Patents Issued in June 15, 2004
  • Patent number: 6749099
    Abstract: A firearm rest for a firearm having a butt stock. The gun rest includes a base that may be slipped onto a belt and further includes an elastic line depending from the base. The elastic line forms a loop. The butt stock is placed into the loop and on the end of the loop opposite of the base. The elastic line is selected relative to the weight of the firearm to be carried such that the elastic line gives or stretches preferably only when the user is walking. With such a selection, the line absorbs the shock generated by the firearm instead of transmitting the shock into the body of the user such as into the back of the user. The size of the loop may be adjusted by tying knots at various points in the line. The base from which the shock or elastic line extends may be an apertured leather base, a base with a tapered slot for pinching a portion of the line to adjust the size of the loop, or a belt from which an elastic strap may depend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Steven L. Danielson
  • Patent number: 6749100
    Abstract: The invention provides a wire-bonding apparatus for forming electrical connections between a semiconductor chip and a leadframe, comprising a plurality of bond-heads associated with a plurality of work holders on said wire bonding apparatus for holding a plurality of leadframes, wherein each bond-head of the apparatus is capable of independent bonding operation simultaneously with the other bond-heads, without synchronization of movement with the other bond-heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: ASM Technology Singapore Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Yam Mo Wong, Keng Yew Song, Ka Shing Kwan, Hon Yu Ng, Tin Kwan Chan
  • Patent number: 6749101
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing x-ray tube parts wherein metallic pieces are explosively bonded together to establish a high strength, stable union between them. The x-ray tube parts may then be milled from the bonded metallic pieces. The explosion bonding process creates only discrete intermetallic components in the joint region instead of a continuous, weakening intermetallic layer common in brazed joints. An explosion bond joint is characterized by a wavelike interface, thereby increasing surface area over which the components are bonded and further increasing bond integrity. Rotor sleeves and other tube components may be manufactured using this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. K. Lee, Richard R. Sano
  • Patent number: 6749102
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic welding and cutting device for use in the manufacture of a flat-cable. The flat cable includes a plurality of wire conductors which are arranged in parallel at a given interval with respect to each other and interposed between first and second insulator films. The device has a product flow line in an upstream to downstream direction. The device comprises a horn unit including a horn melter unit that imparts ultrasonic oscillations, and a horn cutter unit. The horn melter unit and the horn cutter unit are located sequentially from upstream to downstream at a predetermined distance along the product flow line. The device further includes an anvil unit including an anvil melter unit and at least one anvil blade unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Yamano, Koji Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 6749103
    Abstract: A low temperature target and backing plate bonding process and assemblies made thereby. A plurality of projections are formed in the harder member of the assembly. The assembly is bonded by conventional techniques around the peripheral assembly boundaries. The assembly is then pressure consolidated at low temperature so that the projections, circumscribed by the bonded zone, penetrate into the softer member promoting the formation of metal to metal cold diffusion type bonds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Tosoh SMD, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Y. Ivanov, Harry W. Conard
  • Patent number: 6749104
    Abstract: Methods for the manufacture of assemblies which included brazed components and in which nickel/chromium-based filler metals are used wherein the manufactured assemblies are characterized by low leaching rates of nickel in water and water-based fluids, are disclosed. More specifically, there are disclosed methods for the manufacture of a heat exchanger or other assembly which method includes a brazing step, as well as a post-brazing conditioning step for treating the heat exchanger or other assembly. The manufactured heat exchangers and other assemblies are particularly useful in the handling of materials intended for human consumption such as water, beverages or food as the manufactured heat exchangers or other assemblies are characterized by reduced leaching rates of nickel into fluids passed through the heat exchanger. Brazing compositions useful in such manufactured assemblies are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Anatol Rabinkin
  • Patent number: 6749105
    Abstract: A method for securing a metallic substrate (24) to a metallic housing (26). The method may include: firing a first solderable coating (64) to an edge (60) of the metallic substrate (24); firing a second solderable coating (64) to a groove (62) of the metallic housing (26); joining the edge (60) of the metallic substrate (24) to the groove (62) of the metallic housing (26) to form a joint (66) at the first solderable coating and the second solderable coating; applying a solder (68) to the joint (66); and solder bonding the metallic substrate (24) to the metallic housing (26) to provide a hermetic seal at the joint (66). There is also an electronic control module that incorporates the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Ying Wang, Thomas P. Gall
  • Patent number: 6749106
    Abstract: In accordance with the aspects of the present invention, an improved container locking arrangement for a single piece blank and container is disclosed. The present invention includes a blank or a container including a bottom panel with first and second bottom sidewall panels, front and rear opposing wall panels, and first and second box corner locking constructions. Engagement of the corner locking constructions hingedly controls the relative position of the bottom sidewall panels. The corner locking constructions form first and second angled sidewall panels. Sidewall panel tabs disposed on an edge of the angled sidewall panels engage slots on the front wall panel to lock the first and second sidewall panels and the front wall panel in an assembled position. A top panel is hingedly configured to cover the bottom panel, thereby closing the container. First and second top panel flaps engage the first and second corner locking constructions to lock the top panel relative to the bottom panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Walter D. Keefe, Jr., Nicholas A. Philips
  • Patent number: 6749107
    Abstract: A container made from corrugated paperboard has more than four sides and is constructed to resist distortion when force is applied to the ends or sides of the container, and also to resist crushing when containers are stacked on top of one another. In one embodiment, the container has six sides, with two side walls, two end walls, and two diagonally opposed diagonal corner panels and two diagonally opposed square corners. In another embodiment, the container has seven sides, with two side walls, two end walls, and three diagonal corner panels and one square corner. In a further embodiment, the container has eight sides, with two side walls, two end walls, and four diagonally opposed diagonal corner panels. In this embodiment, the diagonal corner panels are oriented so that they subtend an angle of from about 35° to about 40°, and preferably 38°, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Benjamin Quaintance
  • Patent number: 6749108
    Abstract: A container for carrying produce is reinforced with at least one cross beam extending longitudinally across the upper side of the container and supported by the container's side walls. The cross beam is supported by die cut recesses in the upper edge of opposing side walls or by extensions extending from the sides of the cross beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: William J. Naughton, Benjamin W. Quaintance, Pamela J. Riggins, Brian D. Smith, Donald A. Leith
  • Patent number: 6749109
    Abstract: A system for protecting cluster mailboxes such as neighborhood delivery and collection box units (NDCBU's) and Cluster Box Units (CBU's)from vandalism or theft of the mail. A custom-fit protective gate is built and installed around the mail carrier access doors of a cluster mailbox. The protective gate is built to aesthetically blend in with the neighborhood environment and may include decorative accoutrements such as decorative screening. Further, the system provides a means to install USPTO locks thereby providing uniform access by mail carriers. Even further, the system provides for double nesting doors to access a flat wall unit collection box, such that users may have secured access to individual mailboxes and a mail person may have secured master access to all mailboxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Richard D. Hill
  • Patent number: 6749110
    Abstract: A system for scanning human or machine readable information located on objects moving in a transport direction along a transport path. An imaging device having a first observation path and at least a 1×N sensor array is also provided. A scanning zone is located along the transport path. A rotating sweeping unit is positioned to receive light from the scanning zone and reflect it to the imaging device. The sweeping unit sweeps through the scanning zone along a sweep path. The imaging device captures a plurality of image segments that extend generally across the transport path and are each at least 1×N pixels in size. Movement of the sweeping unit is preferably synchronized to movement of the objects along the transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Hecht
  • Patent number: 6749111
    Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user. Documents produced by the machine such as receipts, checks or money orders as well as notes dispensed from the machine are assembled into a stack within the machine and delivered from the machine through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, Edward D. Laskowsi, William D. Beskitt, Michael Harty, Jeffrey Eastman, Richard J. Phelps, Natarajan Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 6749112
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a visitor pass system, visitor pass method and visitor pass program which can minimize and expedite visitor formalities, is provided. The visitor pass system comprises a visitor terminal, server and staff terminals. The visitor terminal, the server and the staff terminals are connected via a communication network. The visitor terminal may be placed at a reception area, for instance. The server is preferably a computer which can store a large number of visit data information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hirohito Terada, Junji Takayoshi, Hirokazu Noto
  • Patent number: 6749113
    Abstract: A system and method for processing a request for a CIU (card issuance unit), and embossing the CIU for a cardholder. A CIU is a credit card, smart card, phone card or the like. The system processes a CIU request from receipt through embossment until the CIU is sent to the client. When received, the CIU request contains initial account information about the cardholder. The system creates a shell having a record of the initial information. When the record is selected, a CIU is embossed for the selected record. If updated account information which changes the initial record is received, the CIU is completed with the updated account information. Further, the CIU is fulfilled when a production facility has the capability to fulfill all of the selected records. A status update interface is provided for tracking the CIU through the production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Sharon K. Hogan, Douglas K. Wright, Trent W. Gutschenritter, Michelle Buggs, Jim K. Prendergast
  • Patent number: 6749114
    Abstract: A universal card including encrypted cardholder data and a preferably self executing program, wherein the program loads onto a cardholder's computer and enables the cardholder data to be remotely accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Inadam Corporation
    Inventor: Masih Madani
  • Patent number: 6749115
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an architectural development of a monolithic integrated circuit with dual public key cryptographic protected central processing units in a computing device, with large external non-volatile reprogrammable memory enabled to perform cryptographically controlled transactions for identification of persons, computers, and or mobile devices, for controlling access to physical and computational devices, for multivendor monetary transactions, and to serve as a safe depository of data, especially useful for encapsulating applications, programmed and updated by varied entitled programmers such that one or many vendors' applications are mutually exclusive, and virtually unable to corrupt, infringe, change or affect other vendor applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd.
    Inventors: Carmi David Gressel, Nimrod Bayer, Lev Vichodets
  • Patent number: 6749116
    Abstract: A system for electronically displaying item data information such as item prices and item descriptions that is available in updateable form from a central buffer, processing, multiplexing and serving unit. The system provides a multi-frequency tone signal containing item data applicable to items on a shelf associated with an electronic display strip and containing the address code of that particular strip. The electronic display strip responds to its particular address code and receives, decodes, displays the data relating to the items on the shelf, and ensures that the displayed data is in the proper order on the strip. The strip includes an electronic display for displaying the data, a non-volatile memory for retaining the data in the absence of applied power, and a multi-frequency tone signaling system to retransmit the received data to the server unit as a means of confirming that the proper information had been received and displayed, and a sensor element that receives display command signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. Massaro
  • Patent number: 6749117
    Abstract: The contactless IC card, the responding method, and the program that control the collision of response to the minimum, wherein the response judgment unit judges whether there is an initial response of the other contactless IC card at a specific time, and the response slot changing unit change the specific time based on the judgment result of the response judgment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Futoshi Nakabe, Tadakatsu Masaki, Shinji Kawano, Hideo Oozeki, Hiromi Ebara
  • Patent number: 6749118
    Abstract: An automatic ticket gate apparatus comprising a box defining the passage for ticket checking and a communicating face inclined to the horizontal to the side of passage, which is provided on the top of box and is provided with a wireless communicator communicating with a wireless ticket, and a ticket checking unit, which performs the ticket checking process basing upon the result of communication with a wireless ticket through the wireless communicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takashi Kobayashi, Yoshinori Muraoka, Hisashi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6749119
    Abstract: A system for a machine, in particular an automated production machine, has a large number of proximity sensors. Each proximity sensor has at least one secondary winding that is suitable for drawing power from a medium-frequency magnetic field. At least one primary winding, which is fed from a medium-frequency oscillator, is provided for supplying the proximity sensors with electrical power without using wires. Each proximity sensor is equipped with a transmitting device that emits radio signals, which contain sensor information of interest, to a central receiving device that is connected to a process computer for the machine. A proximity sensor and a primary winding for this purpose are also proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Guntram Scheible, Bernd Smailus, Martin Klaus, Kai Garrels, Lothar Heinemann
  • Patent number: 6749120
    Abstract: A scanner is provided that can read two-dimensional barcodes from reflective or emissive electronic displays. Illumination, exposure, and contrast can be automatically adjusted according to the type of display and variations in brightness or reflectivity. The scanner includes an imaging camera with high spectral response for reading from color displays. The scanner can also adapt to read barcodes from displays with non-square pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: CPO Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Patrick Siu-ying Hung, James C. Dunphy
  • Patent number: 6749121
    Abstract: A device (e.g., a bar code scanner) includes a communication arrangement and a housing enclosing the communication arrangement. The housing may be composed of an electrically conductive material and has an opening formed therein. In addition, the device includes a cover mounted over the opening in the housing. The cover includes an electrically conductive contact member mounted thereto. The contact member contacts a portion of the housing adjacent to the opening and is electrically coupled to the communication arrangement so that a perimeter of the opening in the housing acts as a part of an antenna to receive and/or transmit signals for the communication arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Connolly, Jay Paul White, Kevin Cordes, Alex Breytman, Ronald Nottingham, Jorg Schlieffers
  • Patent number: 6749122
    Abstract: Portable measuring devices which communicate by low power transceivers through a communication controller with a printer device collect weight and size data on articles to be shipped. The collected weight and size data are combined with origin and destination data, and labels are printed bearing pertinent shipping and routing information in machine readable format. The labels are attached to the articles to be shipped and accompany the articles to their respective destinations. At transfer points the labels are read by scanner devices which also communicate by low power transceiver links with the communication controller. The wireless linking of the scanner devices promotes human safety by the absence of cords which could cause entanglement of an operator in mechanized conveying equipment. The communication controllers at each stage of the shipping process have the capability of transferring received and updated status information on the shipped articles to a central data station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Alan G. Bunte, Keith K. Cargin, Jr., George E. Hanson, Ronald L. Mahany, Phillip Miller, Steven H. Salvay, Arvin D. Danielson, Guy J. West
  • Patent number: 6749123
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an opaque, transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features, such as a holographic foil, integrated circuit chip, silver magnetic stripe with text on the magnetic stripe, opacity gradient, an invisible optically recognizable compound, a translucent signature field such that the signature on back of the card is visible from the front of the card and an active thru date on the front of the card. The invisible optically recognizable compound is an infrared ink and/or film, which can be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen Lasch, Lisa Webb, Judy Vigiletti, William J. Faenza, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6749124
    Abstract: A damper control device is disclosed comprising a mounting plate, a motor assembly coupled to the mounting plate and having a shaft extending therefrom, and a single circuit board coupled to the mounting plate, comprising relay control circuitry which rotates the shaft to an open position in response to a first signal, rotates the shaft to a closed position in response to a second signal, and time delay circuitry which holds the shaft in the open position for a period of time after receipt of the second signal. Preferably the damper control device can be used with an oil-fired heating appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Cory A. Weiss
  • Patent number: 6749125
    Abstract: A central air conditioning and ventilating system has an exterior air intake duct and a plurality of dampers for opening and closing air ducts. One damper is positioned in the exterior air intake duct and a second damper is positioned in the interior of a return air duct and a third damper is positioned in the interior return air duct escape air duct. The first damper can be opened while the second damper is closed and a third damper opened to convert the air conditioning system to a whole house ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: Jonathan Carson, William Carson
  • Patent number: 6749126
    Abstract: A fuel injector, particularly an injection valve for fuel-injection systems of internal combustion engines, has a first piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator and a valve-closure member that can be actuated by the first actuator via a valve needle. The valve closure member interacts with a valve seat surface to form a sealing seat. A second piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator acts on the valve needle in opposition to the first actuator. In this context, the actuators are interconnected by a supporting element which is permanently mounted in the fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ruehle
  • Patent number: 6749127
    Abstract: At least one method of degasifying, filling fluid and assembling a hydraulic compensator for a solid state actuated fuel injector is disclosed. The method involves partially assembling a compensator assembly and immersing the partial assembly in a hydraulic fluid and under a vacuum for a first predetermined time period. The partially assembled compensator is then assembled while immersed in the fluid and under a vacuum for a second time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Lorraine, Bogdan Gromek
  • Patent number: 6749128
    Abstract: A spray control device for use with vehicle mountable spraying apparatus having a pump for conveying fluid under pressure to a spray head. The control device has a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the fluid near the spray head. A speed sensor enables calculation of vehicle speed. An adjustment device adjusts the delivery of fluid to the spray head. A microprocessor is programmed to calculate from information derived from the pressure sensor and speed sensor spray application rate. The microprocessor compares the application rate with a stored target application rate to thereby cause the adjustment device to, if necessary, adjust the pump so that the pressure of fluid delivery achieves the target application rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: C-Dax Systems Limited
    Inventor: Michael Henry Aart Oosterman
  • Patent number: 6749129
    Abstract: A fuel injector with a direct control needle valve has a closing hydraulic surface exposed to a control fluid, and an opening hydraulic surface exposed to fuel. The control fluid is different from the fuel. A vented annulus is positioned around the needle valve member between the control fluid chamber and the fuel chamber. An o-ring is positioned in a lower pressure region between the annulus and the control fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Gregory W. Hefler, Sudhindra K. Ayanji, Ye Tian, Scott F. Shafer
  • Patent number: 6749130
    Abstract: A valve unit having a needle valve member, a control valve, a control line extending between the control valve and the needle valve member. Pressurized actuation fluid may be applied to the needle valve member via the control valve and the control line, in order to bias the needle valve member in a first direction. A vent passage is provided, which is fluidly connected to the control line between the needle valve member and the control valve. A valve element which is movably disposed in the control line and has a first position in which said vent passage is closed, and a second position in which said vent passage is open to the control line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Clifford E. Cotton
  • Patent number: 6749131
    Abstract: Spray apparatus comprising a spray carrier or liquid reservoir (1), a loop circuit, a first pump (2) for feeding spray liquid from the liquid reservoir (1) to the loop circuit (A, B, C, D), a spray chemical reservoir (5), chemical injection means for injecting spray chemical from the spray chemical reservoir (5) into the loop circuit (A, B, C, D), a spray nozzle (6), a valve (20) selectively connecting the spray nozzle (6) to the loop circuit (A, B, C, D), and a second pump (4) in the loop circuit (A, B, C, D) for continuously circulating spray liquid and spray chemical in the loop circuit (A, B, C, D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Brian George Knight
  • Patent number: 6749132
    Abstract: A spray gun includes a main body and a spray head. The spray head has an air cap, a hollow nozzle member having a nozzle tip for dispensing a liquid to be sprayed. The hollow nozzle member has a radially extending weir which together with a surface of the main body defines an air distribution chamber for receiving and distributing compressed air from a supply inlet. An annular sealing member is sealingly disposed between the radially extending weir and the surface of the main body, dividing the chamber, so that air passing into the chamber through an opening to one side of the annular wall is directed to a central aperture of the air cap and air passing into the chamber through an opening to the other side of the annular wall is directed to lateral apertures of the air cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: ITW Limited
    Inventors: Neville Thomas Pettit, Philip John Merrifield
  • Patent number: 6749133
    Abstract: A substance delivery apparatus, such as a spraying apparatus, that includes an adjustment element for regulating the flow of at least one substance between at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The adjustment element is displaceable between a first position, corresponding to a first delivery condition of the at least one substance, and a second position, corresponding to a second delivery condition of the at least one substance, and the adjustment element comprises at least one sealing element for facilitating airtight fluid communication in association with at least one of the first and second delivery conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Green Garden Products Company
    Inventors: Craig S. Ketcham, Mark MacLean-Blevins
  • Patent number: 6749134
    Abstract: A turret-type spray nozzle assembly having a rotatable turret which carries a plurality of spray nozzles and which is rotatable on the nozzle body for locating a selected one of the turret nozzles in an operative spray position. The spray nozzle assembly further includes an auxiliary spray nozzle adapted for directing a higher volume liquid spray than any one of the turret spray nozzles. The spray nozzle assembly includes a body which defines a more direct liquid flow passage, with fewer turns and lesser pressure losses, to the auxiliary nozzle than to a turret spray nozzle. An adaptor also is disclosed for convenient field conversion of a conventional turret spray nozzle into a nozzle assembly according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: Marc A. Arenson, Stephen L. Pearson
  • Patent number: 6749135
    Abstract: A pistol-grip kitchen spray device with elongated nozzle and handle portions. Using one hand, separate front upper and lower triggers actuate within the handle a rinse liquid valve and a soap pump to selectively dispense from the nozzle rinse liquid from a retractable hose and/or a soap liquid from a reservoir within the handle. A swivel connection is provided between the supply hose and the handle. A hose-retracting base with manual temperature control may supply rinse liquid at a selectable temperature solely to the hose of the spray device. The base includes a momentary valve with spigot for filling a drinking glass. The nozzle supports various non-rotatable latched scouring brush and abrasive accessories or a pet brush. One elongated brush on the elongated nozzle enables cleaning the entire length of a tall container. Alternative spray device mounting may be at bathroom shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: David G. Groblebe, Jeffrey S. Orach
  • Patent number: 6749136
    Abstract: A sprinkler valving apparatus and method are provided. An irrigation system has a plurality of valves designed to be electrically activated by a control unit. Each valve may have a first diaphragm that is flexible to control irrigation water flow through the valve. Each of the valves may have a solenoid isolated from irrigation water within the valve by a second diaphragm. The first and second diaphragms are separated by an interior divider with an orifice that can be blocked or unblocked via flexure of the second diaphragm to trigger motion of the first diaphragm. The second diaphragm is actuated by a magnetically actuatable plunger of the solenoid, which extends through an aperture of an interior retainer to reach the second diaphragm. The second diaphragm has a peripheral ring to ensure that it is movable even when negative outlet pressure is applied to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chadwick L. Wilson, Alan John Smith, Edwin McAuley
  • Patent number: 6749137
    Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injection valve wherein a central pipe part has satisfactory mechanical strength and an intermediate portion of the pipe part is surely made non-magnetic is provided. The electromagnetic fuel injection valve has a core surrounded by a solenoid coil. A valve housing is disposed forward of the core. The core and the valve housing are connected through a thin-walled portion. The wall thickness of the thin-walled portion is smaller than the wall thickness of the core and that of the valve housing. The core and the thin-walled portion, together with the valve housing, are formed in an integral structure. The thin-walled portion has a sufficient wall thickness to provide satisfactory mechanical strength. The thin-walled portion is modified into a high-hardness non-magnetic portion by a carbulizing treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukinori Kato, Motoyuki Suzuki, Hikaru Kikuta, Tomohiro Okubo, Masami Hirata
  • Patent number: 6749138
    Abstract: A granulator for reducing the size of plastic particles to facilitate the removal of contaminants therefrom. The granulator includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber defined by an exit screen. The upper chamber includes a rotary shear and an air handling system for creating a pressure drop across the screen to facilitate the transit of particulate material therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Phoenix Technologies, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hart, Jack L. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 6749139
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing, transporting, and dispensing elongate material, such as wire. The elongate dispensing system includes a reusable, stackable, storage container for having a substantially circular inner channel to contain a coil of elongate material and a dispensing guide having a plurality of interior guide mechanisms through which elongate material is dispensed without tangles or over-spooling. The storage container further includes a fastening system through which the dispensing guide removably engages said container during operation, ergonomic handles, and wire containment recesses which contain the ends of elongate material when the apparatus is not in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: John W. Speck
  • Patent number: 6749140
    Abstract: In a recording tape cartridge, a tape-shaped leader tape which is connected to a distal end of a magnetic tape, and key members which are fixed to transverse direction end portions of the leader tape, form a leader portion. When the magnetic tape is taken-up onto a reel hub of a drive device, the leader tape is accommodated, along an entire length of the leader tape, in a slit of the reel hub, and tape holding portions of the key members are anchored at key grooves of the reel hub. An opening width of the slit at an outer peripheral surface of the reel hub is extremely small. A step, which arises at the magnetic tape which is taken-up on the reel hub, is extremely small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Hiraguchi
  • Patent number: 6749141
    Abstract: In a loading mechanism which is for use in a tape drive having a supply reel motor and which serves to engage the supply reel motor with a supply reel contained in a tape cartridge inserted into the tape drive, a drive gear is arranged coaxially with a rotor of the supply reel motor to be movable in an axial direction, and is engaged with a drive hub, fixed to the rotor, and the supply reel in a rotating direction when the drive gear is moved towards one direction in the axial direction. A drive ring is arranged coaxially with the rotor to be movable in the axial direction and engaged with the drive gear against urging force of a spring. The drive ring is formed by pressing a ring-shaped plate material. An engaging pin is fixed to the drive ring and engaged through a guide slit of a cylindrical member with a cam groove of a ring cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuya Tamura
  • Patent number: 6749142
    Abstract: A sheet-like element winding apparatus has an accommodating case 1, at one end portion of which a cap 2 is attached to, and also has a winding shaft 3, disposed in the accommodating case 1, for winding a sheet-like element, and a pushing means for rotating and pushing the winding shaft in a direction in which the sheet-like element is wound. A clutch mechanism is provided at an end portion of the winding shaft. When a sheet-like element is wound, the winding shaft is connected through the clutch mechanism to a damping means D1 for providing a damping force to the winding shaft. When a sheet-like element is drawn out, the connection between the winding shaft and the damping means is canceled through the clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Oomi Arisaka, Hitoshi Miyamae, Hironao Tachizawa, Jinya Kamada
  • Patent number: 6749143
    Abstract: A reel winding device for heavy-duty cables, hoses and the like in which the input shaft is extended through both sides of the housing so that the device can be used on left-handed and right-handed inputs and avoids the necessity of having to inventory both types of input devices. Moreover, the cable to guide the output arm has been centered with the device, and the device has been made more compact by cutting the gear teeth in the input shaft, one of the gear teeth in the input shaft and one of the gear teeth in the countershaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Jimmy F. Holcomb
  • Patent number: 6749144
    Abstract: A winding device winds a wire (90) onto a core (8) having a plurality of teeth (8b) protruding from a yoke and having slots (8a) formed between each tooth (8b). The winding device winds the wire (90) by causing a nozzle (3) which lets out the wire (90) to perform a relative motion. The winding device is provided with pusher plates (72) which guide the wire (90) into the slots (8a), and inserts the wire (90) into the slots (8a) by causing the pusher plates (72) to move relative to the core (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Nittoku Engineering Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsurou Komuro, Itaru Igarashi
  • Patent number: 6749145
    Abstract: A rotating electrical machine such as electrical starter motor and more particularly to an improved method and apparatus for winding the armature coils of a rotating electrical machine. The winding apparatus and method is particularly adapted for use with large diameter wires and permits winding without a winding needle having to pass into the slot between the pole teeth. This is accomplished by introducing some slack in the wire by moving the wire in a circumferential direction when the winding needle is not disposed in proximity to the slot and then returning the winding needle to registry with the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Moric
    Inventors: Hisanobu Higashi, Hiroaki Kondo
  • Patent number: 6749146
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for threading a material web onto a reel. The process includes guiding a leader strip of the material web over at least a part of a circumference of a support drum, guiding the leader strip through an effective region of a guide device toward a waste receptacle, widening the leader strip to a desired width of the material web, placing a reel against the support drum, thereby forming a nip, cutting the material web, and winding the material web onto the reel, thereby forming a wound roll. The apparatus includes a support drum adapted to be at least partially wound around by at least a leader strip of the material web, one of a reel and a wound roll positionable against said support drum to form a nip during a winding process, a waste receptacle positioned after the support drum in a web travel direction, and at least one guide device positioned between the support drum and the waste receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Zygmunt Madrzak, Matthias Wohlfahrt
  • Patent number: 6749147
    Abstract: A friction winding shaft for roll cutting and winding machines in which the shaft frictionally engages tubular winding cores for winding of strip-shaped bands or similar items. A plurality of winding rings adjoin each other as disposed on a central drive shaft. In addition spring-biased winding core holders protrude from and are distributed over the outer ring surface in the form of clamping elements. The clamping elements are seated in recesses of the rings and are capable of pivoting around axes that are parallel to the friction winding shaft axis. The recesses are provided with stop surfaces which limit the pivoting movement of the clamping elements. In order to further increase the application possibilities of the friction winding shaft the recesses are sized and arranged in such manner that the clamping elements, in their center positions, form a circular curve in which the clamping element tips have a diameter dt greater than dw the inside diameter of the winding core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Hans-Jorg Heuser
    Inventor: Hans Heuser
  • Patent number: 6749148
    Abstract: A user-activated, dispenser of pre-moistened, antiseptic towelettes appropriate for hand cleansing use in such contexts as food service, health care, long-term care, child care, educational settings, industry, military, and public restrooms. The dispenser contains two compartments. One is used for towelette-dispensing and the other can be optionally used for housing hand drying means or for storing a reserve supply of towelettes. Each compartment is configured according to operant and classical conditioning strategies that motivate sustained positive changes in both the frequency and effectiveness of hand washing behavior. Optionally, the present invention dispenser can also comprise towelette warming means, a retractable handle, and a sanitary towelette or paper towel disposal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Dr. Beverly Helfer-Grand Lifeworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Beverly Helfer-Grand