Patents Issued in May 26, 1998
  • Patent number: PP10412
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct fall bearing red raspberry cultivar named `Caroline` which is capable of producing a large amount of larger, more flavorful and more cohesive fruit on primocanes 1-3 weeks earlier than standard cultivars. The cultivar is characterized by its moderate to high suckering ability, its conic, smooth and symmetrical fruit. Additionally, its thorn characteristics and its upright canes with fall fruit appearing on the upper half of the cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventors: Harry Jan Swartz, Joseph A. Fiola, Herbert D. Stiles, Brian A. Smith
  • Patent number: PP10413
    Abstract: A new and distinct Mandevilla plant named `PSJAM DP1`, characterized particularly by its deep pink flower color, large flower size, wide overlapping corolla lobes, floriferous habit, and its ease of propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Geo. W. Park Seed Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy A. Alston
  • Patent number: PP10414
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Azalea plant named `Memories`, characterized by its dark green leaves that do not abscise during the cooling and forcing periods; uniform and symmetrical plant habit; numerous and large single coral-colored flowers with undulating petal margins that give the flower a ruffled appearance; excellent postproduction longevity with flowers lasting up to four weeks in an interior environment; and very good resistance to the fungal pathogen Cylindrocladium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Yoder Brothers, Inc.
    Inventor: Wendy R. Bergman
  • Patent number: PP10415
    Abstract: A new plant variety of carnation pot plant producing violet pictoee and striped flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: California Florida Plant Co., L.P.
    Inventor: Walter H. Jessel, Jr.
  • Patent number: PP10416
    Abstract: A new plant variety of carnation plant producing sprays of purple flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: California Florida Plant Co., L.P.
    Inventor: Walter H. Jessel, Jr.
  • Patent number: PP10417
    Abstract: A new variety of carnation plant producing sprays of pink flushed pale pink flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: California Florida Plant Co., L. P.
    Inventor: Walter H. Jessel, Jr.
  • Patent number: PP10418
    Abstract: A new variety of carnation plant very resistant to F. oxysporum and producing white flowers with a very pale pinkish cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: California Florida Plant Co., L.P.
    Inventor: Walter H. Jessel, Jr.
  • Patent number: PP10419
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named `Ozenda`, characterized by its spherical and mounded plant habit; moderate vigor and growth rate; decorative-type inflorescences with slight open center; light lavender ray florets; numerous inflorescences per plant; and good garden performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Dirk Pieters
  • Patent number: PP10420
    Abstract: The cultivar is characterized by its compact medium green foliage and vivid lavender bloom. Its strong growth habit, quick rooting time and continuous flowering provide for superb cuttings and also for quick recovery following wet weather conditions. The blooms exhibit good post-harvest quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: John Bodger & Sons Company
    Inventor: David Lemon
  • Patent number: PP10421
    Abstract: The cultivar is characterized by the distinctive clear salmon color of the bloom over medium green foliage. Its quick rooting time and continuous flowering provides for superb cuttings and for quick recovery of the bloom following wet weather conditions. The blooms are heat tolerant, and an abundant amount of cuttings may be obtained from a single plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: John Bodger & Sons Company
    Inventor: David Lemon
  • Patent number: PP10422
    Abstract: The cultivar is characterized by its very dark foliage and medium salmon color flower. Its strong growth habit and free flowering provides for superb cuttings and also for quick recovery following wet weather conditions. The blooms are heat tolerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: John Bodger & Sons Company
    Inventor: David Lemon
  • Patent number: RE35804
    Abstract: Systems and methods of collecting blood cells, substantially free of undesired matter, use a first container, that forms a part of a blood collection system, to initially collect a quantity of blood cells. A filtration system is then attached to the first container. The filtration system includes a second container, a first fluid path that leads to the second container through a filtration device, and a second fluid path that leads to the second container bypassing the filtration device. The blood cells are conveyed from the first container through the first fluid path and filtration device and into the second container to separate the undesired matter from the blood cells. The blood cells, now substantially free of the undesired matter, are then conveyed from the second container through the second fluid path, bypassing the filtration device, and back into the first container. The filtration system is then detached from the blood collection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Mary A. Stewart
  • Patent number: RE35805
    Abstract: A two-way actuator device having a lever with a handle portion near a first end and a bearing portion near a second, opposing end for applying force to a responsive device. Two pivots are provided on the lever and located on opposing sides of the bearing portion. The pivots are biased so that the bearing portion moves in a direction opposite to the handle portion when the handle portion is moved in a first direction and the bearing portion moves in the same direction as a handle portion when the handle portion is moved in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Scholten, James E. Massey
  • Patent number: RE35806
    Abstract: A multipurpose integrated circuit for driving in a switching mode an externally connected load or loads permits implementation of any appropriate supply scheme of the external load or loads through six output terminals thereof and is therefore useful in a large number of applications. The integrated circuit uses six integrated power switching devices provided with respective recirculation diodes and a single externally connected sensing resistor for generating, by means of a customary PWM control loop, a control signal by which means of a logic circuit configurable by .?.programaming.!. .Iadd.programming .Iaddend.permits the generation of driving signals as a function of the control signal for all six integrated power switches in accordance with a configuration of the driving signals which conforms with the particular scheme of connection of the load or loads selected among the different bridge type and unipolar-motor type schemes which may be selected by programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Domenico Rossi, Andrea Cuomo, Giovanni Pietrobon
  • Patent number: RE35807
    Abstract: Power output switching circuit (215) for use in high current and high frequency applications. The output circuit provides a series of geometrically symmetric parallel spaced semiconductor converters (214A, 214B, 216A, 216B) arranged such that the voltage for each semiconductor output device is substantially equal and minimal for each device. In this way, each device exhibits substantially the same impedance, such that circuit performance is largely a function of intrinsic device characteristics, and substantially independent of cross coupling and another external influences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventors: Arthur H. Iversen, George Gabor
  • Patent number: RE35808
    Abstract: A method, using a public-key cryptosystem, for enabling a predetermined entity to monitor communications of users .?.suspected of unlawful activities while protecting the privacy of law-abiding users.!., wherein each user is assigned a pair of matching secret and public keys. According to the method, each user's secret key is broken into shares. Then, each user provides a plurality of "trustees" pieces of information. The pieces of information provided to each trustee enable that trustee to verify that such information includes a "share" of a secret key of some given public key. Each trustee can verify that the pieces of information provided include a share of the secret key without interaction with any other trustee or by sending messages to the user. Upon a predetermined request or condition, e.g., a court order authorizing the entity to monitor the communications of a user .?.suspected of unlawful activity.!., the trustees reveal to the entity the shares of the secret key of such user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Bankers Trust Company
    Inventor: Silvio Micali
  • Patent number: RE35809
    Abstract: An allowable noise level is set for each frequency band of the input digital signal on the basis of the energy level of the respective frequency band and that of another frequency band. The energy level and the allowable noise level are non-linearly related so as to enable high data compression and to provide a satisfactory sound. The signal components of each of the frequency bands are quantized with a number of bits which correspond to the difference between the energy level of each frequency band and the allowable noise level. If the input digital signal is preemphasized, the signal is corrected for preemphasis prior to the setting of the allowable noise level, so that the quantization is performed on a signal which is free from the effects of preemphasis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kenzo Akagiri
  • Patent number: RE35810
    Abstract: A device and a method of forming a floating gate memory transistor of very small area, thereby allowing a high-density integrated circuit chip, more specifically for Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM) or similar non-volatile devices.In a first embodiment, a method is disclosed that fabricates a programmable memory cell described as a "diffusion cut" cell where a plug-type floating gate contact hole cuts through a diffusion region and partially into a substrate region. In a second embodiment, a method is disclosed that fabricates a programmable memory cell described as an "oxide cut" cell, where the plug-type floating gate contact hole only penetrates a silicon oxide layer. This "oxide cut" cell is formed in a similar fashion except penetration does not go into the diffusion region or substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk D. Prall
  • Patent number: RE35811
    Abstract: Insecticidal novel nitro compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are hydrogen or C.sub.1-4 alkyl, R.sup.3 is --S--R.sup.4 or ##STR2## in which R.sup.4 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are hydrogen or C.sub.1-4 alkyl,Y is CH or N, andZ is a five- or six-membered heterocyclic group having at least one nitrogen atom which may be substituted by halogen or C.sub.1-4 alkyl, provided that where Y is CH,then R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Nihon Bayer Agrochem K.K.
    Inventors: Kozo Shiokawa, Shinichi Tsuboi, Koichi Moriya, Yumi Hattori, Ikuro Honda, Katsuhiko Shibuya
  • Patent number: 5754982
    Abstract: A vest hold-down system for ballistic resistant vests includes a form fitting elastic lower body undergarment having a waist portion, a crotch portion, and leg portions, with strips of hook-and-loop fastener material on the front and rear portions; and an upper body vest made of flexible fabric having a front member with lateral side portions which extend around the sides of a wearer and are releasably connected with a back member, elastic shoulder straps connecting the front and back members which extend over the wearer's shoulders, and pockets in the front and rear members and lateral side portions which receive ballistic resistant pads or panels. A pair of laterally adjacent generally rectangular front flaps of flexible fabric extends downwardly from the front member and terminates a distance below the wearer's waist, and at least one generally rectangular rear flap of flexible material extends downwardly from the back member and terminates a distance below the wearer's waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: C. Morgan Gainer
  • Patent number: 5754983
    Abstract: A sport cap (10) has a visor (16) made of thick-walled neoprene foam rubber. The pattern of the visor (16) is approximately crescent-shaped and has an arched inner edge (24), which is sewed to the head-band (14) in straight stretched form. When in a used position the visor (16) has a middle convex curvature section (32) and two lateral adjacent concave curvature sections (34), whereby there is a uniform transition between each of the curvature sections. Due to this multiple curvature of the visor (16), the visor has a form stability when in use but is at the same time soft and pliable. The cap (10) with visor (16) can be transported while crushed together in any form desired. The visor (16) will always return to its original form once the cap is placed on the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Luke Evan Landers
  • Patent number: 5754984
    Abstract: A decorative toilet lid for use with an original toilet seat lid or a replacement toilet lid. The decorative toilet lid comprises a core, along with a shell that covers the core, the shell being spaced from the core in order to accommodate a decorative insert sheet of choice. The decorative insert sheet can be selected from other materials used to decorate a bathroom. The decorative toilet lid may be configured to be snapped onto an existing lid, or a movable section of the shell may be provided to allow decorative insert sheets to be changed without removing the shell from the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Camille Bermudez-Schmeelk
  • Patent number: 5754985
    Abstract: Apparatus for raising and lowering a pivoting toilet member mounted on top of a toilet bowl that is part of a flushing toilet equipped with a water tank. Apparatus includes first and second weights, the first weight being connectible to the toilet member and provided to raise the toilet member, the second weight being adapted for mounting in the water tank and provided to lower the toilet member. The second weight is connected to the toilet member by a connecting mechanism which includes an elongate, flexible member capable of extending from the second weight inside the water tank to a connecting point outside the water tank. A holding mechanism releasably holds the connecting mechanism, which prevents the toilet member from pivoting from a lowered position to a raised position until the holding mechanism is disengaged. If the toilet member is in a raised position when the toilet is flushed, the toilet member will move to its lowered position due to downward movement of said second weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Arnaldo Das Neves Dias
  • Patent number: 5754986
    Abstract: A water-saving flush mechanism installed in the water tank of a flush toilet. In addition to providing an inlet control structure with an inlet pipe and a water level float ball, an outlet pipe is provided on an outlet seat. The outlet pipe is in communication with a telescopic overflow pipe. The outlet pipe includes a lower outlet pipe and an upper outlet pipe. The upper and lower outlet pipes are nested and are adjustable for height. A connecting rod on a side of the lower water outlet pipe is pivotally attached to the overflow pipe. A plate is provided on and end of a shaft. A lower pull rope is tied to the outlet pipe and pulls open the lower edge of the lower outlet pipe. A rod with a covering shaft is pivotally attached to one side of the upper outlet pipe. An outlet pipe cover at another end of the covering shaft closes the top opening of the upper outlet pipe and is provided with a pull rope that pulls the outlet pipe cover to open the top opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Chuan-Tai Chien
  • Patent number: 5754987
    Abstract: A vacuum unit, intended particularly for a vacuum toilet system, includes two valves (4, 6) which can be connected to a compressed-air source, an ejector (10) which includes an inlet nozzle (10a), an outlet nozzle (10b) and a vacuum opening (10c). The ejector is connected to the first valve (4) via the inlet nozzle, and to a first vacuum-unit connection (U1), via the vacuum opening. A piston valve (16) includes a first inlet (16a), a second inlet (16b) and an outlet (16c). The first inlet connects the piston valve with the ejector outlet nozzle (10), the second inlet connects the piston valve with the second valve (6), and the outlet connects the piston valve with a second vacuum-unit connection (U2). A check valve (17) is mounted between the piston valve outlet (16c) and the second vacuum-unit connection (U2). A passageway connects the second valve (6) and the second inlet (16b) of the piston valve with a further ejector inlet (10d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: AVAC Ejektor AB
    Inventors: H.ang.kan Johansson, Karl-Erik Johansson
  • Patent number: 5754988
    Abstract: A heated bidet device including a housing member. The housing member has an interior wall that forms a water tank and a storage compartment within. An elongated water line has a first end coupled to the toilet water line and a second end coupled to the water tank. The elongated water line is capable of carrying water from the toilet water line to the water tank. Included is a device for heating the water stored within the water tank. Also, a tension rod is mounted within the storage compartment. The tension rod is capable of supporting a hose coupling with a pump capable of drawing water from the water tank and into the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Carolyn V. D. Presa
  • Patent number: 5754989
    Abstract: A water distribution system for a spa is disclosed that comprises at least one channel around at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the shell, a water feed pipe in communication with a source of pressurized water disposed within the channel with a penetration of the shell by the water feed pipe at an end of the channel, a pod depression in the containment of the shell constructed and configured such that the channel is interrupted by the depression and the water feed pipe continues through the pod, a jet water outlet feed on the water feed pipe at the pod that is constructed and configured to provide at least one water feed outlet for a jet, and at least one water jet with water communication with the water feed outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: David Jon Ludlow
  • Patent number: 5754990
    Abstract: An emergency wash station is provided for flushing irritants from the eyes and face of an individual, particularly such as person working in a laboratory or industrial environment. The wash station comprises a basin with a pair of upstanding flow risers disposed therein and having spray heads at their upper ends. An actuator valve is adapted for movement to an open position to supply water for flow upwardly through the flow risers and spray heads. The flow risers each include a flow conduit leading to the associated spray head, in combination with at least one blind-end passage, to achieve more rapid initial delivery of water to the spray heads when the actuator valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Haws Company
    Inventor: Albert G. Gurries, II
  • Patent number: 5754991
    Abstract: An apertured mounting unit comprises a deck sheet with a top and a bottom surface, the deck sheet has a cross-sectional edge defining an aperture. A non-porous seal ring abuts the edge, the seal ring has top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface of the seal ring adjacent to the cross-sectional edge is generally coplanar with the adjacent bottom surface of the deck sheet. A sink with an upper circumferential flange may be mounted on the bottom surface of the deck sheet, with the flange in sealing engagement with the seal ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventors: Bryan Gordon Drozdowich, Peter Zurba
  • Patent number: 5754992
    Abstract: A frame, sling and hammock is disclosed to be used with a lifting device to support an incapacitated person in an elevated horizontal position as discussed. The device comprises a hanger to connect to a crane, first and second frames cantilevered from the hanger in opposite directions and a net hammock that is looped over the ends of the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventors: Greg Melnick, Michael Surridge
  • Patent number: 5754993
    Abstract: An article of furniture which is convertible between a crib bed configuration and a twin bed configuration. Each configuration includes a headboard, a footboard, and a mattress frame assembly. In the crib bed configuration, the headboard and footboard are identical, each including a pair of outer vertical rail members and a central member. To convert each to the twin bed configuration, the outer vertical rail members are removed and the central member is rotated ninety degrees. The rotated members form the twin headboard and footboard. The rotated members may be re-configured to provide a higher headboard than footboard in the twin configuration. The mattress frame assembly is also re-configurable between the crib bed configuration and the twin bed configuration, by pivoting extension frame members between perpendicular and parallel positions relative to a central frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Gerry Baby Products
    Inventor: Clifford W. Russell
  • Patent number: 5754994
    Abstract: A secondary locking system for the drop side of a crib comprises an elongated three sided channel bracket having first and second parallel sides with a third side perpendicular to said first and second sides, said third side having a mounting slot by which said bracket can be mounted to a crib leg so that the drop side can be raised and lowered within the bracket. The first and second sides have at least a pair of horizontally aligned opposed holes, and a slidable locking pin adapted to be removably passed through said opposed holes, whereby when the locking pin is passed through said opposed holes the locking pin prevents the raising or lowering of the drop side, and when the locking pin is removed from said opposed holes, the drop side can be raised and lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Michael Taylor Soper
  • Patent number: 5754995
    Abstract: A system of modular transformable furniture that utilizes a combination of basic structural assemblies that easily transform into over one hundred different items of furniture is provided. The combination of structural assemblies used in the construction of any individual furniture item includes at least two frame assemblies, one or more connecting assemblies, various optional accessory assemblies and a mechanism for interconnecting the frame assemblies, connecting assemblies, and accessory assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Roger Behrendt
  • Patent number: 5754996
    Abstract: A bed accessory for the efficient and organized daily storage and retrieval of bedclothes defined by a symmetrically undulating bedclothes storage surface supported by an adjustable wedge assembly and stabilizing leg assembly. When the bedclothes storage surface is pulled from beneath a bed and rotated upward into an erected position, the adjustable wedge assembly, remaining beneath the bed, becomes compressed between the floor and the under surface of the bed, as adjustable stabilizing legs, located on the reverse side, rotate to a position of support. After use, a moderate down and in force applied to the upper edge of the bedclothes storage surface causes the adjustable wedge and stabilizing leg assemblies to rotate to a stowed position for reinsertion of the apparatus beneath the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph B. VanSwearingen
  • Patent number: 5754997
    Abstract: A covered cushion is provided for continuously supporting a patient over gaps which occur between adjacent sections of a surgical table. The cushion is formed with a soft foam upper layer and a flexible lower layer which is sufficiently rigid to form a support for continuously supporting the weight of a patient across a gap located between adjacent sections of the surgical table. The lower layer is formed from an x-ray transparent sheet of material such as polypropylene, with a thickness of approximately 2 mm such that the polypropylene layer is flexible while also sufficiently rigid to form a bridge supporting a patient across the gap in the surgical table. The upper layer and lower layer are surrounded by an outer cover formed of an upholstery material, such as vinyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: Andre R. Lussi, Donald R. Pennington, Keith A. Stickley, Cyril F. Reesby
  • Patent number: 5754998
    Abstract: A therapeutic bedding pad having a body portion and two laterally spaced elongated portions. The body portion is preferably disposed to overly a bedding mattress and includes a head end and a foot end. The two elongated portions are symmetrically disposed laterally opposite the body portion and are substantially the same length as the body portion. The portions further define curved surfaces that are elevated several inches above the surface of the body portion to provide support for a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel E. Selton
  • Patent number: 5754999
    Abstract: A baby diaper changing station comprises a base and a support platform hingedly mounted at one side to the base and a rail structure on at least one side of the platform to increase the effective depth of the platform. A utility channel surrounds the platform for holding various diaper changing supplies and removable protective panels are positioned on bottom and side surfaces of the platform to reduce vandalism damage. A waste chute is formed in the base or support platform of the diaper changing station and cooperates with a waste receptacle proximate the station for receiving used diapers and other related waste. Accessory hooks on the platform are configured to receive and hold diaper changing supplies, such as a diaper bag. An alternative embodiment of the diaper changing station utilizes a platform having nested sections which telescope to increase the effective depth of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: John A. Helmsderfer
  • Patent number: 5755000
    Abstract: A low air-loss mattress comprises a containment envelope enclosing two lengthwise extending inflatable side chambers each connected to receive air under pressure from a source and each connected to supply such air under pressure to one or more laterally extending inflatable air sacks positioned between the two side chambers. Each air sack is formed with a multiplicity of holes through which air can leave the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Egerton Hospital Equipment Limited
    Inventor: Martin Stuart Thompson
  • Patent number: 5755001
    Abstract: A complex-contoured tensile bladder and method of making same in which a bladder comprises an envelope formed from two outer barrier layers surrounding a tensile element formed of two inner sheets. The inner sheets are attached to one another along selected first attachment portions and include die cuts at certain locations. Each of the outer barrier layers are attached to the inner sheet nearest it at selected second attachment portions which are incoincident with the selected first attachment portions. The outer layers are sealed around the periphery to form the envelope and the bladder is inflated with a gas so that the inner sheets form a tensile member which extends between the selected second portions, and the selected first portions form hinges disposed between the outer layers. When loaded the tensile member compresses at the hinges which readily allow for compression while not interfering with the cushioning properties of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Potter, Joel L. Passke, Michael A. Aveni
  • Patent number: 5755002
    Abstract: A sewer cleaning tool for attachment to one end of a cable, the other end of which is connected to a rotary power drive. The tool has an elongated body having a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end being removably attachable to one end of the cable. A plurality of vane members project radially from the body at uniformly spaced intervals therearound providing longitudinal outer edges and transverse forward and rearward edges. The vane members act cooperatively as a pump impeller, upon rotation of the tool, for agitation of sewer line fluids to dislodge any materials lodged therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Walter J. Lacy
  • Patent number: 5755003
    Abstract: An end brush and a method of making the brush is disclosed using the automatic distribution and insertion of the bristle fill material into the cup of a cup-shape shank holder. A centered drive stem projects from the bottom of the holder. After a measured amount of the fill material is inserted through fill tubes and a guide funnel, a centering core insert is forced into the center of the cup to distribute the fill material around and against the interior wall of the cup. The material is cut to proper length and in the same or a separate station the exterior wall of the cup of the holder is deformed or crimped inwardly girdling the core securing and centering the core and material in the holder. Axial ribs are also formed which improves transfer of heat from the holder improving tool life. Preferably the insert is softer than the fill material and may also be softer than the holder. A wide variety of fill materials may be employed as well as various shapes of inserts and holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Jason, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Altemare, Joseph Sigal
  • Patent number: 5755004
    Abstract: A roller brush retainer including a retention structure for preventing a paint roller's tube brush from sliding off the roller. The paint roller includes a handle, a roller, a tube brush, and in one embodiment of the invention the retaining structure includes a retaining groove and a retaining ring. In use, the tube brush is slid onto the roller of a paint roller and the retention structure is mounted on the roller by spring biased action. The retainer means is used to securely and effectively hold the tube brush onto the roller and therefore prevent accidental disengagement and mess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Wesley B. Miller
  • Patent number: 5755005
    Abstract: A windshield wiper attachment mechanism including a drive shaft having a plurality of shaft key-ways formed into a shaft end thereof; at least one locking bar ledge provided on the drive shaft; a wiper holding arm including a shaft receiving cavity having a like plurality of companionate wiper key-ways provided along the interior circumferential surface thereof defining the shaft receiving cavity; and at least one locking bar moveably attached to the wiper holding arm and resiliently biased in a manner such that the locking bar is resiliently positioned into locking contact with the locking bar ledge when the shaft end of the drive shaft positioned within the shaft receiving cavity of the wiper holding arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventors: Timothy Turbessi, Jim Galloway
  • Patent number: 5755006
    Abstract: A new platform (sometimes referred to as a "caddy") for transporting a carpet cleaning machine includes a base for supporting the machine and a machine restraint mechanism for releasably coupling the machine and the platform to one another. The platform also has wheels (or an elongated roller-like wheel) mounted with respect to the base for rolling the base and the machine across a surface. The restraint mechanism has features preventing relative platform-machine movement along a single axis or, when the mechanism includes pairs of two different types of restraining members, along plural axes. A new method is used for transporting a carpet cleaning machine of the type having a carpet brushing apparatus and a brush drive motor. The method includes the steps of providing a transport platform having a base, energizing the brush drive motor and tipping the machine to transfer more weight onto a brush. Such weight transfer causes the apparatus to urge the machine onto the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Racine Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Botting, Paul E. Fiegel, Norman K. Harris, David G. Jansson, Ernest W. Middleton, Mark A. Pleshek, Timothy B. Strandell
  • Patent number: 5755007
    Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus (10) for use with stair treads (20) is described. The apparatus includes a recess (30) which is raised away from the stair tread and is supported on either side of the recess by the body (12) so that the recess is not in contact with the stair tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Notetry Limited
    Inventor: James Dyson
  • Patent number: 5755008
    Abstract: A ball joint wheel assembly is disclosed which includes an axle with at least one ball end, to which a wheel is secured. The wheel includes a socket for retaining the ball end, thereby forming a ball joint for supporting the rotation of the wheel. A bore is connected to the socket for receiving the axle and defining a bore wall within the wheel. The bore is substantially conical and has a desired bore angle. The bore wall thereby defines and limits the swivel angle of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: The Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: Mitchell Rose
  • Patent number: 5755009
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a nozzle and a selectively removable cover having an inner surface and an outer surface. A filter chamber is defined in the housing when the cover is in place. A bag mounting structure is located on the inner surface of the cover. The bag mounting structure includes a mounting plate secured to the cover inner surface and a first mounting rail located on the mounting plate for guiding an edge of the mounting collar of an associated filter bag. A locking finger is mounted on the mounting plate. The locking finger cooperates with another edge of the mounting collar of the associated filter bag in order to secure the filter bag to the bag mounting structure. When the bag is correctly mounted on the cover, the cover can be attached to the housing of the vacuum cleaner thereby enabling the vacuum cleaner to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Paul D. Stephens, Michael F. Wright, Charles J. Thur, Mark D. Bosses
  • Patent number: 5755010
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spring hinge for eyeglasses with a spring member and a housing at least partially receiving the hinge member and which is open at one end surface thereof, with a closing member (13) fixedly retained in the housing (3) and having a run-on surface (38), which closes the end surface of the housing, and with an opening having guide surfaces (19, 21, 23) and extending through the closing member (13) for receiving the hinge member (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: O B E--Werk Ohnmacht & Baumgartner GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Otto Lehnert
  • Patent number: 5755011
    Abstract: An adjustable hinge including a first hinge member having a hinge sleeve and a second hinge member having a guide, with a door leaf coupled to the second hinge member and having at least one tab received within the guide for guiding movement therealong, the door leaf also coupled to the first hinge member and received within the hinge sleeve, allowing selective pivotal movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member about a rotational axis extending in a vertical direction. The adjustable hinge features a vertical adjustment mechanism received within the hinge sleeve allowing selective movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in the vertical direction, and a horizontal adjustment mechanism within a cavity formed within the second hinge member with at least one tab of the door leaf is guidably moved along the guide, allowing selective movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in a horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Green, Scott J. Rote, Michael D. Smith, William T. DeBruyn, Thomas M. Wright
  • Patent number: 5755012
    Abstract: Metallic clothing having metallic wire teeth bent at a double angle. The lower portion of each tooth is angled by an first angle with respect to vertical, and the upper portion is angled at a second angle with respect to vertical. The upper portion terminates at the tip, or point, of the tooth. This double-angle tooth profile is angled in the direction opposite to the general direction of travel of fibers being carded. The upper side portion of each tooth is tapered inwardly to the tip, and the rear edge of the upper end of each tooth may be provided with a forward curvature towards the point of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: John D. Hollingsworth