Patents Issued in June 16, 1998
  • Patent number: PP10450
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the floribunda class, having unique purple-red flower color; blooms presented in clusters of 3 to 5 flowers; long vase life; and moderate production as a greenhouse cut flower spray rose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Bear Creek Gardens, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Zary
  • Patent number: PP10451
    Abstract: `CN209` is a new and distinct cultivar of strawberry plant of the day-neutral type which has larger fruit and produces greater yields than `Selva` or `Seascape` when treated with appropriate planting regimes. Production for `CN209` initiates slightly later than for the comparison cultivars and it produces substantially larger quantities of late-season fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Douglas V. Shaw
  • Patent number: PP10452
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named Cleagar sp1, characterized by its mounded compact plant habit and slow growth rate; decorative-type inflorescences; soft coral ray florets that become lighter coral pink with development; numerous ray florets per inflorescence; and good garden performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Cleangro Limited
    Inventor: Peter Wain
  • Patent number: PP10453
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuchsia plant, having a spreading growth habit of strongly bushy form, low plant height, fine branching, and short internode length. The plant shape is compact. The fuchsia plant has great profusion blooms, the whole bush remaining in bloom for a considerable period of time, and very long flowering duration. The flowers are single and do not have variegated patterns on the petals, the petals are deep violet in color having a deep purplish pink calyx tube also without any variegated pattern. The plant has a high resistance to heat, cold, disease and pests, and is able to grow in an outdoor garden during the term of intense summer heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignees: Nishinomiya City, Suntory Limited
    Inventors: Toshi Tanaka, Hidefumi Funakoshi, Kenkichi Nose, Ushio Sakazaki
  • Patent number: PP10454
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named `Klabat`, characterized by its bright orange petals with yellow base giving a bi-colored appearance to the flowers; moderately vigorous plant growth habit and moderate growth rate; uniform plant habit and inflorescence display; medium green leaves; proportional leaf size to plant size; suitable for various container sizes from 10 to 15 cm; floriferous with numerous flowers per plant; and good postproduction longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Fides Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Ike Vlielander
  • Patent number: PP10455
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named `Iztac`, characterized by its dark hot pink flower color; vigorous plant growth habit and rapid growth rate; freely branching habit with shoots forming at every node; uniform plant habit and inflorescence display; dark green glossy leaves; proportional leaf size to plant size; suitable for various container sizes from 10 to 15 cm; floriferous with numerous flowers per plant; dark red peduncles; and excellent postproduction longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Fides Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Ike Vlielander
  • Patent number: RE35824
    Abstract: A fluid motor integrally constructed on an elongate body enables periodic fluid sampling. This device affixes to a pipeline by a threaded connection which positions an inlet in the pipeline for sample removal; the sample flows to a sample bite removal valve which is motor operated to obtain periodic simple bits. Pressure step up or down is achieved in a sample pressure isolation system having a check valve function. This enables storage at any pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Welker Engineering Company
    Inventor: Brian H. Welker
  • Patent number: RE35825
    Abstract: A method for maintaining optimum biasing voltage and standby current levels in a dynamic random access memory array, in which row-to-column shorts have been repaired by redirecting the addresses of shorted rows and columns to spare rows and columns. The method partly consists of placing a current limiting device in series with the bias voltage generator output and the nodes between the equilibration transistors of small groups of digit line pairs. The current limiting devices may be either long-L transistors that are in an always-on state, or they may be merely resistive elements, such as strips of lightly-doped polysilicon. The invention effectively isolates the effect of row-to-column shorts in a portion of a DRAM array from the remainder of the array. All digit line pairs tied to a single current limiting device are replaced as a unit if any one or more of the digit lines among the tied pairs is shorted to a word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul S. Zagar
  • Patent number: 5765223
    Abstract: A face shield is disclosed that includes a headband with an inner and outer surface, first and second ends and a visor between a portion of the inner and outer surfaces that tapers from a maximum width at the midpoint between the first and second ends to a minimum at a first point spaced a distance from the first end and at a second point spaced a distance from the second end, a flexible fluid impervious transparent cover removably attached to the outer edge of said headband, and means for adjustably securing the shield to a wearer's head. This face shield permits a wearer to comfortably wear eye glasses and/or breathing apparatus under the shield. Also, the flexible cover can be readily removed and replaced if damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Mary L. McCausland
  • Patent number: 5765224
    Abstract: A torso-shape controlling, lower back supporting garment that comprises a garment having control fabric panel portions adapted to extend in waist shape controlling relation to torso front, back and sides; the control fabric panel portions including zones positioned to be generally rigid at the torso front and back and to yieldably resiliently stretch generally horizontally at the torso sides, whereby support is provided at the lower back, and an hourglass torso shape at the waist is produced; and auxiliary structure extending in proximity to certain of said first control fabric panel portions to enhance the waist shape controlling functioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Christina Erteszek Johnson
  • Patent number: 5765225
    Abstract: A baby bib having a bottle holding capability. The bib has an attached bottle-holding structure which maintains a baby bottle in a predetermined position, both laterally and longitudinally. The bottle holding attachment is made of a soft structural material covered with a fabric material similar to the bib fabric. The bottle holder may also be made with a harness attached to it so that it may be held in place without being attached to a bib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventors: Rachel Goeckeritz, Joseph Goeckeritz
  • Patent number: 5765226
    Abstract: A garment for massaging muscle masses of a person's body. The garment includes plural flexible channels that are separate and independent, sealed, and elongated, and that are each partially filled with a substantially incompressible free by flowable material and oriented substantially in a direction of fibers of the muscle masses to be massaged. Muscle masses are massaged by movement of the flowable material in the channels caused by movement of the muscle masses to be massaged. A flexible cover maintains the channels in contact with the muscles to be massaged. Plural garment portions may be provided, each corresponding to a particular muscle mass of the person's body that is to be massaged and that has a generally uniform alignment of muscle fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventors: Dominique Douady, Marie-France Jacqueline Henriette Jaunet
  • Patent number: 5765227
    Abstract: A new bolo tie and method of fabrication for constructing a novel appearance of a bolo clasp. The inventive device includes a bolo clasp having a predetermined shape. The bolo clasp has a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has an arcuate outer surface and a planar inner surface. The rear portion extends outwardly from the planar inner surface. The rear portion has a pair of apertures therethrough. The arcuate outer surface of the front portion has a recess formed therein. A layer of epoxy is disposed within the recess. A decorative stone is secured within the recess by the layer of epoxy. A length of cord has opposed free ends received through the pair of apertures of the bolo clasp. A pair of agelets are secured to the free ends of the length of cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Alfred T. Wright
  • Patent number: 5765228
    Abstract: A therapy mitt for a hand and finger for use with a hand therapy device comprising a surface disposed along the back of the hand connecting finger pockets to a wrist cuff of the hand therapy device. The finger pockets are capable of being separated from one another, permitting independent motion of fingers relative to one another. This therapy mitt can thus be used either for all four fingers or for independent therapy of individual fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Select Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Bieling
  • Patent number: 5765229
    Abstract: A sun visor headgear includes a band for fitting around the head of a wearer and defining an opening for receiving the top of the head of the wearer, a front bill connected to the band and extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom for shielding the face of the wearer, and a chin strap attached to opposite side portions of the band rearwardly of the front bill and defining a loop for extending over the ears and under the chin of the wearer. The band and front bill are made integral with one another in a one-piece structure or, alternatively, the band can be a separate linear strip attached to the front bill. The band has a pair of rear edge portions defining the only location at it is attached to itself. The chin strap is made from a blank having a bow tie shaped configuration with opposite end portions attached to inner opposite portions of an upper edge of the band and interconnected by a middle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventors: Jody E. McLeod, Brock J. Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 5765230
    Abstract: A multifunction head apparel is disclosed and configurable into a variety of protective forms to provide varying degrees of protection of a user's head and face from the surrounding environment. The accessory is characterized as having a hood portion which defines a face opening sufficient in size so as to permit a head to extend there through, and a neck portion wherein the neck portion has a proximal portion adjacent to the hood portion and a distal portion terminating at a neck opening. The length of the neck portion is sufficient to permit full coverage of the neck when the neck opening is involuted to terminate at or near the mid point of the face opening, thereby forming a dual layer of material surrounding the neck. In this manner, a single accessory can be configured to provide a hood with or without a face mask; a neck tube, with or without a face mask; and a hat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventors: Robert Darryll Sivret, Dave Ross Maclaskey
  • Patent number: 5765231
    Abstract: The present invention is a face mask suitable for application to a skin surface of a person's face, the face mask comprising a plurality of facial mask segments of resilient polymeric foam, each segment conformable to at least a portion of the surface of the person's face and including a first surface, a second surface and a shaped peripheral margin, an adhesive attachment, suitable for use on the first surface of each segment and suitable for attaching the segment to the person's skin; and a decoration, suitable for application on the second surface of each segment, for decorating the face mask; wherein the plurality of facial mask segments cover substantially all of the surface of the skin of the person's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Face Safe, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold S. Leonard, Joseph G. Bilek, James L. Kruse
  • Patent number: 5765232
    Abstract: A device for supporting a train of a bridal gown having a hoop member with an interior area having a bar extending thereacross so as to define a first train receiving area and a second train receiving area within the hoop member and a clip connected to the hoop member so as to allow the hoop member to be affixed to a back side of the bridal gown. The bar extends generally horizontally across an interior area of the hoop member. The first train receiving area has a size and shape matching the second train receiving area. The clip member has a surface affixed to the back side of the hoop member. The hoop member is formed of a rigid material which is covered with a fibrous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Dolores Pryor
  • Patent number: 5765233
    Abstract: A disposable club head wiping patch is removably stuck to the lower portion of a golfer's trouser leg. The outer working surface of the patch includes a layer of scouring material preferably made of a piling of synthetic fiber segments hard enough to wipe off mud and grass debris that may have stuck to the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hayes
  • Patent number: 5765234
    Abstract: A protective helmet with a crown made of synthetic material comprises a fixing device with a strap and means for adjusting the head-band size. The wall of the crown is drilled in the direction of the thickness with a plurality of orifices for housing positioning knobs adjustable between a first adjustment position corresponding to a large head-band size, in which said knobs are inserted inside the orifices, and a second adjustment position corresponding to a small head-band size, in which said knobs are salient towards the inside of the crown, each positioning knob having gripping means accessible from outside the crown to press the internal bearing face of the knob directly against the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Paul Petzl, Jean-Marc Hede
  • Patent number: 5765235
    Abstract: An anti-condensation visor comprises an outer visor which, relative to the user, is situated on the outermost peripheral surface of a helmet or hood to which the visor belongs. The outer visor is provided with openings for fitting on the helmet and with at least one lip for the user to fold the outer visor away. An inner visor is detachably fitted against the inside wall of the outer visor and is held against via at least one mechanical retaining element, while the inner visor rests over essentially its entire surface against the inside wall of the outer visor, and the inner visor is made of hydrophilic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Derek's Patent B.V.
    Inventor: Derek Leslie Arnold
  • Patent number: 5765236
    Abstract: An improved toilet seat is provided that includes a number of integral handles configured such that a person using the seat can stabilize or balance his or her body while exerting downward force on the seat. The toilet seat includes a seating element having an upper surface, an outer periphery that extends beyond an upper rim of a toilet bowl, a plurality of handles integrally formed in the seating element, a rear section, a narrow front section that forms at least one handle, and a transition section from the rear section to the narrow front section. Domestic, commercial, and other embodiments are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: C. James Bethanis
  • Patent number: 5765237
    Abstract: A flush pot assembly having a pot which is concealed when it is not being used. The pot can be easily accessed for use and washed with washing water after use even by a disabled person or a hospital patient. The flush pot assembly includes a pot connected to a flexible drain hose for passing washing water. The pot is provided such that it is integral with a back surface of a door. The door can be opened and closed and constitutes part of one side of a room. The flexible drain hose is connected between the pot and a drain pipe which leads to the outside of the room. The pot is moved into the room by opening the door and is accommodated in a space outside the room by closing the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignees: Tama Juki Construction Co., Ltd., Hironobu Nakayama
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Okamoto, Hironobu Nakayama
  • Patent number: 5765238
    Abstract: A human private parts washing apparatus includes a first nozzle device having a first splashing opening for washing the first position, a second nozzle device having a second splashing opening that is opened on a position end thereof for washing the second position, a case having the first nozzle device and the second nozzle device therein, a stand for mounting thereon the first nozzle device and the second nozzle device, and a driving device for driving the stand back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Furukawa, Yuji Yamaguchi, Mitsuhiro Ohara, Shinji Kawai
  • Patent number: 5765239
    Abstract: Modular children's furniture with components including a planar panel that can serve as a base and/or a top, a stackable cube, a stackable rectangular cubicle, a drawer component, a shelf, and a playpen. The planar panel with rubber caster wheels is a base upon which the modular components are stacked. The planar panel without caster wheels is a counter-top and caps the modular components. Each cube and cubicle has a hingedly connected panel that functions as a door or lid. Also included are a stackable drawer component and a shelf component. The playpen includes two side panels that are made of a plastic coated wire mesh. The playpen also has two solid side panels that can be attached to a standard bedframe and thus serve as a headboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Tony G. Moses
  • Patent number: 5765240
    Abstract: A bedding product comprising a collapsible spring assembly, a pad covering the spring assembly and a fabric covering encasing the padded spring assembly. The spring assembly comprises a plurality of collapsible spring modules connected to a plurality of spaced parallel connecting rods and locking means to hold the assembly in an expanded condition and prevent its collapse. The parallel connecting rods are located between border rods in the top and bottom planes of the assembly. Each of the spring modules comprises four individual wires joined together with helical lacing wire wrapped around a center section of each of the wires. The center sections of the wires define an axis about which each of the wires are capable of rotational movement. Upon the collapse of the assembly, each of the spring modules collapses rotating around the axis of the module. The assembly is held in an expanded condition by a plurality of locking rods, pieces of plastic mesh or other locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Co.
    Inventor: Joe C. Workman
  • Patent number: 5765241
    Abstract: A sheet is provided for dressing a mattress. The sheet may be formed from a tube of knit fabric having spaced apart ends closed by end seams normal to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The tube is longitudinally open, from end to end, to provide an opening for application of the sheet to a mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Macdonald
  • Patent number: 5765242
    Abstract: Hand sanitizing apparatus for use in combination with existing wash basins having a water supply. A person's hands are washed and dried while held at a sensed position below the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing adapted to be supported a given height above the wash basin, and a soap/water spray head fixed inside the housing to direct soap and water toward the person's hands. Hot and cold water lines extend between the wash basin water supply and a solenoid valve in the housing, to communicate warm rinse water from the valve when opened to the spray head of the apparatus. A soap reservoir and pump are arranged inside the housing to communicate liquified soap to the spray head. An air dryer unit fixed inside the housing serves to dry the hands after wetting by the soap and water sprays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph Marciano
  • Patent number: 5765243
    Abstract: A scoop type patient carrier having separable halves to facilitate placement of the halves beneath a patient, and configured to enable radiographic examination. The joint between the halves, and the points where the pivot and latch mechanisms are located, are laterally offset from the midline or longitudinal centerline of the assembled carrier. This arrangement results in the absence of any joint or line of separation in the upper and lower sections that are aligned with the carrier centerline, and which support the head and feet. This enables the carrier halves to be joined or separated without any accompanying movement of the head and feet of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Hartwell Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew F. Duncan, Gary R. Williams, Steven A. Badolato
  • Patent number: 5765244
    Abstract: A generally u-shaped first structure comprises a first lateral member and two first legs. A generally u-shaped second structure comprises a second lateral member and two second legs. Two connecting legs are provided, each connecting leg being pivotally attached to one of the first legs and to one of the second legs, such that the first structure remains generally parallel to the second structure as the first structure is pivoted toward and away from the second structure. A generally u-shaped third structure comprises a third lateral member and two third legs. The two third legs of the third structure are pivotally attached to one of the second legs of the second structure. A pair of support members extend between the second legs of the second structure. Each of the support members has a plurality of spaced pins extending there-from. A pair of arms is provided, each of the arms having a first end pivotally attached to one of the third legs of the third structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Jon D. Heidler
  • Patent number: 5765245
    Abstract: A pillow book construction comprised of two pillows, a thick one and a thin one, joined together like the two covers of a book by means of a seam along the short end of the internal sides. The pillows have thicknesses of 7 cm and 5 cm and, once folded upon each other, form a large pillow-book of 12 cm. This pillow construction with these three values of thickness has been designed taking into account the three sleeping or resting positions: the head and the body sideways; the head sideways and the body facing downwards; the head and body facing upwards. Additionally, a plurality of exchangeable and illustrated sheets made of fabric are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Javier Barbed Breto
    Inventor: Javier Barbed Breto
  • Patent number: 5765246
    Abstract: A mattress with an inflatable bladder and an outer border wall to support the outer edges of the bladder. The present invention employs foam block border walls that include foam border elements with either an upper or an upper and a lower surface sculpted to present convolutions preferably having generally sinusoidal shapes in vertical cross-section. The convolutions allow for a sensation of softness when being deformed, and allow for ventilation of the inner surface, while at the same time, the foam element can be made of a single piece of foam that is of sufficient stiffness to support the outer perimeter surface of the bladder within the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Select Comfort Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Shoenhair
  • Patent number: 5765247
    Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin
  • Patent number: 5765248
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shore which has a durability with respect to loads not only in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction but also in a lengthwise direction, and which can be automatically folded without requiring extra work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Tatsuo Ono
  • Patent number: 5765249
    Abstract: A pet toothbrush having a pair of like toothbrushes carried by a flexible tubular holder. The bristle ends of the toothbrushes are simultaneously movable against the front and back sides of a pet's teeth as the holder flexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert R. Axelrod
  • Patent number: 5765250
    Abstract: A floor cleaner device is described comprising a rolling support on which is mounted a tiltable handle that can be secured in various angular positions during use by means of a set of solenoid actuated locking pins which engage a set of bores defined on the handle frame. During use, the device is balanced between a first set of wheels and a rotatable cleaning element. A second set of wheels is maintained in an elevated position by the handles during use and out of contact with the floor surface which is being cleaned. To conserve space during storage and when not in immediate use, the device may be positioned in an upright position and stable manner by tilting the handle to a vertical position and engaging the actuated pins into the appropriate bores to effect upright positioning. This tilt configuration will lower the second set of wheels into contact with a floor surface, and balance the device between the two sets of wheels, and consequently the device will occupy less space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Kyu H. Lee
  • Patent number: 5765251
    Abstract: A flexible wire wound cable (13) which surrounds a wire cluster (11) terminated in a hook (16). A handle (10) attached to the wire cluster allowing urging of the wire cluster in sliding motion inside the flexible tube. A handle (13) attached to the flexible tube allowing firm gripping of the flexible tube. A wire cluster (11) made of spring wire and formed to a curl at its extremity (15) and terminating in a hook (16). A hollow cap (14) fixed to the end of the flexible wire wound cable (13). A point with holes in it through which the spring wire can slide and protrude in varying length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Bernard Thomas Jones
  • Patent number: 5765252
    Abstract: A finger brush device including bristles of a configuration which taper towards a pointed apex or are of a traditional toothbrush bristle configuration. In addition, the brush device may include a plurality of bumps which would act as a massaging device. Alternatively, a combination of bristles and bumps can form the exterior surface of the brush device. For use with children, the brush device includes an animated face or animal drawing which would be found attractive to children. In addition, an anchor ring is used to secure the finger mounted brush to an adjacent finger of a child to secure the brush on two fingers and prevent accidental removal. The brush device may be in the form of a five fingered glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Clairice M. Carr
  • Patent number: 5765253
    Abstract: An improved hair brush which can be selectively manipulated from either end when in contact with hair on a body is provided which has an elongated member or shaft with a handle extending from one end of the shaft, a short end portion extending from the shaft in the opposite direction, and a sleeve adapted to cover the handle and be releasably retained thereon. The sleeve and the short end portion are adapted to releasably secure the sleeve to the short end portion when the sleeve is released and removed from the handle. In such position, the sleeve can function as a second handle upon being releasably secured to the end portion, and the brush therefore can be manipulated by manipulating the handle or alternatively by manipulating the sleeve upon the sleeve being released from the handle and being secured to the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Rita L. Martinez
  • Patent number: 5765254
    Abstract: An improved toothbrush is provided with a flexible neck to avoid damage to teeth and gums due to excessive brushing pressure. The toothbrush has a bush head made of a semi-rigid material to adequately support bristles, and a handle and neck made of an elastic material. The elastic material of the handle is comfortable in the users hands. The elastic material of the neck provides the flexibility to avoid damage due to excessive brushing pressure exerted by the user on the handle. The flexible neck is reinforced by semi-rigid arms formed integral with and ending from the semi-rigid material of the brush head. The reinforcing arms are connected by a web with spaced-apart openings. The web openings are provided to receive a portion of the elastic material of the neck to further secure the neck and the handle to the brush head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Radius Inc.
    Inventor: James O'Halloran
  • Patent number: 5765255
    Abstract: A dipstick wiping device for use in measuring fluid reservoir levels in an internal combustion engine is described. The dipstick wiping device comprises a pliable converging tubular body, a fluid wiping element and mounting means. The fluid wiping element comprises a sponge removably mounted around the inner surface of the body by a locking ring. The dipstick wiping device is connected to a dipstick tube by first removing the dipstick from the dipstick tube and then fitting the mounting means over the end of the dipstick tube. The mounting means includes a tie strap for locking the dipstick wiping device into place. The tie strap allows the dipstick wiping device to be mounted on a variety of dipstick tubes, regardless of the diameter of the dipstick tube. The dipstick is then reinserted into the dipstick tube by passing the dipstick through the body. In operation, the user removes the dipstick from the dipstick tube while applying pressure to the outer surface of the pliable converging tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Mark Walter Bychkowsky
  • Patent number: 5765256
    Abstract: A brush made from a nonwoven, thermally bonded bicomponent fiber web is described. The nonwoven brush of the invention includes a plurality of compressed annular sections assembled about a central carrier with each section made of a mat of bicomponent fibers which have been crimped and melt bonded. In a preferred embodiment, the brush will have a compacted density of between about 50 and about 250 kilograms per cubic meter. The fibers making up the compressed annular sections are preferably a combination of polyolefins (e.g. polypropylene and polyethylene) but may also include polyesters and other materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James M. Allan, Barry A. Brandley
  • Patent number: 5765257
    Abstract: An improved muffler for vacuum cleaners and other product applications is disclosed. The muffler includes a muffler body or enlarged head with a smaller hollow shaft extending from an open end of the muffler body or enlarged head for attachment to an exhaust of a vacuum cleaner or other application. The smaller hollow shaft terminates short of a transverse end wall of the muffler body. The transverse end wall may be constructed as a separate cover element. A noise dampening element is positioned adjacent the transverse end wall and also along an inner circumferential wall of the muffler body in order to dampen noise transmitted from the vacuum cleaner exhaust that passes through the smaller hollow shaft into the muffler body for absorption by the noise dampening element prior to being diverted by the transverse end wall in an opposite direction through the open end of the muffler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Steger, David R. Hult, Jeffrey L. Young
  • Patent number: 5765258
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a floor traveling head with wheels and an elongate handle pivotably connected to the head. The head has two motors; one connected to an impeller and one connected to a rotatable brush. The head has rechargeable batteries therein for supplying electricity to the motors and a three position electrical switch. All working components of the vacuum cleaner, including an air filter and dust/dirt collection cup, are in the floor traveling head. The handle has no working components thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: M. Anthony Melito, Deborah L. Potvin, Gregg C. Krehel, Anthony Brooks Rorke
  • Patent number: 5765259
    Abstract: A vacuum nozzle has an elongate, tubular handle with an open end for connection to a vacuum cleaner hose, and has a hollow, generally rectangular head connected to the handle's opposite end. The head defines a transversely extending blade passage of generally rectangular cross-section through which portions of a ceiling fan blade can be inserted for cleaning. Extending perimetrically about the blade passage are head portions that include parallel top and bottom bars that have overlying left and right ends connected by left and right end structures, all of which are hollow and communicate to define a generally rectangular vacuum chamber that communicates with the hollow interior of the tubular handle. The top and bottom bars and the left and right end structures respectively carry top, bottom, left and right bristles that project into the blade passage at spaced locations near opposite ends of the blade passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Christina L. Cika
  • Patent number: 5765260
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing stiffness to the upper end of an elongated section of drapery fabric which selectably allows the drapery fabric to be readily foldable when stiffness is not needed. The apparatus also connects the drapery to an overhead, traverse supporting rail, such as by an arrangement of hooks and eyelets or rotatable pendants. The apparatus includes an insert member made of a flexible, relatively stiff material which may be one continuous strip or a series of segments. The apparatus also includes member mountable to the drapery that is made of flexible, readily-foldable material. The insert member and the mounting member are configured so that the insert member may be engaged with the mounting member. When the insert member is engaged with the mounting member, the insert member and mounting member are not readily foldable and provide stiffness to support the drapery fabric between pendants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Ren Judkins
  • Patent number: 5765261
    Abstract: An X-shaped automatic hinge structure serving as a fulcrum for supporting and pivotally connecting a swinging cabinet door board to a cabinet body. At a final stage of closing the door board, the hinge structure aids in speedily closing the door board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: I-Tsung Hung
  • Patent number: 5765262
    Abstract: A hinge for the articulated connection of two leaves of a door, which are arranged to shut at an angle to each and of which one door leaf is pivoted to the body part of a piece of furniture or the like, comprises a cranked hinge arm able to be mounted on the body of the piece of furniture, and which is attached to a support plate, and a hinge part adapted to be secured to the other leaf and on which a free end of the hinge arm is pivoted. In order to provide such a hinge which is less complex to produce and has a high strength while being able to be fitted to leaves of a door of various different thicknesses, the part, able to be secured to the support plate, of the hinge arm comprises a standard hinge arm for conventional double link hinges, to which the pivot part, which is connected with the pivotal hinge part, of the hinge arm is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Arturo Salice
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 5765263
    Abstract: A door positioning hinge supports two closure members, and also allows the closure members to be rotated to open or to close. The door positioning hinge can be adapted to allow free-swinging of the closure members or alternatively to hold the closure members in various detent positions. In addition, the particular amount of force can be selected where desired which operates to hold the closure members in the respective detent positions. The operation of the door positioning hinge accommodates use with both vertically swinging or horizontally swinging closure members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Andres A. Bolinas, Thomas Edwin Hall, Lynn Ann Handley, Stefan Matthew Koveal, Allen Riblett
  • Patent number: 5765264
    Abstract: A pair of confronting limbs, which have mutually meshing jaws, clasp the open top of a bag therebetween when a grooved bar slides upon the limbs. The limbs have external rails, and the bar has trackways formed therein to receive the rails slidably therein. The limbs are integral with a twice-folded panel which defines a pouring spout for the subject bag of a portion of the panel; this pouring spout portion is set within the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Ray Ciok