Patents Issued in September 21, 2004
  • Patent number: RE38594
    Abstract: A magnetic head sensing apparatus includes a first, second and third magnetic core of a soft magnetic film formed by a thin film forming method. One end of the first and second magnetic core face a magnetic recording medium and are disposed with a predetermined distance therebetween field. The third magnetic core is disposed between the first and second magnetic cores. A conductive coil is wound around the third magnetic core. A conductive wire passes through the third magnetic core and is insulated therefrom. A DC-biased high-frequency constant current flows through the conductive wire to reproduce information recorded on the magnetic recording medium. Also, a recording signal is applied to the conductive coil sense the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Murata, Akio Kuroe, Sayuri Muramatsu
  • Patent number: RE38595
    Abstract: A rotation control apparatus which can maintain an accurate rotating state even in a high density optical disk (DVD) having a structure such that parts of the sync signal are recorded at an interval different from that of the other sync signal parts. The apparatus has: a unit period signal generator for generating a period signal of a unit period; a pre-pit detector for detecting a pre-pit from the DVD; a phase difference detector for detecting a phase difference between the detection timing of the pre-pit and the unit period signal; and a holding circuit for holding the phase difference detected. The rotation of the DVD is controlled on the basis of the phase difference held at the holding circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Kuroda, Masayoshi Yoshida, Toshio Suzuki
  • Patent number: RE38596
    Abstract: Disclosed are call processing methods which are performed by a network terminator located at a subscriber's premise. The network terminator is coupled to a digital network and a communication device at the subscriber's premise and can perform call waiting, caller identification, call conferencing without intervention from a telco's switching system that requires an additional charge to the subscriber for these services. In addition, the network terminator can perform a method which allows two digital communication devices coupled to one S-bus to share a communication session. In another embodiment, up to a six way conference call can be established with an analog telephone coupled to an ISDN network via the network terminator of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Clifford Hallock, Baiju Dhirajlal Mandalia, Himanshu Chandrakant Parikh, Gaby J. Salem, Charles Henry Sederholm, Wasim Joseph Shomar, Carl Louis Thomson, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE38597
    Abstract: A prepared kit according to the invention includes a plurality of pre-cut tape strips for securing a medical device such as a catheter, an intravenous needle, tubing, or a similar device to a patient's skin or to a support. Once a medical attendant has inserted a medical device into a patient's skin at an insertion site, the attendant secures the medical device to the patient's skin or to a support at a point spaced from the insertion site by engaging the medical device with a portion of each of the strips. Each of the strips has a biocompatible adhesive on one surface and a non-adhesive portion on the opposite surface, such that medical personnel are able to rapidly and effectively secure the medical device when putting the device into use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Eugene Lane, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE38598
    Abstract: The system and method is disclosed for remotely controlling an application program over a network. The system includes an application interception module and remote display module. The remote display module is transported across the network and executed on the user system in response to a user's request to provide on-demand remote control of an application program. The application interception module captures an I/O stream generated by an application program, converts it to remote control protocol messages and transports them across a network to the remote display module executing in the user system. The remote display module converts the remote control protocol messages to system calls compatible with the operating system environment for the users computer. Likewise, the remote display module converts system calls to the local resource interface in the user's computer to remote control protocol messages which are transported across the network to the application interception module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Tridia Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Frese, II, W. Brian Blevins, John P. Jarrett
  • Patent number: RE38599
    Abstract: A pipelined instruction dispatch or grouping circuit allows instruction dispatch decisions to be made over multiple processor cycles. In one embodiment, the grouping circuit performs resource allocation and data dependency checks on an instruction group, based on a state vector which includes representation of source and destination registers of instructions within said instruction group and corresponding state vectors for instruction groups of a number of preceding processor cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Tremblay
  • Patent number: 6792619
    Abstract: An implement holder to be attached to a cap, hat, clothing or other item is provided. The holder is a single unit, which can be integrated into the construction of the cap, hat, clothing or other item or removably attached to the outer surface of the article. The two sides of the unit are attached and form a loop for receiving a pencil, pen or other elongated implement. The unit additionally contains an adjustable flap for receiving the temple of eyewear, including glasses, sunglasses, or protective eye gear. The outer side of the unit is smooth and is designed to receive identifying or advertising indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: David Todd Morris, Phillip Everett Brooks
  • Patent number: 6792620
    Abstract: The clothing of the invention is held together at a single point of closure, at a single main point of closure, or at several points of closure by a locking device or devices in such a way that unlocking the locking device(s) renders the garment removable from the wearer's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Alison Green
  • Patent number: 6792621
    Abstract: An article of clothing includes a waterproof inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. An outer opening is defined in the outer fabric layer and is selectively opened and closed by a standard zipper. A portion of the inner fabric layer extends between the edges of the outer opening and defines an inner opening. The inner opening is selectively opened and closed by a water-resistant zipper. Venting material extends between the edges of the inner opening and allows air to flow through the inner opening when both the inner and outer openings are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventor: David Braun
  • Patent number: 6792622
    Abstract: Hospital patient garments that resemble conventional clothing while offering the convenience of conventional hospital gowns comprising a central panel, a first sleeve panel and second sleeve panel connected to opposite side edges of the central panel, first side panel and second side panel connected to opposite side edges of the central panel below the first and second sleeve panels, third sleeve panel and fourth sleeve panel defined between the first and second sleeve panels and side panels, respectively, upper back panel, collar, head and neck opening defined by the central panel, plurality of buttonholes in the first and second sleeve panels and first and second side panels, and a plurality of buttons affixed to the sleeve panels, side panels and center panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen K. Graves
  • Patent number: 6792623
    Abstract: A helmet for artificial respiration without the aid of masks, comprising a containment body with at least one optically transparent portion, which can accommodate hermetically the head of a patient. The containment body has an air intake port that can be connected to a ventilation apparatus and an outlet port. The helmet further comprises, on the containment body, substantially at the mouth of the patient being treated, an opening that can be closed removably by a closure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Starmed S.p.A.
    Inventor: Libero Luppi
  • Patent number: 6792624
    Abstract: Invention provides a temperature regulating cap for heating or cooling the head of the user having a removable and replaceable heating or cooling insert with a releasable connector for fastening the insert to the cap in which the insert has two portions including a first portion in contact with the top of the user's head for heating or cooling the head and a second portion that depends downwardly from the first portion and is located generally in the forehead region of the person's head to cool the forehead and to absorb perspiration. The insert can be removed and replaced when required for washing or for immersion in water to absorb moisture which is then retained in the insert for the purpose of providing evaporative cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: John J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6792625
    Abstract: A protective suit for protection against harmful chemical and biological substances, comprising an outer and a liner which is disposed underneath the outer and is provided with a barrier layer against chemical and biological substances. The protective suit is configured as an coverall, the barrier layer which has been incorporated into the liner being a membrane which is surrounded on both sides by a protective layer each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Texplorer GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd Hexels
  • Patent number: 6792626
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically lowering a toilet seat is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor which senses when a person has finished using a toilet, at which time, the sensor activates a motor to lower the toilet seat in a slow but steady manner. The motor is powered by power means, which could be either a battery or standard household current. Alternatively, the present invention would include a relay which would be mechanically connected to the flush handle of the toilet. When the flush handle would be used, the relay would activate the motor to lower the toilet seat in a slow but steady manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: Bryan Smeal, Chris Summers
  • Patent number: 6792627
    Abstract: An aerated bath 26 is disclosed comprising a plurality of receptacles 10 on the outside of the bath, each receptacle being in communication with the interior of the bath through one or a plurality of openings 16, and fluid supply means 20 connected to some or all of the receptacles characterised in that the receptacles are shallow and of a relatively smooth internal configuration. Preferably, the internal configuration of the receptacles is a part spherical dish. The smooth internal surface reduces locations where moisture can be trapped. Preferably also, the receptacle is made from a material, especially a plastics material, which is hydrophobic which therefore resists wetting by bath water. The plastics material is preferably easily machinable, and tough and durable, and may be selected from known plastics materials of this type such as nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Clearwater Collection Limited
    Inventors: Mohan Singh Sangha, Darren Kirk Allison
  • Patent number: 6792628
    Abstract: The current invention relates to an environmentally friendly and inexpensive way to dispose of solid animal waste that is installed in conjunction with a household sanitary sewer. The system includes a basin covered with a lid that is installed near a building's sewer cleanout. A wye filling is added to the cleanout so that waste that is deposited into the basin is washed into the household sanitary sewer by pouring a bucket of water in the basin after the waste is deposited to carry it into the household sanitary sewer. The invention provides a solution to the need for the safe and clean disposal of dog solid waste without the need for any sort of scoopers, diapers or bagging devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Richard C. Humphrey
  • Patent number: 6792629
    Abstract: A faucet mounting system includes a trim member to which a faucet hub is attached. The system includes a pair of screws that attach the trim member to a foot member. The foot member is slid into a faucet opening in the deck. From the top of the deck, the screws are used to clamp the deck between the trim member and the foot member. The trim member defines a receptacle with alignment tabs that are used to position the faucet hub in the receptacle. The faucet hub has a mounting shank to which a mounting bracket is attached in order to secure the faucet hub to the deck from the underside of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Alfred C. Nelson, Derek A. Brown
  • Patent number: 6792630
    Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient includes a patient support with head and foot ends and a wheeled base supported by castered wheels. An auxiliary wheel assembly is secured to the wheeled base and includes a rotatable support shaft with an axis and a drive pin locked in a keyed surface of the support shaft. A wheel stowing spring is located at an end of the rotatable support shaft to continually urge an auxiliary wheel mounted at one end of an auxiliary wheel support bracket to a stowed position. The auxiliary wheel support bracket is rotatably connected to the support shaft at an opposing end and has a stop mounted thereon. An auxiliary wheel support spring continually urges the auxiliary wheel support bracket in a first direction about the axis of the support shaft so that the stop on the auxiliary wheel support bracket engages a stop element integral with the drive pin. This arrangement maintains the support spring in a pretensioned state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, Jeffrey C. Shiery, Michael J. Petrowski
  • Patent number: 6792631
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a foldable sleeping mat includes a mat case with top and bottom fabric panels having joined side edges and joined end edges. The bottom panel defines a lateral opening receiving the sleeping mat inside the mat case. A blanket is attached to one end of the mat case, and has a free end adapted for covering a user lying on the sleeping mat. A pocket is provided for releasably holding the free end of the blanket to the mat case with the blanket in a substantially spread out condition over the sleeping mat. The blanket, mat case, and sleeping mat are folded together in overlying sections when storing the sleeping mat for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Patricia D. Hayden
  • Patent number: 6792632
    Abstract: An adjustable dust ruffle system includes three separate panels and a plurality of removable screw pins. A portion of each panel is inserted in between the box spring and the mattress. It is not necessary to remove the mattress from the box springs to install this dust ruffle system. Removable screw pins secure the panels in place and allow adjustment so the hem of the dust ruffle is adjacent the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Veratex, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Cohen
  • Patent number: 6792633
    Abstract: A stretcher capable of transforming into a stretcher configuration and a wheelchair configuration, which increases the rigidity of its frame structure to facilitate retention of a posture of a patient, enhancing safety and is superior in the operability such that transformation is enabled by one operation. A frame of the stretcher is divided into at least four portions, i.e., an above knee portion (4) constituting a seat portion supporting a femoral region of a patient, a lumbar portion (3) included in a backrest supporting an upper portion of a body of the patient, an armrest portion (6) constituting an armrest, and a below knee portion (5) capable of supporting a lower limb region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Takano Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsunetaro Ito
  • Patent number: 6792634
    Abstract: A pliable membrane installation tool comprised of a body-base with handle, prongs to provide support for a stay-wheel axle with a stay-wheel, anti-snag wheel and washer-spacer (all with rotational freedom), and a wall guide with a cut-and-tuck member integrated with a means for cutting. A guide wheel and tucking wheel on the wall guide provide for the staying, cutting and tucking of the pliable membrane to be installed in one easy movement along the wall by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: Roger Mills, Les Rosenka
  • Patent number: 6792635
    Abstract: An improved type of joining pliers, particularly one that presses and joins an object (coating terminal) to a conductive wire and can make correction without being deviated or displaced during a compressing and joining process, comprising a left handle, a right handle that is pivoted to the left handle so the two handles can be opened or folded to each other, an opening mold that is movably pivoted to the left handle, and a slide block that is movably pivoted to the right handle and can be embedded in the opening mold; by the mobility of the opening mold and the slide block that are movably pivoted to each other, the assembling position of the mobile opening mold and the slide block can be automatically corrected when the left and right handles are folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Chao-Chin Yen
  • Patent number: 6792637
    Abstract: An apparatus dispenses detergent into a warewasher from a reservoir wherein a flow control device controls the flow of the detergent. A sensor measures the electrical conductivity of water within the warewasher and produces a conductivity measurement. A controller operates the flow control device in a first mode in which the quantity of detergent dispensed into the warewasher is determined in response to the electrical conductivity of the water. If the conductivity measurement is determined to be unreliable, the controller operates in a second mode in which a predefined quantity of detergent is dispensed into the warewasher. The reliability of the conductivity measurement is determined based on the amount that the conductivity changes upon detergent being added to the warewasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: U.S. Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt A. Reichold, David A. Uhen
  • Patent number: 6792638
    Abstract: A construction of a floor slab bridge includes a plurality of columnar H-shaped steels each disposed between adjacent bridge legs and arranged in side-by-side relation with an end face of a lower flange abutted with a corresponding end face of the adjacent columnar H-shaped steel. A lower concrete layer is formed by placing concrete in a space defined between the upper and lower flanges and between adjacent web plates through a concrete inlet port formed between the adjacent upper flange, and an upper concrete layer is formed by placing concrete on the upper flange. An iron reinforcement is horizontally disposed on the upper flanges, and an iron reinforcement is suspended in the space from the horizontal iron reinforcement through the concrete inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignees: Asahi Engineering Co., Ltd., Eco Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Tokuno, Kazutoshi Tsuda, Fumihiro Saito
  • Patent number: 6792639
    Abstract: A portable tool has a long handle with a fitting for connection to an external pressurized water supply, a hand receiver on the worker end of the handle with a trigger-operated water flow control valve, a rotatable wheel at a distal end of the handle remote from the control and having surface scrubbing elements thereon, a distribution nozzle pivotable in the handle adjacent the wheel to direct high velocity water discharge onto the scrubbing elements, a discharge direction control button adjacent the proximal end, and a control wire coupled to the nozzle and button and operable to direct discharge from the nozzle onto the wheel at selectable radii relative to the wheel rotational axis to change wheel speed, direction and torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6792640
    Abstract: An electric, motorized toothbrush includes a switch that has an “automatic” position. The “automatic” mode provides for intermittent motorized operation, which is dependent upon application of an external force. Various embodiments allow for the force to be exerted either on the toothbrush handle, such as when it is gripped by the user, or on the brush head itself—e.g., when the brush head contacts the user's teeth. A substantially hollow housing allows for placement of battery, motor, gears, and linkages to facilitate motorized movement of the brush head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: HoMedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mordechai Lev
  • Patent number: 6792641
    Abstract: A pig for use with a tubular bore wherein the pig is comprised of a body which supports a plurality of turbine blades wherein the blades mechanically break down and remove debris from the tubular bore. The blades have a profile which allows forward movement and rotation about a longitudinal axis when acted upon by a propulsion fluid traveling through the tubular. In an alternative embodiment the blades are mounted on a stabilizer body to allow simultaneous centralization and cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hamdeen Incorporated Limited
    Inventor: Keith Laker
  • Patent number: 6792642
    Abstract: Devices for cleaning the human tongue and methods for making such devices are disclosed. The tongue cleaner may include a tongue brush and a tongue scraper. The tongue cleaner may be of unitary injection molded construction. The tongue cleaner bristles may be tapered to a point for cleaning crevices of a human tongue, and the bristles may be angled or curved. The tongue scraper contains at least one blade for removal of undesirable material from the tongue by a scraping action. The tongue brush and tongue scraper may be combined into one unit or may be made and used separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Dr. Bob's Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert K. Wagstaff
  • Patent number: 6792643
    Abstract: A wiper arm window latch system and method includes an end of a wiper arm which is mounted on a window and which is received in a drive coupler coupled to a drive motor mounted on a door. The drive coupler permits the wiper arm to be drivingly coupled to a wiper motor. The drive coupler and end of the wiper arm also cooperate to lock the wiper arm to the drive coupler, thereby causing the window of the vehicle to be locked in a closed position, such as against the door. This system and method is particularly suited for use in a vehicle having a rear window which is pivotable between an open position and a closed position and where a rear window wiper is desired or required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Ponziani
  • Patent number: 6792644
    Abstract: The invention starts with a windshield wiper with a wiper arm (10) on whose free end a pin (22) is fastened laterally, transverse to the longitudinal direction (72) and pointing to a wiper blade (24) for the articulated connection of the wiper blade (24), which pin is inserted into a passage opening of the wiper blade (24) and in an assembled position is locked axially via a bridge (12) that is arranged parallel to the pin (22) on the wiper arm (10) and grips over the wiper blade (24) with a bent end (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Inigo Op't Roodt
  • Patent number: 6792645
    Abstract: A coil cleaning tool for attachment to a vacuum cleaner hose includes a flattened tubular housing having opposed planar side faces connected by top and bottom walls, the top and bottom walls having a narrow width such that the entire tubular housing is very narrow and lender. The tubular housing includes a first end capable of being releasably coupled to a vacuum cleaner hose and a second end having a tapered construction and defining an air intake opening. A light housing having a battery powered LED is mounted atop the top wall of the tubular housing for illuminating a cleaning area. Each side face of the tubular housing may also define an auxiliary air intake opening with a slidable cover such that the air intake openings may be selectively opened or closed for the most efficient and convenient cleaning of hard to reach areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy K. Ruff
  • Patent number: 6792646
    Abstract: A tank truck for collecting and transporting flowable material, the tank truck including a tank for storing flowable material and a suction hose connected to the tank so that at least a portion of the suction hose extends into the tank. A drive assembly engageable with the suction hose is provided for drawing the suction hose into and out of the tank, thereby varying the length of the suction hose outside the tank. The boom preferably includes a boom tube through which the suction hose extends. Also an extendable nozzle assembly may be attached to an end of the suction hose outside the tank. The drive assembly may take various forms and may be supported on the end of the boom. A combination of movement of the suction hose into and out of the tank, in combination with the extendable nozzle assembly, varies the effective length of the suction hose outside the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Vactor Manufacturing
    Inventors: Michael C. Greene, Bernie Jon Bossom
  • Patent number: 6792647
    Abstract: A filter supporting structure for an upright-type vacuum cleaner having a body divided by a partition into a dust-collecting chamber having a dust bag and a motor driving chamber, a filter grill formed at the partition in order to allow an air passed through the dust bag of the dust-collecting chamber to flow to the motor driving chamber, and having a filter for filtering the drawn air, supporting protrusions disposed at both sidewalls of the dust-collecting chamber in order to support both sides of the filter mounted on the filter grill, and a plurality of ribs disposed around the filter grill in order to support the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Il-won Yang, Hyung-il Jeon
  • Patent number: 6792648
    Abstract: A floor cloth employed in a suction assembly of a vacuum cleaner for cleaning impurities on a cleaning surface, and an apparatus of the vacuum cleaner for rotatably driving the floor cloth. The rotatable floor cloth driving apparatus includes a rotary member rotatably disposed on a lower end of the suction assembly for supporting the floor cloth, and a rotational driving portion on-off controlled by a manipulation of a driving switch for providing a rotational driving force for rotating the rotary member on on-state. Accordingly, while drawing in air and impurities, the vacuum cleaner can also remove impurities stuck on the cleaning surface with the floor cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-jo Lee
  • Patent number: 6792649
    Abstract: Contoured intakes and fan housing assemblies for floor care machines are disclosed. In one embodiment, a contoured intake includes a contoured duct having a passage therethrough. The passage has a cross-sectional area progression that smoothly varies between a first cross-sectional area and a second cross-sectional area. Turbulence within the intake passage may be reduced or inhibited, and noise generated by the airstream within the intake passage may be reduced. In another embodiment, the contoured duct may include a bellmouth substantially surrounding the first open end that may inhibit the separation of the airstream within the intake passage. In a further embodiment, an airflow propulsion device for a floor care machine may include a motor having a drive shaft, a fan operatively coupled to the drive shaft, and a fan housing disposed about the fan and having a transition passage proximate the radially-outward ends of the vanes of the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Chris M. Paterson, Jeffrey A. Millard
  • Patent number: 6792650
    Abstract: The invention provides a bushing for insertion into a cylindrical aperture defined by a mounting bracket. The bushing further provides for retention of a cylindrical sensor housing which is enveloped around its circumference by the bushing and positioned adjacent a rotating flux focusing element. The bushing is formed from a sheet of spring metal and shaped into a cylinder. A pair of outwardly projecting retaining brackets extend from a first end of the sheet and are positioned at one end of the cylinder. In addition, a pair of outwardly projecting dimples are formed in the sheet near the edge of the sheet opposite the first edge, the dimples being sized to allow insertion of the bushing into a cylindrical aperture but function to resist extraction for the bushing after passing completely through the cylindrical aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Stagg, Thasin A. Sayeed, Richard R. Rowan
  • Patent number: 6792651
    Abstract: In-floor, adjustable, track assembly for sliding panels with a build-in weep system, including a track, extending upward from a base, for engaging the undercarriage of a vertically-oriented panel, and supporting rectilinear motion therealong, an upright splash guard, parallel to and spaced slightly apart from one side of the upright track and forming, with the track, a channel therebetween with the base, for directing moisture from the bottom of the panel into the channel, at least one collection pan mounted under the channel and accessible through an aperture to collect moisture from the channel, and a hose for drawing off the moisture from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: William R. Weiland, Robert A. Ulibarri
  • Patent number: 6792652
    Abstract: This unfolding clasp for a bracelet has a profiled plate (1) with two spaced-apart parallel branches (1a) and (1b) defining a space (1c) for the assembly, in a freely articulating manner. At least one blade (2-3) has, on the side away from its articulating part, provisions for the articulated assembly of part of the bracelet. This structure is important because the blade or blades (2-3) of the bracelet are equipped, close to the part receiving the bracelet, with two rotating rollers (6-7) and (8-9) placed coaxially with and protruding from each lateral side of the blade (2-3) in order to cooperate with the profiled rim (1d1-1d2) and (1e1-1e2) of an open recess (1d-1e) formed laterally in the thickness of each branch (1a) and (1b) for the purpose of creating, after folding down of the blade (2-3), a snap-fastening effect by rolling friction resulting from tensioning of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Luigi Ferrario
  • Patent number: 6792653
    Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose combination clip comprising two clips separably coupled together, each having a holder portion distinct in function from the other for each detachably holding a supported member wherein the supported members can be of varying physical dimensions. The invention relates to a general purpose utility clip for general purpose applications wherein plastic material of the clip structure provides required compression and engagement strength to the two clips which individually are integral one piece plastic structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Santa's Best
    Inventor: Wm. F. Protz
  • Patent number: 6792654
    Abstract: The invention relates to a belt buckle, comprising two buckle members fastened on belt ends, the first (1) of said members having a receiving compartment (6) in which the second buckle member (2) is axially inserted. Said second buckle member comprises snap-fit members that are adjusted against a spring force and that interact with undercuts in the first buckle member to secure the fitted buckle members (1,2). The inventive belt buckle is further characterized in that the buckle members consist of cast metal and that the snap-fit members are impinged upon by at least one mechanical return spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Hans-Jörg Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6792655
    Abstract: A system for correcting twist in airfoil components includes a first fixture assembly for holding a first end of an airfoil component and a second fixture assembly for holding a second end of the airfoil component. A rotary drive unit is provided for rotating the first fixture assembly. A gage is included for measuring twist angle in the airfoil component, and a controller controls the rotary drive unit in response to input from the gage to twist the airfoil component. In operation, the airfoil component's twist angle measured by the gage is fed to the controller. The controller computes how much the airfoil component needs to be twisted to achieve a desired twist angle, and the first fixture assembly is then rotated sufficiently to twist the airfoil component to the desired twist angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Lum Kok Wah
  • Patent number: 6792656
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a surface acoustic wave apparatus to be mounted via bumps by a flip chip bonding system prevents peeling of electrode pads from the piezoelectric substrate and cracks in the piezoelectric substrate from occurring during the formation of the bumps or at other times during the manufacturing process. In the method of manufacturing a surface acoustic wave apparatus, a first electrode layer of the electrode pad is formed on a piezoelectric substrate by etching, an electrode for a surface acoustic wave element is formed by a lift-off method after the first electrode layer is formed, and thereafter, an electrode film including a second electrode layer of the electrode pad and a wiring electrode is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunobu Shimoe, Shuji Yamato, Takashi Marukawa
  • Patent number: 6792657
    Abstract: A tubular fastener element (34) is inserted into an opening (44) in a wall (W) until a flange (40) at the trailing end of the fastener element (34) is in contact with the wall (W). Then, an externally threaded end (32) of a rod (28) is inserted into a center opening (56) in the fastener element (34) from the flange side (42) of the wall (W) and is mated with internal threads (52) in the fastener element (34) beyond the second side (50) of the wall (W). A tubular mandrel (24) that surrounds the rod (28) is moved into contact with the entrance portion of the center opening (56) in the tubular fastener (34). The outside diameter of the mandrel (24) is larger than the inside diameter (58) of the center opening (56) in the fastener element (34). The rod (28) is retracted to cause a reduced thickness wall portion (46) of the fastener element (34) to collapse and form a second radial flange (60) on the second side (50) of the wall (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: Leonard F. Reid, Timothy H. Johnson, David A. Gorton, Mark R. Weiss, Dean C. Madden, Alec K. Hitchman
  • Patent number: 6792658
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing valve seals from a cylinder head of an engine. More particularly, valve seal removal apparatus having a lever and at least a pair of gripping members for frictionally gripping a portion of a valve seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas D. Capoferi, Fred L. Capoferi
  • Patent number: 6792659
    Abstract: A transmission tool (10) having a jig (12) which has a jig body (12A) securely connected at a front distal end to a jig first member (12B) and further securely connected at a rear distal end to a jig second member (12D), the jig body (12A) has a jig second member pin (12DA) extending outwardly therefrom. A hollow jig cylinder (12C) is positioned through the jig body (12A) and the jig first member (12B) and the a jig second member (12D). A reamer (14) has a reamer collar (14A) having a threaded cylinder centrally positioned there through. The reamer collar (14A) has a reamer collar channel (14AA) therein. The reamer (14) further has a reamer shaft (14B) having a reamer shaft thread (14BB) positioned at a back distal end thereof. The reamer shaft (14B) further has a reamer shaft cutter (14BA) positioned at a front distal end thereof. An inserter (16) has a slightly smaller diameter then the reamer collar channel (14AA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Onnik Gulmezian
  • Patent number: 6792660
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a driveshaft assembly takes advantage of the asymmetrical nature of the driveshaft tube and end fittings to reduce the initial imbalance of the driveshaft assembly. The method includes the initial steps of providing a driveshaft tube having a heavy side and providing an end fitting having a heavy side. The heavy side of the end fitting is aligned so as to be opposite the heavy side of the driveshaft tube. Finally, the driveshaft tube and the end fitting are secured together. The dimensional characteristics of the driveshaft tube and end fitting improve the balancing capability of the driveshaft assembly by permitting levels of imbalance of the driveshaft assembly to be lowered and better-managed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas E. Breese
  • Patent number: 6792661
    Abstract: A storage unit providing a storage space and method of forming a door and frame for a storage unit are disclosed. The storage unit comprises a base, a panel movable between an open position and a closed position, and a retaining member. The retaining member is configured for movement between a first position and a second position, the first position being vertically and horizontally offset from the second position. The retaining member engages the base when the panel is in the closed position and the retaining member is in the first position. The method comprises machining a first groove on a first surface of a sheet, and machining a second groove on a second surface opposite the first surface and at least partially offset with the first groove. The door is then rotated so that the first surface of the door is generally in the same plane as the second surface of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: The Mills Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Fromme, David W. Newberry, Mark A. Thielke, James R. Heimler, Richard A. Goodare, Brian J. Boeck
  • Patent number: 6792662
    Abstract: A needle removal/destruction apparatus for pulling a metal needle free from a plastic hypodermic syringe, while also deforming the metal needle to prevent reuse thereof. The apparatus includes a container having a rotatable needle removing fixture mounted therein. A metal needle hypodermic syringe is inserted within the rotatable needle removing fixture, which is thereafter rotated to pull the needle free of the needle hub while also permanently deforming the needle to prevent subsequent reuse thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: P. R. Suresh Samuel
  • Patent number: 6792663
    Abstract: A biopsy forceps jaw device and method of assembling, comprising pivotally mounting to a single flat support having a single aperture a threaded, self-centering proximal end and a pointed distal end, an integrally connected non-metallic jaw assembly having a cutting plane. The integrally connected non-metallic jaw assembly pivots about a common axis within the single aperture allowing for rotation of the integrally connected non-metallic jaw assembly within the cuffing plane. A pair of actuating wires for moving the integrally connected non-metallic jaw assembly from a closed position to an open position is attached to the integrally connected non-metallic jaw assembly. The threaded self-centering proximal end of the single flat support and the pair of actuating wires are inserted into a tubular member. The integrally connected non-metallic jaw assembly and the single flat support are centered within the tubular member through the threaded self-centering proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Jacek Krzyzanowski