Patents Issued in January 31, 2006
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Patent number: 6991362Abstract: A tank agitator connects to a low head feed and causes agitation by discharging through a port that might rotate, oscillate, or otherwise issue a pulsing stream. This agitator has a housing with a turbine plenum and an exhaust plenum. A turbine in the turbine plenum spins by the flowthrough of the feedwater and exhausts to the exhaust plenum. A hollow drive shaft is spun by the turbine and extends through the exhaust plenum and to terminate outside the housing. It has an aperture that allows water in the exhaust plenum to flow into its lumen. A nozzle caps the shaft and is bent such that the discharge issuing therefrom sweeps in circles with the spinning of the drive shaft. A variant form of the agitator includes a drive train that incorporates a drag link to convert the spinning input of the turbine into an oscillating output in the drive shaft. In another variant form, the discharge is pulsed.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Anthony E. Seaman
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Patent number: 6991363Abstract: A pivotable mixer bowl including a bowl body for receiving material to be mixed, a first mounting bracket coupled to and extending from an outer surface of the bowl body and having an opening therein, and a second mounting bracket coupled to and extending from the outer surface and having an opening therein. The second mounting bracket is vertically spaced from the first mounting bracket. The opening of the second mounting bracket is generally aligned with the opening of the first mounting bracket to define a pivot axis of the mixer bowl. The mixer bowl further includes a locking bracket coupled to and extending from an outer surface of the bowl body.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.Inventors: Brian A. Brunswick, Joseph C. Huang, Brian E. Bader
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Patent number: 6991364Abstract: There is disclosed herein a limb-mounted device that is controlled by one or more inputs disposed within reach of the fingers of a user on the same hand that is associated with the limb. The inputs may be disposed upon a retractable or removable surface so that they have an operative position, in which they are within reach of the fingers, and an inoperative position, in which they are stowed outside reach of the fingers, but in a manner otherwise convenient to the user.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: The Timberland CompanyInventor: Jong H. Yang
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Patent number: 6991365Abstract: A flammability test apparatus comprises a chamber, an inlet, an ignition source, a heater, and pressure and temperature sensors. In one embodiment, the chamber includes a horizontally-oriented, cylindrically-shaped section. The inlet allows a fluid to be introduced into the chamber. The ignition source ignites the fluid within the chamber, and the heater adjusts the temperature of the fluid within the chamber. The test apparatus includes a sparger for dispersing the fluid within the chamber, and the sparger disposed within the chamber and attached to the inlet. The test apparatus also includes a relief system for exhausting the chamber after the pressure of the fluid in the chamber exceeds a preset pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Baker Engineering and Risk Consultants, Inc.Inventor: Adrian Pierorazio
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Patent number: 6991366Abstract: A method of measuring the heat conductivity of an object to be measured, comprising generating heat between the object to be measured and a heat resistant material, causing heat to flow through the interior of the object to be measured and the interior of the heat resistant material and obtaining the heat conductivity of the object to be measured from a temperature difference between at least two points of the heat resistant material, a heat conductivity measuring instrument using the same and a method of producing a heat insulating material.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignees: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc., EKO Instruments Trading Co., Ltd.Inventors: Reishi Naka, Masato Hayashi, Tomohiro Koyama, Toshikazu Hasegawa, Takeshi Aoshima
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Patent number: 6991367Abstract: A circuit for determining temperature of an active semiconductor device disposed on a semiconductor substrate and a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The bridge has in each of four branches thereof a thermal sensitive device, one pair of such thermal sensitive devices being in thermal contact with an electrode of the active device. Another pair of such thermal sensitive devices is in thermal contact with the substrate. The thermal sensitive devices are resistors. The active device is a transistor. A tuning circuit is coupled to an output of the transistor, such tuning circuit having a tunable element controlled by a control signal fed to such tunable element. A processor is responsive to a voltage produced at an output of the Wheatstone bridge circuit and a signal representative of power fed to the transistor. The output provided by the Wheatstone bridge provides a measure of a temperature difference between the temperature of the transistor and ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Michael G. Adlerstein
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Patent number: 6991368Abstract: An infrared ear thermometer includes a detector head housing, a heat sink, a recess formed in the heat sink, a thermopile sensor mounted within the recess, a thermistor, and temperature determination circuitry. The recess defines an aperture that limits the field of view of the thermopile sensor. The thermal capacities and conductivities of the heat sink and the thermopile sensor are selected so that the output signal of the thermopile sensor stabilizes during a temperature measurement. A method of determining temperature using the ear thermometer takes successive measurements, stores the measurements in a moving time window, averages the measurements in the moving window, determines whether the average has stabilized, and outputs an average temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Jonathan Gerlitz
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Patent number: 6991369Abstract: A temperature sensor circuit is provided which is adapted to provide an indication of the temperature on a chip. The sensor includes a bandgap temperature sensor which is sequentially driven by a plurality of current sources. The current sources are shuffled so as to minimize problems associated with matching currents.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventor: Patrick J. Garavan
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Patent number: 6991370Abstract: The temperature measuring apparatus according to the present invention is of the high melting point metal carbide—carbon system material thermocouple type. According to this temperature measuring apparatus, it is possible to measure temperatures from a room temperature range to a high temperature range in excess of 2000° C. continuously, stably and with good accuracy. A constitution is preferable wherein a rod-like member formed of high melting point metal carbide is inserted into a pipe-like member with a bottom formed of carbon system material, and connected at the bottom to serve as a temperature measuring portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Shigeo Kofune, Takao Fujikawa
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Patent number: 6991371Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) image quality phantom for use in calibrating explosive detection systems (EDS) at airports. A foam core block containing up to five right cylinder rod members is positioned in a housing member which is adapted to be passed through an airport luggage scanning machine. The rod members are of different lengths in order to create different data slices for analysis. The housing has a lead-in member at least at one end in order to allow passage through an EDS more easily and provide accurate CT calibrating.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Gary E. Georgeson, James M. Nelson, Richard H. Bossi
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Patent number: 6991372Abstract: A resealable package having a slider-operated zipper wherein the contents of the package are accessed through the front wall of the package, not through the top of the package. The resealable package comprises: a bag body comprising front and rear walls of bag making material; a flexible zipper joined to the front wall and not joined to the rear wall; and a slider mounted to the zipper, the slider being movable in a first direction along the zipper for opening the zipper and movable in a second direction along the zipper for closing the zipper. Alternatively, the flexible zipper is joined to the front wall along first and second zones of joinder disposed at different heights on the front wall, and is joined to the rear wall only in zones of joinder where the zipper is joined to both of the front and rear walls.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Jan Willem Cornelisse
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Patent number: 6991373Abstract: An emesis waste disposal system with both an outer bag and an inner bag. The inner bag is releasably attached within an inside of the outer bag, and disposed in a ready, open position within the outer bag. Advantageously an edge of the inner bag is folded out over a lip of the outer bag, to receive waste into the inner bag without soiling the outer bag. Optionally, the inner bag is releasably attached within an inside of the outer bag with a removable fastener such as a tin tie, hook and loop pile, or snap set.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: As We Grow LLCInventors: Jodi Lynn Coval Carr, James Gerald Carr
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Patent number: 6991374Abstract: A computer controlled microscope is provided with improved usability, which allows a user to quickly build, modify and reuse complex sample illumination and/or observation processes by introducing a recordings hierarchy in which a recording can be both a parent recording of one or more child recordings and a child recording to a single parent recording. A recordings hierarchy allows control parameter data to be inherited from a parent recording to a child recording. The group of child recordings linked to a parent recording is called a recordings collection. Viewed together, recordings and recordings collections form a tree-like hierarchy. Single load and store functions associated with a recording permit the entire recording and child recordings hierarchy to be stored on a storage device and reloaded into the computer of a computer controlled microscope.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: European Molecular Biology LaboratoryInventors: Nicholas James Salmon, Ernst Hans Karl Stelzer
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Patent number: 6991375Abstract: Touch fasteners useful for bags, packaging and other products as well as novel manufacturing of products incorporating such fasteners. A composite touch fastener has a fibrous loop strip partially encapsulated in, or otherwise permanently attached to, resin of a substrate, and an array of loop-engageable fastener elements integrally molded with resin of the substrate. The center portion of the closure seals the bag until it is torn away to expose the mating bands of loops and fastener elements. Methods of applying recloseable touch fasteners, e.g. hook and loop fasteners, to sheet or film include vertical form and fill and horizontal form and fill packaging and pouch making.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: William P. Clune, William H. Shepard, George A. Provost
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Patent number: 6991376Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing motor is described. In one embodiment, the fluid dynamic bearing motor includes a stationary shaft having a first end coupled to a first plate and a second end coupled to a second plate. The motor also includes a hub that is configured to rotate relative to the shaft. A fluid dynamic journal bearing, disposed between the shaft and the hub, radially supports the relative rotation of the shaft. The motor further includes a first seal, which is defined in part by the first plate and is disposed radially outboard of the journal bearing, and a second seal, which is defined in part by the second plate and is disposed radially outboard of the journal bearing.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Anthony Joseph Aiello, Paco Gregor Flores, Ali Khurram, Klaus Dieter Kloeppel
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Patent number: 6991377Abstract: A bush is provided at its sliding surface with oil-supply groove portions. An area ratio of the oil-supply groove portions to the sliding surface of the journal shaft is set to 30 to 90%. A length L1 between the oil-supply groove portions in a circumferential direction and an inner diameter D of the bearing satisfy L1<?D/36. Even in a bearing device in which the journal shaft and the bush mutually rotate in a predetermined angle range or in which the journal shaft and the bush relatively and continuously rotate, the present invention can effectively be used while maintaining the existing sizes of the journal shaft and the bush, and it is possible to prevent partial break of oil film or shortage of oil film.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Komatsu LimitedInventors: Hiroshi Yamamoto, Daijiro Ito, Takeshi Nishide
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Patent number: 6991378Abstract: For a bearing mounted between two concentric races rotating relative to each other, and forming an annular gap that accommodates the bearing and is closed by seals, at least one grease tube is provided between the periphery of one of the two races and the annular gap, and is connected to a corresponding grease reservoir. At least one main grease tube opens into the annular gap in an angular sector where an overpressure occurs, a corresponding main grease reservoir is adapted to collect grease flowing from the annular gap through the main grease tube due to the overpressure that may occur within the annular gap in the angular sector.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: S.A. DefontaineInventors: Eric Jacquemont, Germain Errard
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Patent number: 6991379Abstract: A seal assembly includes a protective shield, a seal and a seal wiper. A garter spring is located about the outer perimeter of the seal to provide a constricting force around the seal to assure that the lips contact the seal wiper even after deformation and wear of the seal assembly. Another seal assembly includes an integrally shielded seal manufactured of a non-metallic material.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology LLCInventor: Tomaz Dopico Varela
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Patent number: 6991380Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes a bearing shaft having an inboard end and an outboard end. A wheel hub is mounted onto the outboard end of the bearing shaft, and a detachable outboard joint is mounted onto the inboard end of the bearing shaft. A wheel bearing is mounted onto the bearing shaft between the inboard end and the outboard end. The inboard end of the bearing shaft includes a flange portion that provides a support to keep the wheel bearing positioned onto the bearing shaft and induces a pre-load into the wheel bearing such that the pre-load is maintained on the wheel bearing when the outboard joint is removed from the wheel end assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Hugh Wang, Douglas Charles Myers, Michael Walter Hopson, Paul Eugene Beshears, Jr.
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Patent number: 6991381Abstract: The invention relates to an emission module for an optical signal transmission, comprising an emission unit which emits light of a certain wavelength, an emission unit substrate on which the emission unit is arranged or embodied, a detection unit which detects light of a certain wavelength, and a detection unit substrate on which the detection unit is arranged or embodied. According to the invention, the emission unit substrate and/or the detection unit substrate are transparent to the wavelength emitted by the emission unit, and the emission unit and the detection unit are superposed in the direction of the light emitted. The inventive solution enables the emission unit and the detection unit to be optically coupled without requiring additional optical components such as reflecting surfaces. Novel, compact optical system can thus be carried out in an emission module.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Jörg-Reinhardt Kropp
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Patent number: 6991382Abstract: Disclosed is a method that includes providing an optical fiber, providing a bench that supports a chip-level optical transceiver, placing the bench in front of the optical fiber, activating the chip-level optical transceiver, and tilting the bench until the chip-level optical transceiver is aligned with the optical fiber and an optical signal is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventors: Jerry Scruggs, Jay Hoge
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Patent number: 6991383Abstract: A method and arrangement for achieving low splice-losses when connecting Highly Rare-Earth-Doped (HRED) optical fibers and dissimilar optical fibers having a large Mode Field Diameter (MFD) mismatch. Warm images are taken during a pre-fusion process to capture thermal light emissions and determine an arc-center position. The end-surfaces of the fibers are abutted and longitudinally offset from the arc-center, based on the light propagation direction and the MFD-mismatch. The fibers are then asymmetrically heated with different fusion temperatures during the main fusion processes. An MFD-match is achieved with well-defined fusion currents and fusion time. To maintain the same offset distance in a sequence of splices, the main-fusion arc-center position is determined by a process of direct arc-recentering.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)Inventor: Wei-Ping Huang
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Patent number: 6991384Abstract: A camera tripod rotating head (20) is taught that is used for taking 360 degree photographic images with a camera (22) mounted on a tripod (24). The rotating head consists of an adapter base (26) that is configured to mate and attach to the camera tripod, and includes a one way roller clutch (30) mounted within the adapter base and a shoulder bolt (32) that is positioned through both the base and the clutch. A rotating beam (36) is attached to the adapter base with the shoulder bolt allowing the beam to revolve around the base a full 360 degrees in one direction only. Detents are position within the adapter base relative beam allowing the beam to be rotated and stopped at an equidistant predetermined location, preferably sixteen, until manually urged to the next location.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Robert C. Davis
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Patent number: 6991385Abstract: In a developing processing of a wafer having a resist film low in the dissolving rate in a developing solution formed thereon and subjected to an exposure treatment, a developing solution of a low concentration is supplied first onto a wafer and the wafer is left to stand for a prescribed time to permit a developing reaction to proceed, followed by further supplying a developing solution having a concentration higher than that of the developing solution supplied first onto the wafer, leaving the substrate to stand and subsequently rinsing the wafer, thereby improving the uniformity of the line width in the central portion and the peripheral portion of the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Kousuke Yoshihara, Keiichi Tanaka, Taro Yamamoto, Hideharu Kyouda, Hirofumi Takeguchi, Atsushi Ookouchi
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Patent number: 6991386Abstract: The invention provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming method which can correct displacement of a forming position of an image with high accuracy even when a recording medium is strained into an arbitrary shape. Positional information representing positions of each of multiple locating holes made in advance on a printed wire board (PWB) is obtained by a camera, a forming area of a wiring pattern image on the PWB is virtually divided into multiple quadrilateral areas on the basis of the positional information, in each divided area, raster data showing the image is converted so that, when it is assumed that there is no strain on the PWB, a formed wiring pattern image is matched to an image formed on a corresponding divided area, and, on the basis of the raster data after conversion, the image is formed on the PWB.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Nakaya, Toru Katayama
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Patent number: 6991387Abstract: In a printing sheet conveying direction, registration adjustment patterns can be printed in a large area on a printing sheet and can be read. Specifically, along a first feeding path, printing heads print registration adjustment patterns in a first area on a printing sheet, and a sensor measures the densities of the patterns on the printing sheet after it has been reversely fed. A printing sheet can be reversely fed along a horizontal second feeding path without contacting the PE sensor lever. In this state, the printing sheet is fed in the forward direction so that a second area for printing registration adjustment patterns is adjacent to the area A, and the printing heads sequentially print registration adjustment patterns. The printing sheet is then reversely conveyed a predetermined distance and the densities of the patterns are measured.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akira Kida
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Patent number: 6991388Abstract: An ink ribbon is formed from a belt shaped sheet body, and is wound around a pair of tubes. Spools are detachably mounted at each end of the tube bodies. An ink ribbon cartridge includes side plates formed with supporting openings for supporting corresponding spools. When the ink ribbon cartridge is mounted in a printing device, the spools are freely rotatable within the supporting openings. A protrusion is formed in an upper surface of the takeup-side of the cartridge. The protrusion provides a handle and an opening is formed in the takeup-side upper surface beneath the protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hisashi Igi, Yoshikatsu Kameyama, Shingo Ito
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Patent number: 6991389Abstract: In a foldable keyboard, a cover member (100) includes a cover part (101) provided with a cover plate (104) and a pair of supporting elements (102, 103) formed on both ends of the cover plat. The supporting elements are each formed with a first slot (117) and a second slot (118). A support screw (123) passes with play through the first slot and is fixedly received in a baring hole (13A) of a bearing member (13) formed in a corner (12B) of a first keyboard unit (3) and a support screw (124) passes with play through the first slot and is fixedly received in a support hole (121) of a first base plate (5) formed in a corner (12A). A support screw (125) passes with play through the second slot and is fixedly received in a bearing hole (17A) of a bearing member (17) formed in a corner (16B) of a second keyboard unit (4) and a support screw (126) passes with play through the second slot and is fixedly received in a support hole (120) of a second base plate (8) formed in a corner (16A).Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Isao Mochizuki, Takeyuki Takagi
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Patent number: 6991390Abstract: A key (21) for a keyboard or keypad, the key (21) having an upper finger engaged surface (2) defining a generally top edge portion (3) remote from the user, a generally bottom edge portion (4) adjacent to the user, a generally left edge portion (5) and a generally right edge portion (6), the key (21) further having a ridge (22) adjacent to the top edge portion (3), the bottom edge portion (4), the left edge portion (5) and/or the right edge portion (6).Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Alberto B. Sabato
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Patent number: 6991391Abstract: The present invention relates to a roll-like printing paper, a video printer using such roll-like printing paper and a method of detecting a remaining quantity of a roll-like printing paper. More specifically, this invention relates to a roll-like printing paper in which a paper spool may include a detection portion for detecting a rotation of the paper spool and a rotation of the paper spool can be detected by this detection portion. Further, this invention relates to a video printer and a printing paper remaining quantity detection method in which the rotation of the paper spool of this roll-like printing paper may be detected and an alarm may be displayed if it is determined based on the detected paper spool rotation that the remaining quantity of the roll-like printing paper approaches to its end.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Masahide Maruyama
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Patent number: 6991392Abstract: A print media delivery system on a door assembly that is connected to an associated frame is provided. The door assembly includes a door body openable to provide access into an associated frame. A tray is pivotally connected to the door body for receiving associated print media thereon. A pick roller is rotatably mounted to the door body for contacting the associated print media and advancing the associated print media into the associated frame. A gear has a missing teeth section and is connected to the pick roller for corotation therewith. A gear bias system urges the gear to rotate in a first direction when the door body is closed and said tray is open to selectively advance the missing teeth section past an associated drive gear and allow teeth of the gear to engage the associated drive gear when the door body is closed.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Nathan E. Hult, Darryl I. Jensen
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Patent number: 6991393Abstract: A method of making a liquid applicator having a flexible hollow body within which a liquid-filled, frangible ampoule is received. The liquid applicator also has a porous element containing colorant positioned such that when the ampoule is fractured, the liquid flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the liquid as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to a desired surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Medi-Flex, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Tufts, Jesus Flores, Manuel Guzman
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Patent number: 6991394Abstract: Liquid applicators having a flexible elongated hollow body are provided. More specifically, provided are hand-held liquid applications having a flexible elongated hollow body within which at least two liquid-filled, glass ampoules are received, and a mechanism for fracturing the ampoules to release the liquid for dispensing.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Medi-Flex, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Tufts, Manual Guzman, Jesus Flores
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Patent number: 6991395Abstract: The ink control structure of a pen includes a pen body and a pen point. The interior of the pen body is an empty cavity for containing ink and the surrounding wall of the pen body is flexible and can be pinched. The inner end of the pen point joins the empty cavity via an ink supply passage. The pen point has hydraulic conductivity and can lead the ink out. The pressure-driven control valve is configured into the ink supply passage and includes a stopper end and an elastic part. The elastic part can normally push the stopper end to pressingly meet a narrow opening in the ink supply passage, thus forming a state that the ink is prevented from a flow out. While under pressure, the ink supply passage is opened to make ink flow downward to the pen point for applying or writing.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Tao-Tien Huang
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Patent number: 6991396Abstract: A device for applying a product comprises a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product and an application element configured to apply a product to a surface. A cavity is in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element. The device further comprises a support element on which the application element is mounted. The support element is mounted to pivot relative to the receptacle body between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
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Patent number: 6991397Abstract: An improved dowel fastener for compressive insertion within a recess, bore or aperture in each of two joint members of wood, metal, plastic or combinations thereof to frictionally retain one joint member to the other. The dowel fastener includes a flexible, resilient, tubular body having a preferably spiral slot extending from end to end and at least one and preferably two spaced tabs at positions along the slot. The tabs each extend from one slot edge across the slot toward the opposing slot edge and engage the inside surface of the tubular body adjacent the opposing slot edge. The body provides a cylindrical exterior gripping surface for engagement with the sides of the joint apertures and is sufficiently flexible for compression from its normal, uncompressed diameter for insertion in a smaller fastening aperture.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Modular Systems, Inc.Inventor: Montgomery J. Welch
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Patent number: 6991398Abstract: A tool coupler comprises a coupler frame and an attachment frame. The attachment frame is provided with two hooks that engage two catches located on the coupler frame. The coupler frame is provided with two locking pins and the attachment frame is provided with two receiving apertures, for locking the coupler frame to the attachment frame. Both locking pins are actuated by a double acting hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is slidably mounted on the coupler frame. The hydraulic cylinder is provided with a barrel end having the first locking pin and a piston rod having the second locking pin. The coupler frame and the hydraulic cylinder are provided with limiters which limit the sliding movement the piston rod and the barrel end relative to the coupler frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Ronald Anthony Leemans, David Michael O'Brien, George Robertson, Gregory Keith Werner
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Patent number: 6991399Abstract: A coupling device for connecting members, including: a coupling case that has a plurality of connecting slots which respectively receive the members; and wedges that are inserted into the spaces between the coupling case and each of the members perpendicularly to the direction of external pressure given to each of the members. Each of the wedges have one side and another side out of at least a couple of slope sides contacting the coupling case in opposite directions and have a higher coefficient of friction on a bottom side surface that touches one of the members than on the slope side surface that touches the coupling case.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventors: Jong-Won Park, In-Kyu Hwang
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Patent number: 6991400Abstract: An improved sealant cap which is comprised of a flexible material, preferably, but not necessarily made of lead or other material having the same properties of lead, having a first arm member which is inserted downward into the caulking material after the caulking material has been in place within the joint. The downward depending arm portion extends from a cap portion downward, so that as the arm member is pushed into the caulking material, the upper cap portion spans across the joint and rests on the adjoining stone members. There is further provided a plurality of ridges formed on the undersurface of the cap portion of the improved cap cover with the ridges increasing the area (by 50%) of the underside of the cap for the sealant to adhere to and the surface of the stone in such a manner as to prevent the cap from separating from the stone and insuring an elastic protection for the joints.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Gerald I. Negueloua
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Patent number: 6991401Abstract: Landfill compactor vehicles having wheels equipped with wedge shaped cleats tend to accumulate about the vehicle's axle trash such as cable, wire, rope and the like debris requiring daily removal to permit unobstructed axle rotation. The wheel construction of this invention provides compaction cleats of two types, contour and traction, in rows positioned across the width of the wheel with substantially no cleat free zone adjacent the wheel edges but with a row of contour teeth arranged adjacent the wheel's inner edge thus affording trash exclusion properties to the compactor wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Caron Compactor CompanyInventor: James Oliver Caron
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Patent number: 6991402Abstract: Methods and modules for use in a modular assembly are disclosed for retaining or detaining storm water beneath a ground surface. A module comprises a substantially horizontally disposed deck portion and at least one substantially vertically disposed side portion extending therefrom. The deck portion and side portion have respective end edges, and the side portion has bottom edges. The side portion and the deck portion define a longitudinal channel which is open at least at an end of the module. The side portion has at least one opening therein and defines a lateral channel in the module. The longitudinal and lateral channels are in fluid communication with one another. Each channel has about the same cross section and extends upwardly from the bottom edges to allow relatively unconstrained flow in the longitudinal and lateral directions.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: StormTrap LLCInventor: Philip J. Burkhart
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Patent number: 6991403Abstract: A system for anchoring fabric panels having an anchor housing which includes, a base, walls on the ends of the base, a chamber, and an extension attached to the first wall, wherein the extension projects over the chamber. The system includes a key disposed in the chamber of the anchor housing adjacent to a wall, wherein the key comprises a locking edge, a chock disposed in the chamber adjacent to the key, wherein the chock has a locking edge that engages the locking edge of the key, a deformable tube disposed in the chamber of the anchor housing between the first wall and the chock and beneath the extension, and wherein a space is created between the tube and the extension. A fabric panel attached to a mooring which is located in the space, and wherein the fabric panel extends from the mooring and over the extension.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Charles C. Hendee
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Patent number: 6991404Abstract: A closed modular ditch liner includes a plurality of closed liner sections, a plurality of covers, and at least one alignment key. The cross section of each closed liner section includes at least one trough contour and a single cover retention lip formed on a top end of each side thereof. Each cover is laterally retained between the two cover retention lips. A key slot is preferably formed on at least one side of the closed liner section to receive a single alignment key. However, alignment keys that do not require a key slot may also be used.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: James W. Charon
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Patent number: 6991405Abstract: A system, computer program product and method of preventing and controlling sulfide mineral oxidation and generation of acid rock drainage in a mass of sulfidic waste is provided. The mass of sulfidic waste includes a cover. The method involves applying under the cover of an oxygen deficient/non-reactive gas mixture, substantially throughout the mass of sulfidic waste, in a quantity sufficient to create a pressure differential between the inside of the mass of sulfidic waste and the open atmosphere outside and adjacent to the mass of sulfidic waste, such that the oxygen gas concentration inside the mass of sulfidic waste is substantially equal to, or less than, the atmospheric oxygen gas concentration outside and adjacent to the mass of sulfidic waste. The system includes a distribution system and sensors for detecting acid rock drainage conditions of the mass of sulfidic waste, and in response applying an effective amount of oxygen deficient/non-reactive gas mixture.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Terraquest Technologies, Ltd.Inventors: Howard A. Barrie, David A. Orava
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Patent number: 6991406Abstract: Method for consolidating an earth stratum situated in a subgrade by withdrawing water that is present in there from it, comprising the stepwise arrangement from the surface of the soil, at some depth, of vertical drain, such as drains, in the earth stratum, the arrangement of horizontal drainage provided by a drainage pipe or pipes, in the upper area of the earth stratum and connecting them to the vertical drain for water transfer between them, the arrangement of an air sealing layer directly over the horizontal drainage pipes and the closing of the surface of the soil, as well as the connection of the horizontal drainage pipes to a pump for discharge of the water.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Dirk Albertus Bodegom
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Patent number: 6991407Abstract: A lift cylinder arrangement is disclosed for a hydraulic support frame for underground mining. The support frame has a lift cylinder for lifting the base shoes during advancing, which is supported on the one hand on a return rod and on the other hand, in a pivoting manner, with an end supporting head to a drawbar connected to the base shoes. In order to allow a simple, rapid and reliable connection between the supporting head and the drawbar, the supporting head is connected to the drawbar by a plug-type locking system comprising two plug-type locking elements, which include first locking notches on the drawbar, and arranged complementarily thereto second locking notches on the supporting head, whereby the plug-type locking elements engage in at least one of the locking notches with clearance.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: DBT GmbHInventors: Friedrich Wilhelm Dannehl, Werner Reinelt, Holger Behnert
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Patent number: 6991408Abstract: A lightweight, non water retaining, biodegradable soil replacement material which may be charged into a flexible non biodegradable synthetic bag. The fill material may be expanded polymeric materials to afford lightweight, insulation and adequate drainage which may be charged into a flexible bag having a mesh composition. The product may be used against foundations, walls, retaining walls, piers, columns, weeping tiles or any other structure where backfill is required. The product may have other applications due to its insulating ability which do not include soil replacement but may simply be to fill a space or opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: North American Profill Products Inc.Inventors: Phil Bottriell, David Vandenbeek
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Patent number: 6991409Abstract: A rotary cutting tool that includes an elongated tool body, rotatable along a longitudinal axis of rotation is disclosed. It has a fluted cutting end on one end and a shank end on the opposite end of the tool body. The fluted cutting end includes a nose, a periphery and an end surface that extends from the nose to the periphery. A plurality of axial flutes extends from the end surface to the fluted cutting end and combines with a plurality of cutting edges. The cutting edges are unequally spaced along the circumference of the end surface lying in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rotation. In addition, all cutting edges are of a different helix from one another and the cutting edge geometries vary from one another to create a different sound pattern. This reduces resonant harmonic vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Niagara CutterInventor: Dennis L. Noland
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Patent number: 6991410Abstract: The invention provides a toolholder assembly including a body and a nest that is suitable for holding an insert. The nest includes a notch and the body includes a support and protrusion that cooperates with the notch to permit indexing of the nest relative to the support. In one embodiment, the support includes a bias device, such as a spring, that at least partially biases the nest toward the support and an adjustment device that can at least partially counter the bias device. The invention is also directed to a toolholder assembly that additionally includes an insert and a clamp. The invention further contemplates a method for forming the assembly and a method for adjusting or indexing the orientation of the nest.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Kennametal Inc.Inventors: Linn R. Andras, John J. Baca
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Patent number: 6991411Abstract: The invention is concerned with a device for clamping and releasing work tools (16) in a tool receptacle (10). The tool receptacle (10) includes on its free end for this purpose an open socket part (12), which is adapted for frictional engaging reception of the work tool shaft (14). The work tool shaft is thereby shrunk-fit into a borehole (20) in the socket part (12). For this purpose the socket part is provided with an induction coil (26) encircling the tool receptacle (10) which coil can be acted upon by high frequency alternating current for producing heat and heating the socket part (12). For avoidance of leakage fields which could result in a undesired heating of the work tool (16), it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the induction coil (26), on its surface adjacent the free end of the socket part (12), is covered over by a pole shoe (34) having a central through hole (36) for the work tool (16) and comprised of a magnetically conductive and electrically non-conductive material.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignees: Innovat Gesellschaft fuer Sondermaschinenbau, Messund Steuertechnik mbH, Bilz Werkzeugfabrik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Ingo Irion, Michael Voss