Patents Issued in January 31, 2006
  • Patent number: 6990708
    Abstract: Steam cleaning apparatus, comprising an upper handle, an intermediate pole and a bottom head for production and supplying of steam, provided with an instantaneous steam generator, a water reservoir housed on the top of said pole in the region of the handle, a duct for transferring the water from said reservoir to said head and a water loading device housed on an associated loading mouth formed above said reservoir, further comprising a steam regulating device provided with a fixed bushing having a hollow bottom end sealingly engaged on the top end of a sectional pole and a valve body fixed inside said bushing, the top part of said valve body being sealingly engaged on a discharge mouth of said reservoir and provided with a through-hole able to be opened and closed in an adjustable manner by a valve which can be actuated on the outside of the device by means of suitable means movable with respect to said bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ariete S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Rosa, Roberto Bargagna
  • Patent number: 6990709
    Abstract: A vacuum sweeper is cantilevered to a hinged bracket mounted to the front of a conventional automatic floor scrubber. The sweeper includes a vacuum head, an overlying debris ramp, and two vertically rotating, conical brushes having their base ends in contact with the floor. The base end of the conical brushes sweep a path at the edge of the vacuum sweeper in excess of the width of the scrubber. The entire vacuum sweeper apparatus is mounted for vertical excursion relative to the cantilevered mount to the hinge bracket to enable up and down excursion of the sweeper and vacuum responsive to either scrubber motion or inevitable floor irregularities encountered during floor scrubbing. Where vacuuming is not required in advance of scrubbing, such as during double scrubbing or floor stripping cycles, provision is made to hinge the vacuum sweeper upwardly away from floor engagement. A ramp is used in conjunction with the vacuum for collecting large debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Surtec, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Fields
  • Patent number: 6990710
    Abstract: A counterbalance system for a tilt-in window having novel components. The counterbalance system includes brake shoes, curl springs and spring anchor mounts. The brake shoe assembly of the counterbalance system has a unique, low cost locking mechanism that uses a looped wire. The brake shoe assembly may also be configured with external rib projections that reduce the friction of the brake shoe assemblies as they move through the tracks of the window. The spring anchor mount is formed with a recess in its body that enables the tilt latch of a window sash to pass the spring anchor mount within the track of the window frame. As a result, the spring anchor mounts can be placed within the window frame at points previously not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: John R. Kunz, Keith Kannengieszer
  • Patent number: 6990711
    Abstract: A movable member 6 is connected to a first hinge member 2 such that the movable member 6 is unable to turn but able to move in the axial direction. A hammer member 7 is non-turnably connected to a second hinge member 3. The movable member 6 is caused to abutted against the hammer member 7 by a coiled spring (not shown). A force conversion mechanism (not shown) is disposed between contact surfaces of the movable member 6 and hammer member 7 and adapted to convert a biasing force of the coiled spring to a force for turning the hammer member 7. An abutment projection 32 is formed on an outer periphery of the second hinge member 3. An abutment recess 71 into which the abutment projection 32 is fitted is formed in an outer periphery of the hammer member 71. A width 2 of the abutment recess 71 is set slightly larger than a width W1 of the abutment projection 32 so that the hammer member 7 can be turned relative to the second hinge member 3 to that extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Koshikawa, Kazuyuki Ishigaya
  • Patent number: 6990712
    Abstract: A pipe joining tool including a mounting bracket for releasable attachment to a pipe. The mounting bracket has a U-shaped platform with an intermediate portion for engaging a pipe and a pair of slotted end portions extending from the opposite ends of the intermediate portion in a substantially parallel manner. A wedge slidably extends through the slots in the end portions for driving a pipe positioned within the U-shaped platform into tight engagement with the intermediate portion. A flexible link is secured to the mounting bracket and extends therefrom. A pipe fitting keeper is carried by the flexible link for releasably grasping a pipe fitting and suspending the pipe fitting adjacent the end of a pipe positioned within the U-shaped platform. A pair of spaced apart legs projects forwardly from the intermediate portion of the U-shaped platform. Each of the spaced apart legs has an internally threaded bore within which is positioned a bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: William C. Shelton
  • Patent number: 6990713
    Abstract: A steering column pivot pin removal tool includes a bridge support with a jack nut having a cap screw threaded therethrough for engagement with a pivot pin of a steering assembly. The jack nut is held in place by an O-ring. Clockwise rotation of the jack nut effects withdrawal of the pivot pin engaged by the cap screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Tally, Timothy V. Geist
  • Patent number: 6990714
    Abstract: A modular submersible repairing system includes a working unit having a tool module capable of repairing structures in a reactor. A scanning/pitching module is capable of being selectively connected to or disconnected from the tool module, and is provided with a scanning/pitching shaft for scanning or pitching the tool module. A submersible fan module is capable of being selectively connected to or disconnected from the scanning/pitching module. A first buoyant module keeps an orientation of the tool module. A base unit includes a manipulator module internally provided with an actuator driving mechanism. An adsorbing module is capable of being detachably mounted on the manipulator module and a wall. A second buoyant module keeps the orientation of the manipulator module. The scanning/pitching module and the manipulator module are provided with a submersible connecting device capable of being operated in water for engagement and disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Sato, Motohiko Kimura, Hiroaki Igakura, Yutaka Togasawa, Takuya Uehara, Yasuhiro Yuguchi, Seiki Soramoto, Kenji Kurihara, Yuuji Yasuda, Katsuhiko Naruse
  • Patent number: 6990715
    Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system having a feature section including at least one module, at least one operational unit mounted to the module and a local controller operatively connected to the operational unit. The local controller is adapted to receive a reference signal and to control the operation of the operational unit based upon the reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Vincent Bardina Liu, Donald Louis Wires, Michael Joseph Lamping, Albert Michael Fischer, Gary Lee Miller
  • Patent number: 6990716
    Abstract: A device supplies a connecting element to a processing unit, in particular supplies punch nuts or rivet nuts to a punching head of a press, by a conveyer belt. The device contains a feed element, which has a flap that can be displaced in the conveyer belt and has a feed surface. The flap is retained in the conveyer belt by a passive force. The flap can be withdrawn or displaced from the conveyer belt by a connecting element that has been supplied to the belt and causes sensor actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Richard Berger Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gotthard Weber
  • Patent number: 6990717
    Abstract: A vibration control device for controlling vibration of a disc drive supported in a compartment of a mass storage array. Disc drives stored in a compartment of a mass storage array may move within the compartment during operation of the mass storage array. Movement of a disc drive in a compartment may affect the performance of the disc drive to retrieve data from and write data to selected data tracks of a disc. In particular, vibration along an extent of the disc drive aligned with an operational stroke of the actuator mechanism may skew the operational stroke of the disc heads supported via the actuator mechanism. The vibration control device includes a spring which is adapted to exert a biasing force to a disc drive inserted into a compartment to restrict movement of the disc drive within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Theodore R. Browning
  • Patent number: 6990718
    Abstract: A method for securing a branch assembly to a pipeline includes positioning a first containment ring surrounding an area from which the branch is to extend, positioning a first annular seal within the containment ring to provide a first ring/seal arrangement, positioning a second containment ring spaced from the first containment ring and first annular seal, positioning a second annular seal within the second containment ring to provide a second ring/seal arrangement, positioning the second part of the branch assembly onto the seals, and positioning a first part of the assembly on the pipe line and securing the first and second parts together so as to leave an annular gap between the first and second ring/seal arrangements and to provide an access point or vent in the second part communicating with the annular gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lattice Intellectual Property Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Ian Gregory
  • Patent number: 6990719
    Abstract: A drill string includes a plurality of tubular members each having a connection with a pin connector and a box connector on adjacent tubular members. The pin connector has an external thread with negative load flanks and positive stab flanks, adapted for threadingly engaging an internal thread second threads with negative load flanks and positive stab flanks on the box connector of the adjacent tubular member. The positive stab flanks have corner radiuses and the negative load flanks have radiuses forming a S-shape. The pin connector has an outer groove for receiving a protuberance on the terminal end of the box member forming locking shoulders. The protuberance and groove have contoured surfaces providing large metal-to-metal contact for preventing the contoured surfaces from sliding during over-torquing and cyclic bending of the drill string. The negative load flanks and locking shoulders lock the connection together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Huey P. Olivier
  • Patent number: 6990720
    Abstract: A wire wound flexible shaft has layers of wire wound one upon another, with a dry film of lubricant bonded to the outer surfaces of a number of the outer layers; or if desired, to the outer surfaces of all layers of the shaft. The lubricant is applied by preheating the partially completed flexible shaft to a temperature substantially above 212° F. but below the decomposition temperature of the lubricant. A liquid medium comprising a carrier and particles of the lubricant is sprayed onto the shaft surface, causing the liquid to vaporize and the lubricant particles to be deposited on the shaft. One or more successive wire layers may then be wound onto the partially completed shaft and the spraying step repeated. Thereafter the shaft is heated to cause the lubricant particles to bond to the adjacent wire layers and to reduce internal stresses in the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: S.S. White Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6990721
    Abstract: A method for installing an automated material handling system in a semiconductor fabrication facility capable of accommodating a predetermined number of fabrication bays. The handling system has a set of elements including material storage, interbay transport, and intrabay transport elements corresponding to the predetermined number of fabrication bays. The method comprises arranging at least some of the material storage, interbay transport and intrabay transport elements into handling system subsets, and installing one or more of the subsets into the fabrication facility. Each subset has at least one or more corresponding ones of the material storage, interbay transport and intrabay transport elements so that when installed each subset forms a transport circuit allowing substantially unrestricted bi-directional travel of semiconductor device holders between the material storage and at least one of the fabrication bays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Mariano, Timothy A. McCabe, Carl Johnson
  • Patent number: 6990722
    Abstract: A tubular fastener element is inserted into an opening in a wall until a flange at the trailing end of the fastener element is in contact with the wall. Then, an externally threaded end of a rod is inserted into a center opening in the fastener element from the flange side of the wall and is mated with internal threads in the fastener element beyond the second side of the wall. A tubular mandrel that surrounds the rod is moved into contact with the entrance portion of the center opening in the tubular fastener. The outside diameter of the mandrel is larger than the inside diameter of the center opening in the fastener element. The rod is retracted to cause a reduced thickness wall portion of the fastener element to collapse and form a second radial flange on the second side of the wall. The mandrel is forced axially into the center opening in the fastener element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Fatigue Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard F. Reid, Timothy H. Johnson, David A. Gorton, Mark R. Weiss, Dean C. Madden, Alec K. Hitchman
  • Patent number: 6990723
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing labels (2) for placement in a mold, in particular in an injection mold, wherein a strip of film (4) is supplied and is placed, by at least a part of a first side thereof, on a supporting carrier (6), whereafter a retaining element (14) is applied to, in particular slightly pressed upon, the second side, remote from the carrier (6), of the part of the film web (4) supported by the carrier (6), wherein the part of the film web (4) enclosed between the carrier (6) and the retaining element (14) is cut loose, and wherein the enclosed part, to be referred to as label (2), is taken hold of by the retaining element (14) and is picked up from the carrier (6) therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Fountain Technologies, B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Antonius Hoogland
  • Patent number: 6990724
    Abstract: An intermediate holding member is inserted between a second free end and a third free end from an inner circumferential side in a radial direction, a first radial restraining member presses against a free end at an innermost circumference from radially inside, and a second radial restraining member presses against a free end at an outermost circumference from radially outside. Next, a voltage is supplied between a torch and the members, an inert gas is supplied to the torch, and an arc discharge is generated between the torch and the free ends, welding the radially-adjacent free ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Syuuichi Tamura, Hiroyuki Akita, Takushi Takizawa, Atsushi Oohashi
  • Patent number: 6990725
    Abstract: This invention relates to the fabrication of planar inductive components whereby the design in cross-section describes a conductor surrounded by magnetic material along the length of the conductor; an electrical insulator is placed between the conductor and the magnetic material. Cases also apply where more than one independent conductor is used. The planar form allows integration of inductive components with integrated circuits. These inductive components can be embedded in other materials. They can also be fabricated directly onto parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Mark D. Fontanella, Paul Greiff, Donato Cardarelli, Joseph G. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6990726
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a measuring tube for an electromagnetic flow sensor includes the steps of filling a material to be sintered into a lumen of a support tube, sintering the material within the lumen to obtain an open-pored reinforcing body of the measuring tube, and impregnating the open-pored reinforcing body obtained by the step of sintering the material within the lumen at least partially with a liquid insulating material and solidifying the insulating material to obtain a liner of the measuring tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag
    Inventors: Daniel Frey, Antonio Magliocca
  • Patent number: 6990727
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention can be regarded as a method of making disk drives. The method includes providing a frame array. The frame array includes a frame, a plurality of disk drive base portions, and a plurality of tie bars connected between the frame and the disk drive base portions. The method further includes attaching a respective disk drive component to each of the disk drive base portions. The method further includes removing the disk drive base portions from the frame by severing the tie bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter W. Butler, Keith R. Berding, Joseph M. Viglione
  • Patent number: 6990728
    Abstract: Disk drive suspension load beam and flexible circuit components are juxtaposed and properly located relative to each other before welding by a series of areally distributed locator structures that intersect across the common plane between the components in aligning relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Magnecomp Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Summers, Amanullah Khan
  • Patent number: 6990729
    Abstract: A method for making an embedded toroidal inductor (118) includes forming in a ceramic substrate (100) a first plurality of conductive vias (102) radially spaced a first distance from a central axis (101) so as to define an inner circumference. A second plurality of conductive vias (104) is formed radially spaced a second distance about the central axis so as to define an outer circumference. A first plurality of conductive traces (110) forming an electrical connection between substantially adjacent ones of the first and second plurality of conductive vias is formed on a first surface (106) of the ceramic substrate. Further, a second plurality of conductive traces (110) forming an electrical connection between circumferentially offset ones of the first and second plurality of conductive vias is formed on a second surface of the ceramic substrate opposed from the first surface to define a three dimensional toroidal coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Pleskach, Andrew J. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6990730
    Abstract: A process and system for mounting terminals with electric wires in cavities of connector housings. Press-connecting terminals are initially loaded in cavities arranged in an upper surface of a connector jig and electric wires are press-connected on the terminals in the jigs. Then, the terminals with electric wires are transferred from the connector jig to cavities arranged in a lower surface of a inserting jig by pins arranged to contact and push the terminals from below in the transfer direction. Then, the terminals are loaded from the inserting jig to cavities of connector housings from the back by blades arranged to contact and push the terminals from one end in the inserting directing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Fujita, Yoshinobu Ota, Junichi Shirakawa, Kenji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6990731
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening a first relatively soft structural component such as a wood panel to a second relatively hard structural component such as a steel angle iron using fasteners each having a forward self-drilling portion, a rearward, self-tapping portion, and an outwardly projecting head. The fasteners are driven by a pneumatic rotary impact driver and the method comprises rotatively driving each fastener so as to cause its self-drilling portion to drill a first hole through the wood panel and thereafter rotatively driving and impacting that fastener so as to cause its self-drilling portion to drill a second hole in the angle iron and its self-tapping portion to form a screw connection with the angle iron around the second hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Harry M. Haytayan
  • Patent number: 6990732
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic-charge-transferring device includes providing a charged species source and a charge species drain and providing a movable component for transferring charge to the charged species drain. A first protrusion proximate to the moveable component and a second protrusion proximate to the moveable component are also provided. The moveable component is positioned in close proximity to the charged species source, and at least one of the moveable component, the first protrusion and the second protrusion is of a micrometer scale or smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Gary A. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6990733
    Abstract: A land grid array connector is formed by attaching a reinforcing member to a frame and coating the reinforcing member with an elastomeric compound to form a reinforced, flexible body portion of the connector. Conductive wires are inserted in pairs in an array in the fabric extent. Free ends of the wires extend past the elastomeric compound to provide contacts of the connector. The pairs of wires provide redundancy for the contacts to ensure a reliable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: John E. Lopata, James L. McGrath, Arindum Dutta, Marvin Menzin, Daniel Fisher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6990734
    Abstract: Methods for forming a metal shield on a printed circuit board (10) include depositing a first layer of metal (41) on a substrate (22) of the printed circuit board (10), depositing a first layer of dielectric material (42) on the first layer of metal (41), printing one or more circuits (21, 21?) on the first dielectric layer (42), depositing a second layer of dielectric material (43) over the one or more printed circuits (21, 21?), forming a trench-like opening (44) in the two layers of dielectric material (42, 43) surrounding the one or more printed circuits (21, 21?) so that the metal of the first layer (41) is exposed by the trench-like opening (44), depositing a second layer of metal (27) on the second layer of dielectric material (43) such that the second layer of metal (27) plates the trench-like opening (44) and makes electrical contact with the first metal layer (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Underwood, John K. Arledge, Thomas J. Swirbel, Joaquin Barreto
  • Patent number: 6990736
    Abstract: System, apparatus, and method for making composite articles including jewelry rings. Jewelry items such as finger rings, bracelets, earrings, body jewelry, and the like, are examples of such articles. Medical, dental, and industrial devices or components are other examples. Wear resistant jewelry apparatus and method of making same wherein articles of jewelry are made from sinterable metal and/or ceramic powder materials compressed into a predetermined configuration and then sintered to form a blank from which a jewelry item may be made and to which softer precious metals, stones, crystals or other materials suitable for use in jewelry may be affixed. Such items of jewelry may have multiple facets and can be fabricated using various disclosed techniques and various combinations of materials. Method of manufacturing an article including jewelry rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Trent West
  • Patent number: 6990737
    Abstract: Fluid bearings, vacuum chucks and methods for producing these devices. One example of a method for forming a fluid bearing includes forming a plate having a face surface and a bonding surface, coupling a first side of a body to the bonding surface, placing the face surface of the plate against a predetermined surface, and generating a pressure difference to conform the face surface to the predetermined surface. One example of a fluid bearing of the invention includes a plate support and a flexible bearing plate having a bonding surface which is attached to the plate support with an adhesive which is flexible before hardening. The flexible bearing plate conforms to a predetermined surface during a portion of the time that the adhesive hardens. Examples of vacuum chucks, and methods for forming vacuum chucks, and other aspects of the invention are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Marek Zywno
  • Patent number: 6990738
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing miniature ball bearings that reduces material loss to improve manufacturing efficiency. The process consists of obtaining an inner and outer ring blank by cutting a first blank, forging the first blank to obtain a final blank, and separating the final blank to form an outer ring blank and an inner ring blank. The outer ring blank has an outer diameter of at most 13 mm. Cutting the first blank is performed by press cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Rikuro Obara
  • Patent number: 6990739
    Abstract: A pair of hairdressing scissors includes two cutting members pivotally connected together. Each cutting member includes a handle having a first side in which a first groove is defined and a second side in which a second groove is defined. A magnetic member is mounted in each first groove in a manner that the magnetic member has an exposed portion outside the respective handle. The exposed portion of each magnetic member of the pair of hairdressing scissors is adapted to be securely engaged with a second groove of a respective handle of another pair of similarly constructed hairdressing scissors. In another embodiment, each cutting member includes a handle having a through-hole extending from a first side thereof through a second side thereof, and a magnetic member is mounted in each through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Wen-Ya Yeh
  • Patent number: 6990740
    Abstract: A razor assembly is provided that includes a reusable handle and a replaceable cartridge. The reusable handle includes a grip portion pivotally attached to a cartridge seat. The replaceable cartridge includes a frame and one or more razor blades. The replaceable cartridge is fixedly attached to the cartridge seat of the reusable handle. The replaceable cartridge is selectively separable from the cartridge seat to permit removal of the replaceable cartridge from the reusable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Follo, Andrew J. Pennella
  • Patent number: 6990741
    Abstract: A door frame aligning system having a squaring system which includes a reel and guides securable at the four corners of a door frame. A line extends from the reel about the guides in criss-cross fashion. If the door frame is square and planar, the line will lightly intersect in the center of the frame opening. The second part of the system is a threshold spreader which is attachable across the threshold to adjust the opposite jamb frame member to a precise parallel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Ted C. Wells
  • Patent number: 6990742
    Abstract: A level having a frame with an edge rail and a web extending from the edge rail at right angles. A web opening is provided in the web. A capsule assembly is mounted on the web at the web opening. The capsule assembly has a transparent capsule having a liquid therein and outer cover plates mounted over the capsule on each side of the web. The volume of the liquid in the capsule is less then the volume of the interior of the capsule so that an upper surface of the liquid is formed in the entire surface of which is viewable through the transparent capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc.
    Inventor: Sheldon Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6990743
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to calibrating a measuring device by comparing a set of master measurement data against a set of current measurement data. Adjustments are made to the measuring device based on the difference between the current measurement data and the master measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve W. Bowes
  • Patent number: 6990744
    Abstract: Clearance between a support contour of a seat cushion and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person is evaluated with a clearance measurement device that deforms in response to force applied thereto. The clearance measurement device is located on the support contour at a predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated. A person sits on the cushion with the clearance measurement device. The clearance is related to the extent of deformation. Impression foam, a malleable putty-like substance, or a fluid cushion are examples of clearance measurement devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Aspen Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph S. Bieganek, Thomas R. Hetzel, Joan Padgitt
  • Patent number: 6990745
    Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system for efficiently connecting a trailer to a vehicle. The trailer hitch alignment system includes a housing structure with a measuring member extendable from the housing structure, a securing member for securing the housing structure to an upper leg portion of a leg of a trailer, a pointer member attached to a distal end of the measuring member, and an indicator line attached to a telescoping portion of the leg. The pointer member is aligned with the indicator line when the trailer is attached to the vehicle and thereafter indicates the proper height of the trailer for connecting the hitch of the trailer at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Dennis W. Schoenenberger
  • Patent number: 6990746
    Abstract: A slide caliper includes an elongated shaft defining a gaging surface for abutting against a first surface of an object to be measured. A first jaw is coupled to the shaft and defines a gaging surface for abutting against a second surface of the object. A second jaw is slidably coupled to the shaft and defines a gaging surface for abutting against a third surface or edge of the object. The second jaw along the shaft is adjustable between a first position where the gaging surfaces of the jaws generally abut each other to a second position where the gaging surfaces of the jaws are maximally spaced from each other. At least one of the jaws is adjustably pivotable relative to the shaft about a pivot axis coinciding with an intersection of the gaging surface of the shaft and another axis extending along the associated gaging surface of the pivotable jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Penna, Dale Allan Watson
  • Patent number: 6990747
    Abstract: An etching processing apparatus 1 has a transfer chamber 2, a plurality of processing chambers 3 and 4, and a plurality of cassette chambers 7 and 8. Inside the transfer chamber 2, a transfer mechanism 14 is provided. A control device 17 pauses the operation of the vacuum pump 16 after closing an opening/closing valve 15 of a vacuum evacuating mechanism, which vacuum evacuates the transfer chamber 2 in which the transfer mechanism 14 is provided, when the operation of the transfer mechanism 14 is paused for a predetermined time or longer. Accordingly, conservation of energy becomes possible without causing decrease of productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshihiko Kitoku, Shinji Niwa, Toshiki Hosaka, Takashi Kitazawa, Atsuo Sanda, Yoshitaka Sato
  • Patent number: 6990748
    Abstract: A replaceable heat transfer module. The replaceable heat transfer module has an inlet floodbox with fluid distribution passageways, an outlet manifold with fluid collection passageways, and extending in a fluid tight relationship between the fluid distribution passageways and the fluid collection passageways, a thin, elongate evaporator envelope. The evaporator envelope has a lower flexible planar sheet and an upper flexible planar sheet, each having inner surfaces located in a back-to-back spaced apart relationship. The evaporator envelope has an upper end wherein the lower and upper flexible planar sheets are fluidly sealed to the inlet floodbox, and a lower end wherein the lower and upper planar sheets are fluidly sealed to said outlet manifold. Mylar brand polyester is used for construction of the evaporator envelope. A marginal area on each side extends lengthwise transversely beyond the inlet floodbox and the outlet manifold to provide sloping sidewalls for containment of a working product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Richard E. Magoon, Alan D. Whitefoot
  • Patent number: 6990749
    Abstract: An oven assembly for drying paint on a product transported by a conveyor includes a plurality of modules positioned in a generally abutting relationship. Each of the modules includes a roof, side walls, and a floor having a length and a width. The floor is formed from abutting floor panels reinforced by a plurality of support members spaced along the length of the floor and having a length greater than the width of the floor. The side walls include an inner side wall panel disposed in an overlapping relationship with the floor and a side wall cladding panel supported by the support members along the width of the floor thereby concealing thermal insulating material disposed between the inner side wall panel and the side wall cladding panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Dürr Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Roesler, Lawrence A. Cook, Douglas G. Smith, David J. Cole, Jeffrey C. Andrews
  • Patent number: 6990750
    Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention relates use of a warm and dry atmosphere in electronic component storage areas. The warm and dry atmosphere provides the benefit of eliminating the baking process and other moisture management issues by removing moisture from the components. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a component storage system includes an enclosed component storage area and a dry gas delivery system for delivery of a dry gas to the storage area to prevent moisture from being absorbed by the components, and a temperature control system for controlling a temperature of the dry gas to about 10° C. to about 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Air Liquide America Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Theriault, Kristen Boyce, Stephane Rabia
  • Patent number: 6990751
    Abstract: An air knife or air nozzle manifold for drying or blowing off passing articles moved by a conveyor system is provided with a coupling that permits rotation of the air knife or air nozzle manifold relative to the air inlet duct leading from a blower. The air knife or air nozzle manifold has opposing ends located equidistant from a longitudinal axis of rotation relative to a stationary element of the coupling. Thrust nozzles are provided at each of the opposing ends of the air knife or air nozzle manifold to deflect a certain portion of the air from the plenum chamber to provide thrusting jets of air that rotate the air knife or air nozzle manifold about the longitudinal axis. The flow of air emitted from the air knife or air nozzle manifold is thereby directed onto the passing articles from different directions as the articles move by. The efficiency of drying and blowing off the articles to be processed is thereby significantly improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sonic Air Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terence M. Riley, Daniel J. VanderPyl
  • Patent number: 6990752
    Abstract: The ventilated shoe comprises an outer sole and at least two interchangeable inner soles. The inner sole in disposed in contact with and over the outer sole. The outer sole has ventilation ports at the toe portion and at the heel portion. The ventilation ports extend through the entire thickness of the outer sole. A support is provided to spacedly rest the inner sole over the outer sole in a manner to allow air to penetrate through the ventilation ports and to circulate between the outer sole and the inner sole. The inner sole may be air permeable and is used when the temperature is medium to high. Under cold temperature it is preferable to use an impermeable inner sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Louis Garneau Sports Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Garneau
  • Patent number: 6990753
    Abstract: Three point footwear articles having a sole itself having an integrally-molded toe protector with said toe protector affixed to the post point are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Keen LLC
    Inventor: Rory W. Fuerst
  • Patent number: 6990754
    Abstract: An insole is described that can be placed with an insole receiving area of a slipper. The insole can be prepared by compression molding a structure comprising a foam layer having a first foam side and a second foam side. The insole includes a heel region, an arch region, and a toe region. The heel region includes a heel cushioning portion and a heel perimeter portion. The heel perimeter portion includes a retaining wall that extends above the top surface of the heel cushioning portion. The arch region includes an arch cushioning portion and an arch perimeter portion. The arch perimeter portion includes an arch support that extends above the top surface of the arch cushioning portion. The toe region includes a toe cushioning portion and a toe perimeter portion. A slipper and a method for manufacturing a slipper are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: R. G. Barry Corporation
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Bray, Jr., Theresa Stewart
  • Patent number: 6990755
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Shepard, Todd Anthony Waatti
  • Patent number: 6990756
    Abstract: A footwear orthotic is disclosed having a plurality of removable inserts. The removable inserts are preferably provided in the metatarsal region and/or in the heel region. The inserts are designed to gradually train the user's feet to become comfortably accustomed to orthotic support. Each insert preferably has a different profile than the others. The user can select the insert with the most appropriate profile and securely position the insert in the footwear orthotic for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sylmark Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Robert Johnson
  • Patent number: 6990757
    Abstract: A wheeled work vehicle includes a traveling body including front and rear wheels, a traveling drive unit having an engine and a power transmission mechanism, a fuel tank, a work oil tank, and a vehicle frame mounting the front and rear wheels, the traveling drive unit, the fuel tank and the work oil tank. The vehicle includes a swivel base disposed upwardly of the traveling body and mounted via a swivel bearing on the traveling body, a driver's seat mounted on a rear portion of the swivel base, a steering unit disposed forwardly of the driver's seat and a ground-work implement supported on an implement support unit. The vehicle frame includes a front region mounting a front-wheel suspension unit for the front wheels, a rear region mounting a rear-wheel suspension unit for the rear wheels and an intermediate region supporting the swivel bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiko Takemura, Ryohei Sumiyoshi
  • Patent number: 6990758
    Abstract: A heavy-duty scraping and rake attachment for excavator buckets for clearing brush-covered earth. The attachment is easily mountable to the bucket, thus avoiding the work and expense of removing the bucket from the arm. The scraper portion provides for offset toothed scrapers, a combination of toothed scraper and blade, and blade only use and is used in conjunction with a heavy-duty rake and power-operated thumb to grasp and remove the material rooted or scraped up from the earth by the scraper. The scraper portion and rake are included in a single unit, attachable and detachable from the excavator bucket. Scraper and blade attachments either detachably connected to the unit with bolts or permanently welded in place as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: David C. Holmes, Frederick J. Holmes