Patents Issued in June 1, 2004
  • Patent number: 6742938
    Abstract: An optical semiconductor element (14) of the cap sealing type is aligned with an optical axis of an optical part contained in a resin housing (12), and mounted on the resin housing. In this case, the upper surface of a cap of the optical semiconductor element is butted to the end face of the housing, and bonded to the latter (by ultraviolet curing adhesive 20). In the optical module body having such a structure, the surface of the cap of the optical semiconductor element and at least a part of the side surface of the housing may be covered with a casing, and a clearance formed therebetween may be sealed with resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tanaka, Hideki Hashizume
  • Patent number: 6742939
    Abstract: A fusion splice including a first optical fiber having a first MFD and a first MFD expansion rate. The splice further includes a second fiber having a second MFD and a second MFD expansion rate, wherein the second MFD is lower than the first MFD. The second fiber comprises a core, a cladding radially surrounding the core, and a zone of high-concentration of fluorine between the core and the cladding. The rate of MFD expansion of the first fiber is less than the rate of MFD expansion of the second fiber during the fusion splicing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Craig R. Sykora, James R. Onstott, Mark T. Anderson, Craig R. Schardt, Lawrence J. Donalds, Alessandra O. Chiareli
  • Patent number: 6742940
    Abstract: A shading device employed in a lens barrel having a plurality of lens groups includes a plurality of substantially tubular shading members provided between a first lens group and a second lens group that move relative to each other along the optical axis and overlap each other along the optical axis so as to allow the shading device to achieve a telescopic function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Norikatsu Konno, Hitoshi Imanari, Hideo Kanno, Kazumitsu Takezawa
  • Patent number: 6742941
    Abstract: A camera includes a lens holding member for detachably holding a lens device, an image taking device for taking an image formed by the lens device, a front main body member forming a front portion of the main body of the camera, a rear main body member which forms a rear portion of the main body of the camera and is coupled to the front main body member, and a central main body member on which the lens holding member and the image taking device are mounted and which is coupled to at least one of the front and rear main body members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6742942
    Abstract: A preferred fire-rated dome housing assembly (10) is mountable in a space (12) formed between a ceiling (14) and a false ceiling (16) and having a height (20) as little as 8.9 cm. The housing assembly includes a housing (22) that is mountable through a hole (24) in the false ceiling, and is protected from heat by a thermal insulation blanket (32). Support straps (34) are attached to a ceiling ring (36) that surrounds the hole for securing the housing assembly to false ceiling supporting members (18). A spacing collar (50) is fastened to the ceiling ring by threaded spacers (52) that extend below the false ceiling. The housing protrudes below the false ceiling and includes a mounting flange (48) that is fastened to the spacing collar. A dome (62) is secured to the mounting flange. The housing assembly preferably encloses a video camera (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven L. Hering, Scott A. Jolma
  • Patent number: 6742943
    Abstract: When a lens unit is to be mounted, the lens unit is moved downward along guide grooves, whereby an opening portion cover is also pushed down counter to an elongation force of coil springs, the lens unit is mounted to a camera body, and the opening portion cover is moved to an open position. When the lens unit is to be removed, the lens unit is moved along the guide grooves, whereby engagement with the guide grooves is released. Because the opening cover portion is urged from the open position to a closed position by the coil spring at this time, the opening portion cover is moved with the lens unit along the guide grooves and fixed at the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seimei Ushiro
  • Patent number: 6742944
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of an alkaline solution, comprising dissolving a gaseous molecule having oxidizing properties or reducing properties in an aqueous alkaline solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Riichiro Takahashi, Kei Hayasaki, Tomoyuki Takeishi, Shinichi Ito
  • Patent number: 6742948
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for flattening a substrate against a surface of a platform is provided. The method comprising positioning guides within a platform so that opposite edges of a substrate placed on the platform do not come in contact with at least one print head in close proximity over the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Aprion Digital Ltd.
    Inventor: David Feiner
  • Patent number: 6742949
    Abstract: A sheet discharging apparatus of a printer has a tray on which printed paper is consecutively stacked, holders for supporting the printed paper above the tray, a rack reciprocating in a direction perpendicular to a sheet discharging direction “A” by the driving of a motor, and levers connecting the holders with the rack and pivoting in association with a movement of the rack. The holders horizontally move above the tray in association with a reciprocal movement of the rack, thereby supporting printing media of various widths above the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Karp-Sik Youn
  • Patent number: 6742950
    Abstract: An applicator assembly comprises a flexible reservoir, to which are joined a pair of applicators. The latter includes a first and second applicators. The first applicator has its longitudinal axis of symmetry perpendicularly disposed relative to the flexible reservoir, respectively to its longitudinal axis, while the second applicator is coaxial with the flexible reservoir. The first and second applicators are located at opposite ends of the flexible reservoir. An arm connects the first applicator to the flexible reservoir. A pair of protective covers including a first and second protective covers is intended to slip over the pair of applicators, respectively the first and second applicators. A valve is incorporated into the flexible reservoir, so as to resist passage of a fluid contained in the latter, while letting the atmospheric air to infiltrate therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory A. Coombs
  • Patent number: 6742951
    Abstract: A cleaning implement provides a spray head for a cleanser spray bottle. It also mounts on its forehead a removable cleaning pad. The spray head threads onto a conventional spray bottle. The cleaning pad is mounted immediately above the spray outlet. It has a slot to engage the spray head. There can be a living hinge to allow the pad to flex, and the forehead can be rounded to permit the pad to rotate on the spray head without being removed to change orientations. A single hand can be used to spray and rub a hard surface, without the need for a spray bottle to be put down while wiping the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Marissa A. Schultz, Heath A. Doty, Marc W. Hunter, Keith H. Gausmann
  • Patent number: 6742952
    Abstract: A writing medium reservoir that exhibits clear drain of a writing medium, and preferably in which the writing medium is readily visible to the user. A method of making a writing medium reservoir that exhibits clear drain of a writing medium, and preferably in which the writing medium is readily visible to the user. The method may include forming the writing medium reservoir by co-extruding an inner layer and an outer layer. In addition, the present invention relates to a multi-layer tubular structure that exhibits clear drain of a liquid, and preferably in which the relative presence or relative absence of liquid is readily visible to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Qingping Chen, Michael T. Nowak
  • Patent number: 6742953
    Abstract: A writing instrument having a display window for displaying images from inside the barrel or body member of the writing instrument. The display window is formed by applying a wrap element having a hole therethrough to a transparent portion of the body member. A writing instrument having a locating mark thereon for facilitating accurate, efficient assembly of a writing instrument. More particularly, the locating mark may be disposed on a wrap element according to a predetermined positional relationship with respect to at least one feature or component of the writing instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin S. Burden, Arthur R. Hamilton, Jr., Edwin L. James, Christopher K. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6742954
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking system for a rotating joint. In the device, the locking system (L) comprises a rigid locking means (12) movable in the axial direction (X1), provided with a first cogging (13) which can be moved for locking with the locking means (12) in a contact with a second cogging (14), to transmit the rotational movement, wherein said coggings (13, 14) are, for releasing the cogging, designed in such a way that a force effect releasing the locking is formed between them, and a third cogging (16) which is, during the locking, in a contact with a fourth cogging, to transmit the rotational motion, as well as a sealing element (21) for forming at least one closed hydraulic space (24) with a varying volume between the locking means (12) and the sealing element (21), wherein the locking means (12) is arranged to be moved for the locking and to be kept in the locking by the effect of a pressurized medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Timberjack Oy
    Inventor: Hyytiäinen Jouko
  • Patent number: 6742955
    Abstract: A tie rod end having a purgative zerk for removal of used lubricants is provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the tie rod end includes a socket member that defines a first bore in which a ball stud member is disposed and a second bore in communication with the first bore. The purgative zerk is disposed in the second bore. In a second embodiment of the invention, the purgative zerk is disposed in a plug used to close one end of the first bore. The use and location of the purgative zerk enable purge holes to be eliminated from a boot seal disposed at one end of the first bore thereby reducing contamination of the tie rod end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Moses
  • Patent number: 6742956
    Abstract: A fastener clip for securing together a first material and a second material, at least the first material including a three dimensional and planar sheet exhibiting a bored interior defined by a least one inwardly facing side wall. The clip includes a flattened strap portion from which extends a first end configuration for fixedly engaging within the bored interior and against the inwardly facing side wall. The first end configuration further has a plurality of outwardly and radially extending arms, a gripping tab extending from each of the arms and including a pair of reverse angled teeth portions. A second and oppositely extending end configuration engages the second material and includes a pair of individual rail clip portion adapted to biasingly engage against oppositely facing sides of the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: David M. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 6742957
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a vessel or pipeline closure. A closure 10 includes a hub 12 fixedly and sealingly secured to the vessel, and a cap 30 for threaded engagement with the hub 12. An anchor 22 may be fixedly secured to the hub and a tightening pulling stop 32 and a loosening pulling stop 132 each may be fixedly secured to the cap 30. A connector body 26 may be engaged with the anchor 22, and has a through bore 27 to accommodate a threaded rod 44. A flexible, elongate member 46 may be engaged at one end to the threaded rod 44, and selectively engaged with one of the pulling stops 32 or 132. A threaded collar 28 advances the threaded rod 44 axially, thereby rotating the cap 30 relative to the hub 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Robbins & Myers Energy Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Smith, Billy W. White, Blake E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6742958
    Abstract: Components of and method for making a frame member framework having panel recesses accepting structural panels in a plane tangent to the exterior of the frame member. The tubes and fittings allow easy assembly of large structures. The panels secured within the panel recesses bear loads imposed on the structure and minimize torque at the fittings. The finished structure is streamlined, with flush junctions of all components. Alternative embodiments include panel recesses in angular or channeled shapes which act to secure the panels to the framework, and other panel securing attachment which are externally invisible on the completed structure. Panel securing means include screws, bolts, studs, pins, adhesives, welding and equivalents. End fittings are secured to frame members by any common and known ways. Frame members, fittings and panels may be made of any of a wide range of materials including metals, alloys, plastics, rubbers, wood, and composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Richard D. Remmick
  • Patent number: 6742959
    Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer which is self-propelled via a powered tongue jack and which optionally includes a light-weight, high-efficiency asphalt heater. The trailer is moved long distances, such as to and from work sites, using a towing vehicle, in conventional fashion. When at the work site (or storage site), the tongue jack is lowered to support the trailer in a generally horizontal position, and, by virtue of a powered jack wheel, can be used to position the trailer easily, quietly, and confidently, in either the forward or reverse direction. The jack is powered by any conventional means, including an ac or dc electric motor or an internal combustion engine. A reversible, variable-speed, dc electric motor powered by a conventional 12 Volt battery supply is preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: DRS Limited
    Inventor: David R. Strassman
  • Patent number: 6742960
    Abstract: Vehicular and/or walk behind vibratory compactors utilize a vibrated roller or plate to impose compaction forces on a densifiable strata, such as ground soil, a roadway base material or pavement. Utilizing a rotating energy source, such as a engine or hydraulic motor, to create the vibration appears to have reached its limit in the ability to provide a wide range of vibration frequencies and amplitudes to satisfy the ever increasing demands placed on vibratory compactors. Instead of relying upon rotational energy, the present invention contemplates the use of a linear oscillator to produce the vibrations, and preferably utilizes at least one electromagnet to control the frequency(s) and amplitude(s) of a compacting vibration. The present invention finds potential application in a wide range of vibratory compactors, including walk behind models that utilize a plate and larger vehicular models that include one or more vibrating rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Corcoran, Thomas J. Richards, George Codina
  • Patent number: 6742961
    Abstract: A process for removing pollutants from soil with the aid of a stripping gas which involves (a) injecting the stripping gas into the soil at the level of and/or under the pollutant, (b) volatilizing the pollutant with the stripping gas, so that it rises to the ground level above the pollutant, (c) collecting and further treatment of the volatilized pollutant, a pneumatic screen being provided in the soil along the circumference of the polluted area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventor: Martin W. J. Plum
  • Patent number: 6742962
    Abstract: A trench located in a landfill including the combination of a liquid infiltration piping system and a horizontal gas withdrawal piping system, the combination allowing for simultaneous liquid infiltration and gas withdrawal from a landfill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Waste Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Hater, John A. Barbush, Richard N. Barr
  • Patent number: 6742963
    Abstract: A tool (1′) for pulling an end of a first pipe (102) towards a stationary, second pipe (101) includes gripping devices (47) for holding the first pipe (102), and winch devices (140) for pulling the tool with the pipe towards the stationary pipe (101). A collar (50) which is releasable attached to the stationary pipe, has an anchoring point (60,61) for the pull-in line (141). When the tool with the end of the first pipe approaches the stationary pipe, a moment arm (149) on the tool interfaces with a stop (65,66) on the collar. At the same time, an alignment and stroking actuator (110) grips the collar above the axis of the stationary pipe. The moment arm and alignment actuator cooperate to raise the first pipe into a horizontal position so that it is aligned with the stationary pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Knut HÃ¥vard Bekkevold, Finn G. Haugen, Per Stordalen, Jon Thoresen
  • Patent number: 6742964
    Abstract: A method for installing conduits on a mountain is provided. The method includes placing at least one cable longitudinally across a ridge of the mountain and installing the at least one cable on a front side and a back side of the mountain. The front and back sides of the mountain are bounded by the ridge, and the at least one cable crosses over the ridge. The cable is positioned along both the front side and the back side of the mountain. At least one conduit is moored to the at least one cable on the front side of the mountain, and at least one cable is anchored on the back side of the mountain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Tomio Fukui
  • Patent number: 6742965
    Abstract: An integral concrete body for erosion control includes three separate sections of differing configuration. The sections include a lower tapered section that is in the form of an elongated tapered pile-like member. The upper section of the concrete body is generally rectangular. A transitional section that is also tapered forms a connection between the upper and lower portions of the concrete body. The plurality of the concrete bodies can be installed side by side with tongue and groove connections interlocking the bodies upon assembly. A plurality of the concrete bodies can be placed side by side to form a bulkhead or breakwater. In one embodiment, each concrete body can be comprised of separate connectable members. Anchors can be used to support the concrete bodies laterally, to prevent tilting or tipping when exposed to erosion, wind, or wave action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Carl T. Detiveaux
  • Patent number: 6742966
    Abstract: An expansion shell assembly for mine roof bolts includes an expansion member threaded onto an associated mine roof bolt. A support device is annularly disposed around the associated roof bolt. An expansion shell is annularly disposed around the associated roof bolt between the expansion member and the support device. The expansion shell has a base ring for engaging the support device and fingers for engaging a peripheral edge of the tapered plug. The engagement between the base ring and the support device permits axial traverse movement of the support device relative to the expansion shell for tensioning the roof bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: James D. Cook
  • Patent number: 6742967
    Abstract: A fastening system is invented for fasten the soil nails (which are used in cut areas) and the reinforced retaining structures (which are used in fill areas). The system is to connect the two and form an integrated body to prevent sliding plane passing through the interface of the two. The fastening system includes coupling elements, struts, flanges, steel pipes, cables, annular sleeve and clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: Nelson N. S. Chou, Chia-Cheng Fan
  • Patent number: 6742968
    Abstract: A milling cutter comprising at least one cutting end and a cutter shank. The at least one cutting end including a core of cutter material having a cutter axis. The core includes a plurality of cutting edges extending therefrom, wherein the total cross-sectional area of the cutter material, taken at right angles to the cutter axis, increases gradually from the cutting end towards the cutter shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Kennamtal Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir Volokh
  • Patent number: 6742969
    Abstract: A milling cutting insert is disclosed having a polygonal body of wear-resistant material, wherein the body has a top surface and a groove having a central axis extending along the entire length of one side of the insert having a central axis, and wherein: the group groove is tapered such that the width of the groove increases continuously along the side of the insert. A face milling cutter having an axial location surface for advancement in a direction of feed is also disclosed utilizing such a cutting insert so that a corner of the cutting insert is furthest from the axial location surface and the wide end of the groove associated with the cutting edge facing the direction of feed is adjacent to that corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D. Hoefler
  • Patent number: 6742970
    Abstract: A cutting tool for removing material from a workpiece wherein the cutting tool is held in a pocket of a tool holder. The cutting tool includes a cutting tool substrate with a rake surface and flank surfaces, as well as a notch at the intersection of a pair of adjacent ones of the flank surfaces. The substrate includes opposite flank surfaces that are opposite from the notch and are disposed at a substrate disposition angle with respect to the rake surface of the cutting tool substrate. The cutting tool further includes a cutting blank that is within the notch. The cutting blank has a rake surface and a pair of exposed flank surfaces wherein a cutting edge is at the intersection of the rake surface and the exposed flank surfaces. The exposed flank surfaces of the cutting blank are disposed at a cutting clearance angle with respect to the rake surface of the cutting blank. The cutting clearance angle is not equal to the substrate disposition angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Oles, Stephen T. Belsheim
  • Patent number: 6742971
    Abstract: A metal cutting insert having a pair of cutting portions disposed on either side of a shank portion. Each cutting portion includes a forward cutting edge and two side cutting edges. Each side cutting edge forms part of a shelf that includes chip controlling/breaking structure and is defined by the juncture of a cutting surface with an upper boundary of a side face. The chip controlling structure includes a chip deflecting surface located adjacent the side cutting surface that includes a plurality of concave recesses that generate localized stiffening of a chip as it moves along the chip deflecting surface. Chip controlling structure located adjacent the forward cutting edge includes a downwardly sloping surface that forms part of a channel which extends from the forward cutting edge towards a shank portion of the insert. A pair of ridges located on either side of the channel rise upwardly and reach a height that is above the plane of the forward cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Manchester Tool Company
    Inventor: Nelson Pao Chung Tong
  • Patent number: 6742972
    Abstract: A strap winch device assembly for fitting on a flat bed open truck trailer, to enable a truck driver to remote actuate this load tightening system without leaving his truck cab, in periodic fashion. A number of these winch devices are connected to a single fore and aft drive shaft, which extends along the side of the trailer. The drive shaft is driven by a motor to tighten any straps that loosen when the trailer is in motion over the road, as trailer load distribution typically shifts during road trailer, due to road-induced vibrations. A clutch mechanism is provided in the winch device, to prevent the motor from overheating once a set tightening torque threshold level has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: André Brunet
  • Patent number: 6742973
    Abstract: A device for anchoring and safely transporting equipment in land or water vehicles is described. The device comprises a metal hanger that is welded on one side to a flat steel bar that is bent into an offset U-shape whose top extends further than its bottom and allows the top to support a load. The device includes a metal bolt that clamps and anchors the material being transported. Other parts of the device include a metal bolt as clamping means, a movable metal rod in a T configuration on the bottom of the bolt, elastomeric fastening means, and a swivel head crimped to the top of the bolt such that the bolt and rod securely attach the hanger to a rail of a vehicle to secure the device in place. Elastomeric fastening means attach to the hanger device which a user laterally stretches across an item being transported to securely hold it in place during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: Carl M. Hendrix, Keith A. Hendrix
  • Patent number: 6742974
    Abstract: A cargo-securing panel adapted to form a body of a cargo-carrying vehicle is provided. Such a panel comprises a honeycomb-configured core having opposed faces, wherein the core defines an angular groove having a portion extending between the faces and a portion extending through one of the faces. The core further defines a recess adjacent to the groove. A facing sheet is engaged with the one face of the core so as to form a composite. The facing sheet defines a gap extending therethrough in correspondence with the portion of the groove extending through the one face. An angular member includes a flange corresponding to the groove and is configured to be slidably engaged with the groove in order to secure the member to the composite. The member further includes an external portion extending outside the core and parallel to the one face, wherein the external portion defining an aperture corresponding to the recess in the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: A. Ralph Haire
  • Patent number: 6742975
    Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing cargo in a cargo area includes a stabilizing member having a first end, a second end, and a hinge positioned between the first and second ends. The ends of the stabilizing member are configured to engage surfaces of a cargo area to stabilize cargo packed therein. The hinge includes a locking portion configured to lock the stabilizing member in an extended position and a folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Vestil Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Barry Trine, Matthew Clemens
  • Patent number: 6742976
    Abstract: A ribbed dowel for aligning workpieces is disclosed including a cylindrical body having an outer surface, a first end, and a second end, a plurality of ribs spaced over the outer surface, a round circular first face on the first end, a round circular second face on the second end, and wherein the ribbed dowel is composed of a material other than a polypropylene homopolymer having a density of 0.905 g/cm3, a melt flow rate of 60 g/10 min, a Rockwell hardness of 107, a Durometer hardness of 84, and a melting point of 330° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Groll
  • Patent number: 6742977
    Abstract: An unprocessed substrate is conveyed to a film-processing chamber at the same time a processed substrate is conveyed to a substrate preparation chamber, reducing the substrate processing cycle, thereby increasing the yield per unit time. The substrate preparation chamber has a two-tiered structure for receiving processed substrates and unprocessed substrates. A two-tiered transfer robot allows the substrates to be removed or placed into the preparation and process chambers at the same time, thus decreasing the cycle time for processing a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Kokusai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satohiro Okayama, Motoichi Kanazawa, Takeshige Ishida, Tomohiko Takeda, Yukio Akita, Satoru Ichimura, Kazunori Suzuki, Teruo Yoshino, Tokunobu Akao, Yasunobu Nakayama
  • Patent number: 6742978
    Abstract: An indexing device including a housing, a cassette support mechanism, a cassette, and transport apparatus carried by the housing. The transport apparatus includes a bed of rollers having a common plane and a drive assembly coupled to the bed of rollers. The cassette support mechanism is mounted in the housing and movable along a pathway between a raised position and a lowered position relative the bed of rollers. The cassette is mounted on the cassette support mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: BTU International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve McKinley
  • Patent number: 6742979
    Abstract: The present invention is for a slide-out cargo container for the baggage compartments of passenger buses. The retractable cargo box would enable luggage to be easily loaded and unloaded, eliminating undue back and shoulder strain from lifting heavy baggage at uncomfortable angles. Made of a strong, lightweight material such as aluminum, the retractable cargo box would be dimensioned to fit inside the existing luggage compartment at the lower side of the bus. Wheels along the lower left and right sides of the box would glide along special guide tracks to allow the container to be easily extended from and retracted into the baggage compartment. Two doors would be located at the front of the cargo box to eliminate the need to lift heavy luggage over the sides of the box. Door stops would ensure proper closure of the doors, and a safety hook would keep the doors from popping open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Felix D. Salazar
  • Patent number: 6742980
    Abstract: There is provided a processing system for processing a processing object, capable of precisely and efficiently carrying out alignment during a teaching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6742981
    Abstract: A disk (6) is horizontally rotated a half-turn by a motor (7) in a rotational direction and, then, is rotated a half-turn in an opposite rotational direction. Two servomotors (8, 9) are symmetrically disposed, on an upper surface of the disk (6), with respect to a rotating shaft of the disk (6). Driving shafts (22, 23), driven by the two servomotors (8, 9), downwardly extend through the disk (6), and move hanging members (K, M), respectively, in upward-and-downward directions. Two hanging members (K, M) are provided, at their lower ends, with clampers (32), respectively. The clampers (32) are each provided, at their bottom surfaces, with a suction pad (35), and are provided, at their upper surfaces, with pneumatic cylinders (28, 29). The pressure of the compressed air supplied to the pneumatic cylinder is adjusted by a pressure regulating device (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Tohoku Seiki Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keitaro Harada, Masayoshi Yokoo, Shigeo Onuma, Satoshi Ueno
  • Patent number: 6742982
    Abstract: A golf ball stacking and dispensing apparatus comprising a hopper having two pyramidal shells each of different dimensions. Each of the shells is truncated and has a respective open substantially rectangular rim defining a respective open base of a different dimension than that of the other. The shells are joined together where each is truncated so as to converge together and define a funnel opening between the shells. Each of the shells is configured to form a self-supporting stack of golf balls atop each other as a stacking tray closes the open base of one of the shells and the golf balls are poured through the other of the shells. A method of forming different size pyramidal stacks of golf balls by pouring golf balls through one pyramidal shell of a hopper to fill the other pyramidal shell thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6742983
    Abstract: A compressor casing structure in the region of a rotor blade ring through which there is an axial flow, having a multiplicity of axial grooves which extend from a first radial plane upstream of the blade-tip inlet edges into a second radial plane between the blade-tip inlet edges and the blade-tip outlet edges and have groove cross sections with parallel side walls. The center axes of the groove cross sections have, at the upstream groove ends, from the opening to the groove base, an angle of inclination with a circumferential component counter to the direction of movement of the blade. The center axes of the groove cross sections have, at the downstream groove ends, an angle of inclination with a circumferential component in the direction of movement of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Schmuecker
  • Patent number: 6742984
    Abstract: A pair of hollow elongated leg sections are disposed in one or more of the nozzle vane cavities of a nozzle stage of a gas turbine. Each leg section has an outer wall portion with apertures for impingement-cooling of nozzle wall portions in registration with the outer wall portions. The leg sections may be installed into the cavity separately and support rods support and maintain the leg sections in spaced relation, whereby the designed impingement gap between the outer wall portions of the leg sections and the nozzle wall portions is achieved. The support rods are secured to the inner wall portions of the leg sections by welding or brazing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gary Michael Itzel, Robert Henry Devine, II, John Alan Eastman
  • Patent number: 6742985
    Abstract: A thermal turbomachine, an axial flow gas turbine (10) in particular, includes a rotor (16), which at its exit side is supported on a bearing (15), which is situated on a bearing saddle (14) within an annular inner part (11) of an exhaust casing, the bearing saddle (14) being supported on a foundation of the machine by means of a spring support (25). In such a turbomachine, the stiffness of the bearing support is improved or restored by attaching the bearing saddle (14) to the inner part (11) of the exhaust casing by a spring-loaded bolted connection (19, . . . .,22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Kamil Matyscak, Pierre Meylan, Michael Mueller
  • Patent number: 6742986
    Abstract: A support pin (24) is disposed at a position in front of a front edge (19a) of a movable nozzle blade (19) in a state in which the movable nozzle blade (19) is located at a rating opening position B, set between a maximum opening position A and a minimum opening position C. The aerodynamic effect of the support pin when the flow rate is small is thus reduced, and the turbine efficiency when the flow rate is small is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Osako, Yasuaki Jinnai
  • Patent number: 6742987
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes a row of vanes in corresponding segmented outer and inner bands. The inner band of each segment includes a retention flange. A nozzle support includes forward and aft flanges defining a retention slot receiving the retention flange. The retention flange includes a radial lug trapped axially in the retention slot, and a tangential lug at an opposite circumferential end disposed on the forward flange. The aft flange includes an outer hinge, and the retention flange further includes an inner hinge for cradle mounting the retention flange in the nozzle support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Victor Hugo Silva Correia, Robert Alan Jacobson
  • Patent number: 6742988
    Abstract: Upper and lower diaphragms of a steam turbine have mating flanges forming a horizontal midline joint interface. Each flange has a groove which registers with a corresponding groove in the opposite flange. A composite woven tubular seal is provided in the mating grooves. The seal comprises an inner woven metal core surrounded by an annular silica fiber layer, in turn surrounded by a metal foil with an outer protective covering of a braided stainless steel. Upon joining the diaphragms to one another, the compliant seal generally conforms to a maximum to the shape of the grooves, maintaining a seal between the diaphragms along the horizontal midline joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kamlesh Mundra, John Cao, Daniel R. Predmore, Abdul-Azeez Mohammed-Fakir, Gene Palmer, Jonathan Munshi
  • Patent number: 6742989
    Abstract: The improvements are made in the turbine scroll and the turbine blades. The scroll structure for the radial turbines is characterized by the foregoing scroll having a scroll width ratio between the width in the radial direction (&Dgr;R) and the width in the direction of the rotation (B) ranging from &Dgr;R/B=0.3 to 0.7. It is further characterized by the configuration in which the turbine blades have cut-away areas at the blade corners by a prescribed amount, which are provided on the inlet edge at the shroud side and hub side where the operating gas flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Osako, Shozo Maekawa, Motoki Ebisu, Ryoji Utsumi, Takashi Mikogami
  • Patent number: 6742990
    Abstract: An air handler enclosure includes a sheet metal panel fastened to a frame of the enclosure with a gasket sealingly compressed between the frame and the face of the panel. The outer edges of the panel are folded over to create a hem that overlays the face of the panel. The gasket is placed against the face of the panel, just inside the inner periphery of the hem. When the panel is installed, the hem abuts the frame to serve as a spacer that keeps the face of the panel a certain distance away from the frame. In this way, the hem prevents the gasket from being over compressed or crushed between the frame and the face of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Dehning, Charles K. Kopplen, Michael D. Lewis, Donald G. Pestel