walls of an arcuate segment for receiving a tool capable of moving the lower end of the arcuate segment outward sufficiently to release the detent so that the cap can be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Ricky W. Tumlin, L. Cullen Underwood
  • Publication number: 20040084455
    Abstract: A container comprising a plurality of side walls arranged in a polygonal shape, a bottom surface and a top surface extending from the side walls, a peel-off cover removable from the top surface along a shear line, and a handle attached to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Haggai Shosheny
  • Publication number: 20040084456
    Abstract: This idea is basically either an extrusion, or mold process. In either case the end result would be an “L” shaped tube (PVC) or flat rectangle, each of the pieces would be hollow with perforations on either side as well as hollowness for airflow. It would also be noted that in the manufacture of any receptacle the channel or tube with perforations can be incorporated in the design of the receptacles. The extruded or molded pieces would be attached in the container with velcro or double sided tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Carmine Lubrano
  • Publication number: 20040084457
    Abstract: A container primarily for hot (or cold) beverages such as gourmet coffee has an outer shell formed of a stiff sheet material having heat insulating properties such as cardboard which can be erected from a flat storage condition to enclose an inner lining member for containing the liquid. The inner liner is blow molded from a plastics material to form an integral structure including a neck and a handle projecting through openings in the shell so as to be exposed on an exterior of the container for manual transportation and lifting of the container. The use of a blow molded integral liner allows the handle to be integral with the liner and relatively stiff as a tubular member parallel to an inclined upper surface of the liner. An optional folded leg can be provided to allow the liner to be drained through an optional spigot on the neck. An optional accessory box can be slung on a flap engaged around the neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Glenn J. Bartlett, Edward F. Urquhart
  • Publication number: 20040084458
    Abstract: A mobile-dining meal holder including a plate and detachable beverage cup, the cup having a lip with an annular ring thereabout projecting radially to form an interfacing surface and the plate including (a) a lid portion pressing against the interfacing surface and terminating in a downward skirt having an inner taper that engages against the same taper of the beverage container, and (b) a tray portion having food-holding areas spaced about the lid portion, the cup, plate, bead and skirt being configured and arranged to engage despite food-loading and usage forces. Food-receiving depressed regions have vertically extending portions positioned and arranged transversely with respect to pivot lines on the tray portion in order to avoid excessive flexing under food and dining loads. The beverage container acts as the pillar of support for the mobile dining meal holder. This arrangement allows the mobile-dining meal holder to disengage from the bottom of the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: John A. Krueger, Ronald A. Perez
  • Publication number: 20040084459
    Abstract: An injection-molded plastic container or closure has a sidewall extending from a base wall to a rim wall. An upper portion of a segment of the rim wall extends with both outward and inward directional components. A lower portion of the given segment extends with both downward and inward directional components; and at a given level of the lower portion, the given segment has an inner surface and an outer surface that each extend with downward and inward directional components. At the given level the inner surface and the outer surface of the lower portion are respectively formed by different mold components of one of the mold parts. Upon removal of the container or closure from the mold parts, the inner surface and the outer surface of the lower portion at the given level of the given segment are contemporaneously removed from one of the separated mold parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Philip Brown, Jens Ole Sorensen
  • Publication number: 20040084460
    Abstract: A beverage container insulating sleeve for insulating a user's hand from a cold or hot beverage container while maintaining the serving temperature of the beverage. The material of the sleeve comprises insulating polyethylene foam. The sleeve is a low cost, lightweight, ergonomic, solution for consumers, advertisers, and anyone who sells hot or cold bottled beverages. The sleeve is further conformable to various beverage container styles and shapes due to a plurality of vertical slits formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Scheetz, Amy D. Downs
  • Publication number: 20040084461
    Abstract: An inflatable cup holder secures a variety of beverage container sizes and shapes. The cup holder includes a shell having an inner wall defining an internal bore, the inner wall having an aperture therein. An inflatable bladder adjacent to the aperture extends through the aperture and reduces the bore volume upon pressurization. An inflation device for pressurizing the bladder is located within the shell. A manual or air compressor inflation device operation are contemplated. A pressure release valve in full communication with the bladder prevents bladder inflation above a pre-selected threshold and also is activated to release a beverage container from the inventive cup holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Eisenbraun, Richard G. Leveille
  • Publication number: 20040084462
    Abstract: This invention relates to a disposable foil roaster tent having at least three walls, two of which are side walls and a third of which is a top wall. The perimeter of the side and top walls preferably is formed into a rolled-over bead. The disposable roaster tent is preferably constructed to be used with a roasting pans that has a retaining means on the rim of the pan such as a bead or in the case of a disposable foil pan, a rolled-over bead on the perimeter of the pan so that the roaster tent can be easily held on or easily removed from the pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Norton Sarnoff
  • Publication number: 20040084463
    Abstract: This invention is a serving tray with a handle and arm support for reducing repetitive injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Gerard Belasalma
  • Publication number: 20040084464
    Abstract: Disclosed is an airtight container for keeping food etc. in airtight state. The airtight container comprises a body 10 with an opened upper surface; a lid 20 for covering the opened upper surface of the body 10; and a locking portion having at least two locking flanges 40 integrally pivotally coupled to the periphery of the lid 20 through a thin hinge 44 formed at a connecting portion connecting thereof with the lid 20, the locking flange 40 having a hooking protrusion 42 formed on a lower surface thereof, and hooking ribs 50 formed on an upper portion of the outer wall of the body 10, each rib 50 engaging with the hooking protrusion of the locking flange 40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Cha-II Koo
  • Publication number: 20040084465
    Abstract: Apparatus includes a lid and a container/lid combination, in which the interface between the lid and container provides a liquid-tight seal without the need for a separate gasket member or device. Various embodiments include corresponding tongue and groove elements, and mating tapered channels and edges. Detents or engagement structures may be provided to hold the lid to the container in the desired relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Publication number: 20040084466
    Abstract: A closure for an opening through a partition includes a barrier surrounded by a perimetral wall having an outside surface dimensioned to fit in the opening and a continuous outwardly extending flange. A plurality of tension members are hinged to the perimetral wall by a thin frangible web and include second ends having openings arranged in overlapping relation to each other. A tether passes through the overlapped openings of the second ends and includes a handle-forming loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Larry Cullen Underwood
  • Publication number: 20040084467
    Abstract: A closure for an opening through a partition includes a flange having first and second surfaces and a first extension on a first edge, the flange having a perimeter greater than the opening perimeter. A barrier protrudes from the first surface of the flange and is surrounded by a wall having an outside surface perimeter approximating the opening perimeter. A spring member has a proximal end coupled to a second edge of the barrier and a distal end overlying a portion of the flange first surface including the first extension. The spring distal end has a contact portion confronting the first extension and a knob for manipulating the closure toward the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Larry Cullen Underwood
  • Publication number: 20040084468
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for accumulating articles (28) can include a dispensing of the articles with a rotating, metering drum (40) for movement to a first conveyor (50). The metering drum (40) has an entry end (86) and an exit end (88), and in a particular aspect, the metering drum (40) can be configured such that a rotation of the metering drum overcomes a static friction which would inhibit a movement of the articles (28) downstream through the metering drum. In another aspect the metering drum (40) can include at least one lug member (90) which is positioned and attached inside the metering drum at the exit end (88) of the metering drum. In further aspects, a ramp member (43) can be configured to extend an operative distance into the volume of the metering drum, and can be spaced away from an inside wall surface of the metering drum by a selected offset distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Kelbert, Richard J. Ogle, Steven A. Hellmann
  • Publication number: 20040084469
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus of dispensing roll paper products, such as roll tissue and kitchen towel paper. More particular, it relates to an apparatus which can repeatedly releases, stops and allows users to rip off roll paper at any length with one-hand operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Shu-yi Tu
  • Publication number: 20040084470
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for dispensing stacked folded sheets. The dispenser includes a housing configured to hold the stack of sheets within an internal storage space. A cover member is pivotally attached to the housing and is movable between an open position wherein access is provided to the storage space, and a closed position wherein the cover defines a front panel of the dispenser. A dispensing opening is provided through which the folded sheets are dispensed when the cover is in its closed position. An overfill prevention device is configured within the housing. This device includes a stop member that is movably configured with a back wall of the housing and is movable between a restricting position when the cover is in its open position, and a relief position when the cover is closed. A latch mechanism is disposed in the housing in a position so as latch the stop member in its restricting position when the cover is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Antwain D. Taylor, Stephen L. Phelps, Debra N. Welchel, Victoria L. Bischoff, Robert C. Ziegenfuss
  • Publication number: 20040084471
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for dispensing stacked folded sheets. The dispenser includes a housing defining an internal storage space for the stack of sheets. A cover member is pivotally attached to the housing and is movable between an open position and a closed position for loading a stack of folded sheets into the housing. A device, such as a mechanical stop system, is provided and located such that the device must be manually operated with both hands while closing the cover member. In this way, an individual is prevented from using a free hand to compress the stack of folded sheets within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Antwain D. Taylor, Victorial L. Bischoff, Robert C. Ziegenfuss
  • Publication number: 20040084472
    Abstract: The present invention can generally relate to a pin for a dispenser comprising a rounded end formed integrally with a shaft terminating in a point and a bulbous protrusion is positioned between the rounded end and the point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Design Tech LLC
    Inventor: Scott M. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040084473
    Abstract: A separator insertable into a medicine container and thereupon defining upper and lower compartments in the medicine container, the separator having a separating portion pivotally supported for movement into a first position for forming the upper and lower compartments and into a second position providing access to the lower compartment, the separator including latching structure for releasably maintaining the separator portion in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Maurus Logan, Chester Kolton, Michael Norman, Robert Whittemore
  • Publication number: 20040084474
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system and methods including color-coded visual indicia to assist an operator in the proper selection of the components and in the configuration of those components in the system during setup, maintenance and diagnostics. Color-coded indicia is also provided to assist an operator in the proper selection of a solenoid for use in a particular application. Various components of the liquid dispensing system, such as the melter unit, controller, hoses, electrical cordsets and solenoid, include visually identifiable color-coded indicia on the surfaces of the components, such as color-coded rings, bands and characters, to assist the operator in the component selection and configuration processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory J. Gabryszewski