Patents Issued in December 21, 2004
  • Patent number: RE38673
    Abstract: A disk memory drive includes a brushless drive outer rotor motor having an internal space and a stator with windings. The outer rotor coaxially encircles the stator and a substantially cylindrical air gap is defined between the stator and the rotor. The rotor includes permanent magnets and a hub fixedly connected with the magnet. A disk mounting section is provided on the hub for accommodating at least one storage disk positioned in a clear space, the mounting section being adapted to extend through a central aperture of the storage disk. The windings and the magnets interacting with the windings are disposed for at least half of the axial longitudinal dimension thereof within a space surrounded by the disk mounting section of the hub. Bearings rotatably mount the rotor and the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Papst Licensing GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Elsässer, Johann von der Heide
  • Patent number: RE38674
    Abstract: A novel process for forming a robust, sub-100 Å oxide is disclosed. Native oxide growth is tightly controlled by flowing pure nitrogen during wafer push and nitrogen with a small amount of oxygen during temperature ramp and stabilization. First, a dry oxidation is performed in oxygen and 13% trichloroethane. Next, a wet oxidation in pyrogenic steam is performed to produce a total oxide thickness of approximately 80 Å. The oxide layer formed is ideally suited for use as a high integrity gate oxide below 100 Å. The invention is particularly useful in devices with advanced, recessed field isolation where sharp silicon edges are difficult to oxidize. For an oxide layer of more than 100 Å, a composite oxide stack is used which comprises 40-90 Å of pad oxide formed using the above novel process, and 60-200 Å of deposited oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. K. Chau, William L. Hargrove, Leopoldo D. Yau
  • Patent number: RE38675
    Abstract: An herbicidal composition containing from 1 to 4 pounds of clomazone per gallon of formulation and having a clomazone volatility less than fifty percent of that of an emulsifiable concentrate containing four pounds of clomazone per gallon of formulation is prepared by the interfacial reaction of polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate with a polyfunctional amine selected from ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, 1,6-hexanediamine, and their mixtures in an aqueous phase optionally containing from 0.05 to 0.25 weight percent of a xanthan gum viscosity modified/stabilizer. Several such formulations and the method of their preparation are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Fui-Tseng H. Lee, Paul Nicholson
  • Patent number: RE38676
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the use of certain ruthenium and osmium complexes that are substantially inactive at a first temperature (preferably about room temperature) but becomes progressively more active at a higher second temperature. This difference in reactivities allows the reaction mixture to be formed and manipulated at the first temperature until polymerization is desired. When appropriate, the reaction mixture is heated to a suitable temperature (preferably greater than 50° C.) to activate the catalyst and to initiate polymerization. Because both the initiation and the rate of polymerization may be controlled with temperature, the inventive methods are especially suitable for ring opening metathesis polymerization (“ROMP”) reactions and for molding polymer articles that require extended pot-lives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert H. Grubbs, Thomas E. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 6832389
    Abstract: A sideshield eye protector is presented which includes a comfort and safety wing that is formed as a surface appendage thereon, and extends in a generally perpendicular direction from the surface of the sideshield along the contoured edge of the sideshield positioned closest to the wearer's face. The comfort and safety wing may be integral to the sideshield forming an integral structure therewith or removably attached thereto. The comfort and safety wing is oriented generally parallel with the facial surfaces and generally follows the proximate facial contours. A separate wing portion may be fabricated on both the upper and lower parts of each sideshield, the upper wing portion extending from the upper contoured edge of the sideshield which provides additional coverage over the upper portion of the eye orbits, temple and lower forehead area. The lower face about the lower eye orbit and upper cheek area has a generally parallel orientation with those facial surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Safety Optical Service Co.
    Inventor: Bennie F. Simmons, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6832390
    Abstract: A Y-shaped strap system is provided for a leg guard wherein two legs of the Y-shaped strap system are attached to one edge of a shell of the leg guard and a third leg is detachably connectable to an opposed edge of the shell of the leg guard. A V-shaped connector is provided to attach the first and second legs to the third leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
    Inventors: James M. Kleinert, David M. Timbeck, Dave L. T. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 6832391
    Abstract: A glove for protecting an individual's hand is provided. The glove includes a palm covering shaped to substantially correspond to the shape of at least a portion of the palmar side of the individual's hand, and a back covering shaped to substantially correspond to the shape of at least a portion of the dorsal side of the individual's hand. The back covering is secured to the palm covering so as to form a hand receiving opening, a thumb stall, and a plurality of finger stalls. The glove further includes a palm padding secured to selected areas of the palm covering so as to provide cushioning for the palmar side of the individual's hand, and a slip resistant material provided on selected areas of the palm covering to facilitate the gripping of an object by the individual's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Century Incorporated
    Inventor: Danny Michael Bower
  • Patent number: 6832392
    Abstract: A costume safety mask housing chemiluminescent reagents. Upon activation, the reagents illuminate the mask or features thereon for purposes of novelty illumination and safety of the wearer. The mask may include liquid, viscous liquid, or solid chemiluminescent reagents that are held in cavities. Liquid components of the instant invention may be transported through passageways in the mask to provide a flowing appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Omniglow Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Palmer, William R. Palmer, Frank J. Commisso
  • Patent number: 6832393
    Abstract: A safety visor is produced by etching of metal and a grid that defines a large number of light-permeating holes. The safety visor has at least two zones where the holes are of different areas and/or configuration. An upper central zone has greater light transmission than the remaining zones of the safety visor. The C—C spacing for the hole is constant in both the vertical and lateral directions regardless of in which region of the safety visor the holes are located. In one preferred embodiment, the holes are hexagonal with two approximately parallel sides that are longer than the remaining sides and are directed in the vertical direction of the safety visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Peltor AB
    Inventor: Jan Folkesson
  • Patent number: 6832394
    Abstract: Swimming goggles has a left frame and a right frame, a nose support connecting the left frame and the right frame together, eyeglasses received respectively in the left frame and the right frame, and a head strap movably received in outward sides of the left frame and the right frame. Engaging blocks are respectively formed on outward sides of the left frame and the right frame. Each engaging block defines a receiving hole through a center thereof and forming a tongue at a lower portion thereof. Adjusting apparatus are received in the receiving holes for adjusting the head strap. Each adjusting apparatus includes a base, a cover assembled with the base for enveloping the engaging block, and a fixing axis mounted on the base and the cover. An axis hole is defined in the base for pivotably receiving the fixing axis. The fixing axis forms a pressure arm substantially on a side thereof for pressuring the tongue, and a stop arm on the other side thereof for engaging with stop slots of the head strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 6832395
    Abstract: A swimming pool cover for preventing leaves and other debris from getting into the swimming pool, and which can be placed on the swimming pool and removed therefrom by one individual, includes a pliable mesh screen that covers the entire swimming pool, and the mesh screen includes a peripheral sleeve in which a flexible wiring is disposed for maintaining the disposition of the cover upon the pool. The swimming pool cover can be folded up and stored within a storage bag, and upon removal from the storage bag, the swimming pool cover opens up so that the individual can place the cover upon the swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Angela Marie Jeffcoat
  • Patent number: 6832396
    Abstract: An improved bathroom tap water control valve allowing back-to-back installation includes a body, a water guide and a water temperature control unit, an adaptation trough at the center of the body, the guide being hollow having a disk adapter at bottom to be received in the adaptation trough; the water temperature control unit comprised of a casing and a spindle being accommodated inside the guide; a primary and a secondary supply lines being respectively provided on both sides of the body; a primary and a secondary supply pipes connecting through the primary and the secondary supply lines being provided to the guide; an upper supply area connecting through the primary supply pipe and a lower supply are connecting through the secondary supply pipe being respectively provided on the casing of the water temperature control unit; characterized by that the guide being capable of exercising 180-degree rotation to allow interchangeable conduction between the primary and the secondary supply pipes and the primary and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Shih-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 6832397
    Abstract: A bed foundation is provided which is constructed of blow-molded plastic and may be assembled without using tools. The components of the bed foundation all have lengths of less than 60 inches and may be packaged together in a container having a length less than 60 inches and a girth less than 84 inches, so as to avoid shipping penalties. The components are constructed and arranged to allow disassembly and storage when the foundation is not in use. One embodiment provides a bed foundation that, when assembled, has a top panel which overhangs the side rails to permit an oversized mattress to be placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Select Comfort Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Gaboury, James E. Gifft, Michael A. Andreini, Alan L. Carlson, Donald J. Smith, Brian C. Beth, Kevin J. Ward
  • Patent number: 6832398
    Abstract: A support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a mattress supported by the frame. The apparatus also includes a coupler for coupling a power pack to one of the base, the frame and the mattress. The power pack is pivotable between a first area substantially underneath the frame and a second area substantially outside the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Borders, David C. Newkirk
  • Patent number: 6832399
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for accurately positioning a breast tumor of a patient in the decubitus position on examination table and preventing patient movement once the tumor is positioned and for preventing pain and loss of sensation in the patient's downwardly positioned arm and shoulder while the patient is in the decubitus position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventors: Michael G. Falbo, Sr., Kerry O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 6832400
    Abstract: A patient handling system (10) for use with a medical imaging or radiation therapy device, and an associated pallet mounting apparatus (12) for releasably mounting a pallet (18) on the pallet support assembly (16) of a patient handling system. The patient handling system (10) includes a pallet (18) for supporting a patient, and a pallet support assembly (16) for supporting the pallet (18) and for positioning the pallet (18) to facilitate the scanning of a patient positioned on the pallet (18) using the medical imaging device, or to facilitate the application of radiation therapy to a patient using a radiation therapy device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: CTI PET Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Loveday, III, Franck Picker
  • Patent number: 6832401
    Abstract: An improved spring support system is disclosed for use in seating or bedding. The invention includes an outer frame having opposed top edges. A plurality of vertically resilient members having top ends and lower ends are fixedly disposed within the outer frame in a plurality of rows and columns. An elastic top sheet is stretched between the opposed top edges of the frame and over the top ends of the vertically resilient members. The resilient top sheet and vertically resilient members cooperate to provide a resilient support surface for supporting a person seated or reclined on the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Dennis A. Setzer
  • Patent number: 6832402
    Abstract: A tire changing kit for quickly changing tires on a vehicle. The tire changing kit includes a power supply being adapted to be disposed in a vehicle and including a motor having a rotatable shaft and being adapted to be connected with wires to a power source of the vehicle and also including hoses; and also includes a jack being detachably connected to one of the hoses for raising and lowering the vehicle; and further includes an assembly of removing lugs from a tire of the vehicle including an air gun being connected to another one of the hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventors: Rosario G. Drago, Calogero A. Drago
  • Patent number: 6832403
    Abstract: A dock leveler system includes a pivotal deck whose movement provides the impetus for moving a bumper between an operative position and a retracted position. The bumper is movable relative to the deck, so that after a truck bumps up against the bumper, the bumper can move below the deck to avoid creating an obstacle to a forklift or the like traveling on the deck. The moveable bumper can be disposed within the width of a dock leveler deck that encompasses the full-width of a truck bed. Of the various embodiments, some bumpers pivot underneath the deck, and others move straight up and down. In the operative position, some bumpers are flush with the top of the deck, and others protrude above the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Hahn, Michael A. Swessel, Edward A. Raleigh
  • Patent number: 6832404
    Abstract: A collar cleaning system for dress shirts comprising a slide plate, a guiding plate, a pressured soap-water spraying subsystem and a rotating brush is presented. The shirt collar is loaded onto the sliding plate and moved under the rotating brush while being sprayed with soap water to remove the dirt ring around the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Yong Koo Hwang
  • Patent number: 6832405
    Abstract: The two-sided toilet brush has a scrub brush head having stiff bristles for loosening accumulated dirt, debris and hard water stains, and a sponge head on the opposite side for wiping away excess dirt or debris inside the toilet bowl and the top and side of the toilet rim element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Melinda Miller
  • Patent number: 6832406
    Abstract: A machine for surface preparation of a pipeline includes a vacuum shroud that encircles the pipeline. Three manifolds, each housing a plurality of ultra high pressure water nozzles, are mounted in the vacuum shroud at circumferentially spaced intervals. A carrier assembly advances the vacuum shroud along the pipeline at a rate that avoids contact between the water jets and uncoated pipe. The shroud also oscillates about a longitudinal axis of the pipeline so that a short extent of the pipeline is subjected to the force of the water for each oscillation. The vacuum in the shroud carries away all debris created by the coat-stripping process to a closed loop filtration and recycling system. The nozzles are mounted a constant stand-off distance from the pipeline to avoid creation of hot spots during the stripping process. All motions are electronically monitored and detection of any movement failure results in system shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: AMEC Pipeline Professionals, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Boos, Edward N. Fite, Marcus Alexich
  • Patent number: 6832407
    Abstract: The moisture sensor and indicator for a wet pickup vacuum cleaner, more particularly a wet extraction type carpet cleaner, is positioned in the suction duct to sense when water droplets or moisture is traveling through the suction duct. An indicator is activated to indicate to the operator that water is being extracted from the carpet. The sensor may alternatively be located in the bottom of the floor-engaging portion where it contracts the floor. When the degree of moisture in the carpet exceeds a predetermined threshold an indicator is activated to indicate to the operator that the floor is still wet and to continue extracting moisture from the floor. Alternatively, the moisture sensor can be used as a safety device on a dry pickup vacuum cleaner. When moisture is detected within the suction duct, the motor-fan assembly of the dry pickup vacuum cleaner is disabled to prevent a potentially hazardous condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Jay M. Salem, Evan A. Gordon, Mark J. Josef, Ronald D. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6832408
    Abstract: A two-piece caddy and vacuum cleaner accessory assembly is provided. The caddy includes first and second body sections that are connected together without the use of a separate independent fastener. The first body section includes first, second and third accessory receptacles. The second body section includes first, second and third accessory engaging clips. The receptacles and clips function to hold various vacuum cleaner tools and accessories such as an extension hose, a wand, a crevice cleaning tool and a nozzle brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Roney, Eric E. Muhlenkamp
  • Patent number: 6832409
    Abstract: A floor cleaning device comprises a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle portion pivotally connected to the base. The base portion further includes a suction nozzle and a brush assembly for agitating the surface, wherein the brush assembly and the nozzle assembly are in a first position raised off of the surface for vacuuming the surface, and the nozzle assembly is lowered to a second position contacting the surface for collecting and picking up liquid and dirt from the surface. A method of cleaning a surface by first dry vacuuming the surface using a cleaning unit in which the nozzle assembly is raised to pick up particles and then wet vacuuming the floor with the nozzle assembly lowered to collect and pick up dirt from the floor mixed with cleaning solution distributed on the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Morgan, David A. Bradshaw, Douglas E. Gerber, Charles A. Lang, Adam C. Sclafani, Kevin L. Thomas, Vincent L. Weber, Robert S. Wilson, Siu Wai Hui, Wing Leung Ng
  • Patent number: 6832410
    Abstract: A side flow cooling device is disclosed. The side flow cooling device includes a heat mass with arms extending therefrom and a mounting surface for connecting the heat mass with a component to be cooled. The heat mass and the arms include a plurality of fins extending outward therefrom and aligned with a vertical axis of the heat mass. The fins have cooling surfaces and a slot between adjacent fins that are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the heat mass. A fan or the like can be connected with a side face of the cooling device to generate an air flow that is substantially along the longitudinal axis. The air flow wets over the cooling surfaces of the fins, on exposed portions of the heat mass, and on exposed portions of the arms to dissipate heat from the heat mass. The heat mass is not covered by the fan and therefore the fins can populate a substantial portion of a surface area of the heat mass thereby increasing the surface area available for cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Shankar Hegde
  • Patent number: 6832411
    Abstract: Abutment projections (54, 54) of a resin-made driver member (not shown) are inserted in the opposite end portions of a key groove (41) of a metal-made turnable member (4) in the circumferential direction. A key portion (B3) of a receiving cylindrical portion is inserted between the abutment projections (54, 54). The interval between the abutment projections (54, 54) in the circumferential direction is set to be slightly larger than the width of the key portion (B3). By doing so, when a transmission section is turned into an open position or a closed position, the abutment projections (54, 54) and the key portion (B3) are collided with each other, thereby generating a click sound. Moreover, since both the abutment projections (54, 54) and the key portion (B3) are formed of resin, they can be prevented from getting worn out soon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Koshikawa, Akira Sasaki, Hiroshi Sudo
  • Patent number: 6832412
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge assembly for an automobile armrest for reducing or preventing noise during the opening/closing of the armrest and providing smooth opening/closing force using a damping force of gears. In the hinge assembly, a first body includes a first mounting plate, a pair of first rotating members, and a first fixed gear. A second body includes a second mounting plate, a pair of second rotating members, and a second fixed gear. Hinge shaft is coaxially aligned to the first and second fixed gears at lower ends of the first rotating member of the first body and the second rotating member of the second body. A pair of springs is wound around both outer surfaces of the hinge shaft and provides a resilient force to the first and second bodies. A support plate is mounted at a rear space of a second stage tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 6832413
    Abstract: There is shown a reformable handle (10) having an air pump (12), partially surrounded by a covering (13) so as to define a chamber (17) which contains a mass of filler material (18). The handle may be reformed into another configuration by a person firmly grasping the handle (10) so as to deform the covering (13) to conform with the person's grip and evacuating the air from within the chamber (17). The removal of air from within the chamber causes the covering to constrict about the filler material thereby locking the filler material in place. The handle may later be reconfigured by actuating a pressure release valve (44) which allows the return of air into the chamber. Once air is returned the filler material may be reconfigured and the pump actuated again to re-evacuate the chamber and once again reform the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson Research & Development Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Applewhite, Reynaldo Aratea
  • Patent number: 6832414
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for clamping cable. The apparatus has an elongate body having an interior passage extending from a first end to a second end. An end of the cable inserts into the first end, is pushed through the interior passage, and pushed out the second end. A roller is mounted within the interior passage, and the cable rolls along the roller as the cable is pushed through the interior passage. A wedge slides within the body to a position adjacent the roller, and the wedge clamps the cable between the roller and the wedge. Tension in the cable in one direction causes the wedge to slide away from the roller, thus permitting the apparatus to be slid along the cable to a desired location. Tension in the opposite direction, however, causes the wedge to slide to the roller, thus clamping the cable within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Blake R. Urban, Isaac D. M. White, James E. Dickens, Kevin Forsberg, Charles Sawyer
  • Patent number: 6832415
    Abstract: A releasable slide fastener closure is formed by a pair of stringers with elements that interlock when in cooperating closed position and a slider mounted on the stringers for sliding movement along said stringers to move the elements into said interlocking closed position on movement in of the slider away from a first end and toward a second or closed end. Each of the stringers has a stop for preventing said slider from separating there from at each of its ends and the stringers are free to separate from closed position at the first end when a force is applied in a predefined direction adjacent to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Mustang Surgical Corp
    Inventors: Paul Higginbotham, Pin Yin Sheu
  • Patent number: 6832416
    Abstract: A clamp formed from a single block of resilient material, and preferably from nylon. A living hinge is formed that couples upper and lower jaws of the clamp. First and second arms extend rearwardly from the upper and lower jaws, respectively. A pivotally mounted camming member secured to one of the arms can be manually moved by a user from a first position, wherein it holds the jaws in tight, clamping engagement with an assembly position therebetween, to a second position in which the jaws can be opened. The clamp requires only a minimal degree of user effort during use, therefore making it particularly ideally suited for applications where a large plurality of the clamps must be used and repeatedly applied, then taken off from, one or more workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Dixon
  • Patent number: 6832417
    Abstract: A safety hook that includes a body having a hook portion and a shank portion, a gate that is pivotally mounted from a gate pivot point on the shank portion, and a locking element that is pivotally supported from the shank. The safety hook also includes a peninsular portion that extends between the locking element and the and the heel portion of the gate, and a spring, the spring being mounted between and against the locking element and the locking element, so that to release the gate the user simply rotates the locking element away from the peninsular portion and then rotates the closure portion in, towards the mouth of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Gary E. Choate
  • Patent number: 6832418
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced durable three-dimensional image, permitting use of the fabric in secondary carpet backing of carpet backing systems so as to reduce deformation under normal use (walking) and provide better coverage in carpet system applications. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising a spunbond and/or cast scrim, which when subjected to hydroentanglement on an imaging surface, an enhanced product is achieved. By formation in this fashion, hydroentanglement of the precursor web results in a more pronounced three-dimensional image; an image that is durable to abrasion and distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert Hartgrove, Cynthia Dawson McNaull, Russell Tindall
  • Patent number: 6832419
    Abstract: A pile fabric may be employed in automotive, furniture upholstery and other applications. Pile surfaces on such fabrics may be provided in tufts, or collections of fiber bundles, arranged in rows upon a base portion. Fabrics and methods of making fabrics which minimize the average amount of void space between respective tufts or rows are disclosed. Fabrics which provide more effective overall fabric coverage upon base portions of the fabric are described. A method of “heat shocking” fibers during the drawing of said fibers to pre-stress the fiber and thereby produce a fabric having greater bloom or bulk is disclosed. Providing differential heat history to predetermined portions of the fiber may be a suitable manner of obtaining a fiber which can be used to form a fabric having greater bulk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Curtis Brian Williamson, Michael Keller
  • Patent number: 6832420
    Abstract: An electronic device has a plurality of capacitors in an ultra-small integrated package. The device has a plurality of terminal structures on one terminal side of the package to permit inverted mounting to a printed circuit board. The terminals are widely spaced, with the individual capacitors being located entirely in between. The device is produced on a suitable substrate using thin film manufacturing techniques. A lead-based dielectric having a high dielectric constant is preferably utilized for each capacitor to provide a relatively high-capacitance value in a relatively small plate area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: AVX Corporation
    Inventor: Donghang Liu
  • Patent number: 6832421
    Abstract: The vehicle seat of the invention includes a cushioning material having a ridge surrounding and defining a seating area on the cushioning material and a skin material covering the cushioning material. The skin material and cushioning material are bonded together only within the seating area. The skin material is a laminate including, in succession, a PVC layer, a knitted fabric and a closed-cell synthetic resin foam. A water proof film may be interposed between the cushioning material and the skin material outside of the seating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobukatsu Ashida, Iwao Miyajima, Akira Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 6832422
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a post-CMP cleaning brush. The post-CMP cleaning brush is provided with a brush core and an outer brush, and the outer brush is provided with a hollow portion. The apparatus comprises a base, a fixed member, a sliding member, a plurality of posts, and an actuating device. The base holds the brush core and the outer brush, and the fixed member is disposed on the base. The sliding member is disposed on the base in a manner such that it is located at the opposite side of the fixed member relative to the outer brush disposed on the base. The posts, disposed on the sliding member, pass through the fixed member and the hollow portion of the outer brush so as to assist the brush core in passing through the hollow portion of the outer brush. The actuating device connects with the brush core so as to pass the brush core through the hollow portion of the outer brush and separate the posts, inserted into the outer brush, from the outer brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Nanya Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Fa Tsai, Chia Chi Lin, Shih Hsien Hsu, Chih-Feng Wang, Hong-wei Chen
  • Patent number: 6832423
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a golf device for use on a putting surface are provided. In one aspect, a golf device for use on a putting surface is provided that includes a ball that has a center and a first outer diameter. First and second annular members are coupled to the ball in substantially parallel spaced-apart relation. The spacing of the first and second annular members defines a spherical zone of the ball that projects radially outwardly from the center beyond the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second annular members. The first and second diameters of the first and second annular members are sized so that a first portion of the first outer peripheral surface and a second portion of the second outer peripheral surface are positioned substantially at the putting surface. The device provides rapid tactile and visual feedback of a misstroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Adrian V. Villacorta
  • Patent number: 6832424
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for in-situ milling includes a support and a pair of spaced apart rails attached to the support. The support and rails are mounted between a pair of opposed mill housing wear plate surfaces. A milling assembly is reversibly mounted on the rails in either of a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the milling assembly mills one of the wear plate surfaces. The milling assembly is reverse mounted on the rails to the second orientation for milling the other of the wear plate surfaces. This permits the support and the rails to remain in one position between the wear plate surfaces requiring only the milling assembly to be moved to accomplish milling of each of the wear plate surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Self Leveling Machines, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Brown, Tony Backhouse
  • Patent number: 6832425
    Abstract: A gasket singulation apparatus for separating one gasket from a web-connected stack of gaskets includes a mandrel for receiving the web-connected stack and an arrangement of cylinders which are used to support the web-connected stack of gaskets and to pull one gasket away from the remainder of the web-connected stack so as to singulate that one gasket. A first plurality of cylinders are used to support the web-connected stack. A second plurality of cylinders are used to pierce any connecting material between the gasket to be singulated and the remainder of the stack. Once the web material is pierced, cylinder movement is effected so as to pull the selected gasket away from the stack, allowing any connecting material to sever and thereby singulate one gasket from the stack. Once the gasket is singulated, various insertion mechanisms are disclosed for inserting the singulated gasket into a pail lid groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventors: Dale W. Taylor, Johnny M. Hickman
  • Patent number: 6832426
    Abstract: A device for decoupling an inner part and an outer part of a constant velocity joint from each other has a fastening element for gripping the inner part, an annular part placed in the end of the outer part of the joint and a nut that fits to the thread in the end of the outer part, which nut is wider than the hole in the annular part and the parts can be decoupled in a simple and safe way and without breaking the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Tuomas-Trading Oy
    Inventor: Asko Ojavuo
  • Patent number: 6832427
    Abstract: A buoyant clamp assembly and method for clamping an elongate member to a support member. The buoyant clamp assembly includes a flexible strap having first and second ends. Affixed to the exterior of the flexible strap are wear blocks. A highly frictional layer is attached to the interior of the flexible strap to increase friction between the clamping assembly and the elongate or support member. The flexible strap extends substantially around the elongate and support members. The first and second ends are adapted to be coupled to each other via a loop member. The clamp assembly also includes a tensioner assembly having first and second tensioner bars spaced parallel to one another. Capture bolts affixed to the tensioner assembly prevent the first and second tensioner bars from separating. Each of the first and second tensioner bars includes a bullnose face and the bullnose faces are in opposing relationship to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Offshore Clamp & Protector Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Larry Meuth, Stanley Brannan
  • Patent number: 6832428
    Abstract: A guide portion is provided on an upper end of a fitting portion of a weather strip at a front portion of a body of the tool. A sealer member, into which a sealing portion of the weather strip is inserted and which possesses a press guide member for pressing the upper surface of the fitting portion is provided on a portion behind the guide member of the weather strip. A vibrator, which imparts the vibration to the sealer member, is stood on the sealer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ken Miura, Eiichi Sano
  • Patent number: 6832429
    Abstract: A method for creating a hot melt foamed form for an air induction system. A block of thermal mastic elastomer is melted and blended with nitrogen gas to create a foamed material. The foamed material is applied by robotic techniques over a base material on the surface of a polypropylene glass lower shell. After the foamed material cures, a polypropylene glass cover is applied over the foamed material form to create an air tight dust/water seal. The cover does not adhere to the cured foamed material and is removable when service is necessary. The foam material can also be dispensed into a mold and then transferred to the base, allowing for changes in the shape and profile of the foamed material. This method can also be employed to create an isolation pad on an air induction system to absorb engine shock. The thermal mastic elastomer can also be employed to create a seal between the cover neck of an air induction assembly and a mass air flow sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Boyes, Robert John Lidster, Boderic Cole
  • Patent number: 6832430
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a multicolored interior member is provided in the present invention. Said manufacturing method comprises a base member and a surface member attached on a surface of said base member comprising; forming concave groove(s) in preset portion(s) of said base member, tucking said surface member into said concave groove(s) to form parting line, covering said surface member attached on one side from said parting line with a masking member, forming an engaging flange at the end edge of said masking member, inserting said engaging flange into the crevice of said parting line to fix said masking member, and then coating said surface member attached on the other side from said parting line with a different color from the color of the surface member attached on one side from said parting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Nagoya OilChemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Ogawa, Norihiko Kioka
  • Patent number: 6832431
    Abstract: A fastener catching and installation tool is provided that comprises a guide tube, a slide device, a translating device, and a pivot frame disposed on a frame. Further, catching fingers are disposed within the pivot frame, a slide device activation member is coupled to the slide device, and a translating device activation member is coupled to the translating device. In operation, a fastener is delivered through the guide tube and to the catching fingers, the slide device activation member activates the slide device to slide the pivot frame and the catching fingers proximate a workpiece, and the translating device activation member activates the translating device to insert the fastener into the workpiece. Additionally, the catching fingers are pivotably retained in the tool and comprise first and second catching fingers that define a tapered bore and opposed slots to properly position and catch a plurality of fastener sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel D. Bloch, David L. Fritsche
  • Patent number: 6832432
    Abstract: A hot-rolling mill for flat products with at least two continuous casting units, wherein the continuous casting units are followed by a shear each and a tunnel furnace with transfer car each, a common breaking-down train, a finishing train, a cooling stretch and at least one reeling device. A connecting device is arranged between the tunnel furnaces and the breaking-down train for connecting the continuously cast slabs which have been cut into the desired coil weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wilfried Bald, Dieter Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 6832433
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a machining apparatus including a work piece holder having an adapter body with an axial bore and a translating portion located within the axial bore of the adapter body. The translating portion has a proximal end for coupling with a retention knob collet of a spindle and a distal end for attaching to a collet. The work piece holder includes a retaining piece coupling the adapter body and the translating portion allowing the translating portion to move axially within the adapter body. The apparatus facilitates a rotating spindle grasping and rotating a work piece to be brought into contact with a processing tool held stationary on a work table. The present invention also includes a fixture block for attaching milling tools and other devices to a work table and a method of operating a milling machine utilizing the fixture block and work piece holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Rockford Products Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney M. Kramer
  • Patent number: 6832434
    Abstract: Methods of forming thermal ink jet resistor structures for use in nucleating ink are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a layer of conductive material over a substrate, and patterning and etching the layer of conductive material effective to form one or more arrays of resistors. Individual arrays comprise multiple, parallel-connected resistor elements and the resistor elements are configured such that failure of any one resistor element will not render its associated resistor array inoperative for nucleating ink. The resistor elements of individual arrays are formed such that collectively, the resistor elements are not independently addressable. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: John B. Rausch, David A. Shade