With Means For Moving Work Through, Into Or Out Of Pool Patents (Class 118/423)
  • Patent number: 5622585
    Abstract: In order to properly hold a number of miniaturized electronic component chips so that processing such as formation of external electrodes can be efficiently performed, a holder having an adhesive face to be stuck to first end surfaces of a number of electronic component chips for holding the electronic component chips is employed. The number of electronic component chips being held by the holder are dipped in electrode paste, so that external electrodes are formed on second end surfaces thereof. Then, an adhesive face of another holder having stronger adhesion than the adhesive face of the first holder is stuck to the electronic component chips, whereby the number of electronic component chips are simultaneously transferred to this holder. The first end surfaces are then also dipped in electrode paste to from external electrodes thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Minowa, Norio Sakai, Tetsuro Saito, Toshimi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 5616365
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating a substrate having an end region including: (a) positioning the substrate within a coating vessel to define a space between the vessel and the substrate and providing a downwardly inclined surface contiguous to the outer surface at the end region of the substrate; (b) filling at least a portion of the space with a coating solution; and (c) withdrawing the coating solution from the space, thereby depositing a layer of the coating solution on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Richard H. Nealey
  • Patent number: 5611475
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying solder to electrical or electronic components mounted in a horizontally oriented carrier, includes a solder bath, a pair of tracks (1,2) for guiding the carrier across the solder bath, and a device for urging the carrier along the tracks. The track has a first profiled region (12,19) for guiding a leading position of the carrier down towards the surface of the solder, and a second profiled region (16,20) longitudinally spaced from the first region, and laterally offset, for simultaneously guiding a trailing portion of the carrier down towards the surface of the solder, the profiles being substantially the same so that the carrier maintains its horizontal orientation while being moved vertically towards and away from the surface of the solder. The carrier moves on follower wheels which run along the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Sun Industrial Coatings Private Ltd.
    Inventor: Ah T. Sim
  • Patent number: 5609684
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gel-coated seed processing device that comprises a gel-processing nozzle for coating the seed supplied thereto, a curing vessel which is disposed under the gel-processing nozzle and accommodate a curing agent for curing the surface of the gel-coated seeds, and a washing vessel for washing off the surface of the gel-coated seeds after being immersed in the curing vessel, wherein the curing vessel is composed of; a curing vessel main body for accommodating a gelatinizing agent in a receiving section thereof for receiving the gel-coated seeds dropped down thereto and in a gel conveying channel in connection with the receiving section, a pump for circulating the curing agent from the receiving section to the upstream thereof by way of the gel conveying channel, a rectifying plate disposed in the upstream of the receiving section to make the curing agent overflow the horizontal upper end brim thereof, and a horizontal guide wall extendedly disposed in the downstream side of the rec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Ido, Yasushi Kohno
  • Patent number: 5609239
    Abstract: A mounting structure or holding frame movable along a conveyor system has a locking device which includes a seat with a recess to accommodate a connection component of a workpiece, and a latch pivotable to open or close the recess and bearing a start roller. A securing rail adapted to block the latch in its open or closed position is movable in parallel to the pivotal plane of the latch an bears a start roller. Both start rollers are controlled by cams disposed along the conveying path of the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Thyssen Aufzuege GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Schlecker
  • Patent number: 5601648
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying treating liquor to a traveling textile web having a vat containing treating liquor and a plurality of web guiding rolls submerged in the treating liquor and arranged in a substantially vertical sequence with adjacent rolls being in contact to form nips therebetween. The upper rolls are supported in the vat for resting under their own weight on the lower roll to apply pressure at the nips on the textile web. A drive motor drives at least one of the rolls with the other rolls being driven by surface contact with the drive roll for positive feed of the traveling web at a uniform surface speed through the treating liquor. Guide rolls guide the textile web to the vat at substantially the same surface speed as that of the plurality of rolls. A pair of driven squeeze rolls above the treating liquor form a nip through which the textile web is guided as it travels from the treating liquor, with squeeze rolls being driven at substantially the same surface speed as the guide rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: A. Monforts GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Helge Freisberg, Peter Mevissen
  • Patent number: 5593501
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for improved coating of small solid particles with a melt of a material which solidifies at room temperature. The device includes a rotatable turbine body and conduits for supplying solid particles and molten material to the rotatable turbine body. The turbine body is rotated by a hollow drive shaft and is provided with a series of heating conduits extending through the drive shaft and the turbine body for heating the turbine body. The turbine body can be heated to a controlled temperature to maintain the molten material at a desired temperature by varying the temperature of a heating agent which is supplied through the heating conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Santrade Ltd.
    Inventors: Axel Konig, Matthias Kleinhans, Janez Michelic
  • Patent number: 5573722
    Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Hull
  • Patent number: 5573813
    Abstract: Fiber materials of unidirectional, parallel filaments are fully impregnated with highly viscous resins such as polymers having linear, long chain molecular structures, by heat softening the resin, applying it to opposite sides of the fiber material, subjecting it to low pressure (e.g. 4 psi) and generating shear stresses in a boundary layer of the pressurized resin immediately adjacent the faces of the fiber material to align the long chain molecules in the vicinity of the filaments substantially parallel to the filaments. Shear is generated by moving the material, including the applied resin, through a restricted passageway which defines a shear zone. While the resin is subjected to shear its viscosity is reduced to such an extent that it penetrates into the fiber material and substantially fully encapsulates the fibers with the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventors: Milton F. Custer, Kenneth E. Vicknair, William R. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 5573727
    Abstract: An improved, automatic slide specimen staining apparatus. The apparatus includes a covered housing containing a plurality of baths, input and withdrawal drawers and a three direction slide racks transport mechanism. The transport mechanism is controlled in its movement of slide racks, from bath to bath between an initial position to a final position; the transport mechanism is under the control of a microprocessor control system programmed with a series of staining schedules that are operator selective for a given slide rack input from the initial position, the microprocessor control system interactively determining individual slide rack movement timing through selected baths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Australian Biomedical Corporation Ltd.
    Inventor: Raymond A. Keefe
  • Patent number: 5573721
    Abstract: A system is provided for producing a three dimensional object from a reactive liquid medium capable of being solidified. The object is constructed from many successive layers of the solidified reactive liquid medium when subjected to appropriate synergistic stimulation. A reservoir contains both the reactive liquid medium and an underlying supporting, substantially immiscible, non-reactive liquid medium. To begin forming the object, a platform within the reservoir is initially positioned at a depth equal to the thickness of a first layer to be solidified, and continues to support the object being constructed. The synergistic source radiates toward the reactive liquid medium and imaging apparatus defining a three dimensional object of required configuration selectively controls the size and shape of that part of a new two dimensional layer to be solidified. At least part of the new layer is solidified, after which a further layer is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul C. Gillette
  • Patent number: 5571327
    Abstract: A continuous hot dipping apparatus which comprises a slide bearing structure of a bearing and a roll shaft which is of a combination of a ceramic material and a solid lubricant material, and which has good wear resistance and long term durability. A heat resistant steel is provided, which is used in a molten metal of hot dipping and which essentially consists of 0.15-0.30% C, not more than 20% Si, not more than 2% Mn, 20-30% Cr, 10-20% Ni and not less than 50% Fe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiko Ookouchi, Tamihito Kawahigashi, Masatoshi Seki, Junji Sakai, Hitoshi Okoshi, Yoshitaka Nakayama
  • Patent number: 5571328
    Abstract: A hot dip metal strip coating apparatus includes at least one roll submerged in a bath of molten coating metal for guiding the strip through the bath. The submerged rolls are mounted on the ends of support arms by bearings including a pair of substantially flat bearing surfaces disposed in planes parallel to and spaced from the horizontal axis of the roll shaft, with the planes of the flat surfaces intersecting one another at an angle within the range of about 90.degree. to about 150.degree.. The flat bearing surfaces are defined by inserts formed from a carbide material having excellent wear resistance and independently supported to contact the roll shaft tangentially during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: National Steel Corporation
    Inventor: Franklin R. Newland
  • Patent number: 5571594
    Abstract: In order to properly hold a number of miniaturized electronic component chips so that processing such as formation of external electrodes can be efficiently performed, a holder having an adhesive face to be stuck to first end surfaces of a number of electronic component chips for holding the electronic component chips is employed. The number of electronic component chips being held by the holder are dipped in electrode paste, so that external electrodes are formed on second end surfaces thereof. Then, an adhesive face of another holder having stronger adhesion than the adhesive face of the first holder is stuck to the electronic component chips, whereby the number of electronic component chips are simultaneously transferred to this holder. The first end surfaces are then also dipped in electrode paste to form external electrodes thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Minowa, Norio Sakai, Tetsuro Saito, Toshimi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 5569431
    Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Hull
  • Patent number: 5569349
    Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid, but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment, a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object, thus providing support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Dennis R. Smalley
  • Patent number: 5558715
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for coating a metallurgical product, especially a steel product, in which said product is dipped into a bath of metallic alloy containing solid impurities, wherein said bath of alloy is exposed to sound vibration so as to accelerate the decantation of said impurities.The subject of the invention is also an installation for coating metallurgical products (3), especially steel products, of the type comprising a tank (1) containing a bath (2) of metallic alloy and means (4, 5) for dipping said products (3) into said bath of alloy, wherein it also comprises means (13, 14) for exposing said bath of alloy to sound vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: SOLLAC, Societe anonyme
    Inventors: Patrick Abed, Marc Dauzat, Jean-Marc Rouxel, Michel Nogues
  • Patent number: 5556590
    Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminas, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Hull
  • Patent number: 5554336
    Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Hull
  • Patent number: 5547511
    Abstract: An electrode forming system automatically carries out overall steps of charging chip components, coating electrode material on both ends of the components and discharging the components using a holding plate, a guide plate and a spacer. This system comprises a charger, a transferer, an electrode coater, a drying furnace, a holding plate standby means, a spacer storage means, a holding plate storage means, a discharger, a transport robot, conveyor means and a control unit. Movements of these apparatus are integratedly controlled by the control unit. The robot transports the holding plate, the guide plate or the spacer among these apparatus arranged within its working area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuro Hamuro, Hirokazu Higuchi, Tadahiro Nakagawa, Akihiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5545367
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the production of high precision large scale, micro and mini structures using three dimensional stereolithography. The objects formed using these methods have minimal stress between layers and low curl distortion. The objects also have low warpage because no post-cure treatment is necessary. The methods include the use of elevated pressure, elevated temperature, or sequential polymerization of polymer precursor fluid, or a combination of these, in the three dimensional stereolithographic process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Soane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Young C. Bae, David S. Soane, Charles Crocker
  • Patent number: 5538558
    Abstract: A slide bearing fashioned as a ball bearing or a roller bearing, wherein contact portions of a roll shaft and a bearing, and rolling elements are formed of a combination of a ceramic material and a solid lubricant material. The slide bearing is advantageously utilized in a continuous hot dipping apparatus in which ball bearings or roller bearings are used as bearings of a sink roll and guide rolls of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiko Ookouchi, Tamihito Kawahigashi
  • Patent number: 5538579
    Abstract: A plurality of glass plates 10 are stacked in a block form without forming gaps between adjacent glass plates while the stacked glass plates are separable; the stacked glass plates are cut off in a circular shape or a doughnut-like shape in a block; and then, the processed glass plates are separated. According to this method, tipping which may result when glass plates are processed individually can be prevented whereby processing is easy, and productivity is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Ishimura, Yoichi Ozawa, Ikuo Nagasawa, Masabumi Ito
  • Patent number: 5538559
    Abstract: The invention includes a vessel (24) for containing a bath (28) of molten coating metal such as zinc, a sink roll (30) submerged into the bath defining a path of travel for a metal strip (12) through the bath with the strip applying force to the roll as a result of tensile load on the strip and a pair of stabilizing rolls (32). Sink roll (30) is supported by a pair of spaced arms (36) and each stabilizing roll (32)is supported by a pair of spaced arms (44). Each roll has a cylindrical body (52) having an outer surface for being in contact with strip (12) and a trunnion (54) projecting axially from each end of the roll body. Each arm (36) has an upper end (38) and a lower end (40), the upper ends being mounted at positions (42) above the vessel and the lower ends for being submerged into the bath. Each lower end of the arms includes means (58) for supporting the roll and means (56) for restraining lateral thrust of the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: AK Steel Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Kleimeyer, Ralph W. Martin, Robert D. Wines, II
  • Patent number: 5531830
    Abstract: A surface treatment apparatus having a treatment bath for immersing and treating a workpiece therein with the workpiece being put into and taken out of said treatment bath by the lifting and lowering thereof and with the workpiece being rotated about a horizontal axial line while in the bath. A jig is provided for holding the workpiece having a pair of suspending points at each end thereof in symmetrical relationship about a horizontal axial line. Ropes suspend the jig with each one connected to one of the suspending points at each end of said jig. In a first embodiment, a pair of hoisting apparatuses are provided with upper ends of the ropes connected to suspending points on one side at both ends of the jig being connected to one of the hoisting apparatuses and upper ends of the ropes connected to suspending points on the other side at both ends of the jig being connected to the other of the hoisting apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyohiro Ichinose, Hirofumi Hara, Hiroshi Ochiai
  • Patent number: 5529625
    Abstract: A coating apparatus is disclosed having a metal bath, an enclosure extending over the bath, a mandrel extending into the bath, and a gas seal mounted on the enclosure in communication with the atmosphere therein. The gas seal has a frame with a slot extending therethrough, first and second rolls aligned with the first and second ends of the slot, and a door extending between the rolls and over the seal. The door being pivotally mounted on the frame to open inwardly at the first end and outwardly at the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Knudsen, Mark G. Benz
  • Patent number: 5525751
    Abstract: Apparatus for moving a submerged web through a liquid, comprising a cylindrical tube with ends adapted to prevent fluid flow out of said ends and/or with a peripheral area containing a plurality of uniformly sized and spaced apertures. A liquid pump, e.g. a venturi, supplies a flow of liquid into the tube allowing a moving web to be carried on a liquid bearing over a part of the aperture-containing peripheral area. The tube can be rotated, e.g. by a fluid jet, to assist in conveying a porous web being treated with the fluid providing web floatation off the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventor: Reed J. Niederkorn
  • Patent number: 5512101
    Abstract: In the bottom of a seed vessel containing seeds is provided a throughhole through which a seed supply rod is longitudinally movably passed. The supply rod is connected to an actuator to be movably driven. When the supply rod is moved upwardly, it carries a small number of seeds on the top surface thereof to bring the seeds close to a suction tip so that the suction tip sucks one seed therefrom. Since the suction tip sucks one seed from the limited number of seeds on top of the supply rod, it becomes unlikely that a plurality of seeds sucked into the suction tip interfere with each other to cause the suction tip to make errors in sucking seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Kohno
  • Patent number: 5512321
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for coating elongated metallic matal, particularly strip or wire, with multiple layers by applying different layers of metallic coating materials while the material to be coated travels continuously through an installation having a plurality of dip baths of molten coating materials which are arranged one after the other.In order to produce new corrosion-resistant coatings with improved properties and improved surfaces, the invention provides that the elongated metallic material is guided in a straight line through the installation so as to be regulated in temperature via the adjustable bath temperatures of the different molten coating materials. The device used for this purpose is characterized by a plurality of treatment tanks (4a, 4b) arranged in series and having through-ducts (12) for the elongated metallic material (B) below the surface (h) of the dip bath, the through-ducts (12) being closed by magnetohydrodynamic seals (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignees: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft, I.P. Bardin Central Research Institute of Iron and Steel Industry, SKB MGD, Institute of Physics
    Inventors: Vladimir A. Paramonov, Anatolij I. Tychinin, Anatolij I. Moroz, Boris L. Birger
  • Patent number: 5512098
    Abstract: Apparatus for impregnating wood veneer with a liquid impregnant comprises a container having an upper chamber communicated to a lower impregnation chamber. A clamping mechanism is releasably engageable to a peripheral region of the wood veneer and is cooperably received in the upper chamber in a manner to suspend the wood veneer in the impregnation chamber. An elevator overlies the container and is releasably connectable to the clamping mechanism for lowering the clamping mechanism into the upper chamber to suspend the wood veneer in the impregnation chamber therebelow. The clamping mechanism is disconnected from the elevator such that the clamping mechanism remains in the upper chamber during impregnation of the wood veneer with liquid impregnant. The impregnation chamber is evacuated by a vacuum pump after the wood veneer is suspended therein, and liquid impregnant is introduced from a storage tank to the impregnation chamber about the wood veneer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignees: Hawworth, Inc., The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Nicholas A. French, W. Dale Ellis, Roger M. Rowell
  • Patent number: 5509965
    Abstract: A preform transfer and coating apparatus and method is provided which utilizes a carrier plate to receive a newly-molded batch of preforms from the molding apparatus preform handling plate. A transfer apparatus automatically moves the carrier plate from a preform-receiving position to a preform-coating position where the preforms are dipped into a coating liquid, after which the coated preforms are moved transversely back towards a starting position where they are discharged into a gaylord or onto a conveyor which feeds a standard gaylord packaging system. There is also a sample-taking apparatus which removes preforms prior to coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ieuan L. Harry, Louis M. Silva, Donald Zelonis
  • Patent number: 5509963
    Abstract: In a seed supply mechanism for seed coating/processing apparatus, a seed stirring mechanism is provided. A case within which seeds ape accommodated is provided with an opening into which a seed sucking nozzle is inserted and an air jet nozzle. The air jet nozzle for the seed stirring mechanism is connected to an air pressure source through an exchanging valve by a hose The seed sucking nozzle sucks a seed floating by air jetted from the air jet nozzle. Thus, only one seed can be surely sucked when the sucking operation is once carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Kohno
  • Patent number: 5505988
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for coloring optical fibres, each fibre being drawn through an upper nozzle in a coloring tool into a color chamber, into which colorant is introduced, and further through a lower nozzle out of the color chamber. The colored fibre is passed onward through a quartz tube of a UV lamp curing the colorant. To reduce costs and to increase the production rate, the coloring tools are arranged close to each other in pairs in at least two different planes, and the fibres to be colored are drawn simultaneously through the coloring tools and further simultaneously through the quartz tube of the UV lamp common to the fibres to be colored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Nokia-Maillefer Oy
    Inventors: Juha Tanskanen, Erkki Peltoluhta
  • Patent number: 5501824
    Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object to provide support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Dennis R. Smalley
  • Patent number: 5498287
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a fluid and tape to be dispensed for sealing seams of wallboard panels comprising a bucket adapted to support a roll of tape and a quantity of a blending fluid; support mechanisms including a central shaft formed of two co-axial parts with a spring urging the parts axially outward thereof, a pair of upper bosses secured to the interior surface of the side wall of the bucket adjacent to the upper edge thereof with apertures receiving the opposed ends of the support rod and with the roll of tape supported at the central extent of the support rod; a guide rod rotatably secured in a lower extent of the bucket, the guide rod having opposed ends, a pair of lower bosses secured to the interior surface of the side wall of the bucket adjacent to the lower edge thereof with apertures receiving the opposed ends of the guide rod, the guide rod positioned to receive and guide tape extending from the support rod; and a slot in a generally horizontal orientation positioned through a lower extent
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald Barnfield
  • Patent number: 5474610
    Abstract: Process and device for coating hollow objects exhibiting an opening, and beverage cans in particular, in which the hollow objects are immersed completely and with the opening downward in a paint-filled submersion bath, the openings being moved into the vicinity of nozzles for the paint, which are located underneath the surface of the liquid in the submersion bath and which at least partially displace the air trapped in the hollow objects immersed in the submersion bath by means of streams of paint discharging from the nozzles. With this process and device hollow objects can be painted uniformly inside and outside in one step without its being necessary to turn them either to fill them with paint when immersed in the submersion bath or to drain them after their being lifted out of the bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Klaus Jorgens
  • Patent number: 5472503
    Abstract: A raising and lowering mechanism is provided at a work station for vertically transferring articles or products delivered to the station by an overhead delivery conveyor. Discrimination between transfer of a load from the delivery conveyor and transfer back to the delivery conveyor is accomplished by a mechanical discriminator which appropriately conditions suspension hooks on the delivery conveyor for either releasing the load or reconnecting the load. The transfer mechanism employs a vertically reciprocating conveyor which is confined to a vertical transfer axis without the necessity to employ some degree of lateral movement to uncouple the load from the delivery conveyor, present the load at a working position within the work station, and return the load to the delivery conveyor. Drift compensation is provided to allow for some misalignment of a delivered load with the transfer axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Lico, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry E. Birchler
  • Patent number: 5460652
    Abstract: The invention is related to a continuous coating apparatus for applying molten metal on a metal sheet or tape. The apparatus has an annular cylinder having an open lower section extending to a substantially closed upper section. An axle is mounted in the lower section normal to the cylinder axis, and a spool is mounted on the axle. A pair of tubes are mounted parallel to the cylinder axis inside the cylinder on oppositely facing surfaces so that a tape extending around the spool towards the upper section extends through the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Knudsen, Mark G. Benz, Anthony Mantone, Christopher G. King
  • Patent number: 5455062
    Abstract: A device for coating a plate has an open channel being open in an upward direction and a device for supplying a liquid to the open channel. The liquid in the open channel forms an convexly curved portion projecting upwardly from the open channel. A device for transporting a plate at a close distance past the open channel is provided, with which a surface to be coated of the plate facing the convexly curved portion of the liquid is guided such that a thin film of the liquid is deposited on the surface to be coated by adhesion effects. Another device for lacquering or coating plates or disks has a capillary slot that is filled with a liquid coating medium. The plate to be coated is advanced across the capillary slot with the surface to be coated facing downwardly so that due to the capillary effect a thin layer is deposited on the surface of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Steag Microtech GmbH Sternenfels
    Inventors: Eberhard Muhlfriedal, Armin Kubelbeck, Torsten Gerisch, Karl Appich, Jakob Szekeresch, Martin Kallis
  • Patent number: 5439521
    Abstract: A dispensing container for moist toilet tissue includes an elongated housing having a circumferential wall and a pair of endwalls. A dispensing opening for discharging tissue from said housing is provided and means for resisting full rotation of said housing about its longitudinal axis is provided. A solution which may include cleansing and medicinal constituents as well as others, is provided within the housing. In one embodiment a tubular portion defines a passageway for receipt of a toilet tissue roll holder rod. In one embodiment the housing has a hinged opening for permitting access to the interior thereof. In another embodiment the container is sealed and disposable and in another embodiment two sections are mechanically separable and rejoinable so as to facilitate refilling the solution and the toilet tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Muralidhara S. Rao
  • Patent number: 5433783
    Abstract: A surface treatment apparatus having a treatment bath for immersing and treating a workpiece therein with the workpiece being put into and taken out of said treatment bath by the lifting and lowering thereof and with the workpiece being rotated about a horizontal axial line while in the bath. A jig is provided for holding the workpiece having a pair of suspending points at each end thereof in symmetrical relationship about a horizontal axial line. Ropes suspend the jig with each one connected to one of the suspending points at each end of said jig. In a first embodiment, a pair of hoisting apparatuses are provided with upper ends of the ropes connected to suspending points on one side at both ends of the jig being connected to one of the hoisting apparatuses and upper ends of the ropes connected to suspending points on the other side at both ends of the jig being connected to the other of the hoisting apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyohiro Ichinose, Hirofumi Hara, Hiroshi Ochiai, Eiji Kikuchi, Akihiko Tada
  • Patent number: 5422147
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for deacidification of cellulosic materials such as the pages of books, magazines, newspapers, documents and the like are provided which ensures that substantially the entirety of each page is treated. The method includes placing the materials within a carrier such that the pages are free for exposure to the treating medium. The carrier is submerged in a vat preferably containing a dispersion of treating material including particles of an alkaline metal oxide, hydroxide or salt. The vat includes a support frame which supports the carrier and is slidably mounted on the vat such that the carrier and materials it holds may reciprocate in a generally horizontal direction. The reciprocation of the support frame causes the pages of a book, for example, to fan out, and the treating material in the medium thus comes into contact with each page of the book, magazine or other document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Preservation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee H. Leiner, Thomas D. Traubert, Robert M. Gaydos
  • Patent number: 5417829
    Abstract: Conveyors are provided for tumbling and transferring parts to be subjected to treatments, including electroplating in a series of treatment tanks. The conveyors are supported on the treatment tanks for pivotal movement between a position in which the parts are received from a parts feeder to a treatment position in which the parts are subjected to tumbling and immersion within a treatment solution to a drain position for during of the treatment solution and drying and next to a discharge position where they are discharged either to another conveyor in a next treatment tank or to a subsequent station for further processing. Movement of the conveyors to the several positions is carried out by tilt devices which vary the slope of the upper run of each conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Tumbleveyor, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Zecher
  • Patent number: 5415890
    Abstract: A modular parts surface treatment system includes a number of modular units each having integral conveying means for transporting the parts through the unit and delivering them to the next unit. The system includes a single modular cleaning unit, preferably for dry, mechanical cleaning of the parts. The modular cleaning unit reciprocates along a set of tracks to deliver cleaned parts to each of several side-by-side modular treatment units which tumble the parts in a bath of treatment solution and then drain them before discharging them onto the conveyor of a modular transfer unit. The modular transfer unit delivers the parts to a modular rinse unit having an inclined conveyor submerged at one end in a tank of rinse water. This conveyor transports the parts through the rinse water and lifts them above the rinse water for draining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Allan J. Kloiber, Gary G. Bubien, Gerald S. Osmanski
  • Patent number: 5405649
    Abstract: An apparatus for glazing hollow articles of earthenware or porcelain includes a glazing station with a glaze vessel by which the article is securely held in position and which is rotatable about its axis and tiltable from an initial position about an angle of 180.degree.. In order to effectively glaze articles of bulged configuration and great depth and to allow excess glaze to drip off especially from the inside of the article, the glaze vessel is also substantially vertically movable in up and downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Michael Voit GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Voit
  • Patent number: 5401317
    Abstract: A coating control system is provided enabling continuous operations, free of interruption for coating control purposes, while achieving desired coating weight and thickness profile for the various gages, widths and coating specifications encountered on a given continuous strip production line. In each of a pair of elongated pneumatic dies, a pressurized gas jet is controllably shaped and directed by flow-control means internally-mounted of each pneumatic die to impinge against its respective substrate coated surface with its major directional component of force being controlled to be perpendicularly transverse to the travel path of the coated strip across its full width. Adjustment of such internally-mounted means is coordinated with control of gas pressure supply and/or adjustment of die positioning means to maintain desired coating weight and coating profile across the width of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Weirton Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy L. Cox, John L. Loth, Anthony J. Santilli, Howard Snyder, Walter A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5393395
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of surface-treating a half sliding bearing, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a tank which accommodates a surface-treatment solution and an anode of an alloy to be applied to the bearings as a surface treatment; successively and one by one introducing the bearings into the surface-treatment solution; performing the surface treatment in such a manner that the surface layer of the alloy is applied to the surface of the bearings by feeding an electricity between a cathode served by the bearing and the anode via the surface-treatment solution while moving, in the surface-treatment solution, the bearings being introduced into the surface-treatment solution in a state in which the bearings is brought into contact with one another; and successively and one by one drawing out the bearings, which have been applied with the surface treatment, from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Daido Metal Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Tanaka, Masaaki Sakamoto, Motomu Wada, Takayoshi Sasaki, Masaki Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 5385759
    Abstract: There are disclosed apparatus and substrate coating methods comprising: (a) positioning a first coupler comprised of a tapered end portion in an opening of a reservoir apparatus to define a reservoir for a coating solution between the surfaces of the first coupler and the reservoir apparatus, wherein the tapered end portion of the first coupler extends below the opening; (b) engaging the bottom end of a vertically disposed, hollow substrate with a first end portion of a second coupler comprised of the first end portion and an opposed, tapered second end portion; (c) moving the top end of the substrate over a part of the tapered end portion of the first coupler to engage the substrate with the first coupler, and moving the first coupler and the substrate through the opening, whereby the coating solution is deposited on the outer surface of the substrate; (d) positioning the second coupler in the opening to define the reservoir, wherein the tapered second end portion of the second coupler extends below the open
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Crump, Edward C. Williams
  • Patent number: 5383997
    Abstract: In order to properly hold a number of miniaturized electronic component chips so that processing such as formation of external electrodes can be efficiently performed, a holder having an adhesive face to be stuck to first end surfaces of a number of electronic component chips for holding the electronic component chips is employed. The number of electronic component chips being held by the holder are dipped in electrode paste, so that external electrodes are formed on second end surfaces thereof. Then, an adhesive face of another holder having stronger adhesion than the adhesive face of the first holder is stuck to the electronic component chips, whereby the number of electronic component chips are simultaneously transferred to this holder. The first end surfaces are then also dipped in electrode paste to form external electrodes thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Minowa, Norio Sakai, Tetsuro Saito, Toshimi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 5382456
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing refractory material filaments comprises an enclosure (11), means for heating the constituents of the refractory material, non-contacting means to support a drop (17) of molten material such as silicon, being one of the constituents of the refractory material within the enclosure and means to transport a filament (10) such as carbon, being a second constituent of the refractory material, through the drop of molten material in use. A levitation coil and/or an inert gas jet is used to support the drop of molten material and a silica glass or other refractory tube (13) is used to direct the gas jet. The enclosure has opposed side arms (15, 16) respectively for entry and exit of the filament (10) or the filament may be passed vertically through the molten silicon drop. An inclined side tube may be provided through which grains of silicon may be introduced into the enclosure for addition to the molten drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventors: Michael G. Hocking, Paulette S. Sidky