Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Waters & Morse, P.C.
  • Patent number: 6352296
    Abstract: A folding cover for a pickup truck bed comprises at least two panels pivotally connected together. An attachment mechanism for the cover restrains the cover from sliding on the pickup truck bed while permitting both panels to be opened. The attachment mechanism comprises a track and follower mechanism interconnecting one panel with the bed, the track and follower mechanism defining an arcuate path that generally follows the arc of a circle having the panel hinge axis as a central axis. One of a track and follower is attached to the pickup truck bed and the other of the track and follower comprises either one element attached to one of the panels or separate elements attached to each of the panels, the track and follower fitting together such that the follower is constrained to follow the arcuate path between open and closed positions of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Advance Cover Company
    Inventor: John D. Kooiker
  • Patent number: 6267547
    Abstract: A grapple assembly that is particularly suited for use as an attachment to a skid steer loader comprises jaws that are no wider than the wheels of the loader and are lightweight and rigid. The grapple is operated by a single hydraulic drive cylinder that is inexpensive and easily replaceable. The lower jaw is L-shaped and formed of spaced vertical ribs having a bar extending across the tips of the ribs. The upper jaw of the grapple also has vertically spaced ribs which are interconnected by a bar adjacent the tips of the ribs. An intermediate bar reinforces the upper jaw and provides an attachment point for the drive cylinder at the center thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Erik J. Lund
  • Patent number: 6247501
    Abstract: A clip-on stirrup mat for a concrete reinforcement cage comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of resilient clips attached to the stirrup mat and extending outwardly therefrom in the direction of application of a mat to a cage. The clip has a relatively narrow outer end that fits between adjacent wires in the cage and has inwardly extending, diverging first and second legs that lead to more widely spaced distal ends that form an inner end of the clip. The first leg is attached to the mat adjacent a distal end of the leg, and the second leg is resiliently deflectable toward the first leg. The clip and legs are shaped and positioned on the mat such that, as the mat is attached to the cage, the outer end of the clip fits through adjacent wires in the cage and the second leg engages and is deflected toward the first leg by one of the adjacent cage wires. The second leg includes a gripping surface thereon, which may be convolutions, that engages a wire on the cage as the mat is installed on the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: John L. Kaines
  • Patent number: 6217209
    Abstract: A material processor having an enclosure with an ingress to receive material into the enclosure, and a discharge to remove material from the enclosure. A spindle is located in the enclosure, has a longitudinal spindle axis, and is rotatable about the spindle axis. A drive is operatively connected with the spindle to rotate the spindle about the spindle axis. A centrifugal sieve is located in the enclosure and coupled with the spindle. The ingress feeds material into the sieve. A conveyor is connected with the discharge to transfer material from the enclosure. The conveyor further has a generally cylindrical tube with a tube diameter, two opposing ends, and a tube axis extending through the ends. A helical blade extends along the tube axis between the two ends and is rotated about the tube axis. More particularly, the helical blade may have a series of blade tips that are spaced along the tube axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventors: Ernst R. Muller, Michael R. Muller, Steve J. Cencich
  • Patent number: 6218612
    Abstract: A modular panel partition system has a number of partition panels, each with opposing top and bottom edges, with opposing side edges that are adapted to releasably couple with a panel connector, and with an upper portion and an adjoining lower portion that extends between the upper portion and the bottom edge to define a wire-way. The panel connector has an elongated one-piece body that defines a post, has at least two sides that are adapted to releasably couple with a side edge of a panel to couple adjacent panels, and has an aperture that extends through the at least two sides of the panel connector. The aperture is aligned with the wire-ways of the panels and is adapted to pass conduits between the panels. The one-piece post extends from the bottom edge to the top edge of the panels. The aperture in the panel connector may extend through a bottom end of the panel connector. The panel connector post may also be hollow and adapted to pass conduits through the hollow portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventors: Mark A. McKitrick, David V. Middleton
  • Patent number: 6129407
    Abstract: A folding cover for a pickup truck bed includes an improved adjustable front hinge support for mounting the cover that permits the front panel to be opened and permits lateral, vertical, and longitudinal adjustment of the cover position. A wire spring latch fastens the front panel in a closed position and provides for vertical latch position adjustment. A rear panel side latch is opened with a depressible latch opener at the rear of the cover. An intermediate panel latch fastens the intermediate panels down at the side of the pickup truck bed. These latches release automatically when the cover is folded. Another intermediate panel side latch has a wire spring pin that can be manually or automatically disengaged. The cover also has wind deflecting sloped side edges integral with the panel frame and hinges integral with the panel frame. Novel seals seal the junctions between adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Advance Cover Company
    Inventor: John D. Kooiker
  • Patent number: 6126253
    Abstract: A computer desk has a work surface with a first support connected with the work surface near a first end to support the work surface above a floor, and a second support releasably connected with the work surface near a second, opposing end. The second support has a top with a portion of the top spaced from the work surface to define a drawer space. A drawer extends from the first support toward the second end and into the drawer space. A kneehole is defined between the first and second support members and below the work surface. One of the support members may include a storage compartment with an interior and a door that opens and closes access to the interior. The door is spaced above the floor and the storage compartment has a removable panel that extends from the floor to at least a bottom of the door. The storage compartment may also include a saddle type storage drawer that is narrower than the storage compartment to define a space for a CPU tower in the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Sligh Furniture Company
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Ralph J. Byma, Gregg J. Persons
  • Patent number: 6122852
    Abstract: The ice fishing device is useful to place a fishing lure away from an ice fishing hole, under the ice. The device includes a float that provides buoyancy and urges the device upward when the device is placed in a body of water; a drive that has forward and backward modes and propels the device in opposing forward and backward directions; a power source operatively connected with the drive; a control operatively connected with the drive; and a coupler that releasably couples with a lure. The device may further include a slide member that abuts the ice in sliding engagement and slides the device over topographical irregularities of the ice. The device may further include a monitor to provide information regarding such conditions as water depth temperature, position, and fish location. The control may further be connected with the drive by a tether that has multiple electrical conductors, or by a wireless transmitter and receiver system. The tether may also be constructed to float when placed in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Mechling, IV
  • Patent number: 6112915
    Abstract: A push-back storage rack comprises a frame defining at least one storage bay having a depth sufficient to accommodate a plurality of separate storage units; and a track-mounted carriage assembly mounted in the bay. The carriage assembly comprises at least two articulated carts connected together end-to-end for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis. The carts ride on a track that has an upper track section, a lower track section, and an arcuate front section that joins the upper and lower track sections. The track guides the carts for movement between the front and the rear of the bay on the upper track section and directs the carts downwardly and then rearwardly on the lower track section in an inverted position as the carts move forwardly at the front end of the upper track section. The carts are thus stored underneath the upper track section and are brought upwardly to the upper track section as the carts are filled and moved rearwardly in the upper track section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Lyman F. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6059350
    Abstract: A folding cover for a pickup truck bed includes an improved adjustable front hinge support for mounting the cover that permits the front panel to be opened and permits lateral, vertical, and longitudinal adjustment of the cover position. A wire spring latch fastens the front panel in a closed position and provides for vertical latch position adjustment. A rear panel side latch is opened with a depressible latch opener at the rear of the cover. An intermediate panel latch fastens the intermediate panels down at the side of the pickup truck bed. These latches release automatically when the cover is folded. Another intermediate panel side latch has a wire spring pin that can be manually or automatically disengaged. The cover also has wind deflecting sloped side edges integral with the panel frame and hinges integral with the panel frame. Novel seals seal the junctions between adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Advance Cover Company
    Inventor: John D. Kooiker
  • Patent number: 6056006
    Abstract: A piston pressure regulator has a body, a corresponding piston, and a floating seal. The body includes an interior piston cavity, a low pressure port connected with the piston cavity, and a high pressure port connected with the piston cavity. Further, the piston cavity has a length. The corresponding piston is located in the piston cavity and cooperates with the piston cavity to define low pressure and high pressure portions of the piston cavity and low pressure and high pressure sides of the piston. The piston also slides along the piston cavity length, between the low and high pressure ports. The seal is a wafer member that is interposed between the piston and the high pressure port. The seal is separate from each of the piston and the high pressure port to "float" between the piston and the high pressure port. Seals of different thicknesses may be substituted to adjust the operating pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Marshall Excelsior Company
    Inventor: Phillip J. Hagerty
  • Patent number: 6053557
    Abstract: A folding cover for a pickup truck bed includes an improved adjustable front hinge support for mounting the cover that permits the front panel to be opened and permits lateral, vertical, and longitudinal adjustment of the cover position. A wire spring latch fastens the front panel in a closed position and provides for vertical latch position adjustment. A rear panel side latch is opened with a depressible latch opener at the rear of the cover. An intermediate panel latch fastens the intermediate panels down at the side of the pickup truck bed. These latches release automatically when the cover is folded. Another intermediate panel side latch has a wire spring pin that can be manually or automatically disengaged. The cover also has wind deflecting sloped side edges integral with the panel frame and hinges integral with the panel frame. Novel seals seal the junctions between adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Advance Cover Company
    Inventor: John D. Kooiker
  • Patent number: 6047633
    Abstract: A shish kebab rotisserie includes a frame having a base and an opposing top; a support member connected between the base and the top to support the top relative to the base; a number of skewer rotors connected with the base, each skewer rotor having an axis and being rotatable about its axis; a drive operatively connected with the skewer rotors to rotate each skewer rotor about its axis; a heat source connected with the base and spaced a distance from the skewer rotors; and a skewer extending generally perpendicularly from the base to the top, the skewer being supported at the base by a skewer rotor and being supported by the top, the skewer being releasably coupled with the skewer rotor to rotate with the skewer rotor. The skewer may extend beyond the top to a handle portion of the skewer. A skewer shaft extends from the handle portion toward the skewer rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Yefim B. Khaytman
  • Patent number: 6038785
    Abstract: A vacuum dryer panel for a leather drying machine wherein a dryer panel comprising a porous screen is mounted over a perforated plate on the underside of a vacuum chamber positioned above a heated drying table on which leather skins are dried. The dryer panel comprises a layer of fine mesh screen preferably formed of a synthetic resin material mounted on a porous backing preferably formed of a synthetic resin material. The backing material is adapted to be mounted adjacent an outer side of the perforated plate and provides porosity between the screen and adjacent openings of the perforated plate. The backing material is sufficiently rigid to prevent the screen material from being pulled into openings in the perforated plate by a negative pressure on the upper side of the plate, so as to prevent marks in the dried leather. The edges of the dryer panel are folded over and incorporate reinforcing strips. Threaded fasteners fit through spaced openings in the edges for mounting the dryer panel to a vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventors: Richard R. Lawson, Roger C. Droukas
  • Patent number: 6021768
    Abstract: An archer's bow rest is used with a support structure and supports an archer's bow. The bow rest includes a cup member and a brace. More particularly, the cup member is connected with the support structure and defines a recess that is adapted to removably receive an end of the archer's bow. In one aspect, the cup member further includes a generally J-shaped member and a ring member. The J-shaped member has a first leg, a bite portion, and a second leg, with the first and second legs extending in the same general direction from the bite portion. In another aspect, the ring member is connected with each of the first and second legs, whereby the ring member, the first leg, the bite portion, and at least a portion of the second leg define the recess. At least one of the ring member and the J-shaped member may be constructed of an elongated pliable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Louis F. Pomaville
  • Patent number: 6015228
    Abstract: A material processor having an enclosure with an ingress to receive material into the enclosure, and a discharge to remove homogenous material from the enclosure. A spindle is located in the enclosure, has a longitudinal spindle axis, and is rotatable about the spindle axis. A drive is operatively connected with the spindle to rotate the spindle about the spindle axis. A centrifugal sieve is located in the enclosure and coupled with the spindle. The ingress feeds material into the sieve. A conveyor is connected with the discharge to transfer mixed material from the enclosure. The conveyor further has a generally cylindrical tube with a tube diameter, two opposing ends, and a tube axis extending through the ends. A helical blade extends along the tube axis between the two ends and is rotated about the tube axis. More particularly, the helical blade may have a series of blade tips that are spaced along the tube axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventors: Ernst R. Muller, Michael R. Muller, Steve J. Cencich
  • Patent number: D437072
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas J. Newhouse
  • Patent number: D440076
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Sligh Furniture Company
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Michael D. Warren
  • Patent number: D424735
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas J. Newhouse
  • Patent number: D428731
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Sligh Furniture
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Michael D. Warren