Patents Issued in March 17, 1998
  • Patent number: PP10289
    Abstract: An improved Bermudagrass plant, having superior properties, suitable for a variety of turf applications, is disclosed. The Bermudagrass is characterized by a medium green color, high-head density, moderate seed-head density, fine-leaf texture, good fall color retention, average sod strength, excellent cold tolerance, good shade tolerance as compared to other Bermudagrasses, good dollar spot, and good leaf-spot resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Mississippi State University
    Inventors: Jeffrey V. Krans, H. Wayne Philley
  • Patent number: PP10290
    Abstract: An improved Bermudagrass plant, having superior properties, suitable for a variety of turf applications, is disclosed. The Bermudagrass is characterized by a medium to dark green color, short-head density, low seed-head density, fine-leaf texture, excellent fall color retention, excellent sod strength, average cold tolerance, good shape tolerance as compared to other Bermudagrasses, excellent dollar spot and leaf-spot resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Mississippi State University
    Inventors: Jeffrey V. Krans, H. Wayne Philley
  • Patent number: RE35742
    Abstract: A condenser apparatus includes a pair of headers provided in parallel with each other; a plurality of tubular elements whose opposite ends are connected to the headers; and fins provided in the air paths between one tube and the next. Each of the headers is made of a cylindrical pipe of aluminum. At least one of the headers is internally divided by a partition into at least two groups of coolant passageways, thus enabling the flow of coolant to make at least one U-turn in the header. The partition extends into the header through a slit in the header. Each of the tubular elements is made of a flat hollow tube of aluminum. The opposite ends of the tubular elements are inserted into slits produced in the headers so that they are liquid-tightly secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Showa Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichi Hoshino, Hironaka Sasaki, Takayuki Yastuake
  • Patent number: RE35743
    Abstract: .?.In a nurse administered medication dispensing system a mobile cart contains a plurality of doctor prescribed medication in accordance with a like plurality of patients scheduled to receive such medication. The medication containers stored in the cart is accessible by the nurse only in response to a patient ID code entered by the nurse into the keyboard of a cart supported microprocessor including a software program responding to the input code energizing mechanical components which obtains the medication from an onboard supply and transfers it to a specified nurse accessible cubicle or which releases secured medication dispensing units on or in the cart and records the time, date and quantity of medication dispensed..!..Iadd.A fully automatic apparatus for dispensing medications in tablet or capsule form for a patient is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Pearson Ventures, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Walter G. Pearson
  • Patent number: RE35744
    Abstract: A cap, spinner, and discharge nozzle assembly for use with a liquid dispensing apparatus such as a trigger sprayer. The spinner assembly can be externally fitted to the discharge nozzle, and includes an annular chamber surrounding a central post having a swirl chamber in its top. The central post includes longitudinal grooves, communicating with tangential grooves in an annular wall defining the swirl chamber. Apertures are provided in the base of the annular chamber such that pressurized liquid flows through the apertures and into the annular chamber, with a resulting reduction of velocity, and then along the longitudinal grooves and through the tangential grooves into the swirl chamber. A cap is provided which variably engages the discharge nozzle and which has at least a central projection on the inner side of its front face, and preferably an annular groove formed by an outer projection surrounding the central projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Contico International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Foster, Philip L. Nelson
  • Patent number: RE35745
    Abstract: This device for generating a reference voltage for a capacitive bootstrap circuit of an output stage can be easily integrated. The output stage comprises a driving block, a capacitive bootstrap circuit and a reference voltage generating block generating a floating reference voltage which is referred to the output voltage signal and switches in accordance thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrea Barsanti, Claudio Diazzi, Fabio Vio
  • Patent number: RE35746
    Abstract: A battery package for a thin battery includes a flexible base film that covers and encloses the battery and a flexible layer of an inorganic material such as silicon nitride, aluminum nitride or aluminum oxide deposited on the base film to encapsulate and seal the battery. The base film is formed of a flexible polymer material such as polyester that may be attached to the battery using a heat activated adhesive. The layer of inorganic material is deposited on the base film utilizing a low temperature CVD deposition process either before or after the base film is attached to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Rickie C. Lake
  • Patent number: RE35747
    Abstract: A biochemical procedure for identification and characterization of cells in a biopsy or sample of a body fluid. The method can be used to determine cell type, i.e. epidermal, neuronal; tissue of origin, i.e. breast tissue, liver tissue; and degree of abnormality. The procedure can also be used to make antibodies and hybridization probes to detect cell or tissue specific antigens and nuclear matrix associated nucleic acids in cellular material and body fluids.The procedure is based on the isolation and analysis of the components of a specific subcellular protein fraction referred to here as the "nuclear matrix". The nuclear matrix includes proteins and nuclear matrix associated DNA specific to different cell types. These proteins and nucleic acids are altered or new ones expressed as a result of viral infection, genetic defects or malignancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sheldon Penman, Edward G. Fey
  • Patent number: RE35748
    Abstract: Treatment of cellular disorders involving abnormal solid cellular growths involves introduction of cytotoxic reagents dispersed in a physiologically acceptable proteinaceous matrix into the solid cellular growth or area of an existing or removed solid cellular growth. Enhanced effectiveness of the drug is observed, with reduced cytotoxic effects on cells distant from the site of introduction. Other drugs may be included to enhance therapeutic gain and reduce adverse affects to normal tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Matrix Pharmaceutical, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward E. Luck, Dennis M. Brown
  • Patent number: RE35749
    Abstract: Yeast promoters of glycolytic enzymes are modified by isolating a fragment encompassing the RNA polymerase binding site and joining to the 5' end of this fragment a DNA sequence providing for enhanced inducible or constitutive transcription of a structural gene. Constructs are prepared for efficient expression of foreign genes in yeast.Yeast strains 2150-2-3(pC1/1GAPSOD) and AB110(pC1/1GAPATi9), producing human .alpha..sub.1 -antitrypsin and superoxide dismutase, were desposited at the A.T.C.C. on May 9, 1984 and given Accession Nos. 20708 and 20709, respectively; and 2150-2-3(GAP5), 2150-2-3(Pyk5) and 2150-2-3(PHO5GAP1), expressing Hepatitis B surface antigen, were deposited at the A.T.C.C. on May 9, 1984 and given Accession Nos. 20705, 20706 and 20707, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Rosenberg, Patricia Tekamp-Olson
  • Patent number: 5727250
    Abstract: A sunshade for use with a hard hat to provide shade and ultraviolet protection for the wearer comprises a vinyl disk with a hole dimensioned to receive the crown of a hard hat, the disk being covered with a washable fabric and having an elastic band sewn to the covering at the hole. The diameter of the elastic band is smaller than the diameter of the hole so that, at the point of attachment to the covering, the band is stretched radially outward and defines thereby a first portion of the band on one side of the disk and a second portion on the opposing side. The first portion grips the crown of the hard hat above the brim and the second portion wraps around the underside of the brim. The sunshade typically ranges in size from at least 16 inches to 20 inches in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Randolph Black
  • Patent number: 5727251
    Abstract: A headband magnifier comprises a one-piece polypropylene headband having a front portion, a back portion and two opposed sides where the back portion is disengageable so that the headband is movable between an at rest position and a compression position for the headband to provide a compressive force. This headband compressive force provides a comfortable tension for all head sizes. The headband magnifier further provides a flexible holding member having a continuous groove that facilitates interchangeability of lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: MFD Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Frances Sherlock, Marnie C. Averitt
  • Patent number: 5727252
    Abstract: A knee pad includes first and second protective paddings hinged to another. A stretchable fabric has an edge secured to an edge of both the first and second paddings. An opposite edge of the fabric has releasable fasteners for releasably securing the opposite fabric edge to opposite edges of the paddings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Rollerblade, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Oetting, Corinne A. Cerull
  • Patent number: 5727253
    Abstract: A realistic appearing camouflage system for personal wearing attire in which both the appearance and scale of a natural scene from an environment where the camouflage system is intended to be used is mimicked or enhanced. The camouflage system includes a first article of clothing imprinted with a portion of a photographic image of the natural scene in substantially the same scale as the natural scene. The camouflage system also includes a second article of clothing designed to be worn with the first article of clothing. The second article of clothing is imprinted with a second portion of the photographic image in substantially the same scale as the natural scene. The imprints of the first and second articles are located so that when the first and second articles are worn, the respective imprinted portions of the scene appear substantially continuous and the scene is reproduced both vertically and horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Bula, Inc.
    Inventor: William Robert Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5727254
    Abstract: Resistive exercise pants optimize resistance and enhance breathability by limiting the number of resistive bands in aligned coordination with the muscles of the leg. Additionally, hand stirrups are set forth that provide better attachment of resistive exercise sleeves to the extremities. In the resistive exercise pants, a single, wide band or two spaced-apart resistive bands generally traverse the length of the leg from the hips to a heel stirrup. Suspenders provide attachment of the resistive exercise pants to the shoulders, thereby holding the length of the body in dynamic tension. In the preferred embodiment, pairs of resistive bands run the length of each pant leg along the front and back in alignment with the leg's long muscles. The front pair of resistive bands bifurcate adjacent the knee to conformedly curve about the calf and to form a heel stirrup with the rear pair of resistive bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Timothy P. Dicker
  • Patent number: 5727255
    Abstract: Clothing for physically impaired people has a top garment section (1) and a bottom garment section (8) with which a physically impaired person (24) is dressed while in a wheelchair (25), or other handicap or normal furniture. The top garment section has arm sleeves (2), a wraparound torso enclosure (10, 17) with rear fastening (4), attachment-strap fasteners (5) and hand covers in the sleeves. The bottom garment section has wraparound abdomen enclosure (17), wraparound thigh enclosure (13), lower-leg wraparound enclosure (15), and wraparound feet-and-base enclosure (12, 16) with respectively select rear fastening. The bottom garment section is attachable to the top garment section. A selection of attachment means (4, 19, 20, 21, 22), a selection of rear attachment positions, and selections of shapes and forms of arm sleeves, torso enclosures, thigh enclosures, lower-leg enclosures, feet enclosures and base enclosures are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Janice R. Minks
  • Patent number: 5727256
    Abstract: A ventilated garment system is described that removes heat and moisture from a wearer's skin during hot weather while furnishing protection from direct sunlight. The system includes a pair of air outlet shoulder seams, a pair of air inlet side seams, and selectively at least one back seam, each shoulder seam including a zipper slide and a zipper tape, attached along welts to the fabric of the garment, and an underlying panel of stretchable mesh fabric, having a pleat therein, whereby movement of the zipper slides in the seams causes them to open and expose the panels of mesh fabric. Ambient air then enters the side and back seams into ventilation spaces between the garment and the skin of a wearer, moves convectively upwardly within the ventilation spaces toward the shoulder seams while receiving heat and moisture from the wearer's skin, and passes through the shoulder seams, thereby exiting the garment system and carrying away the heat and moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sportailor, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Rudman
  • Patent number: 5727257
    Abstract: A goalkeeper's glove includes a trapping protrusion formed on an inside or palm cover of the glove having a plurality of arcuate extensions gradationally and concentrically formed on the glove adjacent to a palm center of the glove for efficiently catching, retarding, and trapping a football when kicked from an attack kicker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Yi-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 5727258
    Abstract: A toilet seat lifting handle includes a support bracket coupled to the underside of a conventional toilet seat by an adhesive material. The bracket further supports a pivotally attached socket which in turn receives a frustro-conical handle in a removable attachment. The interior of the frustro-conical handle or grip receives a quantity of scented material which permeates outwardly through a plurality of apertures defined in the grip portion of the handle. In an alternate embodiment, an electric light is provided within the grip portion of the handle to provide illumination in low light or darkened areas and to render the handle grip easier to see. The handle grip is pivotally attached to the support bracket to facilitate pivoting the handle grip to a close alignment with the toilet seat edge avoiding undue intrusion into the remainder of the toilet facility area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Paul K. Derouin
  • Patent number: 5727259
    Abstract: A one touch tension adjustment device for a goggle attachment holes. Each end of an expandable strap is passed through the attachment holes in the goggles and through a tension adjustment stopper and finally to a connection means. This arrangement creates an overlapping area of the strap. A sliding area for allowing the tension of the goggles to be controlled is also created. When the connection device is released, the tension adjustment stoppers slide toward the attachment holes of the goggles along the sliding area until the tension adjustment stoppers abut the attachment holes and thus allow the tension of the strap to be reduced without causing the goggles to become dislodged from the face of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Kawamata Koki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Kawamata
  • Patent number: 5727260
    Abstract: A garment for protecting the hip and coccyx area while roller blading without inhibiting the freedom of maneuverability. It comprises a generally triangular garment worn over the derriere increasing in thickness from the sides to the center and tapering down between the legs. Straps around the upper legs and waist secure it to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventors: Tia Torch, Benjamin A. Torch
  • Patent number: 5727262
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that can be placed on top of a conventional toilet or mounted on a wall. The apparatus is comprised of an AC-DC timer fan or blower, self-contained reservoir of liquid disinfectant, and a perfumer and deodorizing unit. The apparatus has two extendable, flexible, and connecting hoses. These hoses are extended from the base of the apparatus and are secured at the base or rear of the nozzle attachment. One hose is a conduit of the liquid disinfectant. The second hose enters into the fan or blower chamber of the apparatus through two detachable fumigating filters and out of a perfumer into the ambient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: George C. Littlejohn
  • Patent number: 5727263
    Abstract: A urinal or toilet ventilation system for removing unpleasant odors from the vicinity of the urinal or toilet, both during usage and for a short period of time following usage. The ventilation system has a series of flexible water ducts extending throughout the device and leading to the outside. Additionally, the device has a series of air ducts extending throughout the device and attaching to a motor which in turns pushes the air through another series of ducts leading to the outside. In a further embodiment the urinal or toilet has a sensor to detect the presence of a user for actuating the motor and begins the air extraction system. Upon the user leaving the vicinity of the urinal or toilet, the sensor has a built in delay, and continues to extract any unpleasant odors for a short duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Juan Jose Hugo Ceja Estrada
  • Patent number: 5727264
    Abstract: The spa disposed outside the wall of the swimming pool is attached to the swimming pool, i.e., uses a part of the wall system of the swimming pool, by means of a special panel formed with an undercut or recessed portion that accepts a integrally formed at the top of the molded plastic spa. The result is a continuous flow of the wall system footing sad surrounding deck. The perimeter of the molded plastic modular spa shell is supported by panels that also incorporate the deck support system preferably an X-type brace support system used around the swimming pool. A continuous, homogenous concrete bond beam is poured around the entire perimeter of the pool and integrated spa. Operation of the pool and the spa (in either the spa spillway waterfall mode or spa mode) may be controlled by manually manipulating the valving system or by electronically activated motorized valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Fox Pool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Alan Craig, Donald H. Weir
  • Patent number: 5727265
    Abstract: A collapsible playyard for an infant includes a pair of frame subassemblies and a plurality of collapsible connecting members which normally maintain the frame subassemblies in spaced substantially parallel relation. The frame subassemblies include knuckle joints which cooperate to maintain the frame assembly in an erected position, but at least a portion of which are reoriented as the connecting members are collapsed to allow the frame subassemblies to also be collapsed. The width of one of the frame subassemblies is smaller than the width of the other frame subassembly to allow the two frame subassemblies to be at least partially nested together and then folded in half to form a compact collapsed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventors: Scott Ziegler, Kevin Maloney
  • Patent number: 5727266
    Abstract: A disposable pillow or cushion cover is formed by an envelope of air and moisture impermeable material. The envelope encases the pillow or cushion and provides an impermeable resting surface upon which a user may rest the head or other body part on a clean, comfortable, fresh, hygienic, fragrant resting surface without having to change pillows, cushion covers or envelopes. The envelope contains a vent to permit ingress and egress of air from the pillow or cushion. The envelope also includes a sealable opening to permit insertion and removal of the pillow or cushion. A facing layer of air permeable material extends over the resting surface and is secured to the envelope at spaced apart locations to allow air flow and a degree of relative movement between the facing layer and envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Hian Seng Pang
  • Patent number: 5727267
    Abstract: A therapeutic sleeping pillow for a user is generally rectangular with longer front and rear edges and a pair of shorter side edges and upper and lower surfaces. A central portion of the upper surface is provided with a cavity for receiving the user's head, with a neck-supporting ridge formed between the front edge of the pillow and the cavity in the central portion. A wedge-shaped extension of the pillow projects from the front edge to support the upper back of the user. At least one of the pair of shorter side edges has an extension disposed thereon. Each such side extension is provided with a relatively shallow central cavity on the upper surface for receiving and supporting the user's head and a front edge for supporting the user's neck. The upper surface of each such side extension slopes generally downwardly from the front edge towards the rear edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Ed Keilhauer
  • Patent number: 5727268
    Abstract: A soft edging for a water bed formed by a hollow profile having two sides directed towards each other. The uppermost of these sides is an inwardly and downwardly directed surface which supports a foam rail. The lowermost of these sides is configured at an angle relative to a plate defining therebetween a continuous hollow space. A wedging-shaped component, connected to the foam rail by a flexible material, such as a strip of textile is clamped in the continuous hollow space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Etienne Tilmans
  • Patent number: 5727269
    Abstract: A water bed in accordance with the present invention comprises a water bed base and a plurality of water bed mattresses. The water bed base defines a number of container chambers into which an equivalent number of water bed mattresses are respectively removably inserted. Each container chamber is sealed and thus advantageously prevents any of the water bed mattresses which may be leaking water from leaking water outside of the water bed base. Further, the leaking water bed mattress, because it is removably inserted into the water bed base, may be individually replaced. Also, the water bed mattress has a plurality of air and water chambers, some having fluid baffles to restrict the free flow of fluids. Further, the water bed base has several air chambers. These chambers maintain the shape of the water bed while providing a regulator and an absorbing means of the pressure inside the water bed. Thus, user comfort is maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Ming-Chun Chung
  • Patent number: 5727270
    Abstract: The invention is an inflatable self sealing valveless fluid or gas container useable for a wide variety of applications including cushioning, package filler, mattresses, rafts and the like. The container is formed from one or more inflatable self sealing elements, each inflatable element being formed from a pair of inflatable cells. Each cell is formed from an inner and outer sheet of thermoplastic or other impermeable material, the sheets being sealed together at boundaries which define the inflatable cell. The inner sheets of each cell in the pair are sealed together such that the boundaries of the seal define a fill channel through which fluid or gas may pass between the cells. Apertures in the inner sheets of both cells within the fill channel allow fluid or gas to pass from the fill channel into both cells to cause inflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: AirCelTec Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Allen Cope, John Edward McGrath
  • Patent number: 5727271
    Abstract: The method for obtaining a shoe entails the execution of a nonrigid sock or upper, which is tensioned by means of an adapted last to allow the coupling thereto of an intermediate member on which multiple through holes are formed and which has an optional cavity at the arch region. Then the intermediate member is placed inside a mold and at least one first injection or pouring of preferably but not necessarily compact thermoplastic or thermosetting or expandable material is performed, so as to affect at least the intermediate structural element to obtain a semifinished item below which a sole is associable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Nordica S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mariarosa Romanato, Franco Priarollo, Riccardo Perotto
  • Patent number: 5727272
    Abstract: The composite structure made of wood and reinforced concrete can be used for bridges, roofs etc. In a bridge, a plate of reinforced concrete carries the roadway and rests on a truss comprising lower and upper chords, transversal girders and struts made of wood and posts made of reinforced concrete. The lower struts are reinforced with steel ties, follow a bent curve and are anchored in lateral end sections. Forces in the wooden parts all extend along the wood's fibre, which increases the maximum load capacity. The concrete posts allow a simple assembly of the wooden elements. The weight of the construction is low, its load bearing capacity high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Emil Peter
  • Patent number: 5727273
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush assembly with sterilizing and charging devices including a housing, a battery casing and an electric toothbrush. The housing is equipped with an ozone unit and a charging unit. The battery casing may be inserted into the electric toothbrush to provide a supply of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Chung-Jeng Pai
  • Patent number: 5727275
    Abstract: A manual cup cleaning system including a base member. The base member has a plurality of suction members coupled thereto for releasably mounting the base member onto a receiving surface. A conical member is provided. The conical member has a top surface, a support member, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The support member is sized for positioning within base member. Lastly, a plurality of bristles are attached to the conical member and project outwardly from the top surface. The bristles are capable of engaging an inside bottom of a cup that is positioned over the conical member for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Manuel Antonio Rocha
  • Patent number: 5727276
    Abstract: A concentric roller pin for use in combination with a roller member of a vacuum cleaner wherein the concentric roller pin includes an inner end, an outer end and an intermediate portion. The inner end of the concentric roller pin is tapered and terminates in a transverse face. The transverse face of the concentric roller pin abuts a corresponding face in a tapered bore of the roller member. The intermediate portion of the concentric roller pin includes an outer knurled surface for securing the concentric roller pin to the roller member. The outer end of the concentric roller pin includes a bearing surface, a bearing lip, and an axial bore. The axial bore of the outer end of the concentric roller pin facilitates deformation thereof for securing a bearing against the bearing lip and the bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Bruns Brush, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph F. Brundula, William P. Brundula
  • Patent number: 5727277
    Abstract: A body washing apparatus comprising a washing surface portion containing a center, a second material folded into layers to form a band such that one end of said band is pulled through the center of said washing surface portion to form a handle, and a string which is routed through the ends of said handle and tied together such that said washing surface portion and said handle are bound together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Kuo-Ching Chien
  • Patent number: 5727278
    Abstract: A cleansing device includes a body formed by at least one sheet of inelastic flexible netting-like material folded upon itself to provide a multiplicity of ruffles bunched together so as to define the body, an elongated flat and narrow strap comprised of interwoven strands of flexible material and provided in the form of a loop, and an elongated string inserted at least one time through the loop of the strap and wound about a circumferential portion of the body and drawn inwardly toward the center of the body to form a winding of the string having a substantially smaller circumference than that of the body which secures an inner end of the loop of the strap to the body at an interior of the body such that the inner end of the strap is substantially hidden from an exterior of the body and the strap extends from the body to an outer end spaced from the body to provide a looped handle for a user to insert one hand through and thereby place the body in the palm of the one hand of the user for holding by the finge
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Myra S. Per-Lee
  • Patent number: 5727279
    Abstract: A concrete grading tool for grading, leveling and sealing wet concrete is shown and described. The grading tool is comprised of a grading head which is made of a lightweight material such as aluminum and has a long handle extending outward therefrom. The grading head of the present invention is designed such that it floats on top of the wet concrete. It has a triangular design and is substantially hollow therethrough. All three sides are kept at a minimal thickness. On the rearward facing surface is located an attachment block which threadably receives the handle. The handle has a first and a second support member angled downward and also attached to the grading head for additional support of the handle away from the centermost portion. The grading tool allows the user to rake, level, screed and place a precise finish on wet concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Lee Pike, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5727280
    Abstract: A brush holder includes a generally cylindrical container with an inner annular flange close to its open end and a raised brush support which defines a lower liquid reservoir. The annular flange is preferably inclined toward the bottom of the container or, alternatively, is perforated. The dimensions of the annular flange are chosen such that when a brush is inserted into the container and removed from the container, the flange squeezes the brush. As the brush is squeezed, liquid is removed from the brush and drips into the liquid reservoir. The brush support is preferably a raised central portion of the container floor which defines an annular reservoir or, alternatively, the brush support may be formed as a perforated disk which is spaced above the floor of the container. The brush support keeps the brush out of the reservoir so that the brush will remain dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Richard Romano
  • Patent number: 5727281
    Abstract: A cone shaped mop wringer capable of expelling liquid from different shaped mops such as round and rectangular shapes. The invention is hand held and has a central groove to accept a mop handle therein and a conical shape which facilitates the wringing of the mop fringes. The invention also has at least two side grooves with a bungee cord spanning across functioning to contract the conical mop wringer sides and back members when a rectangular mop is inserted and lifted in an upward direction into the side grooves engaging the bungee cord by simultaneously stretching the bungee cord in an upward direction while contracting the conical mop wringer sides and back members in a squeezing fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Harper
  • Patent number: 5727283
    Abstract: A collection apparatus includes an air outlet, a collection mouth and an apparatus for creating an airstream for discharge at the air outlet. The collection apparatus further includes a cylinder mounted at the air outlet for rotation and a device for directing an airstream tangentially across the surface of said cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Duncan Webster
  • Patent number: 5727284
    Abstract: An adapter is removably attached with engagement means, such as screws, to an object such as the leg of a piece of furniture, such as a table or chair. The adapter attaches to the furniture leg in such a manner that the screws do not mar the furniture, nor do they require a groove, indentation or recess on the furniture leg for attachment thereto. The adapter is configured so that the distance from the leg to the ground is less than the diameter of the wheel mounted on the adapter. The adapter is also configured so that the leg is laterally displaced from the wheel. The wheel is also swingably retractable so that the furniture can be made stationary without having to remove the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Norman Deutsch
  • Patent number: 5727285
    Abstract: A caster wheel mounting mechanism having a shaft member to which the caster wheel is coupled, the shaft member having a generally circular cross section with a flatted portion, a mounting member having an opening within which the shaft member is pivotally received, and a compression spring for biasing an abutment member or ball into abutment with the shaft such that the caster wheel is biased to a predetermined position when the abutment member abuts the flatted portion of the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Gerald Eugene Goman
  • Patent number: 5727286
    Abstract: A structure of a rehabilitating device for automatically closing a movable object comprises a tubular body having a first and a second chamber therein, a cylinder member having a cock mechanism at the inward end axially disposed into the tubular body, a sleeve member incorporated with a pair of steel balls in opposite peripheries sleeved onto the cylinder member and biased at two end by a pair of recoil springs and an air valve fastened to the open end of the tubular body abutting the first chamber. When the cylinder member is extracted outward, the spring is contracted and the air pressure is induced into the first chamber for a slow rehabilitation of the cylinder member. A further extracting the cylinder member leads the sleeve member entered into the second chamber to perform a random positioning of the cylinder member therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Chung-Shan Shen
  • Patent number: 5727287
    Abstract: A check strap assembly particularly for use with a passenger door of a motor vehicle includes an arm having a first end interconnected to the body of the vehicle and a second end interconnected to the vehicle door. The check strap assembly further includes a locating mechanism disposed within the door and attached to a forward panel of the door. The arm extends through an aperture located in the forward panel of the door and is translatable relative to the locating mechanism and the door. A seal member is provided which is operative to seal the aperture and the panel of the door. The seal member is carried by the arm such that the seal member abuts the panel of the door when the door is in the closed position and is spaced from the panel of the door when the door is in the fully opened position. The seal operates to protect the cooperating components of the check strap assembly from dirt, moisture and other contaminants when the vehicle door is in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Hosken, Anil K. Jain, Thomas B. Tran
  • Patent number: 5727288
    Abstract: Disclosed an apparatus of a vehicle for separating a door including a first hinge, a second hinge, a door check assembly, and a door separating part. By using the apparatus, the door can be easily separated from a body of the vehicle when the body is deformed by a collision and/or overturned. By separating hinges and a door checker by a first, a second, and a third explosive respectively, the door can be easily separated from the body of the vehicle which can not be opened due to deformation by an accident such as a collision or overturning. The wounded remaining in the compartment of the vehicle, can separate the door by using the apparatus, and can escape from the accident vehicle by themselves. Also, a rescuer can easily and rapidly rescue the wounded from the vehicle without rescue equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Kwang Byon
  • Patent number: 5727289
    Abstract: A first and second pair of door stop elements are mounted to an existing door hinge and aligned with the barrels on the door hinge. A pair of barrels have to be cutaway to mount the stops. The hinge pin holds everything in position. One of the pair of door stops is shaped like a metal bar with a pair of knuckles at the top and the bottom. It also has curves, indentations, flat contact points and grooves. The back of the first stop is recessed to provide clearance to avoid the hinge barrels against which the stop is positioned after installation. The flat contact points abut against the faces of the pair of door hinges to prevent the door from opening beyond a fixed point. The fist stop is used alone when the door opens up to 180 degrees. The second stop works with the first stop element and is used to limit the door opening to much less than 180 degrees. The second element is described as an elongated U-shaped bracket. The first element fits inside the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Andrew Reder
  • Patent number: 5727290
    Abstract: A portable electronic device (50)that ergonomically attaches to an external article (64)includes a housing (52) for containing the portable electronic device and an ergonomic attachment device (51) for attaching the portable electronic device to the external article. The ergonomic attachment device includes a first portion (54) coupled to a contact portion (52) on the portable electronic device, wherein the first portion has a first end (58) and a second end (60) and a second portion (56) having a first end hinged to the first end of the first portion and a second end (62) that clasps with the second end of the first portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion form a button holder that can ergonomically mount upon a button on the external article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: April R. Gilbert, Jan M. McKinnis, Bettina Meles
  • Patent number: 5727291
    Abstract: A casket is provided with an integral memorabilia compartment for the placement, display and storage therein of personal effects and mementos of memorialization of the deceased. In one form the casket comprises a shell, a cap pivoted to the shell, and an openable and closable memorabilia compartment forming a part of the cap. In another form the casket comprises a shell, a cap pivoted to the shell, and an openable and closable memorabilia compartment forming a part of the shell. In both forms the memorabilia compartment is so positioned and configured as to provide convenient access to mourners paying respects to the deceased for placing personal effects and mementos therein and to provide display of the personal effects and mementos placed therein for viewing by the mourners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Batesville Casket Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Biondo, Dennis C. Laphan, Donald R. Maier, William F. Neth, Charles F. Winburn
  • Patent number: 5727292
    Abstract: Apparatus for the production of a nonwoven material wherein a web of material is drawn over a series of parallelly aligned porous rolls. The web is treated with a jet of pressurized water as it moves in contact over each roll. The web is compressed between the first roll in the series and is wetted by a curtain of water as it is being compressed to increase the density of the web material prior to its being treated with the pressurized jets of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: ICBT Perfojet
    Inventor: Andre Vuillaume