Patents Issued in March 1, 2005
  • Patent number: 6859977
    Abstract: A security closure assembly for a door or a window in an opening of a building for preventing unauthorized access therethrough when in a secured position and for allowing ingress to and egress from the building when in an open position is provided. The security closure assembly includes a jamb having an outwardly facing surface and a jamb flange protruding outwardly from the outwardly facing surface of the jamb. The security closure assembly also includes a frame which fits within said jamb with a space defined between the frame and the jamb. A protrusion extends from the frame which overlays the space defined between the frame and the jamb. The protrusion has a channel which surrounds the jamb flange when the frame is in the secured position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Kane Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Morgan, Richard P. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6859978
    Abstract: A flip phone having a hinge mechanism with an auto-lock function includes a main body, a flipper, a sleeve shaft, a torsion spring, a first bush and a second bush, a torsion spring, and a first chute and a second chute. The torsion spring having a first spring end and a second spring end is disposed between the first bush and the second bush. The first spring end connected to the first bush synchronously rotates with the first bush and the second spring end connected to the second bush synchronously rotates with the second bush. The first bush is rotatably coupled to the first chute, and the second bush is rotatably coupled to the torsion spring chamber so that the flipper is rotatable around the hinge mechanism longitudinal axis to be in an opened position or a closed position. When the rotating object remains in the closed position, the torsion spring stores energy for unfolding the rotating object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventor: Long-Jyh Pan
  • Patent number: 6859979
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cabinet fitting, in particular a hinge, with integrated braking and damping device, including a fastenable hinge arm on a cabinet component and a fastenable hinge cup on another movable cabinet component that is connected by at least one articulated lever with the hinge arm. The invention is characterized by the driver plate, which can slide, is held in the hinge cup and can be operated directly or indirectly by the articulated lever and has held in the hinge cup at least one pivoting or swiveling brake plate moves turning, so that the brake plate has at least one brake surface that glides on at least one corresponding, fixed brake surface or, on one opposite the first brake surface, a second movable brake surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Grass GmbH
    Inventors: Remo Egger, Wolfgang Mueller
  • Patent number: 6859980
    Abstract: A slim profile covered pinned hinge is provided which comprises a first hinge member, a second hinge member, and a mechanically articulated cover. The first and second hinge members are pivotally connected by a pin. The first and second hinge members may each further comprise a leaf for attachment to a hinged object, a door or door jamb for example, and at least one knuckle through which the pin may be received. The cover may be elongated and has an internal cavity, thereby allowing the cover to be slipped over the hinge concealing the knuckles and joints therebetween of the hinge members. The cover has two ends and may be mechanically coupled to the pin at one or both ends. In one embodiment, at least one end of the pin may have at least two gears comprising a gear segment. The ends of the cover may have at least one gear rack to engage the gears on the end of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Austin R. Baer
  • Patent number: 6859981
    Abstract: A fine adjustable sliding buckle is described. The fine sliding adjustable buckle has a base having two pairs of axial holes respectively for axially fitting the axles of the releasing plate and fine adjustment handle. The axles positioned on the two sides of the fine adjustment handle and the releasing plate are fitted in the axial holes on the same side of the base, and the handling portion of the fine adjustment handle has a receiving hole for receiving the releasing plate. Thus the fine adjustment handle and the releasing plate are positioned along the same direction and are positioned almost on the same plane to prevent accidental touch which would otherwise accidentally release the releasing plate from the base to loosen the adjustment belt. Thus, the fine adjustable sliding buckle of the present invention is easy to operate, safe and compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Industrial Fastener Corporation
    Inventor: Hsiung-Ming Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6859982
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector for releasable joining of two ends of material. The invention involves two generally symmetrical connector halves which engage with one another to maintain a connection capable of resisting opposing tension forces. A spring-force ball and socket arrangement is incorporated in each body half to maintain a secure connection. Rotatable interlocking tongue-and-groove structures provide ease of use and effective resistance to tension forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Mario R. Carrillo
  • Patent number: 6859983
    Abstract: In the present invention, a hydroentangled and three-dimensionally patterned fibrous material is printed or dyed with suitable coloring agents that are beneficial in enhancing the ability of the material to disrupt or obscure objects placed beneath such material. A three-dimensional pattern in the fibrous material results in a camouflage fabric with enhanced realism due to ability of the fabric to transmit varying amounts of direct and incidental light, thus producing shape-obscuring shadows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Curtis, Samuel K. Black
  • Patent number: 6859984
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a matrix array ultrasonic transducer having an integrated interconnection assembly. A piezoelectric member, formed by a plurality of individual elemental transducers arranged in M×N matrix configuration, is provided and an interconnect interface device is joined to the rear face of the piezoelectric member. A plurality of printed circuits are then attached to the interconnect device so as to enable the resultant transducer array to be electrically connected to an external cable. The interconnect device is formed by an insulator member having dimensions in accordance with those of the piezoelectric member. A drilling operation is performed on the insulator member to form a corresponding array of through holes. The insulator member is then metallized and a resin used to provide filling of the through holes. Grooves are formed in at least one face of the insulator for receiving the printed circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Vermon
    Inventors: Dominique Dinet, Leong Ratsimandresy, Rémi Dufait, An Nguyen-Dinh, Aimé Flesch
  • Patent number: 6859985
    Abstract: A blade attaching structure including a connecting shaft on a blade side detachably supported on an attaching groove formed on a wiper arm, wherein secure fixation becomes possible while attaching and detaching operations are simplified. An attaching groove formed on a wiper arm has a dovetail groove shape having a groove entrance portion with a groove width, the connecting shaft including a fixed shaft fixed on a bracket and a spacer having a cylinder sliding portion which is incorporated in the fixed shaft to be slidable in the rotational direction of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Nakazawa, Yoshinori Masuda
  • Patent number: 6859986
    Abstract: A system for loading self-expanding stents into a stent delivery system that comprises a lubricious coating on one or more components to substantially reduce the frictional forces associated with loading stents. The stents may be bare or coated stents. The lubricious coating comprises a solution of Dow Corning® MDX4-4159 Fluid 50% Medical Grade Dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Karen Paulette Jackson, Jonathan George Parker, Christopher William Widenhouse
  • Patent number: 6859987
    Abstract: An apparatus for crimping a ferrule onto a cable includes a base to rest the cable on, and a cable stop spaced from the base. The cable stop has a surface to rest a connector connected to an end of the cable. The surface is slanted downward and away from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Incorporated
    Inventors: Monty Jake Foster, Joe Capobianco
  • Patent number: 6859988
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a compact, low-cost, lightweight, versatile and easy-to-operate, processor-controlled carving and multi-purpose shaping device (“PCCMPS machine”). The PCCMPS machine that represents one embodiment of the present invention is configured, in part, similarly to common, commercially available portable wood planers and ubiquitous laser and ink-jet computer printers, with work pieces fed into the PCCMPS machine in a horizontal direction. The PCCMPS machine includes a motor-powered cutting head that can power detachable bits to drill, cut, shape, and rout a work piece under processor and computer control. The cutting head may be translated, under processor control, back and forth across the surface of the work piece in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the work piece is fed into the PCCMPS machine and moved by motor-powered rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: LHR Technologies
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Lovchik, James David Jochim, Dennis Girard Lawler
  • Patent number: 6859989
    Abstract: An improved fixture and method for assembling a structure, wherein the improved fixture comprises a frame and a pair of position compliance devices. The compliance devices are attached to a selected one of the ends of the fixture frame for engagement with the arms of a selected one of a headstock and a tailstock used to rotate the fixture and structure to be assembled. The compliance devices each comprise a slidable block having a locating pin rotatably mounted therein, which enables the fixture to be accurately and removably positioned between a headstock and a tailstock, serving to reduce unwanted stress on the fixture and the structure to be assembled during rotation. Removability of the fixture and structure to be assembled facilitates convenient loading/unloading of the structure and 360 degree access to the structure and fixture by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: The Boler Company
    Inventors: Eric Talbott Bauer, Paul Edward Miller, Jeffrey R. Wittlinger, Gary E. Gerstenslager
  • Patent number: 6859990
    Abstract: The circuit characteristics of an intermediate layer between an uppermost layer and a lowermost layer of a ceramic multilayer substrate with substrates laminated can be evaluated. A method for evaluating the characteristics of the intermediate layer circuit is provided. The intermediate layer circuit is installed on the intermediate layer of the multilayer substrate and has a wiring and a grounding pad, holding grounding potential, formed in the vicinity of the wiring. The method includes steps of: irradiating a region of the upper layer substrate located above the grounding pad of the intermediate layer with a laser to ablate material to a predetermined thickness; polishing the upper layer substrate ablated to the predetermined thickness with a hard polishing tool to expose the wiring and/or grounding pad; and bringing a probe needle in contact with the exposed wiring and/or grounding pad to evaluate characteristics of the intermediate layer circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigenori Nakatuka, Akira Inoue, Kenichiro Choumei
  • Patent number: 6859991
    Abstract: Insertion devices may be used to insert portions of pre-wound coils into the slots of dynamoelectric machine components. Some machine components may have poles that have pole tips that extend away from the pole in a peripheral direction. Such pole tips may obstruct access to the slots from the axial region of the bore. The coil insertion devices may have a ram that has a longitudinal axis and may be configured to insert a portion of a stretch of pre-wound coil into a bore of the machine component. The coil insertion devices may have pushing members that move in a direction having a circumferential component with respect to the axis. The pushing members may insert portions of stretches of pre-wound coils into machine component slots that are difficult to access from the axial region of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Axis USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Stratico
  • Patent number: 6859992
    Abstract: A method provides a heat shield on an electric motor. The motor has a housing and an endcap coupled to an end of the housing. The endcap includes a bearing pocket constructed and arranged to cover a bearing structure. The method includes coupling a heat shield directly to the motor so as to surround and cover the bearing pocket, with a portion of the heat shield being spaced from the bearing pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Gubbels
  • Patent number: 6859993
    Abstract: A permanent split capacitor electric motor is constructed by using existing components of a known shaded pole motor design to reduce engineering, tooling, inventory and other manufacturing costs of the new motor and, potentially, the known design through economics of scale. The alterations to the known motor principally involve different winding circuits and the addition of a capacitor. The new motor can be reversed with a single switch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Electric Motors and Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Nutter
  • Patent number: 6859994
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inductor is performed in such a manner that the surface of a metal wire provided with an insulating film thereon is coated with a thermal melting resin. The thickness of the thermal melting resin is, for example, approximately 1 ?m. As the thermal melting resin, a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, such as a polyimide resin or an epoxy resin, containing 85 wt % of a powdered ferrite is used. This coated metal wire is densely wound to form a solenoid-type coil conductor. Next, the thermal melting resin is softened by a heat treatment at, for example, 180° C. and is then solidified by spontaneous cooling. Accordingly, the portions of the coil conductor adjacent to each other are bonded together by the thermal melting resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisato Oshima, Takeshi Shikama, Junichi Hamatani, Iwao Fukutani, Kenichi Saito
  • Patent number: 6859995
    Abstract: A new fixture which is capable of holding an HSA throughout all processes is invented so that Quasi-Static Test can be done before swaging. Handling operations are reduced and rework is made much easier. The invention further provides a process for testing the HSA by means of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Sae Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Kamigama, Huegung Wang, Yiusing Ho, Chunkau Leung, Waikong Cheung, Shinji Misawa, Jinsuo Sun, Wenxin Chang
  • Patent number: 6859996
    Abstract: The present invention provides a computer directed head stack assembly installation system with an installation software stored on recordable media directing the controlling a sequence of head stack installation assembly steps executed by a robotic assembly to pick and place a head stack assembly into a basedeck. The installation software program monitors compliance of the placement operation regarding mechanical resistance encountered by the head stack assembly engaging the basedeck compared to a dynamic force threshold F determined by the equation [F=(f(p)+/?x)] and against the dynamic slope V determined by the equation [V=V=(fn?fn?1)/(pn?pn?1). Upon successful installation of the head stack assembly into the basedeck forming the head disc assembly, the head disc assembly is released from the head stack assembly installation station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Russell P. Slife, James R. Jenkins, Roger A. Jessen, Ronald D. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6859997
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic write element for use in a magnetic data recording system such as a disk drive. The invention provides a method of manufacturing a well defined coil, which avoids the problem of shallow wall angle problems exhibited by prior art methods due to coil mask shrinkage during high temperature bake. A series of trenches are provided in the coil mask, the trenches being shallower than the coil pattern, and not extending completely through the coil pattern. During the high temperature baking process shrinkage of the coil mask will be absorbed by the trenches and not transferred to the coil pattern, preventing deformation of the coil wall portion of the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), Inc.
    Inventors: Lijun Tong, Kevin Lin, Joyce Hsiang, Yirong Hu
  • Patent number: 6859998
    Abstract: An article is formed as a substrate having a projection extending outwardly therefrom. The article may be a magnetic recording head and the projection a write pole. The projection has a width in a thinnest dimension measured parallel to a substrate surface of no more than about 0.3 micrometers and a height measured perpendicular to the substrate of not less than about 5 times the width. The article is fabricated by forming an overlying structure on the substrate with an edge thereon, depositing a replication layer lying on the edge, depositing a filler onto the edge and the substrate, so that the filler, the replication layer, and the overlying structure in combination comprise a continuous layer on the substrate, selectively removing at least a portion of the replication layer from a free surface of the continuous layer inwardly toward the substrate, to form a defined cavity, and depositing a projection material into the defined cavity to form the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Kruger, Benjamin L. Wang, Patrick R. Webb, Howard G. Zolla
  • Patent number: 6859999
    Abstract: The invention provides for a method of manufacturing a stacked power chip resistor. The method includes adhering a first chip resistor to a second chip resistor with a glass encapsulant, connecting a first terminal of the first chip resistor to a first terminal of the second chip resistor with the first metal barrier, and connecting a second terminal on the first chip resistor to a second terminal of the second chip resistor with a second metal barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Vishay Techno Components, LLC
    Inventors: Louis P. Huber, Ziv Shoshani
  • Patent number: 6860000
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method to embed a thick film resistor composition into a printed wiring board comprising the steps of applying a reinforcing composition onto a resistor composition disposed on a metallic substrate forming an assembly wherein the resistor composition is at least partially coated with the reinforcing composition; processing the assembly; and applying the assembly onto at least one side of an organic substrate forming a component wherein the organic substrate is at least partially coated with an adhesive layer and wherein the reinforcing composition side of the assembly is embedded into the adhesive layer. The reinforcing composition allows laser trimming of the fired resistor and also eliminates cracking during lamination steps of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: John James Felten
  • Patent number: 6860001
    Abstract: A splicing device for connecting component belts via metal splicing two jaws that can be pressed together. At least two centering pins are located in one of the jaws. The centering pins are spaced at single or multiple intervals of holes of transport perforation provided in the component belts. The centering pins enter into corresponding holes in the other jaw when the two jaws are closed together. The jaws are also provided with a cutting device with knives by way of which the component belts can be cut to length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rudolf Henghuber
  • Patent number: 6860002
    Abstract: When both first and second preferred nozzles are set up as valid, and both nozzles are stored in a nozzle stocker, the replacement with the recommended nozzle stored in the stocker is made and a CPU controls the operation based on control data. When both are set up as valid, but only the second preferred nozzle, not the first preferred nozzle, is stored in the stocker, the CPU 20 recognizes which nozzle is available by using nozzle positioning data stored in a RAM, and then the replacement with an alternative nozzle is made, and the CPU controls the operation according to the control data of the alternative nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Oyama
  • Patent number: 6860003
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a low impedance surface-mount connector comprises a length of cylindrical rod having an I-shaped cross section. The device permits interconnection by pick-and-place techniques, and the interconnection has advantageous qualities of low resistance, low inductance, mechanical compliance and ease of manufacture. A first circuit device having one or more circuit components is interconnected with a second circuit device by surface mounting such connectors on the first circuit device, providing corresponding solder pads on the second circuit device, and mounting the connectors of the first circuit device onto the pads of the second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: DI/DT, Inc.
    Inventor: Apurba Roy
  • Patent number: 6860004
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a thermally conductive circuit board with high heat dissipation, high conductivity and high ground-connection, a sheet-like thermally conductive resin composition containing 70 to 95 wt. % inorganic filler and 5 to 30 wt. % thermosetting resin composition, a lead frame as a wiring pattern, and an electrically conductive heat sink with a metal pole placed therein are superposed, heated and compressed, and thus are combined to form one body. Consequently, a thermally conductive circuit board with a flat surface is obtained in which a grounding pattern is grounded to the heat sink inside the insulating layer. Thus, the grounding pattern and the heat sink can be connected electrically with each other in an arbitrary position inside the insulating layer of the thermally conductive circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Hirano, Seiichi Nakatani, Mitsuhiro Matsuo, Yoshihisa Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6860005
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a printed circuit board efficiently within a short time is disclosed. Two areas R1 and R2 to fabricate two printed circuit boards are assigned to a single original board 5 from which a plurality of boards are available. A first automatic mounting area 1 where the chip parts are mounted to obtain one printed circuit board is set in the area R1. A second automatic mounting area 2 where the chip parts are mounted to obtain another printed circuit board is set in the area R2. An automatic mounting range 3, including the two automatic mounting areas 1 and 2, is set in a predetermined range of the original board 5 in such a manner as to correspond to the range where the chip parts mounter carries out the work of mounting the chip parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Orion Electric Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Nakakura, Takayuki Kado, Masaki Terada, Takashi Tokuda
  • Patent number: 6860006
    Abstract: A monolithic electronic component includes a composite body having a plurality of stacked ceramic layers. The ceramic layers include interconnecting conductors provided in each of the ceramic layers, including first terminals, arranged on a first end surface in the stacking direction of the composite body, for defining connections with an interconnection substrate, and second terminals, arranged on a second end surface opposite of the first end surface of the composite, for defining connections with a mounted component. The first terminals are defined by conductor layers provided on the first end surface and the second terminals are defined by exposed end surfaces of terminal via-hole conductors which extend from the inner portion of the composite to the second end surface. The exposed end surfaces of the terminal via-hole conductors are flat and are on substantially the same plane as the second end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing CO, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Sakai, Isao Kato, Kazuhiro Isebo
  • Patent number: 6860007
    Abstract: A method of producing a light-emitting-diode (LED) rope light includes the steps of preparing a plurality of light seats defining a recess therein and a plurality of metal wires having two conductive plates connected to two ends thereof; positioning two conductive plates from two different metal wires in each light seat; forming the light seats into light-emitting diodes; serially connecting the light seats to provide an LED light string; positioning the LED light string into a hollow power cord holder with two electrodes of the LED light string connected to two power cords embedded in the power cord holder; and quickly enclosing said power cord holder with a transparent outer tube by way of injection molding to form an LED rope light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: Li-Wen Liu, Wei-Jen Liu
  • Patent number: 6860008
    Abstract: A method for producing fuel rails, which contain a hollow chamber that communicates with a fuel source via a connection. The fuel rail supplies fuel to a number of injection valves. At least one preassembled unit of an injection valve is integrated into the fuel rail by means of a materially adhesive connection during the production of the fuel rail and an electrical contacting of the individual injection valves is produced at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Eckhard Bodenhausen, Franco Zeleny, Horst Kirschner
  • Patent number: 6860009
    Abstract: A method of constructing a probe which includes providing a substrate and creating a first substantially asymmetrical recess within the substrate. A conductive material is located within the recess and a conductive trace is electrically connected with the conductive material. A membrane supports the conductive trace, wherein the conductive material is located between the membrane and the substrate. The substrate is removed from the conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Reed Gleason, Michael A. Bayne, Kenneth Smith, Timothy Lesher, Martin Koxxy
  • Patent number: 6860010
    Abstract: A method of forming a valve cover suitable for attachment to an engine head is disclosed. The valve cover is molded from a plastic material to include at least one structure of a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. Additionally, the design of the valve cover includes various advantages including, for example, structural integrity, ease of installation or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart R. Jones, Daryl J. Hertema, Ravi Ramanathan, Sam L. Crabtree
  • Patent number: 6860011
    Abstract: A method of attaching an air duct to a recuperator core may include welding a pair of butterpasses along a length of each of a plurality of core portions, connecting the plurality of core portions to one another to form the recuperator core and a pair of butterpasses extending along a length of the recuperator core, and attaching the air duct to the recuperator core along at least a portion of the pair of butterpasses. The method may also include controllably moving a welding torch into the air duct and along substantially the length of the recuperator core and controllably welding each butterpass to the air duct along substantially the length of the recuperator core without adding metal to the weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce David Harkins, Jan Szymon Illakowicz
  • Patent number: 6860012
    Abstract: A method for forming elastic ventilation cushion comprises the steps of arranging a plurality of needle seats at two banks, an upper bank and a lower bank, and a straight gap is formed between the upper bank and the lower bank, wherein one edge of each needle seat near the other bank is mounted with a plurality of slender needles, wherein each distal end of the needles is folded as a distal folded section; passing an elastic cushion through the gap; and moving the needle seats at the upper and lower banks so that the length of the gap is enlarged or reduced, thereby, the needles on the needle seats will pierce the elastic cushion and the distal folded section will tear surfaces of the elastic cushion to form a plurality of elastic ventilation slits on the elastic cushion. Moreover, the needle seats can be replaced by needle rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Chien Tan Lee
  • Patent number: 6860013
    Abstract: A method of joining two vehicle suspension components made from the same or dissimilar materials includes providing a first suspension component, and providing a second suspension component made from a material which is same/dissimilar to the material used to make the first suspension component, where one of the first and second suspension components is a metallic component made of a metallic material. A portion of one of the first and second suspension components is positioned within a portion of the other of the suspension components in an overlapping manner, thereby forming an overlapping portion. A metallic band may be disposed around the overlapping portion. An inductor is positioned around the overlapping portion. The inductor is energized to generate a magnetic field for collapsing at least one of the overlapping portion and the metallic band at a velocity sufficient to magnetic pulse weld the components to each other, thereby securing the first and second suspension components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Durand
  • Patent number: 6860014
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a road-bound, horizontally fitted vehicle body with a roof unit having an outer skin and an inward facing ceiling, or an outer skin and an inward facing ceiling with a ceiling frame, whereby the roof unit is a unit ready for installation, and a basic structure having longitudinal frames, the ceiling and the outer skin along with the basic structure having joining configurations that mate with each other at mutual places for joining. The process includes the steps of introducing the roof unit containing the outer skin with joining configurations, the ceiling or the ceiling and the ceiling frame, in each case with fittings already mounted in place, through an opening between the longitudinal frames, bringing the roof unit into contact with corresponding, matching configuration points of the longitudinal frames by an upward movement and permanently jointing the roof unit there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignees: Alcan Technology & Management Ltd., Johnson Controls Headliner GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Wieschermann, Duri Deflorin, Wolfgang Müller
  • Patent number: 6860015
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing an elastomeric conical flap bearing assembly for rotary aircraft including an inboard bearing element and outboard bearing element disposed within an outer housing. The outer housing has an outer surface configured with a plurality of radially extending flange elements. The outer housing has an inner surface configured to receive tapered conical bearing elements. A tapered conical elastomeric inboard bearing element is inserted into its outer housing and is bonded to the inner surface. A tapered conical elastomeric outboard bearing element is inserted into the outer housing, wherein the conical tapers of the respective bearing elements are directed in opposing directions. The bearing elements are press-fit together and the outer surface of the outboard bearing is bonded to the inner surface of the outer housing forming a bearing assembly. Simultaneously, an axial pre-load is applied to the bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Neal M. Muylaert
  • Patent number: 6860016
    Abstract: A single-handedly operated citrus fruit segmenter having first and second arms such that squeezing the arms into a closed position causes a curved movable scoop to extend into a citrus fruit proximate to a triangular blade and form a segment-shaped compartment. The actuation of the curved movable scoop occurs by a user squeezing the first arm toward the second arm. A pin on the first arm is operatively connected to an elongated slot of a cam mechanism such that the rotation of the first arm about its pivot location causes the cam mechanism to rotate about its own pivot location. Therefore, the cam mechanism, being also connected to the curved movable scoop, forces the curved movable scoop into the citrus fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Chef'N Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Holcomb, Joshua R. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6860017
    Abstract: A nipper is disclosed, having handles outwardly-biased by a spring and a removable, flexible lever member can be a second spring. The biasing force can thereby be adjusted by employment or removal of flexible lever member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Jerry Mennicken
  • Patent number: 6860018
    Abstract: Shears having a locking mechanism which ensures self-locking closure without any light gap. A tumbler (24) on one limb of the shears pivoted by a slide button (22) has a cam surface (34) interacting in a self-locking manner with a catch groove (28) on a cam surface (32) on the other limb (14). The catch groove (28) can have a larger configuration in the direction of closure. An arched cam surface may also be provided, which is eccentrically located in relation to the pivoting axis of the tumbler. A fine locking device (50) for the slide button may be provided so the slide button can be fixed in different closed positions to prevent unintentional closure in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Wolf-Garten GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Schneider, Gerhard Staudt
  • Patent number: 6860019
    Abstract: A tool head of a trimmer is provided, and has a gear mechanism housing and a rotatably drivable tool shaft that is mounted in the housing. Held upon the tool shaft is a hub portion that rotates with the tool shaft. On that side that faces the hub portion, the tool head is provided with at least one stripping edge, which has a radial component that extends from the inside to the outside, and which projects beyond the contour of the hub portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Florian Hoche
  • Patent number: 6860020
    Abstract: Provided is an ultra-precision feeding apparatus. The feeding apparatus comprises an actuator horizontally positioned between a base and a motion stage movably provided to the top of the base, first hinge member which is fixed to the base and one end of the actuator, second hinge member which is fixed to the other end of the actuator, third hinge member with two hinges which is fixed to the motion stage, and a lever member with a notch hinge which is fixed to the base and cooperates with the second hinge member and the third hinge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: Heui-Jae Pahk, Jong-Ho Park
  • Patent number: 6860021
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a self-aligning peep sight system for mounting on an archery bow for sighting a target. Self-aligning peep sight systems may provided: a balanced, symmetrical peep sight; a securely served, non-sliding peep sight; a large sight aperture; a visible, thinner, durable, solid tether; and/or safe, secure, adjustable tether/cable and tether/peep sight interfaces. Particular embodiments may comprise a peep sight having a body with a thickness and a serving channel girdling the body at the midpoint of its thickness separating a front and rear face. Sight and tether-securing apertures may extend through the body. The tether may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer and may have an end portion substantially retained within the peep sight and an opposing end portion substantially retained within internal tether channels of the interfacing clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: William L. Connelly, III
  • Patent number: 6860022
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor of an electronic instrument has a circular or substantially circular component that assumes magnetism in the vicinity of its circumference. An X axis magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field component in the X axis direction that is arranged in a position inside the vicinity of the circumference of the component, or is arranged such that a detection axis of the magnetic sensor overlaps an X axis passing through the center of the component in an arbitrary position on the X axis or on its extended line. A Y axis magnetic sensor detects a magnetic component in a Y axis direction that is arranged inside the vicinity of the circumference of the component, or is arranged such that a detection axis of the magnetic sensor overlaps a Y axis passing through the center of the component and perpendicular to the X axis in an arbitrary position on the Y axis or on its extended line. A correcting circuit corrects the signals outputted from the X axis magnetic sensor and the Y axis magnetic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Kato, Shoji Nirasawa
  • Patent number: 6860023
    Abstract: A method for characterizing distortions in the earth's magnetic field caused by a vehicle having a magnetometer affixed therein is described. The method includes repeatedly measuring the distorted magnetic field utilizing the magnetometer and obtaining a three-dimensional orientation of the vehicle axes with respect to the earth at a time of each magnetometer measurement. The method also includes receiving undistorted earth magnetic field data for the vicinity of the vehicle relative to the earth at the time of each magnetometer measurement and characterizing distortions caused by one or more of the vehicle and magnetometer errors utilizing the magnetic field measurements, the orientations of the vehicle, and the undistorted earth magnetic field data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Manfred, Randolph G. Hartman, James E. Lenz, Kevin D. Vanderwerf, Lawrence C. Vallot
  • Patent number: 6860024
    Abstract: A quoin tool and method for constructing a quoin corner and a regular corner on a structure. The quoin tool includes a two frames rotatably joined by a series of cross-members. Slots are defined between the cross-members to allow egress of mortar during bricklaying. Spaces are attached to the frame to provide along with the frame, a surface for arranging bricks in a protruding pattern. The frame removably attaches to the structure via a pair of braces and is supported by brackets attached to the bottom of the frame. The regular corner is of a similar configuration but without the spacers so that the brick are flush with an adjoining wall. Furthermore, the method includes use of a twig for quickly running and securing a leveling line to serve as a guide in laying courses of brick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Cary Joseph Kirk
  • Patent number: 6860025
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring wall thickness of a container having an open mouth includes a gauge indicator mounted on a support base, and having a first tip and a readout that provides an indication of position of the first tip. A probe arm includes a rod mounted on the base, a second tip pivotally mounted on the rod, a sleeve slidable on the rod, and a link connecting the sleeve to the second tip such that pivotal position of the second tip on the rod is controlled by position of the sleeve along the rod. The second tip is movable between a first position at which a container mouth is receivable over the second tip, and a second position at which the second tip internally engages the wall of the container in opposition to the first tip such that the readout provides a measure of container wall thickness between the first and second tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun P McMackin, James H. Jaquillard
  • Patent number: 6860026
    Abstract: A probe for position determining apparatus such as a machine tool transmits optical measurement signals to a receiver module. The probe is battery powered and the battery powers light emitting diodes which transmit the optical measurement signals. The optical measurement signals comprise serially transmitted codewords which are generated by a universal synchronous/asynchronous receiver transmitter (USART). The output of the USART is combined with a pulse width modulator which has an output having the same form as the output of the USART but with reduced duration of each pulse, thus enhancing the life of the battery powering the light emitting diodes. The pulse width modulator may also be used to set the timing of the USART.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventor: Jonathan Paul Fuge