Patents Issued in October 11, 2005
  • Patent number: RE38825
    Abstract: Genes encoding a glyphosate oxidoreductase enzyme are disclosed. The genes are useful in producing transformed bacteria and plants which degrade glyphosate herbicide as well as crop plants which are tolerant to glyphosate herbicide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Gerard F. Barry, Ganesh M. Kishore
  • Patent number: RE38826
    Abstract: A polishing apparatus for polishing a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer has a turntable with a polishing surface, and a top ring for holding a workpiece and pressing the workpiece against the polishing surface under a first pressing. The polishing apparatus has a pressurized fluid source for supplying pressurized fluid, and a plurality of openings provided in the holding surface of the top ring for ejecting the pressurized fluid supplied from the pressurized fluid source. A plurality of areas each having the openings are defined on the holding surface so that the pressurized fluid is selectively ejectable from the openings in the respective areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: EBARA Corporation
    Inventors: Masamichi Nakashiba, Norio Kimura, Isamu Watanabe, Kaori Yoshida
  • Patent number: RE38827
    Abstract: This invention is related to an adhesive composition which may be used to bond or seal tissue in vivo. The adhesive composition is readily formed from a two component mixture which includes a first part of a protein, preferably a serum albumin protein, in an aqueous buffer having a pH in the range of about 8.0-11.0 and a second part of a water-compatible or water-soluble bifunctional crosslinking agent. When the two parts of the mixture are combined, the mixture is initially a liquid which cures in vivo on the surface of tissue in less than about one minute to give a strong, flexible, pliant substantive composition which bonds to the tissue and is absorbed in about four to sixty days. The adhesive composition may be used either to bond tissue, to seal tissue or to prevent tissue adhesions caused by surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas H. Barrows, Terry W. Lewis, Myhanh T. Truong, Matthew T. Scholz
  • Patent number: RE38828
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new class of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides effective against a wide variety of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, retroviruses, fungi, yeast and protozoa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: IntraBiotics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert I. Lehrer, Sylvia S. L. Harwig, Conway C. Chang, Chee L. Gu
  • Patent number: RE38829
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securely restricting the viewing of television programs. When a television program has been received along with rating data associated with a rating of the television program; length data associated with a length of the program, a microcomputer determines whether the rating data are higher than a predetermined viewing restricting level. If the rating data have been found higher, a muting circuit mutes the television program until it ends with reference to the television program length data, and the program corresponding to the rating data is outputted from a tuner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Shintani
  • Patent number: 6952837
    Abstract: A ball-catching apparatus includes a main body; a first piece attached to the main body via a first inner leather piece near a thumb pocket of the main body; a second piece attached to the main body via a second inner leather piece for wrapping the little finger and the ring finger; a first band member attached at its one end to the first piece and being free at the other end; and a second band member attached at its one end to the second piece and being free at the other end. The first band member and the second band member are connectable and disconnectable to each other for fastening the thumb inserted into the thumb pocket and for exerting and releasing pressing force on the little and ring fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Trion Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Aoki
  • Patent number: 6952838
    Abstract: A sun glove (10) design for providing adjustability of the sleeve length (11). The preferred embodiment comprises a fabric casing sleeve (26), made of UV protective fabric, that can hold the gathered sleeve (11). The rest of the glove is made of UV protective fabric also, but may be different from the sleeve extension fabric. When the sleeve extension (11) covers the user's (12) upper extremity (14), the fabric casing sleeve (26) is empty and drapes over the sleeve, while still looking fashionable. A user of the adjustable sun glove (10) can increase or decrease the length of the sleeve extension (11), thereby providing more or less coverage on their upper extremities (14) as desired. Thus a considerably more versatile sun glove (10) is provided that can be adjusted to provide varying lengths, hence varying upper extremity (14) coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Elise Marina Jacqueline Gillette
  • Patent number: 6952839
    Abstract: There is provided a pad set for a protective helmet. The pad set includes a plurality of internal pads of various thicknesses. A plurality of pad retaining/locating devices each have a pocket for receiving at least one of the plurality of internal pads so as to form an individual pad of the pad set. At least one fastener for each of the plurality of pad retaining/locating devices respectively secures each of the plurality of pad retaining/locating devices to a selected location within the protective helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Long
  • Patent number: 6952840
    Abstract: Goggles includes a hard lens portion, and an soft upper protective member and a soft lower protective member combined with an upper edge and a lower edge of the lens portion, and two temples pivotally connected with two ends of the lens portion, convenient and comfortable to wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Chin-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 6952841
    Abstract: Goggles having a frame with two lateral edges, a shield borne by the frame, and a tie for retaining the frame on the user's head which is attached to each of the lateral edges of the frame. The tie for retaining the frame has a flexible cord located at each of the ends of the tie, each of the cords being connected to the frame by two upper and lower pull points separated along a lateral edge according to an upper cord strand and a lower cord point, and a return element sliding along the cord to allow the respective lengths of the upper and lower cord strands to be modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Schary, Pierre Desarmaux
  • Patent number: 6952842
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly, useable by either an adult or a child, comprises a first adult-sized toilet seat, a second child-sized toilet seat, and a lid for the seats. Each of the first and second toilet seats and the lid is mounted separately to a hinge pin, which is itself mounted to the toilet bowl. The first toilet seat is mounted to the hinge pin at two points, one on each side of a point at which the second toilet seat is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony Michael Courtney
  • Patent number: 6952843
    Abstract: An overflow system is described for a water receptacle (22) such as bathtub, sink or washbasin having a water tap for connection to a water supply. The system includes sensing means, such as a float (14), for sensing an overflow condition of the receptacle, and a supply valve (65) responsive to the sensing means and arranged to close the water supply to the tap. The supply valve may be hydraulically controllable via a control port (68) thereof. A control valve (59) is provided between the water supply and the control port The control valve is responsive to the sensing means so that upon such an overflow condition it open and the pressure of the water supply is applied to close the supply valve. Thus, there is no need for a supply of electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Andrew Peter Dunnett
  • Patent number: 6952844
    Abstract: A bed-tent provides an enclosure over a mattress. The tent forms a canopy having spaced apart panels and a flexible cover extending between the panels. Each panel includes a hoop of flexible, resilient, strip material and a sheet of flexible fabric in the space within the hoop. Retainers secure the canopy on the mattress. A supporting frame holds the panels erect. The frame has stanchions disposed externally of the canopy and releasably connected to the panels. A frame member externally of the canopy above the cover holds the stanchions upright. The hoops can be twisted or wound into flat coils of reduced diameter so that the entire canopy can be conveniently stored in a small package. The legs and the frame member are made of segments that are normally held together by elastic cords. The segments can be pulled apart and separated for storage in a convenient package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas C. Danaher
  • Patent number: 6952845
    Abstract: A combined fabric wrap and carry bag is disclosed. The combined fabric wrap and carry bag includes a first piece of fabric and a second piece of fabric affixed to the first piece of fabric to form a first pocket. In a first configuration, the second piece of fabric inverts inside-out relative to the first piece of fabric to form with a portion of the first piece of fabric a carry bag into which a remainder of the first piece of fabric may be inserted. In a second configuration, the first piece of fabric may be spread out on a supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Idea Nuova
    Inventor: Benjamin S. Akkad
  • Patent number: 6952846
    Abstract: A bed rail structured to minimize the gap between the mattress and the bed rail and including a leg portion and a rail portion. The rail portion extends upwardly on a first side of the mattress to extend beyond the sleeping surface of the mattress and prevent a person from rolling out of bed. The leg portion is sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring and extends toward a second side of the mattress. In one embodiment, the leg portion includes a distal end that is engaged to the second side of at least one of the mattress and box spring such that the distal end and rail portion hug the mattress. In another embodiment, the bed rail includes a relatively rigid cover depending from an upper portion of the rail portion to the sleeping surface so as to cover a gap that may exist between the first side of the mattress and the rail portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Nathan A. Dusheck
  • Patent number: 6952847
    Abstract: A safety device for a bed includes a plurality of padded members and a plurality of support bars connectable to the plurality of padded members via a plurality of fastening members. The plurality of support bars have opposed end portions rotatably engageable with each other. Select ones of the end portions include a plurality of notches spaced thereabout and are positionable below a mattress to thereby prevent the plurality of padded members from moving beyond a fixed position. The apparatus further includes a mechanism including a plurality of spring members for selectively locking the plurality of support bars at predetermined positions. The locking mechanism further includes a plurality of guide members secured to the plurality of support bars and a plurality of elongated locking bars removably positionable through the plurality of guide members respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Dianne L. Cleary
  • Patent number: 6952848
    Abstract: A cervical pillow and a method of making the pillow comprising a pillow casing a pillow-filling and a cervical support member disposed therein, the pillow-filling forming a head support region and the cervical support member forming a neck support region wherein the neck support region has a greater compression resiliency than the head support region allowing the neck support region to resist against compression and remain a viable source for supporting a user's neck as the head support region compressively supports the user's head thereon. The cervical support member comprises a cylindrical shaped body having tapering ends, and is retained in the pillow casing in a position spaced from the side edges of the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Paulette Strunk-Fellows
  • Patent number: 6952849
    Abstract: An organizer for a juvenile product is described. The organizer includes a frame including an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a top portion of the juvenile product. The organizer also includes a first compartment mounted to the frame and configured to receive a wet material. A first lid is disposed above the first compartment to move between an open position and a closed position and arranged to cover the first compartment in the closed position. The first lid is configured to seal the wet material within the first compartment when in the closed position. A second compartment of the organizer is configured to receive diaper changing materials, and the second compartment is mounted to the underside of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan M. Pacella
  • Patent number: 6952850
    Abstract: A no-fip mattress is constructed of a mattress core, a first padding layer positioned on top of the core, wherein the first padding layer has a density in the range from about 0.5 pounds per cubic foot to about 3 pounds per cubic foot and a firmness in the range from about 8 IFD to about 45 IFD. A second padding layer is adjacent to the first padding layer, wherein the second padding layer has a density in the range from about 0.5 pounds to about 1.9 pounds, and an IFD in the range from about 5 to about 23. A bottom support layer is beneath the core, and comprises a relatively dense and firm material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Denver Mattress LLC
    Inventors: Barney D. Visser, Robert L. Rensink
  • Patent number: 6952851
    Abstract: A sleeping mattress construction provides a mattress cover that is fabricated from a transparent material so that the interior of the mattress may be visualized to prevent concealment therein of contraband. In one embodiment the mattress is an air mattress formed of transparent polymer, such as transparent PVC Vinyl sheet material. In another embodiment the mattress is filled with any acceptable filling material or device and enclosed with a transparent cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Vinyl Products Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny D. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 6952852
    Abstract: A mattress (900) provides a user with three-dimensional firmness zoning, the mattress (900) cooperating with a mattress shell (720). The mattress (900) includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending resilient blocks (910) being independently movable relative to one another, an inflatable bladder (914) positioned to lie upon the top side of at least one of the blocks (910), and a topper (912) positioned to lie upon the inflatable bladder (914), the topper including opposite ends configured for attachment to the shell (720).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Reeder, James R. Stolpmann, Roger D. Dalton, Steven R. Westerfeld
  • Patent number: 6952853
    Abstract: A screw driving device (2) for a hand tool drilling device (1) includes a screw magazine (3) for successive feeding of screws or bolts (4), a feeder block (6) that can be axially displaced against the force of a feeder spring (5), which at least partially supplies screws (4) during the back and forth reciprocating movement of the feeder block (6), and a driving tool (8) that can be coupled rotationally in form locked manner with a screw head (7), wherein the driving tool (8) axially moveably receives a rotatingly driven drilling tool (9) in a coaxial hollow inner space and is spring biased axially by a clutch spring (10) relative to the screw driving device in a rotation driver position X, in which a drilling tool tip (11) is axially spaced from the screw head (7) and is coupled rotationally form locked with the driving tool (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst Rahmsdorf, Gerd Daubinger, Felix Ferlemann
  • Patent number: 6952854
    Abstract: A detachable head for use with an electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has a handle with a motor disposed therein. The electric toothbrush also has a head which has a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the head and handle. The head has a first bristle holder and a second bristle holder, each having a plurality of bristle tufts. The motor is operatively connected to the first bristle holder to oscillate the first bristle holder about a first axis passing through the first bristle holder generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head. The motor is also operatively connected to the second bristle holder to oscillate the second bristle holder about a second axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the head. The second axis is at an end portion of the second bristle holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Blaustein, Douglas A. Gall, Patrick W. Brown
  • Patent number: 6952855
    Abstract: An motorized electric toothbrush (10) includes a removable brush head (16) and a switch (12) that allows the toothbrush (10) to be used in an “automatic” mode. The “automatic” mode provides for intermittent motorized operation, such that when the brush head (16) contacts the operator's teeth, a second switch (20) is automatically actuated and the motor (14) engaged. The brush head (16) is easily removed for replacement when the bristles become worn or allow use of the toothbrush (10) by multiple users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: HoMedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mordechai Lev, Roman S. Ferber, John E. Nemazi
  • Patent number: 6952856
    Abstract: A toothbrush with bristles containing a far-infrared emitting material and multi-element minerals is disclosed. The negative ions and radiation emitted from the bristles stimulate the cells of the gums and help prevent periodontal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Create Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Kaizuka
  • Patent number: 6952857
    Abstract: A wiper arm window latch system and method includes an end of a wiper arm which is mounted on a window and which is received in a drive coupler coupled to a drive motor mounted on a door. The drive coupler permits the wiper arm to be drivingly coupled to a wiper motor. The drive coupler and end of the wiper arm also cooperate to lock the wiper arm to the drive coupler, thereby causing the window of the vehicle to be locked in a closed position, such as against the door. This system and method is particularly suited for use in a vehicle having a rear window which is pivotable between an open position and a closed position and where a rear window wiper is desired or required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Ponziani
  • Patent number: 6952858
    Abstract: A water extraction device aids in extracting water or other liquids from a floor covering such as a carpet and an associated pad. A housing has a generally cylindrical cavity defined within its interior, and a rotor assembly housed in the cavity. The bottom of the housing has a downwardly facing opening defined therethrough which extends laterally across the bottom of the device, and the rotor assembly protrudes through the opening to provide a means for easy movement of the device by an operator. The housing has a passageway defined through one portion thereof to provide a fluid connection between the cavity within the housing and a vacuum source which is externally applied to the device. The rotor assembly is preferably assembled from a plurality of spoked wheels mounted on a rotor shaft fashioned to be held in eccentric bearings mounted in the aides of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Christopher T. Merck
  • Patent number: 6952859
    Abstract: An electrically weldable spring hinge comprising a housing having a cavity, in particular a cylindrical recess, into which cavity a hinge element can be inserted. A supporting body can be inserted into the cavity to block deformation of the housing at a location along the housing where electrical welding is performed. The hinge element may include a spring in the recess and the supporting body may be on the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: OBE Ohnmacht & Baumgartner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reiner Wagner
  • Patent number: 6952860
    Abstract: In a hinge structure suitable for use in a foldable mobile phone, the initial unfolding action is effected by converting a pushing stroke of an operating member into a rotational movement of the hinge by using a cam/cam follower mechanism. Thereby, an unexpected reaction force resulting from the inertia force acting between the two parts that are to be unfolded relative to each other can be avoided, and a favorable unfolding action without a shock can be achieved. In particular, it may be arranged such that the hinge is normally urged in the unfolding direction while a clutch is kept engaged to retain the hinge in the fully folded state, and that the hinge is resiliently driven in the unfolding direction by pushing the operating member and thereby disengaging the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Masanobu Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 6952861
    Abstract: This invention combines the woodworking industry with the mechanical hinge industry to result in a novel hinge system primarily for use in the woodworking industry. The present invention also has applications in other industries where hinge systems are used. A multiple axis continuous hinge system allows a door or lid to which it is attached to open or rotate up to 360 degrees. The invention is a viable alternative for any conventional hinge. It is simple to apply. The invention is an aesthetically pleasing alternative for any conventional hinge and because of its great strength and flexibility it has applications that are offered by no other hinge. This hinge system lends itself to production and also offers the wood industry greater yield because of the value-added to its small parts which may be produced from off-fall and lower grades of lumber which would otherwise be scrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Manuel Ynosencio
  • Patent number: 6952862
    Abstract: A connector for connecting an extension handle with the handle of a tool. The connector includes a locking mechanism in the form of at least one shoulder on the connector engaging a hole in the tool handle. The shoulder (1) is connected to a knob via a tongue which is integral with the connector and the knob is placed such that it is located outside the tool handle. The front part of the connector may be split into two halves by a slit. The connector hold the tool firmly. Also, it is easy to disconnect the tool from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Anza AB
    Inventor: Jan Axelsson
  • Patent number: 6952863
    Abstract: Reliable and durable tether clips that continue to tether two panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels in response to a predetermined force are disclosed. The tether clips according to the present invention include a first retaining means near a first end that is adapted to be securable to a first panel, a second retaining means that is engageable with the second panel and limits the relative separation between the panels, and a releasable fastener means intermediate the first and second retaining means that normally maintains the two panels in a closed configuration relative to one another but that releases at least one of the panels relative to the other panel in response to a predetermined force tending to separate the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kraig D. Draggoo, Eric D. Hyp, Loc B. Tieu, David A. Minnich, William E. Sokurenko
  • Patent number: 6952864
    Abstract: A shoelace retainer including a strip of loop-type fastening material that has been folded back upon itself near its midpoint and seamed in place so as to form a small tab. The tab is perforated so as to provide the strip of loop-type fastening material with an attachment ring. Adjacent the ring at one end of the strip of loop-type fastening material is attached a patch of hook-type fastening material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: John R. Moreno
  • Patent number: 6952865
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tooling apparatus for aiding in the removal of brake drum bolts on a heavy duty truck or trailer wheel. The present invention provides an elongated primary shaft having a first end and a second end. An intermediate shaft is connected to the second end of the primary shaft. A secondary shaft is connected to the intermediate shaft and has a socket end adaptable to receive a socket for engaging the brake drum bolts. A bearing member is adjustably connected to the primary shaft and adaptable to engage a hole in the truck or trailer wheel for securing the position of the socket on the brake drum bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Jeff G. Fransted
  • Patent number: 6952866
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head which can exhibit a high-performance head characteristic without complicating the manufacturing procedure. A coil connection is integrated into one body and constituted part of the thin film coil. A connection middle pattern is provided on the coil connection at the time of forming a pole tip so that the position of the upper surface of the connection middle pattern becomes higher than that of the top pole tip. After the whole portion is covered by an insulating film, the connection middle pattern also can be exposed by polishing the surface of the insulating film until the top pole tip is exposed. Therefore, unlike the case where no connection middle pattern is provided, it is not necessary to form an opening by partially removing part of the insulating film. As a result, the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Yoshida, Taro Oike, Atsushi Iijima
  • Patent number: 6952867
    Abstract: The side edge of the main magnetic pole layer is prevented from protruding in the track width direction even when a skew angle is generated by forming the main magnetic pole layer of the opposing face opposing the recording medium as an inverted trapezoid, thereby enabling the occurrence of side fringing to be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 6952868
    Abstract: An assembly apparatus for a magnet assembly is disclosed. The assembly apparatus includes first and second assembly nests and an assembly slide operable between an advanced position relative to the assembly nests and a retracted position for assembly. As disclosed the assembly apparatus is used to assemble spacer posts between opposed magnet/backiron assemblies. The assembly apparatus includes spacer nests proximate to the assembly nests for assembly of spacers between the opposed magnet/backiron assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Terry R. Fahley, Paul L. Johnson, David L. Duvick
  • Patent number: 6952869
    Abstract: An electric-component mounting system including a component-holding device for holding an electric component, a board-supporting device for supporting a printed-wiring board on which the electric component is mounted, a first relative-movement device operable to move the component-holding device and the board-supporting device relative to each other in a first direction parallel to a surface of the board supported by the board-supporting device, a second relative-movement device operable to move the component-holding device and the board-supporting device relative to each other in a second direction which intersects the surface of the board; and a control device including a positioning portion operable to select one of a plurality of different control targets which is used for the first relative-movement device to establish a predetermined relative position between the component-holding device and the board-supporting device, and wherein the positioning portion selects one of the different control targets, de
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Suhara, Toshiya Ito, Hirokazu Koike
  • Patent number: 6952870
    Abstract: Wiring an IC, using flexible circuits, by relating a circuit board to an IC and using traces on the circuit board as a second set of input to the IC. More specifically, a set of first lands on the circuit board are connected to a first set of lands on the IC. The circuit board and IC are positioned so as to present a second set of lands on the circuit board in close proximity to a second set of lands on the IC. A first flex circuit is connected to the second lands on the circuit board while a second flex circuit is connected to the second lands on the IC. The flex circuits may be connected to signal wires or may serve themselves as the main signal wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics
    Inventor: David G. Miller
  • Patent number: 6952871
    Abstract: It consists of making a first engraving over a first face of a panel of electro-conducting material to form some reliefs and depressions corresponding to future tracks and intermediate tracks; subjecting said first face to a black oxide treatment (40); applying a layer of an adhesive material over said first face previously engraved and treated with black oxide; applying by injection moulding a dielectric material (20) over said previously engraved first face, treated and with the adhesive applied, covering said reliefs and filling said depressions; and carrying out a second selective engraving over a second face, opposite to the first one, of the mentioned panel to eliminate the material thereof corresponding to said future intermediate tracks, so that some finished tracks (16) remain insulated from each other, partially embedded on a face of said dielectric material (20) and separated by intermediate tracks (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Automotive (EEDS) Spain, S.L.
    Inventors: José Antonio Cubero Pitel, Luis Ara Alonso
  • Patent number: 6952872
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide an improved connection between a TTY keypad and an emergency call box. This is accomplished by lengthening and re-routing the multi-conductor ribbon cable that connects the TTY to the call box. Thus relieving the stress on the cable. This prevents the cable from cracking from fatigue and rendering the TTY box useless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Arthur Garabedian
  • Patent number: 6952873
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for an ink jet recording head has an ink passage unit (1) formed by superposing a nozzle plate (3) with a plurality of nozzles (2) and an ink passage plate (8). The ink passage plate (8) has first and a second surface (8a, 8b), and is provided with a plurality of pressure producing chambers (5) connected to the plurality of nozzles (2), and an ink reservoir (7) communicating with the pressure producing chambers (5) by means of ink inlet ports (6). A cover plate (11) is closely joined to the first surface (8a) of the ink passage plate (8). The cover plate (11) is deformed elastically by piezoelectric vibrators (10) so as to apply pressure to the ink contained in the pressure producing chambers (5). The ink passage plate (8) is a metal sheet (21) having first and second surfaces (8a, 8b) of the ink passage plate (8). A through hole (20) for the ink reservoir (7) is formed from the first surface to the second surface in the metal sheet (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Usui, Tomoaki Takahashi, Tsuyoshi Kitahara
  • Patent number: 6952874
    Abstract: This invention provides a two-stage phasing plug located within a compression driver. The two-stage phasing plug housed within the compression driver may be coupled to a horn. The two-stage phasing plug includes first and second phasing plugs. The advantages of having a two-stage phasing plug is that the first and second phasing plugs may be simpler to manufacture, cost less and the overall dimensional tolerances may be tightly controlled. The higher dimensional tolerances may be obtained because the first phasing plug may be made from a unitary work-piece, and therefore, may be tooled and cut in the same machining set up. This allows the unitary work-piece to be machined and cut very accurately when compared to assembling separate components together during the manufacturing process. Since the most dimensionally critical area is the rear side of the first phasing plug, the tolerances of the second phasing plug may not be as critical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Harman International Industriels, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Button, Alexander V. Salvatti
  • Patent number: 6952875
    Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing including a shaft rotating within a sleeve and a thrust plate or the like supported at an end of the shaft rotating in a recess defined with the sleeve. The thrust plate faces a counterplate supported from the sleeve over the recess, and the sleeve and shaft are supported for rotation by fluid in the gap or gaps between the shaft and sleeve, thrust plate and sleeve, and thrust plate and counterplate. To prevent fluid from leaking out of the fluid dynamic bearing into the surrounding atmosphere by seeping between the counterplate and sleeve face it rests on, a seal recess is defined in the sleeve, a crush ring seal is placed in the recess. The counterplate is then pressed into the recess, crushing the crush seal ring and blocking any passage of the fluid from the gap region surrounding the thrust plate through the gap between counterplate and sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Robin Francis Dorulla, Mark Gregory Steele
  • Patent number: 6952876
    Abstract: A clipper and herbicide or other chemical dispenser comprises a pair of pivotal handle members that are squeezed together to operate a shear mechanism and a chemical dispenser that dispenses chemical directly on the end of the cut stem after the stem has been cut. Preferably, a clamping mechanism clamps a plant stem in place below the shears while the shears cut the stem. The chemical dispenser includes a liquid pump actuated by the handles that pumps a discreet amount of chemical through an opening in a cutting blade at a time when the opening is aligned with the cut end of the plant stem. The dispenser has an outlet mounted on a dispenser arm that is moved away from the opening in the cutting blade by the upper plant stem as the stem is being cut. When the upper stem falls away, the dispenser arm pivots back to align the outlet with the opening in the cutting blade for chemical dispensation on the lower cut stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: David S. Frazer
  • Patent number: 6952877
    Abstract: A trimmer head wherein the driveline of the power tool is connected to a core member. A spool is mounted to the core member and directly driven by the core member. A housing is mounted for axially sliding on the core member and a spring urges axial movement of the housing relative to the core member. Interlocking structure on the spool and housing produces interlocking for common rotation of the spool and housing responsive to urging by the spring. Release of the interlocking structure is affected by opposing said spring urging. Desirable additional features include selective alternate positioning of the spring for automatic and manual only release of said interlocking and a line loading assist provided by a tubular post through the spool alignable with housing eyelets for threading line through the eyelets and spool and winding thereof onto the spool by manual turning of the spool relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Shindaiwa, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Pfaltzgraff
  • Patent number: 6952878
    Abstract: A self-standing mobile device for cutting sheet material including a body member connected to at least one wheeled axle to translationally move the body member about a surface on which the device self-stands. The body member includes a cutting notch with open and closed ends, the cutting notch positioned with the open end above the at least one wheeled axle. The body member including a contained cutting blade member with cutting edge exposed within the cutting notch closed end, the cutting blade member oriented substantially perpendicularly to the surface on which the device self-stands. A user may engage the device to move the device about the surface on the at least one wheeled axle to cut a sheet of material passing into the cutting notch. Handle and shoulder features, and related methods of cutting sheet material are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventors: Kathryn M. Bareis, Scott J. Maro
  • Patent number: 6952879
    Abstract: An inner cutter unit, which is used in an electric rotary shaver, including an inner cutter base, which is connected to the axle of the motor of the shaver and rotated, and an inner cutter body, which is disposed on the inner cutter base. The inner cutter body is formed with an inside circumferential cutter body having a plurality of cutter blades and an outside circumferential cutter body also having a plurality cutter blades; and the inner and outside circumferential cutter bodies in an upright posture are obtained by way of cutting out annular metal walls that are concentrically formed in an upright posture with a bridging section in between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Izumi Products Company
    Inventor: Masaki Okabe
  • Patent number: 6952880
    Abstract: A measurement and marking device includes a housing, a positional sensing assembly mounted in the housing, a printhead assembly mounted in the housing, and a controller mounted in the housing and communicating with the positional sensing assembly and the printhead assembly. The positional sensing assembly is adapted to sense a position of the housing relative to an object as the housing is moved along a surface of the object and the printhead assembly is adapted to print on the surface of the object as the housing is moved along the surface of the object. As such, the controller is adapted to operate the printhead assembly to print a mark on the surface of the object based on the position of the housing relative to the object as the housing is moved along the surface of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Saksa
  • Patent number: 6952881
    Abstract: A programmable sighting system for a hunting bow or professional archery bow. The system comprises a housing assembly for mounting the sighting system on the bow. A transparent window is positioned in the housing for viewing therethrough by a user to a target, and for projecting display data thereon. A programmable subsystem is contained within the housing assembly for causing display of the display data at selected locations on the window in response to control by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph F. McGivern