Patents Issued in January 9, 2001
  • Patent number: 6170084
    Abstract: A visor is provided. The visor includes a brim and a coupling mechanism designed to removably couple the visor to a helmet through a vent of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Gordon, Steve Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6170085
    Abstract: A lint brush in combination with a conventional necktie is proved whereby a section of lint removing bristled material is sewn into the “V” portion on the lower end on the backside of the necktie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Josh Maggert
  • Patent number: 6170086
    Abstract: An adjustable cap apparatus comprising a crown portion having a front end and a rear end, an opening disposed on the rear end of the crown portion, a visor attached to the front end of the crown portion, and stretchable material completely covering the opening such that surface continuity with the crown portion is maintained. The multi-axial stretchability and resiliency of the material covering the opening allows for both halves of the crown portion to either be drawn together or spread apart to fit the wearer, thereby providing a degree of adjustability to the cap and comfort to the wearer. The stretchable material disposed within the opening has a greater stretchability than the material of the crown portion, even when the crown portion is composed predominantly of a stretchable material, thereby serving the purpose of increasing the degree of adjustability in caps already incorporating stretchable material in the crown portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Razgo Lee
  • Patent number: 6170087
    Abstract: Various embodiments of article storage systems for hats and headgear provide for the removable storage of various articles within or on a hat or hats. In one embodiment, the hat includes multiple attachment points along the inner surface for the storage of embroidered emblems, patches, and similar articles within the hat, and one or more attachment points on the outer surface of the hat for the selective display of one or more of the emblems. In another embodiment, a multiple compartment wallet is provided, which may be removably stored within the hat by securing it to the inner surface of the hat. The wallet provides for the temporary storage of folding money, a credit card(s), driver's license or other identification, a car key(s), etc., while the wearer of the hat is casually dressed in apparel without other storage pockets (e.g., swimsuit and t-shirt, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Garry A. Brannon
  • Patent number: 6170088
    Abstract: A ferrous object is attached to or embedded within an article of golf clothing so that it is subject to the force of magnetic attraction of a magnet in a ball marker. A magnetic ball marker according to the invention has a body that can be stamped, painted, machined, or otherwise provided with surface embellishments, such as tournament logos, golf course crests, corporate logos, and other visual indicia that are favored by golfers. Unlike conventional golf ball markers, however, a ball marker according to the invention is provided with a thin, flat, permanent magnet that is attached to or embedded within the body of the ball marker. When the ball marker is moved into the proximity of an article of golf clothing modified according to the invention by the incorporation of a ferrous object therein, the ball marker will be attracted to the ferrous object and will cling to the article of golf clothing until purposely removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: John R. Tate
  • Patent number: 6170089
    Abstract: The seams for joining together, along the crotch, the pieces of fabric making up the article and/or for closing the toes of the legs, are made with two needle threads (F1, F2) and one looper thread (F3) that forms a chain stitch, all of them forming long stitches, in such a way that, under the stretching of the garment as it is put on, the seams become essentially “flat”, that is to say very thin and certainly much thinner than they are wide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Golden Lady S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luigi Marchetti
  • Patent number: 6170090
    Abstract: A hard hat that includes a number of user adjustable air vents to allow the user to adjust the volume of air flow through the hard hat to provide a cooling effect to the head of the wearer. The hard hat is constructed from phosphorescent plastic so that the glow from the hard hat could alert fellow workers of the position of the wearer of the hat in dark ambient light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: James Minor
  • Patent number: 6170091
    Abstract: A method of securing a strap and a strap fastening apparatus integral with an article of apparel includes an article of apparel and a planar surface. The apparatus further includes a wedge having a handle and a surface with a predetermined angle. The wedge also includes projections which engage with a strap. The apparatus also provides a housing where the wedge is contained within the housing. The apparatus also includes an attachment device where the attachment device fastens the housing to the planar surface. The housing and planar surface form a first opening and a second opening. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for reducing contact area between the strap and the planar surface, whereby translational displacement required for locking the wedge and smoothing wear of the wedge are substantially reduced while friction is substantially increased between the wedge and the strap and between the planar surface and the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Proline, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zide, James L. Rector
  • Patent number: 6170092
    Abstract: My Invention is called THE AIDS SPLASH BACK TOILET GUARD and as the name implies, it is a paper device that is used to protect a person from AIDS contaminated toilet water that can splash back when Bowel Movements are made. The Splash Back guard is a round paper towel pad about 7 inches in diameter and about ⅛th inch thick and it also has tiny pieces of styrofoam chips embedded within it. The pad is to be laid into the toilet on top of the water before a person sits to make a Bowel Movement. The pad will not sink until a Bowel Movement is made because the embedded styrofoam chips will cause it to float on top of the water. The idea is to make a Bowel Movement directly onto the top of the pad instead of onto the naked water. And by doing so, the impact of the fallen Feces upon the pad will force the water to splash outwards along the sides of the rim of the toilet instead of directly upwards to wet a person's Anal and Genital area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Wade Norris May
  • Patent number: 6170093
    Abstract: A retractable platform for a swimming pool for preventing damage to the decks, liners and wall of the swimming pool when pets and people alike are entering and exiting the swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Paul D. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 6170094
    Abstract: An artificial waterfall apparatus and method for providing a sheet-like waterfall at the edge of a pool, spa, or fountain, for example, includes a first elongate chamber into which water flows perpendicularly to the length of this chamber, and in which a pair of oppositely directed like-rotating helical recirculation water flows are formed to sweep air and debris to opposite ends of the first chamber, while also contributing to uniformity of water distribution, pressure, and flow velocity in the apparatus. Air is discharged from the apparatus near one of the opposite sides of the waterfall so that the main central body of the waterfall is not disturbed by air bubbles. A second chamber receives water flow from the first chamber, and includes a flow distribution member which further contributes to uniformity of water flow in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Thermocraft Ind. Inc.
    Inventors: Gary K. Weise, Richard J. Kesl, Fred C. Lesikar
  • Patent number: 6170095
    Abstract: A main drain safety grate apparatus utilizes an elongate drain, frame and grate that distribute the suction flow of water over a large surface to avoid full blockage of the grate, and also utilizes a bendable or deformable, upwardly releasable grate that has a section slotted to permit water to drain therethrough. The grate is ordinarily restrained from upward movement by a slot in each end of the frame into which the ends of the grate fit, and from downward movement by two shelves on which the grate may be supported. The grate may be released from the frame by an upward force applied at the section provided for drainage, which bends, or bows, the grate in an arcuate shape, and acts to shorten the length of the grate relative to the slots into which it is fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Leif Alexander Zars
  • Patent number: 6170096
    Abstract: The forward portion of a shampoo bowl is formed with a neck rest for receiving and supporting the back of the neck of an individual seated in a chair located forwardly of the bowl. The shampoo bowl is wall-mounted and pivotally connected for selective tilting of the forward portion of the bowl to raise or lower the height of the neck rest so as to accommodate individuals of varying heights seated in the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Belvedere USA Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas G. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6170097
    Abstract: A sauna cabinet includes an outer cover and an inner supporting frame and is provided at one side with an opening via which a heat source is guided into the sauna cabinet. The outer cover is provided at a front side with a closable slit via which a user enters or leaves the sauna cabinet, and at a rear side with a door leaf that may be turned open for mounting or removing the supporting frame into or from the outer cover. Two sides of the outer cover are made of two spaced layers to provide two narrow spaces. The supporting frame includes two foldable back plates and two side plates separately inserted into the two narrow spaces of the outer cover. When the sauna cabinet is in use, the two back plates are aligned with each other by two fixtures connected to upper and lower joints of the back plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Ding-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 6170098
    Abstract: A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and duel handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Pitsch
  • Patent number: 6170099
    Abstract: A base of a foldable baby bed base comprises a middle member, two pivotal rods, two turning members and four connecting rods; middle parts of the pivotal rods are pivoted to the middle member; inner ends of the pivotal rods are pivoted to each other, and are biased downwardly by springs; a belt is connected to the inner ends of the pivotal rods such that pivotal rods can be pivoted on the middle member by pulling the belt; the turning members are connected to two outer ends of the middle member with rod parts thereof turnably received in outer end holes of the middle member; the rod parts each has stopping elements opposing each other; the upper ones of the stopping elements are located adjacent to end walls of the middle member for the rod parts to be stopped from turning inwardly; the lower ones of the stopping elements are located in curved recesses at outer ends of the pivotal rods to prevent the rod parts from turning outwardly unless the pivotal rods are pivoted for the curved recesses thereof to be sep
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Pao-Hsien Cheng
    Inventor: Ying-Hsiung Cheng
  • Patent number: 6170100
    Abstract: A self-opening towel comprises a frame member being formed from a flexible twistable material and being removably attached to a covering membrane. The self-opening towel has a first shape being substantially planar when in an extended configuration, and a second shape being substantially planar and having an area less than an area of the first shape when the towel is in a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Gray Matter Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Edward Le Gette, James Ashley Waring
  • Patent number: 6170101
    Abstract: A see through protective cover construction (10) for the interior of a crib (100) as defined by the crib slats (101). The construction (10) includes a padding unit (11) including four pairs of interior (21) and exterior (22) resilient padding segments provided with aligned viewing portals (23) and joined together to sandwich a length of netting fabric (30) which is stretched across each of the viewing portals, and a fitted fabric cover member (40) dimensioned to envelope the padding unit (11) and having openings surrounding the viewing portals (23). The fabric cover member (40) is provided with a cover securing unit (14) for releasably engaging the construction (10) to selected slats (101) on the crib (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Crystal Waters McCloud
  • Patent number: 6170102
    Abstract: An operating equipment comprises an operating table (9) and a ceiling support carrying the operating table. This equipment achieves the advantage that the essential parts for the operation can be moved without a great expenditure of force to various places of the operating room relative to operating or sterilizing devices thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Kreuzer GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventor: Friedhelm Kreuzer
  • Patent number: 6170103
    Abstract: Traditional rectangular sleeping pillows with filling are improved. There are several pillow configurations in this invention. Each configuration has two heights available for its user to choose. The user can also make choice of the neck support or not. The arrangement of the two heights also allows the user to easily get proper supports for two sleeping postures, i.e. shoulder vertical and shoulder horizontal. Portion of the pillow contour gives comfortable and secure feeling like baby sleeps on mother's breast. All the configurations can use existing pillowcase in the market.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Rong-Shuang Wang, Rong-Ine Ma
  • Patent number: 6170104
    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: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin
  • Patent number: 6170105
    Abstract: Elongated composite deck sections or panels are formed by pultruding a plastics resin material with multiple layers or mats of glass fibers and longitudinally extending unidirectional fibers to form a base wall integrally connecting upwardly projecting and longitudinally extending tubular ribs. Each rib has opposite side surfaces converging towards the base wall, and longitudinally extending ears project laterally outwardly from the side surfaces. The top surface of each panel is coated with epoxy adhesive, and the top surface of the base wall is also coated with an aggregate of crushed stone. The deck panels are assembled in laterally adjacent overlapping relation to form a permanent composite deck form. A mat of fiber reinforced composite rods are spaced above the deck panels which are surrounded by border forms, and concrete is poured onto the deck panels which positively bond with the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Composite Deck Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: John J. Doyle, Kurt S. Eyring, Ken R. Schibi
  • Patent number: 6170106
    Abstract: A movable safety tunnel rides on parapets within a bridge. The safety tunnel is locked in place in a respective section of the bridge while maintenance or other operations are performed on that section of the bridge. This allows the traffic to flow through the safety tunnel and along the bridge, and the safety tunnel shields the traffic from any dust or debris. When the maintenance on that respective section of the bridge has been completed, the safety tunnel is unlocked and pushed (and/or pulled) by suitable equipment to the next adjacent section of the bridge; and the safety tunnel is again locked in place as the maintenance is performed. This procedure continues, progressively, along the bridge. In one embodiment, the safety tunnel has a trolley system riding on respective rails constructed on top of the parapets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignees: Alpha Painting & Construction Co., Inc., Orah Constructive Technologies
    Inventors: Valery Tsimmerman, Antonios E. Aikaterinidis
  • Patent number: 6170107
    Abstract: A rotating brush cleaning apparatus is provided having grippable handle and a plurality of elongated brush attachments. The handle houses a rechargeable battery driven motor that drive an attached brush in a circular rotation. Each brush attachment is mounted on a central, elongated bendable plastic core. A first narrow brush attachment is relatively narrow and adapted to be used for cleaning baby bottles and tall glasses. A narrow brush scrubber attachment comprises and annular ring of rough scouring material that can be placed over the narrow brush attachment for cleaning any caked-on residue at the bottom of a baby bottle or tall glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Dewey T. George, Loretta A. George
  • Patent number: 6170108
    Abstract: An electric back brush for providing an invigorating scrub comprising an elongated arm having one end attached to a handle and the other end attached to a head assembly. The length and shape of the elongated arm is selected to permit self-administration to normally hard to reach areas of the body, especially the back. The head assembly includes an electric motor and a brush head attached thereto via a flexible drive shaft for driving the brush head in rotary oscillation while permitting the brush head to pivot freely with respect to the head assembly. The brush head is detachably mounted to the motor so that it can be removed therefrom and fitted with another brush head with different textures whenever desired. A soap reservoir compartment is formed within the elongated arm for storing liquid soap so as to allow the user to selectively dispense soap while scrubbing one's back with the brush head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Audrey M. Knight
  • Patent number: 6170109
    Abstract: A machine for cleaning the outer wall of a high-rise building using a pneumatic system or a vacuum system consists of a case divided into three chambers vertically arranged having an opened-anterior side where edges of all chambers having rubber plates or brushes mounted all along their rims. In each upper and lower chamber there is mounted a roller having its surface aligned with an edge of the rubber plates or brushes. The machine is pressed against a wall to be cleaned be either a pneumatic or vacuum mechanism. The machine moves along a wall which cleaning by shifting a cable tied at the top of a case. In a middle chamber, there is a drum-brush whose hair sticks out over the level of the edge of the rubber plate or brushes. There is also tubing to eject water and/or detergent solution to the drum-brush, and where the drum-brush is motor-driven in cleaning the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Mongkol Jesadanont, Apijade Jesadanont, Sukanya N. Jesadanont
  • Patent number: 6170110
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus used in a substrate cleaning system wherein a substrate is placed into a first brush station while a chemical solution is delivered to the first brush station at a desired concentration level. The substrate is then scrubbed in the first brush station. After the substrate is scrubbed in the first brush station the substrate is transferred to a second brush station. The chemical solution used in the first brush station is then delivered to a brush in the second brush station in a ramp up manner in order to clean the brush in the second brush station. The delivery of the chemical solution to the second brush station is then stopped and deionized water is delivered to the second brush station. The substrate is then scrubbed using the deionized water in order to rinse the chemical solution from the substrate prior to transferring the substrate from the second brush station to another processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Julia Svirchevski, Katrina Mikhaylich, Jackie Zhang
  • Patent number: 6170111
    Abstract: A teeth-cleaning device (1) has a handle (2) which on one end, preferably on two opposite ends, has an interdental treatment element, for example in the form of a fine brush (3) or hard brush (4) and possibly even in the shape of a tooth pick. The treatment element is positioned perpendicular to, and projects from the longitudinal axis of the handle (2), and is removably and replaceably attached by means of a locking element (5) which can be detachably fixed in a locking position. To this end, the treatment element or a holding device forming part thereof, such as a retaining wire (4a), is inserted in the operating position into a hole (6) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle (2). When the locking element (5) clears this hole (6), the treatment element can be removed and a different one inserted. In the locking position, in contrast, the locking element (5) covers the hole (6) and thus prevents the removal of the treatment element inserted into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Rueb Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Fritz Alfons Rueb, Fritz Walter Rueb
  • Patent number: 6170112
    Abstract: A push broom operable by a person in a more comfortably upright stature and with less force than required in using straight-handled push brooms has a front handle portion which extends conventionally upwardly and rearwardly from a brush block having downwardly depending bristles. The handle includes a posterior portion which angles upwardly and rearwardly from the front handle portion, thereby orienting the rear, upper end of the posterior handle portion is in a more nearly vertical position than that of straight handled brooms. Preferably, the handle is doubly bowed, the posterior portion of the handle including an intermediate handle portion inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the front handle portion, and a rear handle portion inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the intermediate handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Roy Mayfield, Vanessa Mayfield
  • Patent number: 6170113
    Abstract: The invention concerns a toothbrush (10) with bristles (12) at the top and a handle (14) including a structure for maintaining the brush in a vertical storage position, characterized in that the brush handle (14) is longitudinally divided in its upper part into at least two branches (16,18,20) articulated between an open position for storage wherein the free ends (22,24,26) of the branches (16,18,20), mutually spaced, form support points for the brush (10) on a horizontal surface, and a closed position wherein the branches are brought together for the toothbrush (10) to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Sanofi-Synthelabo
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Cornu, Veronique Malcourant
  • Patent number: 6170114
    Abstract: A liquid coating applicator includes a support of a pad coupled to the support. The pad has a front side, a rear side and a lower arcuate convex surface between the front side and the rear side to spread coatings. Preferably, the support has at least one pad engaging surface configured to engage the pad and to support the pad in the arcuate convex cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the pad includes a backing configured for being removably coupled to the support, a substrate having a front arcuate side, a rear arcuate side and a lower surface between the front and rear sides and a flocking material coupled to the substrate. The backing and the substrate have the arcuate convex shape upon being coupled to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Brian E. Woodnorth, Kenneth L. Shehow, Scott I. Biba, Scott P. Sullivan, William C. Lindeman
  • Patent number: 6170115
    Abstract: A cleaning tape for use in cleaning transporting surfaces of transporting rollers arranged along a photographic material transporting passageway includes a tape body provided on at least one side thereof with an adhesive layer spaced a distance away from one lengthwise end therteof. A porous screen is laid on the adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignees: Nitto Denko Corporation, Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naomitsu Tanaka, Shinji Narukami
  • Patent number: 6170116
    Abstract: An abrasive member and a cleaning device for a probe needle of a probe card are obtained which are capable of simplifying an operation of cleaning a probe needle of a probe card and also eliminating the step of employing an organic solvent or the like in the probe needle cleaning operation to improve the operating environment. In the cleaning device for a probe needle of a probe card, an abrasive member for a probe needle includes first and second fiber materials formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of a metal fiber, a carbon fiber and a ceramic fiber. The first and second fiber materials extend in different directions and are fixed to each other at a region thereof. A surface of abrasive member is provided with a space having approximately the same width as the width of the tip of a probe needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaharu Mizuta
  • Patent number: 6170117
    Abstract: A multiple rake sootblower reciprocates over an area to clean an entire surface using a minimum of space for the sootblower stroke. An internal valving manifold and a plurality of bushings inside of a plenum isolate the rakes from each other and operate one rake at a time. This maintains the required sootblowing media pressure at the nozzles of each of the rakes. The internal valving manifold may either be reciprocated or rotated to select the desired rake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Air Preheater, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Batt
  • Patent number: 6170118
    Abstract: A mobile, lightweight, universal collection apparatus for use with blower/vacuum units for quickly and easily collecting and storing large amounts of bulky debris or materials which is readily disassembled for conveniently storing and shipping the apparatus. The collection apparatus includes a large container, a removable lid, a disposable or reusable liner, an intake hose attachment and a base with rollers for movably supporting the container. The preferred container is comprised of one or more transparent, flat panels adapted to be readily secured together to form a cylindrical-shaped container for holding large amounts of debris or materials. The removable lid is transparent and is mounted on the container and includes a power unit connection for attaching the blower/vacuum unit, an inlet connection for attaching various intake hose attachments and an integral filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Upkeeper Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Curtis McIntyre, Michael A. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6170119
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner head is provided with cutting elements positioned in the air flow path of the vacuum cleaner head to reduce the size of elongate particulate material entering the dirty air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Fantom Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Scott Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6170120
    Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer has a pivotal bearing seat with one or two springs received therein, a limit plate and a pivot, wherein the pivotal bearing is securely attached to the main body of the computer and defines a bearing hole therein with a transversal groove defined to communicate with the bearing hole to hold the springs. The pivot has one end securely attached to the screen of the computer and the other end forms a spindle with lubricating slots defined thereon. The spindle is inserted through the limit plate and into the bearing hole of the springs, whereby the screen of the notebook computer can be held at any angle with respect to the main body when open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 6170121
    Abstract: A mounting plate for a furniture hinge includes a hinge plate which is adapted to be pivotably connected to a hinge component, such as a hinge cup, at least one pair, and preferably two pairs of opposing legs, depending from the hinge plate, and a fastener opening formed in the hinge plate between the opposing legs. The opposing legs are spaced apart from one another and depend from the hinge plate parallel to one another. Further, the opposing legs extend from the hinge plate a distance which is at least as great as or equal to the distance by which the opposing legs are spaced from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Grass America, Inc.
    Inventor: Georg Domenig
  • Patent number: 6170122
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a push button device for releasing a locking mechanism by utilizing a gear wheel engaging a pair of gear faces to assist in the pulling of drive cables for releasing a lock mechanism. The present invention novel push button device can be used in any mechanical devices that has a need for releasing a locking mechanism, and is particularly suitable for use in retractable handle systems for wheeled luggages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Chaw-Khong Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Kuo
  • Patent number: 6170123
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tool handle for an electronic screwdriver or other hand tool. The tool handle includes a tool handle body having a longitudinal dimension and comprising a convex portion that comprises about ⅖ of the longitudinal dimension proximal to the grip of the handle body and a relatively soft concave portion comprising substantially all of the remaining ⅕ of the tool handle body proximal to the working end. The tool handle further including a cap disposed at the grip end of the tool handle body, which cap is rotatable relative to the tool handle body. A user may grip the tool handle in various positions to apply varying levels of torque to a screw or other workpiece. Preferably, the cap includes a dome-shaped recess at the grip end for centering of the tool between the fingertip and working end of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Felo Werkzeugfabrik Holland-Letz GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Holland-Letz
  • Patent number: 6170124
    Abstract: A card clothing for flats of a card with a carrier element and a plurality of card wires received with at least one received section in the carrier element, wherein each card wire has at least one processing section arranged exposed outside of the carrier element. At least in one of the card wires the received section received in the carrier element has at least the same length as the processing section which is exposed outside of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Graf + Cie AG
    Inventor: Ralph A. Graf
  • Patent number: 6170125
    Abstract: A sliver supplying apparatus for simultaneously feeding a plurality of slivers to a draw frame includes an intake table; a plurality of supply rolls supported in a series by the intake table for guiding the slivers from the coiler cans to the draw frame; and an rpm-setting device for individually setting a circumferential speed of the supply rolls. The rpm-setting device includes a roll drive independent from the drive of the draw frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Tr{umlaut over (u)}tzschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Steinert, Josef Temburg
  • Patent number: 6170126
    Abstract: A transport belt of a ring spinning machine for transporting a fiber strand to be condensed over a suction slit of a condensing zone is provided with a perforation or perforations for a suction air stream which suctions the fiber strand. The transport belt comprises a nonperforated area which permits a friction drive, and also an effective area containing the perforation, the width of the effective area being larger than the width of the suction slit. For example, the transport belt comprises a skeleton belt forming a supporting structure with a close-meshed woven fabric applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Hans Stahlecker
  • Patent number: 6170127
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hanger ring connected to an ornament for hanging the ornament on a necklace string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Kon-hwan Lim
  • Patent number: 6170128
    Abstract: This invention relates to a connection for two ends (2,4) of a conveyor belt (1), comprising connection elements (6) which are attached by means of fixing elements (7) to the conveyor belt ends (2, 3). A covering (17), which covers the connection elements (6) and the fixing elements (7) thereof, is disposed on at least one face of the conveyor belt (1). A fastener (21) for the covering (17) cooperates with the connection elements (6). In order to create a connection which is distinguished by its particularly prolonged durability, the invention essentially proposes that the respective fastener (21) is attached to one or both limbs (11) of the connection element of U-shaped form, or to a plate or to plates which are disposed on both faces of the conveyor belt and which rigidly connect the conveyor belt ends. (FIG. 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: MATO Maschinen-und Metallwarenfabrik Curt Matthaei GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Börner, Wolfgang Herold
  • Patent number: 6170129
    Abstract: The press fastener comprises, in addition to a press fastener ball fixed to a first carrier web, a press fastener eyelet firmly connectable to a second carrier web by a rived shaft emanating from a rivet cap and passing through a central perforation. A simple construction involving low manufacturing cost, with high durability, i.e. a high number of closing and opening cycles, can be achieved if the press fastener eyelet is formed by a substantially annular, plastic moulding having the central perforation and comprising a round ball reception area and a temporarily widenable locking area which tapers towards the insertion end for the press fastener ball and extends roughly coaxially to the ball reception area. the said plastic body comprises a ring flange-like outer edge, to which is connected in axially displaced manner the central area having the central perforation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: YKK Europe Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Pferdehirt
  • Patent number: 6170130
    Abstract: A lashing system having one or more cord anchors fastenable to a stationary member in spaced apart relation, and one or more cord clips each having a first portion with a first cord engaging member releasably and coupleable to a first cord portion and a second portion with a second cord engaging member selectively and releasably coupleable to a second cord portion so as to accommodate a particular article stowage application. The cord anchors also have a cord engaging member releasably coupleable to the cord, whereby the cord may be selectively coupled to one or more cord anchors, and thus positioned selectively on the stationary member. The lashing system also preferably includes a cord hook coupled to a first cord portion and a hook portion engagable by hooking to another cord portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Hamilton, John S. Pontaoe, Steven C. Keller
  • Patent number: 6170131
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel design of detachable/attachable magnetic buttons that can be used on clothes, accessories, and the like. Specifically, the invention also relates to a contact guiding structure of the button for a smooth detaching/attaching and an improved stability thereof. The magnetic button of the present invention is arranged so that the magnets on the flap and the body have opposite polarities from each other. Each magnet housing is placed around each magnet in order to make one magnet to be placed in that of the corresponding opposite button. Furthermore, to prevent magnets from slipping and to enhance their durability, a barrier is placed between the magnet and the housing. Hence, the stability of the contact portion of the button and the smooth detachment/attachment are more facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Kyu Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 6170132
    Abstract: A clamp for holding at least one laser component during a facet coating process. The clamp includes a first elongate member for contacting a first side of the laser component(s) and a second elongate member for contacting a second side of the laser component(s). The clamp also includes a magnetic member overlying a third side of the laser component(s), and at least one magnet disposed adjacent to the magnetic member, so that the magnetic member is drawn towards the third side of the laser component(s). The first and second elongate members, the magnetic member and the at least one magnet hold the laser component(s) therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Fox, IV
  • Patent number: 6170133
    Abstract: The present invention provides a buckle having a desirable operability wherein a pair of plugs are simultaneously engaged and disengaged from a socket by a simple structure. The buckle comprises a pair of plugs and a socket. Each the plug has a tongue portion to be inserted into the socket and an engaging portion formed at a tip end portion of the tongue portion. The socket is formed with inserting portions into which the tongue portions are inserted respectively, fixed engaged portions which are formed in the inserting portions and with which the engaging portions of the plugs are engaged, and an operating portion which is formed between the engaged portions and which displaces the engaging portions to disengage the engaging portions with the engaged portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoichiro Uehara