Patents Issued in June 14, 2005
  • Patent number: 6904802
    Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope includes a tuning fork vibrator having two legs defined by piezoelectric members which are polarized in opposite directions of thickness which are bonded to each other between a first principal surface and a second principal surface, so as to have a tuning fork shape with one fixed end. Two electrodes divided in a width direction of the two electrodes are provided on a first principal surface of the respective two legs and an electrode is provided on a second principal surface of the respective two legs. Among four electrodes provided on the first principal surface of the respective two legs, two electrodes that are disposed inside-to-inside or outside-to-outside are connected together to define a driving electrode, and the remaining two electrodes define a detection electrode and a feedback electrode. All of the electrodes provided on the second principal surfaces of the two legs are connected together, and are connected to a reference voltage or are floating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Fujimoto, Hironari Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6904803
    Abstract: The inertial sensor comprises at least one vibrating element having one end connected to a support element and an opposite end connected to a test mass which is hinged to the support element by at least two link elements and which includes a cavity in which the vibrating element and a portion of the support element adjacent to the vibrating element are received. The link elements are housed in the cavity surrounding a portion of the support element to which the link elements are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Sagem SA
    Inventors: Hervé Baudry, Paul Featonby, Jean-Claude Le Roy
  • Patent number: 6904804
    Abstract: A device for acceleration measurement, in which measuring signals from a two-dimensional sensor from measuring different directions are combined (gated) with one another and then jointly evaluated in an evaluation circuit. This evaluation is carried out, for example, using a threshold-value discriminator, in order to perform a plausibility check for a crash detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Arno Schaumann
  • Patent number: 6904805
    Abstract: An accelerometer is limited to a very small displacement range, and within that range, is useful for detecting motion and change of rate of motion by optical, magnetic, or electrical means. A unique spring suspends a planar mass that is very sensitive to motion of an object in which the accelerometer is held. In one embodiment, an optical detector detects the motion of the mass by the intensity of reflected radiation. In another embodiment, a Hall-effect sensor detects the motion of the mass by a current generated by the motion of the mass in an electric field. The accelerometer may be used in a variety of automotive, appliance, and industrial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Cherry Corporation
    Inventors: Peter D. Joseph, Erik W. Linske, Kenneth A. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 6904806
    Abstract: An electronic intelligent indenter system that determines the hardness and the case depth of a hardened portion of a test part in a non-destructive manner. The system employs an electronic indenter tool having a tip. To determine the depth of the case hardened portion of the part, the indenter tip is placed in contact with the surface of the part, and a laser emits a laser beam pulse that impinges the surface of the part proximate the tip. The laser beam generates ultrasonic waves that propagate into the part. The ultrasonic waves reflect off of a transition between the case hardened portion and an unhardened portion of the part. A detector in the indenter system detects the reflected ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic waves cause the detector to generate a signal identifying the time between when the laser pulse is emitted and when the reflected wave is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventor: Roger W. Pryor
  • Patent number: 6904807
    Abstract: Shakers and methods of testing suitable for various applications, including those presenting adverse test environments. The shakers have a permanent magnet assembly mounted in a sealed housing for vibration along a shaker axis. The permanent magnet assembly is double ended, and includes at least one shorting ring to hold down the inductance of the driving coils at higher frequencies. Fluid cooling (or heating) of both the shaker housing and the permanent magnet assembly allows placement of the shakers inside a temperature test chamber. The shakers may be coupled directly to the article to be tested, or coupled singularly or in a plurality to a test table to which an article to be tested is coupled. Various embodiments and methods of testing are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Labworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary C. Butts
  • Patent number: 6904808
    Abstract: A cover plate (130) which is a plate member made of sapphire is joined to a pressure sensor chip (110), to which a buffer member (120) is fixed, by using a coating solution prepared by adding titanium dioxide to an aqueous solution of boehmite (AlO(OH)) which is a hydroxymineral of aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Masuda
  • Patent number: 6904809
    Abstract: An integral trap magnetic flowmeter having an inlet in fluid communication with a sensing passage, the sensing passage intersecting a magnetic field, having electrodes for detecting a flow-dependent voltage induced by the passage of conductive liquid through the magnetic field, and having an outlet at an elevation such that the sensing passage volume normally remains filled with conductive liquid. By maintaining standing liquid in the sensing passage at a height sufficient to fill the sensing passage volume, the flowmeter's response may be made more rapid and more accurate, particularly during the early stages of a short duration liquid discharge. By providing an integral trap, installation errors may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Knud Torp Aundal
  • Patent number: 6904810
    Abstract: A purge type vortex flowmeter capable of accurately measuring a flow rate of fluid over a wide range by reliably detecting the number of vortexes produced. A purge type vortex flowmeter which comprises a vortex generator (2) mounted in a passage of fluid to be measured in a flow pipe (1), two conduits (4a, 4b) having pressure ports (3a, 3b) in both side surfaces of the vortex generator for communication with the outside thereof and a front conduit (4c) having a pressure port (3c) in the front surface of the vortex generator. Purge fluid from a purge supply source is fed by a purge introducing means through a tube (5), the conduits (4a, 4b) and the front conduit (4c) into a flow of fluid to be measured in the flow pipe. Purge streams alternatively fluctuating by the effect of a difference from a fluctuating vortex pressure are discharged from the conduits (4a, 4b) through their pressure ports (3a, 3b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Oval Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Oomura, Jun Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 6904811
    Abstract: A flow meter, such as a gas meter, for measuring the flow velocity and/or the volumetric through-flow of fluids. The flow meter has a body with connecting flanges for connecting the meter to a pipeline for the fluids. The meter has a tubular center piece that, on its exterior, has at least two receptacles, each of which receives a measuring device. The measuring devices are coupled to a signal processing unit. Electrical cabling between the measuring devices (probes) and the signal processing unit is completely covered against damage from the exterior by partially guiding the cables through bores in walls of the center piece of the flow meter and by covering portions of the cable and protruding sections of the probes with a cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Andreas Ehrlich, Gerry Schroeter
  • Patent number: 6904812
    Abstract: A stress composite sensor has a plurality of sensor elements each including a base plate and a stress sensor disposed thereon for delivering stress signals indicating stress in one direction alone. The sensor elements have the base plates fixed together in a common plane to form a sensor segment wherein the stress sensors are provided at intervals to provide signals indicating stress in the one direction. The stress sensors optionally each include strain gauges and in an embodiment include four strain gauges. The sensor elements are arranged in rows in an embodiment and are optionally integrally fixed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Japan Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventor: Nagao Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6904813
    Abstract: A method for monitoring torque in an electric motor is provided. First, the motor current is measured and the AC torque is determined based on the measured current. The speed of the motor and the DC motor power are then determined. The DC torque is calculated as a function of the DC motor power and the motor speed. The DC torque is then compared to the AC torque. After the AC torque is verified, it is compared to a reference torque to determine if the difference between the torques is within a torque deviation tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander T. Zaremba, Miroslava Jankovic
  • Patent number: 6904814
    Abstract: A shaft (40) subject to torque about its axis (A—A) has an axial bore (42). A region (44) of the shaft (40) has a stored magnetisation, the region (44) being permanently magnetised with circumferential magnetisation about the axis (A—A) or an annulus of longitudinal magnetisation which is preferred. The stored magnetisation emanates a torque-dependent field into the bore (42). A magnetic field sensor arrangement (50) is positioned in the bore to produce a torque-dependent signal. The disclosure discusses the relationship between the radial depth (tm) of the permanent magnetisation in region (44) relative to the shaft wall thickness (t). Magnetic sensor placements include axial (52, 54) or offset arrangements of pairs of sensors (52a,b, 54,b). Dependent on the nature of the field to be sensed, sensors (5) may be oriented axially, radially or tagentially with respect to the axis (A—A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Abas, Incorporated
    Inventor: Lutz Axel May
  • Patent number: 6904815
    Abstract: A method and system of obtaining a sample of fluid flowing through a duct comprises determining an average concentration of a component species of the fluid during a test including determining first and second concentrations of the component species at first and second respective duct locations, positioning first and second sample probes in the duct so that they receive the fluid at the first and second locations, respectively, and controlling respective flow rates of fluid received by the first and second sample probes, or alternatively first and second time amounts that the flow of fluid is received by the first and second sample probes, respectively, based on the determined first, second and average concentrations. The respective flow rates or time amounts may be controlled so that component species concentration collectively received by the first and second sample probes equals the average concentration of the component species determined during the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Neil Colin Widmer
  • Patent number: 6904816
    Abstract: A system for the retrieval and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on line” analyzers or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is highly susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an assembly including a phase separation membrane and housing configured to facilitate the removal of entrained liquid from a sample gas stream. Accuracy of the sample is enhanced, and compositional changes are avoided by first extracting a sample from the process gas followed by removal of entrained liquid it may contain, with the entrained liquid removal being conducted at the prevailing process gas pressure and temperature. Thereafter the liquid free sample may be desaturated by lowering its pressure to reduce its susceptibility to condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Donald P. Mayeaux
  • Patent number: 6904817
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for inspecting a series of obstructed welds, such as those used in attaching the jet pump diffuser to a baffle plate using a jet pump adapter within a boiling water nuclear reactor (BWR). The apparatus comprises a support, a frame with holding mechanisms, a connector, a carrier and a sensor assembly and the method can comprise positioning the apparatus so that it partially surrounds the jet pump near the baffle plate attachment region and is temporarily held in place. The sensor assembly then positions a sensor adjacent an area of interest and the carrier is rotated along the frame to scan the sensor along the surface being inspected to acquire data regarding the quality or nature of the material, such as the quality of a weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Trevor James Davis, David Galbally
  • Patent number: 6904818
    Abstract: An internal inspection unit for pipe has ultrasonic transducers that inspect weld volume, weld root, and wall thickness. The ultrasonic transducers are mounted to a portion of the inspection unit that is rotatable, but no more than one full revolution. One of the units has independently movable shoes for each separate transducer. The shoes are moved between retracted and extended positions by pneumatic cylinders. The other unit has shoes that support more than one transducer, the shoes being biased outwardly by springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Larry K. Harthorn, Pedro A. Dioquino, Richard J. Milligan, Jr., Jason C. Good, Neil D. Allen, Richard D. Romero
  • Patent number: 6904819
    Abstract: Variables such as injection pressure and injection velocity are detected at a predetermined sampling cycle for each molding cycle and the variables for a plurality of past molding cycles starting from the latest molding cycle are stored. Change patterns of the stored variables of the respective molding cycles are displayed in the form of graphs in which the first axis represents time (the number of times of sampling), the second axis represents the variable values, and the third axis represents the molding cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Fanuc LTD
    Inventors: Osamu Saito, Kenji Araki
  • Patent number: 6904820
    Abstract: Methods of using an evaluation apparatus for pre-screening a material for use in an absorbent article are provided. The evaluation apparatus includes a simulated body part having a simulated skin substrate. The material is placed proximate the simulated skin substrate, and a predetermined amount of simulated physiological fluid is insulted into the material at a pre-measured location. After a predetermined time, the simulated skin substrate is removed from the body part and fluid loss measurements are taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Martha L. Tate, Audra S. Wright, Nancy H. Puckett, Andrea S. Wulz, Susan C. Paul, Jason Cohen
  • Patent number: 6904821
    Abstract: A filling level measurement device and a process for its insertion into a tank. The tank has a passage opening leading from the outside of the tank through the tank wall to the inside of the tank, and the filling level measurement device is introduced into the passage opening from the outside of the tank, and a seal is introduced between the wall of the tank and the filling level measurement device. By the nature of the seal, a smooth surface is maintained on the inside of the tank for simplified cleaning. Specifically, an opening wall that protrudes into the passage opening, tapers the passage opening toward the inside of the tank. The filling level measurement device is introduced in the lateral direction from the opening wall, protruding into passage opening, with a clearance area around the opening wall. A dog fashioned on the circumference of the filling level measurement device presses the seal in the direction of the inside of the tank, against the protruding opening wall, and into the clearance area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventor: Fritz Lenk
  • Patent number: 6904822
    Abstract: A signal transmitter for setting the operating states of an automatic gear shifting mechanism having a selector, deflectable in at least three direction, and automatically returnable into a normal position X, by which a shift position R for engaging a reverse gear, a shift position N for the interruption of torque transmission in the gear change mechanism, a shift position D for engaging a forward gear are made. Additionally, the selector can be deflected in a direction for shift position N, N1, N2 for the interruption of torque transmission in the gear change mechanism starting from the normal position X, then another direction different from the first direction and its opposite direction for selecting other shift positions R or D starting from the shift positions N, N1, N2, and again deflected in the first direction after deflecting to other direction for selecting the other shift positions R or D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Mētallwaren AG
    Inventors: Jörg Meyer, Andreas Giefer
  • Patent number: 6904823
    Abstract: A haptic shift device for use in shift-by-wire systems in vehicles. The haptic shift device includes a shift lever manipulatable by a user. At least one sensor detects a position of the shift lever, and a transmission gear of the vehicle is caused to be changed based on the position of the shift lever. At least one electrically-controlled actuator outputs a force on the shift lever. In some embodiments, the shift lever is moveable within a pattern and is blocked from areas outside the boundaries of the pattern. The actuator(s) can be active or passive, and/or a variable mechanical gate can be used to implement the pattern. Provided shifting modes can include automatic, manual, and/or sequential modes. Other shifting modes can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Levin, Steven P. Vassallo
  • Patent number: 6904824
    Abstract: A shifting arrangement for a manual shift lever has an intermediately connected adjusting device which comprises a rigid outer lever connected with a shifting shaft, in which outer lever a swingingly disposed inner lever is arranged which is connected with transmission devices to the manual shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.f. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Edmund Sander, Ralph-Maria Netzker
  • Patent number: 6904825
    Abstract: A shift control device for a transmission mechanism for a motor vehicle having a shift control lever 2 provided in the vicinity of a steering wheel 1 for column shifting, a steering shaft 16 movable in response to the operation of the steering wheel 1, and a shift shaft 22 rotatable when the shift control lever 2 is operated in a first direction d2 and axially movable when the shift control lever 2 is operated in a second direction which is different from the first direction, wherein an axial direction S2 of the shift shaft 22 is different from an axial direction S1 of the steering shaft 16. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a transmission mechanism shift control device for preventing the occurrence of a gear shift that the driver does not intend and improving further the operability thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Arai, Noritosi Hasumi, Nobuhiro Uchijima
  • Patent number: 6904826
    Abstract: An arm bearing for an articulated-arm awning having a pillow block hinged on a bracket. The pillow block is provided on one end with at least one bearing eye for receiving one awning arm in rotary fashion. A threaded rod limits the tilting angle between the bracket and the pillow block. A first end of the threaded rod being adjustably screwed into a locating opening in the bracket and a second end of the threaded rod being provided with a head that rests against a stop on the pillow block in a maximally tilted angular position. The arm bearing includes a locking member with which the threaded rod can be fixed on the stop. The locking member includes a locking slide that can be coupled with the awning arm via a connection element to induce rotary movement of the awning arm to disengage the locking slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Paul Voss GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Karl Hesener
  • Patent number: 6904827
    Abstract: An automatic transmission operating lever which includes a knob with a switch, a lever member and a conducting wire wired in the knob to send a signal from the switch. The lever member includes a rod to be inserted into the knob and a lever base having an end face to which the rod is connected. An insertion hole is provided on an end face, and the conducting wire is inserted thereto. A guide path communicates with the insertion hole and guides the conducting wire in a direction crossing an axial direction of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Fujikiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Arakawa, Ryoichi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 6904828
    Abstract: A corkscrew assembly (50) has a tubular body (52) mounted on an upright slide bar (75) by means of a collar (72) which is connected to the body (52) by an arm (73). The slide bar (75) is carried by pillars (76) on a base plate (77) which in use is attached to a wall or the like above a horizontal work surface. The collar (72) can be moved up or down on the slide bar (75) for height adjustment of the body (52) to engage a mouth (85) at a lower end of the body (52) with the neck of a bottle placed on the work surface below the body (52). Locking means is provided on the collar (72) to releasably lock the collar (72) on the slide bar (75) when engaged with a bottle to securely hold the bottle for cork extraction. An actuating lever arm (68) on the body (52) can then be moved downwardly from a raised position to operate drive means on the body (52) to screw a corkscrew (57) into the cork of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen Kane
  • Patent number: 6904829
    Abstract: Deadblow hammers capable of minimizing or eliminating recoils when the hammers impact their targets are discussed which have easy access anti-recoil chambers and which have open sockets for receiving handles that extend the length of the hammerhead body. These hammers incorporate filler materials, which function to negate the effects of the hammer recoils, with improved filling port(s) for filling the filler materials. Golf clubs with anti-recoil chamber and insert elements are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony Krallman
  • Patent number: 6904830
    Abstract: Broken bulb remover for removing a broken light bulb by twisting the glass stem protruding from the remnants of the broken bulb. A pair of longitudinal members of non-conductive material with handles on one end and semi-cylindrical engagement sections on the other end is connected together for pivoting about a fulcrum pin and socket. The engagement sections have silicone tabs for centering and stabilizing the tool when the handle sections are squeezed. Internal radial ribs on the engagement sections enclose and twist the glass stem to remove the broken bulb. A transparent non-conductive shield is mounted around the fulcrum sections to protect against electrical shock and broken glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Alden Corporation
    Inventor: Yvon J. Desaulniers
  • Patent number: 6904831
    Abstract: A rivet setting device for setting a self-tapping rivet in a work piece includes a rotatable head for rotating a self-tapping rivet to form a hole in the work piece and a shank retracting assembly for compressing and spreading the hollow body of the self-tapping rivet, allowing the head of the self-tapping rivet to detach from the shank upon application of a predetermined tensile force. The rotatable head comprises a clutch having a body enclosing a plurality of bearings circumferentially located around the shank, for gripping the shank. The clutch is formed with a plurality of tapered channels for urging the bearings into engagement with the shank upon rotation of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: A. L. Pepper Aasgaard
  • Patent number: 6904832
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a wrench body, a ratchet wheel, a pawl member, a control member, a direction control member, and a locking plate. Thus, the pawl member engages the ratchet wheel rigidly and closely, so that the pawl member and the ratchet wheel have the optimum locking state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Yu Tang Chen
  • Patent number: 6904833
    Abstract: An asymmetrical wrench and fastener system comprising radially extending splines having opposing surfaces whose inner ends are inclined by different amounts with respect to a radius intersecting the respective inner ends to alter the torque between the tightening and loosening directions. This configuration makes it either easier or harder to loosen the fastener than it was to tighten it, depending on the amount the opposing surfaces of the splines are inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Wright Tool Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Wright
  • Patent number: 6904834
    Abstract: A screw-belt advancing mechanism of a screw driving gun includes a barrel unit, a sliding unit connected telescopically to the barrel unit and movable relative thereto between extended and retracted positions, a pivot pin mounted on the sliding unit, and a spring-biased lifting member to engage releasably a screw-retaining belt fed into the sliding unit. The lifting member is pivoted to the pivot pin, and is associated with the sliding unit in such a manner that the lifting member is moved toward the barrel unit and pivots about the pivot pin in a first direction so as to push the screw-retaining belt to a desired position, in which, a selected screw on the screw-retaining belt is aligned with a driving shaft in the barrel unit when the sliding unit slides from the extended position to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Chao-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 6904835
    Abstract: Disclosed is a coupler that grips the internal surface of a torque receptor such as a pipe or driveshaft to be turned. When torque is applied to the coupler, one or more gripping surfaces are forced apart by a cam mechanism. The gripping surfaces tightly engage the internal surface of the pipe in response to movement of an internal cam. Torque applied to the wrench causes the pipe to turn. Because the wrench grips the internal diameter of a torque receptor, it can be used without damaging the external surface of the torque receptor, and used in very confined spaces. The gripping surfaces distribute the gripping load evenly across the pipe, which minimizes any deformation of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: DJ Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Dugan, Steven X. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6904836
    Abstract: A screw holding screwdriver adapter includes first and second elongated mating elements held together by a mounting member. The mounting member engages the elongated mating elements in an opposed relationship so as to define a screwdriver shank engaging portion between the first ends with the second ends cooperating to define a screw engaging portion. The first and second elongated mating elements and the mounting member further define a screwdriver blade and shank receiving opening therein. The screw engaging portion is formed to fit easily in the slot of a screw and to expand, when the blade of a screwdriver is inserted between the second ends, to grip the screw until the screw can be partially engaged in a desired opening. The adapter can then be slid up the screwdriver shank or removed from the screwdriver and the screw is mounted in a normal fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Petru Andrei
  • Patent number: 6904837
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The frame assembly includes a rigid outer frame, an inner grid comprised of a plurality of lengthwise and crosswise extending bars, and a plurality of clamp devices attaching the bars to the outer frame. Each clamp device includes an upright plate member in which is formed a substantially U-shaped upper cavity. A wedge is disposed within the cavity for sliding movement between clamped and released positions to rigidly hold the ends of the bars of the inner grid to the outer frame. In an alternate embodiment, the clamp has an upper and lower cavity together with upper and lower wedges which are simultaneously moved between clamped and released positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 6904838
    Abstract: A restraining net launching device includes a planar restraining net which is tightly packed into a cylindrical shape having an outside portion. This restraining net, when planar or unfurled, includes a perimeter which is heavier than a remainder of the net. A launcher is provided in which the packed net is loaded, and from which the packed net is launched toward a target when desired. The launcher includes rifling which engages the outside portion of the packed net during launching. A source of propelling gas is used for propelling the tightly packed restraining net out of the launcher during launching. When the launching device is fired, the rifling of the launcher engages the outside portion of the packed restraining net to cause the tightly packed restraining net to rotate about the longitudinal axis and hence to unfurl after exiting the launcher with the heavier perimeter radially outermost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Frank J. Dindl
  • Patent number: 6904839
    Abstract: An oleopneumatic actuator cylinder device for steering and self-centering for the alignment to a straight drive of steering or self-steering axles, in particular for rear axles of vehicles, is constituted by a single oleopneumatic actuator cylinder for each rear steering axles. The actuator cylinder comprises a pneumatic sector communicating with a respective pneumatic circuit, an oleodynamic sector communicating with a respective oleodynamic circuit, a stem kinetically connected to the a mechanical driving element to move the wheels of the vehicle, and a central body that delimits the pneumatic sector and the oleodynamic sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Armando Biondi
  • Patent number: 6904840
    Abstract: A brewer apparatus includes a tray assembly for positioning and securing a pod enclosing a beverage component below the brew head of the apparatus. The tray assembly is generally constructed so as to allow selective movement of the tray assembly between a first position where it is positioned below the brew head, and a second position where it extends away from the housing of the brewer apparatus, thus allowing access to the quantity of beverage component. Furthermore, the brewer apparatus can be pivoted between a closed position where it is sealed against the tray assembly for brewing and an open position where it is pivoted upwardly and away from said tray assembly to allow for the selective movement of said tray assembly from said first position to said second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Grindmaster Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pfeifer, Michael J. Edrington
  • Patent number: 6904841
    Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes a work surface table height adjusting assembly. Such a strapping machine has a machine frame, a work surface for supporting a load mounted to the frame a strap chute for carrying the strap around the load, a feed assembly for feeding and retracting strap and a weld head for sealing the strap to itself. The machine frame is mounted to leg assemblies by first and second height adjustment assemblies. Each height adjustment assembly is configured to raise and lower a portion of the work surface relative to a fixed portion of the leg assemblies. The assemblies each include a pair of adjusting rods lying along a respective side of the frame, at adjacent corners of the work surface. The adjusting rods operably connect the work surface and the leg assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan J. Bobren, Russell M. Flaum, Timothy B. Pearson
  • Patent number: 6904842
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for adaptively controlling printer functions of a dot matrix printer in response to sensing the type of printer ink cartridge being used. An identifying resistive value is applied to surface of the cartridge and installed within the printer. The printer includes contacts that include sensors and sensor circuitry useful to detect a presence of the resistive indicator and the resistive value thereof. The sensed resistive value is used to directly control printer functions, and/or to access stored data or printer control routines specific to the type of cartridge, or desired performance characteristics. Stored information, which may be appended by other sensed information such as printer usage data, is used to selectively regulate printer operation to achieve maximum efficiency and performance from the particular ink cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Amano Cincinnati, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Jakubowski, Frank Benna
  • Patent number: 6904843
    Abstract: An anti-jam bezel is provided for dispensing a flexible substrate from an output slot. The output slot has a front portion for outputting the flexible substrate and a rear portion for receiving the flexible substrate from a transport. A guideway diverges away from the rear portion of the output slot toward the transport to provide a substrate receiving opening. When in use, the bezel body is mounted adjacent the transport with a cavity between the transport and the rear portion of the output slot. The guideway is adapted to catch a leading edge of the substrate exiting the transport, and guide the leading edge to the output slot. In the event the output slot is blocked, the guideway will guide at least a portion of the substrate into the cavity, thereby preventing a jam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: TransAct Technologies Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry Knobel
  • Patent number: 6904844
    Abstract: In a removing/conveying portion of a printing plate removing/supplying device, when one cassette among a plurality of cassettes is empty, the empty cassette is placed on a raising/lowering stand and moved to a loading space. Due to a spur gear being rotated clockwise by a motor, a sliding cover, with which the spur gear is engaging, is moved toward a removing portion such that an opening of a cassette stocker portion is opened. In this way, it is possible to refill and load printing plates from a top side of the cassette stocker portion into the empty cassette positioned at the loading space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Koizumi, Yoshinori Kawamura
  • Patent number: 6904845
    Abstract: The present invention relates to techniques for efficiently producing regional advertising for insertion into different magazines. In an implementation, the method includes establishing a uniform closing period for submission of advertising material, associating the advertising material for different magazines, and ganging forms so that approximately similar quantities of regional advertising for different magazines are printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Media Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Lynda McKay
  • Patent number: 6904846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety system for an ignition device (7), particularly a safety system for an ignition device (7) to activate an airbag, a belt tightener or a similar type safety device for use in vehicles. The ignition device can be activated by input signals which are fed via supply lines (3,4). At least one electronic component (10) is connected to the supply lines (3,4) using conductors (1), that can be stampings, and a nonconductive carrier (2) retaining the conductors 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Hirschmann Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Schmid, Manfred Mähr
  • Patent number: 6904847
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus to assist a model railroad hobbyist in cleaning driven or non-driven wheels of a locomotive or car. To achieve this objective, removable and invertable embodiments of the invention are disclosed. The invention provides a convenient means for replacing a conventional track segment with a dedicated cleaning segment. In one series of embodiments, a conventional track segment is replaced with a cleaning segment; in another series, a conventional segment is mounted to a support on an obverse side while a cleaning segment is mounted on a reverse side thereof. Nonlinear rail contacts are used to establish electrical continuity between the track and the mounted segments. Removal, inversion, and replacement of the support permits the user to change the segment in use. In yet another series of embodiments, the support is rotatable, thereby permitting the user to merely rotate the support from one segment to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Robert P. Bielka
  • Patent number: 6904848
    Abstract: A roof assembly mounted on a composite box structure with an air plenum assembly attached to and extending from an interior surface of the roof assembly. The composite box structure includes a pair of end wall assemblies, a pair of side wall assemblies, a floor assembly and the roof assembly. An opening may be formed in one end of the end wall assemblies to allow installing a temperature control system. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure. The composite box structure may be assembled on a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or an insulated box car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Allen E. Norton, Stephen W. Smith, William A. Knapp, Alex K. Hoover, Ronald J. Zupancich, James J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 6904849
    Abstract: The present invention is a waste incinerating method and a device for the method, characterized in that, using a combustion furnace (111) incorporating a high temperature resistant coil-shaped flue (117) and having flue heating means and a thermo sensor (128), while maintaining the temperature inside the flue at a high temperature by suppressing an air feed amount and a temperature of the heating means, exhaust smoke produced by the combustion of waste is passed through the flue for complete combustion to completely eliminate the exhaust smoke. Because any harmful substance such as dioxin is not exhausted, the method and device are suitable as the incinerating method and incinerating device for inflammable waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Toshihiro Abe
  • Patent number: 6904850
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an innovative treatment system with a large capacity of 4,000 kg to 32,000 kg /per 8 hours up to 24 hours, and an animal incinerator is of the largest capacity all over the world at the present time. The present invention, comprising assemblable and movable devices that can be moved to any location needed, provides special functions: as carcasses be fed and dismembered automatically and continuously before incinerating, solids and liquids thereof being separated automatically, wherein the liquids can be reused after being evaporated and cooled, the solids be conveyed into the combustion chamber for incinerating, and combustible materials be kept moving, stirring and burning automatically in the furnace. The incinerator is equipped with scrubbers, shifters and a conveyor in the chamber having an automatic ash withdrawal. All systems described above conform to legal environmental regulations and fully meet environmental requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventors: Ting-Ting Chang, Yu-Ting Chang, Hsiu-Ting Chang
  • Patent number: 6904851
    Abstract: An air seeder is provided having at least one container with a trough in the bottom floor. Preferably, the floor is formed with a v-shaped configuration converging at a metering mechanism. An auger is rotatably mounted in the trough to move particulate material to the metering mechanism located at a distal end of the container. The auger is powered by a motor mounted on the distal end of the auger opposite the metering mechanism. A remote fan mechanism is provided to deliver a supply of air to the metering mechanism through a pair of conveying tubes. Optionally, a sensor is provided to control the operation of the auger so that the auger only operates when it is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Russell J. Memory