Patents Issued in July 6, 2004
  • Patent number: 6758350
    Abstract: A wrench rack includes a board and at least one clip formed on the board. The at least one clip includes a first jaw and two second jaws for retaining a wrench handle between the first jaw and the second jaws. The wrench rack may include a handle pivotally connected with the board. The wrench rack may include a cover pivotally connected with the board. The cover may include a hook formed thereon for hooking the board. The first jaw includes a hooking portion formed thereon. In a first aspect, each of the second jaws includes a ridge formed thereon. In a second aspect, each of the second jaws includes a hooking portion formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Clare Lin
  • Patent number: 6758351
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in connection with hanging laundry, said device having means for cooperating with at least one wash-line, and that said cooperation being that the wash-line supports the device according to the invention. In connection with hanging laundry there will normally be a fold in the garments that have been hung over a wash-line. It is significant for the device according to the invention that it has a length that is essentially larger than its width, and that the device has sub surfaces that define an imaginary, curved surface that is convex on the side facing away from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Britt Klingsdal
  • Patent number: 6758352
    Abstract: A collapsible display structure and a shelf module for insertion therein are provided. The display structure includes a back panel and a first and second wing panel that are connected to the back panel and are movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The interior surface of the wing panels includes guides for receiving a shelf module. The shelf modules include a frame and a merchandise-receiving portion for holding an item of merchandise to be displayed. The shelf modules further include guide-engaging elements for engaging the guides on the display structure. The shelf module includes a locking device that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position the locking device prevents the shelf module from being removed from the display structure. In the unlocked position the locking device allows the shelf module to be removed from the display structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: 90034174 Quebec Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Gervasi
  • Patent number: 6758353
    Abstract: A blank panel for use with rack units. The blank panel comprises at least one face plate having a rectangular front plate surface, a back plate surface, top plate surface, bottom plate surface and two side plate surfaces. The face plate has a height corresponding to multiples of 1.75 inches. The face plate incorporates at least one recess for slidably receiving fasteners. The blank panel further comprises fasteners with mating portions for being slidably engaged with the face plate, and fastening portions for being further attachable to a rack unit. The fasteners have varied geometry to accommodate rack units with alternate configurations. The blank panel further comprises a plurality of face plates attached along the top and bottom plate surfaces. Each of the face plates is capable of individually receiving fasteners. The individual face plates of the blank panel are also modular and can be separated to configure the blank panel to varied height requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: David Orr
  • Patent number: 6758354
    Abstract: A collapsible three dimensional framework includes a plurality of tubular rods (10) connected to each other by means of articulation joints. Each of the joints consists of a block divided into two matching pieces (28, 30). The block has a plurality of cavities (18a, 18b) each of which is open on a respective side face and on a back face of the block. The ends of respective rods (10) are inserted in the cavities (18a, 18b) and are connected to the block by transverse pivot pins (24). Each of the cavities has articulation seats (32) which received the pivot pins (24) When the two pieces (28, 30) of the block are secured to each other, the pivot pins (24) are entrapped in respective seats (32). The two pieces (28, 30) of the block are clamped together by releasable fastening means such as a screw (40) and a nut (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: SMART s.n.c. di Carletti Ottavio & C.
    Inventor: Ottavio Carletti
  • Patent number: 6758355
    Abstract: A display rack includes an upright that supports a crosspiece and one or more shelves. Each shelf includes two clips, and each clip includes a lip element configured to fit over and to engage an upper surface of the crosspiece, and a spring element configured to snap-lock against a lower, opposed of the crosspiece. The first and second clips are positioned on the shelf such as the shelf is mountable on the crosspiece in three different positions: a first position, in which each clip is disposed on a respective side of the upright; a second position, in which both clips are disposed on a first side of the upright; and a third position, in which both clips are disposed on the other side of the upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Astoria Wire Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Zidek
  • Patent number: 6758356
    Abstract: An improved method and system for a liftcrane in which a load is lifted through the combined action of first and second hoist drums. The method and system use a first rope wound on one hoist drum and a second rope wound on the second hoist drum. The ends of the ropes opposite the hoist drums are linked together to transmit tension between them. The load is coupled to the ropes. If the take up speed of one of the ropes exceeds the take up speed of the other, the linked ends of the ropes will shift. This condition is detected and the operation of at least one of the first and second hoist drums is modified to bring the take up rates into balance. This system is advantageously used with a hoist block sheave arrangement. This system can also be used with a single rope in which each of the ends of the single rope are wound on a separate one of the hoist drums and the load is coupled to the middle of the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur G. Zuehlke, David J. Pech
  • Patent number: 6758357
    Abstract: A bottle is disclosed which comprises a neck that forms an upwardly extending mouth from and through which a liquid flows, and a first potion for preventing liquid residue from dripping upon the outer surface of the neck. The first portion includes at least one annular groove formed integrally with the outer surface of the neck near the mouth. The groove is defined by a frustoconical portion of the surface, coaxial to a central axis of the neck and having a diameter that decreases in a generally downward direction. It is also defined by an annulus-shaped portion, lying on a plane substantially normal to the axis and relatively smoothly filleted with the frustonconical portion. The maximum diameter of the annulus-shaped portion is substantially equal to the maximum diameter of the frustoconical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Nicolò Grillo
  • Patent number: 6758358
    Abstract: A child-resistant package includes a container having a body with an open end for dispensing product. A shoulder on the body is positioned adjacent to the open end and has an external surface. A circumferential groove is recessed radially inwardly from the shoulder surface at an end of the shoulder remote from the container end. A bead around the shoulder extends radially outwardly from the shoulder surface and is spaced from the groove and the container end, and at least one external axially extending channel is parallel to the axis of the shoulder surface and extends into the surface from the groove through the shoulder and the bead. A cup-shaped overcap has an open end, at least one internal lug adjacent to the open end for receipt in the groove on the container shoulder, and a radially inwardly extending bead around an inner periphery of the cap spaced from the open end for snap-fit over the radially outwardly extending bead on the container shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Bloom
  • Patent number: 6758359
    Abstract: A container closure is disclosed which includes a shell attachable to a container around a container opening thereof. The shell has a shell opening in fluid communication with the container opening when the shell is attached to the container. A tip is received on the shell movable between a closed position sealing the shell opening and an open position. A cover is releasably attached to the shell in a manner indicative of the tip being positioned in the closed position when the cover is attached to the shell. Both the shell and the cover may be provided with tamper-evident bands. The present invention is particularly well adapted to be formed as a push-pull container closure for sports bottles and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignees: Erie County Plastics Corporation, Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA)
    Inventors: Michael Yurkewicz, Robert J. Smith, Gregg S. Montgomery, Stephen Getsy, David E. Babcock, Mike G. Palma, Lee Albrecht, Paul W. Robbins
  • Patent number: 6758360
    Abstract: A pallet container is provided comprising an inner plastic container (10) for transporting liquids. The inner container (10) is secured to a pallet (20) by means of a grid support structure (30). The intersections (9) of the first and second grid elements (1, 2) are connected by penetrating the second element (2) through the first element (1). The first and second elements (1, 2) are then connected to one another at one or more positions in the region of the intersection (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Royal Packaging Industry Leer N.V.
    Inventors: Maurice Gerardus Maria Van Giezen, Paul Martens
  • Patent number: 6758361
    Abstract: A relocatable storage tank for flowable materials such as liquids and granular materials comprises a bag of flexible material and has a generally square, rectangular, or circular shape, resting on a solid surface, together with at least one central post which supports the upper portion of the bag, wherein the post aids in carrying the weight of the flowable materials to the ground, thereby reducing the associated mechanical tensions in the fabric of the flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Chinook Concepts Inc.
    Inventor: Rowland D. Hunt
  • Patent number: 6758362
    Abstract: A specimen holder for a hydrous specimen comprising: (a) an inner hollow cylinder of a heat conductive material, (b) an inner hollow cylinder of a material which can be cut, (c) a cylindrical interior space within the inner hollow cylinder for receiving the specimen, and (d) the space between the inner hollow cylinder and an inside wall of the outer hollow cylinder being filled by a layer which is liquid at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Leica AG
    Inventor: Daniel Studer
  • Patent number: 6758363
    Abstract: A portable beverage container that has a body defining a receptacle therein for containing a generally cylindrical cup liner and liquid that can be set inside of the body of the container to hold liquids and the like. The body has a handle for easy grasping and also has a plurality of holes on the bottom perimeter that correspond to raised air passage channels formed between the outside of the generally cylindrical cup liner and the inner wall of the body for increased air flow around the generally cylindrical cup liner. The generally cylindrical cup liner has threads protruding from the top of the cylindrical cup liner to accommodate the inner threading of a top cover that can be twisted onto and off of the top of the cylindrical cup liner. There is a fitted snap-on bottom cap for the bottom of the body as well as a twist-on cap that can form a vacuum seal on the bottom of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: MugMaster, INC
    Inventor: Patrick Stokes
  • Patent number: 6758364
    Abstract: A container cap (2) for a drinking container (1) comprising at least one one-way drinking valve (3) adjacent at least one drinking opening (25), a cylinder-type closed valve seat (5) and a valve body (6) abutting the valve seat (5) in the closing position is proposed. The valve body (6) comprises a tubular sealing lip (7) made of an elastomeric material which in the closing position abuts on the valve seat (5) from within, and which is integrally connected with a base part (8). The base part (8) is part of a connecting body (17) which at the same time forms a base part (18) for an elastomeric, tubular valve body (19) of an air valve (4) which is slipped onto a tubular valve seat (20) in the region of at least one opening (26) of the container cap (2), whereby a one-piece, elastomeric valve body insert (23) is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: BAMED AG
    Inventor: Peter Röhrig
  • Patent number: 6758365
    Abstract: A container has a handle region specifically designed to receive a rope handle. The handle region is provided with a rope fitting opening which leads to a flexible rope grip member. The rope grip member flexes open to a rope insertion and release position in a direction away from the opening and pinches inwardly to a rope grip position in a direction at the opening in the handle region of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Royal Alliance Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Jackson
  • Patent number: 6758366
    Abstract: A bin comprising a vessel and a pivoting lid that can be moved between an open position and a closed position. The lid and the vessel are arranged in such a manner that the air leaving the vessel during closure of the lid and when the lid is close to its closed position is forced to turn at least twice, being forced to pass between substantially vertical surfaces belonging respectively to the lid and to the vessel, at least at the front of the lid, preferably at least at the front of the lid and on both sides therefore, and more preferably still all round the four edges of the lid, so as to encourage the creation of raised pressure inside the vessel, which raised pressure tends to brake the displacement of the lid towards its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Campagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Hervé Bourgund, Richard Gourlin, Denis Obriot
  • Patent number: 6758367
    Abstract: A resilient cushion pressing member is provided on the movable pressing structure of a tool for removing tablets from blister packages for pressing engagement of the resilient cushion pressing member against the top, blister surface of a tablet-containing blister package supported on a package support base of the tool, the cushion pressing member formed of an elastomeric material selected to resiliently deform under pressing engagement to distribute pressing force substantially evenly over the engaged surface of a blister package and a tablet contained therein to prevent breakage of the tablet as it is pressed to tear through and exit the bottom, tear sheet of its packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Larry D. Hunts
  • Patent number: 6758368
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing interfolded disposable sheets is provided. The dispenser includes a flexible dispensing container that is configured to house the stack of interfolded disposable sheets. At least one side of the flexible dispensing container is flexible. The flexible dispensing container has a slit in one side from which sheets are dispensed from the flexible dispensing container. The flexible dispensing container has at least one end slit on an end of the slit. The end slit is configured to aid in the dispensing of the interfolded disposable sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Sarbo, Walter G. Bauer, Chi P. Duong
  • Patent number: 6758369
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for a collection of interfolded or mechanically connected tissue-sheets, the container having a generally planar bottom wall and a top wall and a pair of side walls and a par of end walls connecting the bottom wall with the top wall and an opening provided in at least the top wall for the removal of the tissue-sheets from the container, the stack of interfolded tissue-sheets being placed in the container with at least a pair of edges of a lowermost tissue-sheet placed on the bottom wall and an uppermost tissue-sheet placed near or in contact with the top wall and adjacent to the opening in the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Emmanuelle Morin, Thami Chihani
  • Patent number: 6758370
    Abstract: A dispensing mechanism is provided for flat faced products. The products are supported in a storage chute between a first upright wall and a second upright wall, stacked one on top of another. The products are supported in the chute by a support surface and a first tongue. Products are dispensed by retracting the first tongue allowing a lowermost product to fall onto a second tongue. The first tongue is advanced to be under the next highermost product in the chute. The second tongue is then retracted allowing the lowermost product to fall onto the support surface and pass through a discharge opening. In a further embodiment, flat faced products are stacked vertically side-by-side on a slightly inclined floor. The products move horizontally to one side to be dispensed. A tongue and a moveable stop are mounted at that side. The spacing between the tongue and the stop is generally equal the thickness of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Imaging Technologies Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Cooke, Mark Grondman, Alan Jenkins, Gerry Mussett, Magnus Cameron, Gower Smith
  • Patent number: 6758371
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dispensing device comprising a fluid product pump (1) defining: a pump chamber (112) with variable volume; an intake valve (14) allowing the fluid product to penetrate into the pump chamber; and an outlet valve (16) allowing the pressurized fluid to exit from the chamber; a dispensing orifice (195) downstream the outlet valve, and the outlet valve comprising a valve seat (126) and a mobile valve member (16) elastically stressed on said seat. The invention is characterized in that the mobile valve member (16) forms piston means for delivering the fluid product downstream towards the dispensing orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Aline Abergel
  • Patent number: 6758372
    Abstract: With soap and cleansing foam dispensers, there is a risk that they may be equipped with supply containers of unsuitable liquid or that their intermediate containers may become contaminated. According to the invention, an adapter (8) that is mounted on an intermediate container (6) has a coded cylindrical jacket (10), into which coded parts (4,5) that are positioned on the neck of a suitable supply container (2) can be fitted. To prevent the contamination of the intermediate container (6), the latter has a spring-loaded internal sealing plug (50) which ensures the hygienic sealing of the container even prior to use and when the supply container is changed. To prevent interruptions in the operation, a reliable fill-level indicator (22) is provided. The device thus ensures improved, hygienic dispensing of soap-solution in dispensers (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: HTS International Trading AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jörg Studer, Markus Ehrensperger
  • Patent number: 6758373
    Abstract: A camless aerosol valve actuator with a top portion mounted on and rotatable with respect to a bottom portion from an inoperative to an operative position. A first collar of the top portion has a side opening and a first central opening with a depressible finger pad mounted therein. A second collar of the bottom portion has a depressible product channel member with a nozzle positioned adjacent the second collar. A finger pad first protuberance overlies and aligns with the product channel member only in the operative actuator position. The nozzle aligns with the first collar side opening only in the operative actuator position, and the nozzle is blocked by the first collar in the inoperative position. A finger pad second protuberance braces the product channel member in the operative actuator position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Precision Valve Corporation
    Inventors: Nigel L. Jackson, Guenter Kolanus
  • Patent number: 6758374
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging and dispensing device for applying a cosmetic and/or care product, in particular to the hair and/or the scalp, the device comprising a receptacle including a bellows having first and second regions that are moved towards each other when the bellows is compressed. On being compressed, the bellows enables a quantity of substance to be dispensed. The device also has an adjustment member for modifying the compression stroke of the bellows, and thus the quantity of substance that is dispensed. The device is arranged in such a manner that the bellows is compressed by thrust exerted by the user substantially on the axis of the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Nicolas Albisetti
  • Patent number: 6758375
    Abstract: The improved container for storing and dispensing liquids has a baffle which resists spilling and pours more smoothly than prior containers. The baffle may be located between the mouth opening and the interior of the container chamber. When the improved container is tilted for pouring, such that the liquid level inside the container chamber is higher than the liquid level at the mouth opening, no liquid pours out of the container. The liquid starts to flow out of the mouth opening only after the container is tilted beyond a predetermined start-to-pour angle. The start-to-pour angle is reached when the container is tilted to allow the outside air to enter the container chamber. The baffled container may have an optional notch on the baffle to reduce glugging and to result in a smoother pour. The improved container can be manufactured in a simple one-step blow molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: I-Chung Ho
  • Patent number: 6758376
    Abstract: A twist open/twist close edge seal closure is described wherein the closure has a sealing disc supported on the interior portion thereof which vertically rises and lowers depending on the rotation of the closure. The sealing disc has a folding finger which compresses against the sealing rib of the container to provide an adequate seal thereof and allows dispensing of the container contents around the exterior portion of the sealing disc upward through a dispensing channel and through the dispensing spout of the edge seal closure. The closure further comprises an anti-crush rib for seating on a container top wall and preventing crushing of the container neck. The container neck preferably includes a quad-lead thread having a pitch wherein a quarter rotation of the closure will open the container and allowing dispensing of the contents therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher B. Clodfelter, Todd E. Mathes
  • Patent number: 6758377
    Abstract: There are provided a torso 2 on which a shirt 1 is put; a pair of front and rear press irons 6 for pressing against a front side and a rear side of the torso 2 to press finish the shirt 1; and a pair of right and left supporting arms 7 arranged at both sides of the torso 2. The upper segments of the supporting arms 7 are provided with an iron table 10 around which the sleeve of the shirt 1 is positioned and set, and with a heating iron 11 for use in press finishing the tuck and the cuff of the shirt sleeve. The upper segments of the supporting arms 7 are provided with clamp devices 12 for use in holding the sleeve end of a short-sleeve shirt 1 and fixing it. The supporting arm 7 is provided with a turning device 13 for turning the upper segments of the supporting arms 7 having the clamp devices 12 and oppositely arranging the clamp devices 12 at the side segment of the torso 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sankousha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuyuki Uchikoshi
  • Patent number: 6758378
    Abstract: A multi-purpose hanger includes a hook portion for supporting the hanger. The hanger has a pair of opposing shoulder portions extending outwardly from the hook portion. Each of the shoulder portions has a detachable end piece in communication therewith. Each of the end pieces can be attached to their respective shoulder portions such that the end is pointed either upwardly or downwardly as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: David Carmichael
  • Patent number: 6758379
    Abstract: A hanger having an integrally molded plastic hanger body of inverted U-shaped construction defines a pair of horizontally spaced walls adapted to cooperatively define a support for the suspending means of another hanger. Each of the walls defines a tab pivotally connected adjacent the wall bottom for movement between an initial spaced-apart orientation of the tabs and an engaged orientation of the tabs wherein said tabs engage one another to cooperatively define the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: A & E Products Group
    Inventor: Robert Elwell
  • Patent number: 6758380
    Abstract: A fork mount or clamping assembly for securement to the prongs of a bicycle fork, such as is incorporated into a bicycle carrier. The clamping assembly includes a pair of inner clamping surfaces, and an axial skewer member extends outwardly from the inner clamping surfaces for receiving the fork prongs. A fixed front clamping member is engaged with one end of the skewer and is located outwardly of one of the inner clamping surfaces. A movable second clamping member is located outwardly of the other inner clamping surface. An adjustable position actuator arrangement is engaged with the skewer outwardly of the second outer clamping member, and is operable to selectively move the outer clamping members toward and away from each other. The actuator arrangement includes a threaded sleeve engaged with threads formed at one end of the skewer member, in combination with a pivotable cam-type actuator member which is pivotably mounted to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Graber Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Clint D. Kolda
  • Patent number: 6758381
    Abstract: A pinch roller device for running the tape includes a rotatable hollow cylindrical elastic member; a sleeve for holding the elastic member; a bearing integrated with the sleeve; a pinch roller shaft for rotatably supporting the bearing, which has an effective bearing face for receiving a force from the pinch roller shaft; an inclination restriction member for restricting an inclination angle of the pinch roller shaft; first and second position restriction members for respectively restricting a position of the elastic member in first and second thrusting directions; and a sliding restriction member having a circular cross-section along a plane perpendicular to a rotation center line of the elastic member and disposed at a different portion from the effective bearing face. When an angle between the rotation center lines of the elastic member and the pinch roller shaft approaches a prescribed value, the sliding restriction member contacts the inclination restriction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Tanaka, Akio Konishi
  • Patent number: 6758382
    Abstract: A friction stir welding device that is configured to perform convention friction stir welding as well as self-reacting friction stir welding. A pin passes through an upper shoulder and can selectively attach to and detach from a lower shoulder in a preferred embodiment. A controller maintains the discrete position of, and/or force applied by, the upper and lower shoulders during self-reacting friction stir welding, or maintains the pin at a desired depth and/or applied force during conventional friction stir welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Robert W. Carter
  • Patent number: 6758383
    Abstract: A transducer for, for instance, a flip-chip bonding apparatus. The transducer has a passage that communicates between a piping attachment and a suction holding port that suction-holds an object to be processed (bonded); and in this transducer, an air pressure piping used for the suction is fastened to the piping attachment with a connecting member in between, and this connecting member made of foam styrol suppresses effects of reaction force of the air pressure piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shinkawa
    Inventors: Shinichi Nishiura, Kazuhiro Ootaka
  • Patent number: 6758384
    Abstract: A three-dimensional soldering inspection apparatus and method. The three-dimensional soldering inspection apparatus includes a lighting module provided with a plurality of light emitting devices, a photographing unit installed at a portion of the lighting module to photograph a subject placed inside the lighting module, an image processing unit to capture each frame image from an image photographed by the photographing unit, a storage unit to store data of each frame image, a control unit to extract three-dimensional features from each frame image and restore the extracted features as a three-dimensional image, and a display unit to display the three-dimensional image under the control of the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Hyo Kim, Tae-Sun Choi
  • Patent number: 6758385
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing a pull test to determine the resistance of a bonded-wire loop extending between two bond contacts on a substrate to tensile force. The apparatus includes a traction hook controllably inserted under the bonded-wire loop, a drive device connected to the hook and generating a tensile force directed substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface, a force-measurement device associated with the hook to detect the tensile force at each moment, and a recording device connected to the force-measurement device in order to record a breaking force value for the bonded-wire connection. The force-measurement device is disposed substantially coaxially with the vector of the tensile force. The apparatus also includes a detector to detect the highest point of bonded-wire loop and a position controller for the automatic positioning of the traction hook and thus the tensile force vector origin substantially adjacent the highest point of the bonded-wire loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: F&K Delvotec Bontechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Farhad Farassat
  • Patent number: 6758386
    Abstract: A method of joining a ceramic matrix composite rocket nozzle to a metal manifold is provided, wherein a silicon nitride insert is disposed inside the ceramic matrix composite rocket nozzle and the metal manifold to provide a joint therebetween. The silicon nitride insert is preferably co-processed with the ceramic matrix composite rocket nozzle such that the ceramic matrix provides a bond between the rocket nozzle and the insert. The metal manifold is then secured to the silicon nitride insert, preferably using brazing, to form a joint assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David B. Marshall, Min Z Berbon, John R. Porter
  • Patent number: 6758387
    Abstract: The present invention is a solder coated material having a large amount of solder adhered to a difficult to solder material such as Kovar or Alloy 42 and a method which can adhere a sufficient amount of solder to a difficult to solder material without using flux. An electroplated coating is applied to a portion to be soldered of a difficult to solder material, the difficult to solder material is then passed through molten solder to which ultrasonic waves are applied, and a large amount of solder is adhered only to solder plated portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Senju Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Zen
  • Patent number: 6758388
    Abstract: Disclosed are different titanium aluminide (Ti—Al) honeycomb panel structures formed from a gamma-based Ti—Al (&ggr;-Ti—Al) or orthorhombic Ti—Al (O—Ti—Al) honeycomb core brazed to a &ggr;-Ti—Al or O—Ti—Al facing sheet(s), where a metal braze filler foil containing copper and one or more other metals is used to join the faying surface of the honeycomb core and the faying surface of the facing sheet(s). The structures and method of the invention are useful where high strength, lightweigth materials are required, such as in aircraft and other aerospace-related applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Barry Leholm, Kenneth Lynn Schertzer, Sr., Steven Allen Good, Ronald Harry Widmer, James Schneider, Jr., Coif Dean Seale
  • Patent number: 6758389
    Abstract: A composition for preventing creeping for a flux for soldering, which is free from a problem from the viewpoint of the global environment or working environment is provided. The composition comprising a polymer (A) containing the polymer units (a1) derived from an unsaturated ester containing a polyfluroalkyl group and the polymer units (b1) derived from a compound containing a silicon atom and an unsaturated group, and an aqueous medium (B), further optionally including a fluorine type surfactant (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Seimi Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Syunji Odaka, Yutaka Fukatsu
  • Patent number: 6758390
    Abstract: The cup has a lid portion extending up from one side of the cup, configured to flip down into the body of the cup, along a first score line, going from convex to concave, so as to close the otherwise open top of the cup. Flaps extend preferably from the lid portion near its lateral intersections with the cup body outwardly from the cup, or alternatively from the cup body in the same area, but inwardly. In either case, the flaps overlie what might otherwise be a small gap between the lid and the cup body in that area. This reduces any possibility for liquid to escape via that small gap. In the case of the flaps extending outwardly from the lid, the flaps also tend to act as stops against excessive downward rotation of the lid, and provide an easy way to lift the lid to open the cup, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Cupworks Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Sarson, Daryl J. Howes-Jones, Gregory John Kleynhans
  • Patent number: 6758391
    Abstract: An optical scanning system and method for scanning graphical codes on an object or media to obtain the Internet address that is represented by the graphical code. An Internet address is graphically encoded and is displayed on an object. The codes are then disseminated to the public, where users see the codes graphically encoded on objects or in media purchased or viewed by the public. Once the user determines that more information is desired, the user elects which option for code scanning is desired: automatic access to the Internet address represented by the graphical code, automatic storage of the Internet address represented by the graphical code into memory or automatic insertion of the Internet address represented by the graphical code into a query of a Web browser. The graphical code is then scanned by an optical scanner. The scanned graphical code is then transmitted to a computer where the graphical code is processed and the encoded Internet address is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Boone Pickens, III
  • Patent number: 6758392
    Abstract: A card destruction system includes a reader to read identification information from a card. A controller is coupled to the reader to receive the identification information and to determine whether the card is to be destroyed. A delivery sensor is coupled to the controller to sense when the card is delivered to a card destruction device. The controller is also configured to produce a record of the destruction based on a signal from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce A. Bennett, Scott J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6758393
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a mobile cashier terminal adaptable for use with cash or cashless voucher gaming system having a LAN interconnecting cashier terminals, a central voucher-record database server, one or more logical gaming controllers, and a plurality of player terminals in order to play games of chance at each player terminal. The system provides voucher printers at the cashier terminal and preferably at the player terminals as well. The vouchers include unique bar codes printed on the vouchers, and the bar codes are readable by scanners at the cashier terminal and at the player terminals. The player terminals are preferably adapted to provide the player with the option of receiving at least certain amounts of cash rather than a voucher, but to also ensure that at least a voucher is provided to the player in the event that the player terminal fails to dispense cash when earned by the player and payable to the player under the game rules at the player terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sierra Design Group
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Warren R. White, Russ T. Bradford
  • Patent number: 6758394
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for authorizing a customer to perform transactions with a self-service device. A first set of biometric data regarding the customer is extracted from a verification instrument. A second set of biometric data is extracted directly from at least one feature of the customer. Textual data regarding the customer is extracted from the verification instrument. The first and second sets of biometric data are compared to determine whether they are derived from a single individual. If so, customer identification information is recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Infonox on the Web
    Inventors: Vali Maskatiya, Safwan Shah, Ashim Banerjee
  • Patent number: 6758395
    Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) comprising a fascia (12) having a document entry/exit slot (56), and a document processing module (60) for processing documents entered via the slot (56) is described. The terminal (10) includes a document transport mechanism (70) for transporting documents between the slot (56) and a processing zone (72 or 74 or 76), and the transport mechanism (70) includes a chute (88) leading to a dispense area (58), so that if a document is to be returned to the user, the transport mechanism (70) attempts firstly to return the document via the slot (56), and if that fails, the transport mechanism (70) deposits the document into the chute (88) to return the document to the user via the dispense area (58). The terminal may be a check cashing ATM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: David Elwin
  • Patent number: 6758396
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securely transferring medical information is provided, which included storing information relating to a medical prescription item on a smart card using an encryption method that provides independent verification as to the source of the information, verifying the source of the information by the provider of the medical prescription item and modifying the stored information relating to the medical prescription item when the prescription is filled, and storing the modified information on the smart card using an encryption method that provides independent verification of the source of the modified information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Jr., Scott A. Steele
  • Patent number: 6758397
    Abstract: A method and system for tracking a changeable description of an article labeled by a machine-readable label (MRL) allows articles like fresh vegetables to be labeled with MRL devices. A unique code in the MRL is correlated with descriptive information about the article including, possibly, changeable information such as a remaining quantity of the article. The descriptive information can be updated, so for example, if the information relates to a bottle of vinegar, the quantity remaining is always correlated to the MRL if the information is regularly updated. Thus, for example, a household inventory can be maintained with quantities that are below an initial value of a purchased item. Also, fresh foods like vegetables and deli foods can be automatically tracked by a home inventory system that reads MRL devices such as radio frequency identification tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Carolyn Ramsey Catan
  • Patent number: 6758398
    Abstract: An optical reader is provided for reading a bar code having ultraviolet-wavelength-responsive properties. The optical reader includes an ultraviolet light source, a photodetector, an optical system and a decoder. The ultraviolet light source generates ultraviolet light having a wavelength shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays for illuminating a target region. The photodetector generates output electrical signals indicative of light incident thereon having a wavelength within a predetermined range of wavelengths. The optical system includes a projection portion and a collection portion. The projection portion directs the ultraviolet light along a projection path extending from the ultraviolet light source to the target region. The collection portion collects the light from a bar code when the bar code occupies the target region and directs the collected light along a collection path extending from the target region to the photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: L.V. Partners, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffry Jovan Philyaw, Douglas L. Davis
  • Patent number: 6758399
    Abstract: The method comprises the steps of determining initially the structure of the code being read, to identify the number of rows and columns of the code; generating an ideal rectangular grid formed by rows and columns unambiguously defining the coordinates of notable points corresponding to the central point of each code element; determining, on the basis of reference points of known position, the homographic transformation linking notable points of the rectangular grid and characteristic points on the deformed image; calculating the coordinates of the characteristic points; and generating a transformed image to be decoded, the pixels of transformed image having the coordinates of the grid notable points and a value equal to the binarized brightness value of the corresponding characteristic points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Datalogic S.p.A.
    Inventors: Elena Brunelli, Marco Bottazzi