Patents Issued in January 30, 2001
  • Patent number: RE37033
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pigment dispersed color-filter composition containing a binder polymer such as an alkali-soluble block copolymer; a radiation-sensitive compound; and a pigment. The pigment-dispersed color-filter composition which further contains an organic medium, or an organic medium and a carboxylic acid is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: JSR Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Tajima, Nobuo Bessho, Fumitaka Takinishi, Hideaki Masuko, Yasuaki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: RE37034
    Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive recording material is disclosed, which comprises (a) a support, (b) a reversible thermosensitive recording layer formed thereon which comprises as the main components a matrix resin and an organic low-molecular-weight material dispersed in the matrix resin, and has a temperature-dependent transparency, and (c) an overcoat layer comprising as the main component a resin or an ultraviolet-light-setting resin, formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Hotta, Keishi Kubo
  • Patent number: RE37035
    Abstract: Phenylacetic acid benzylamides having the following general structure wherein the substituents are defined herein, are disclosed, which compounds are hypoglcemic agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Grell, Rudolf Hurnaus, Gerhart Griss, Robert Sauter, Manfred Reiffen, Eckhard Rupprecht
  • Patent number: RE37036
    Abstract: A polymer blend comprising (a) a modified block copolymer comprising (i) a polystyrene block and (ii) a polydiene block or a hydrogenated polydiene block, said polydiene block or hydrogenated polydiene block being modified to contain an average of one or more carboxyl groups; and (b) a polymer comprising a polymerization reaction product of two or more mono-ethylenically unsaturated monomers in which (i) at least one of the monomers is an acrylic or methacrylic acid ester of a non-tertiary alcohol having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, inclusive and (ii) at least one of the monomers has carboxylic acid functionality and is present in an amount ranging from about 1 to about 15 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of polymer (b), and a method of priming a substrate comprising applying the blend to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: James D. Groves
  • Patent number: RE37037
    Abstract: Mannich (alk)acrylamide microparticles are produced at high solids contents without a significant increase in bulk viscosity by inverse microemulsion polymerization and provide superior dewatering characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Kozakiewicz, Sun-Yi Huang
  • Patent number: RE37038
    Abstract: A method in a data processing system for automatically terminating or resuming backup copy sessions after an abnormal interrupt or reset notification occurrence during a backup copy process. A status indication is entered into activity tables associated with a plurality of storage subsystems and devices within a data processing system in response to initiation of a backup copy session. Status indications are then entered upon successful completion of a backup copy session within the data processing system. The indications within the activity tables are reviewed to determine the status of a backup copy session upon restarting a resource manager, abnormal termination of a backup copy program, or an operating system initial program load. If a backup copy session has been initiated but not completed, the backup copy session is then terminated. The indications within the activity tables are also reviewed to determine the status of a backup copy session if a reset notification is raised by a storage subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Eastridge, Robert Frederic Kern, William Frank Micka, Claus William Mikkelsen, James Mitchell Ratliff
  • Patent number: 6178552
    Abstract: A welding helmet of thermosetting plastic material having an exterior in the form of a mammalian head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Steven Robinson
  • Patent number: 6178553
    Abstract: A boxing glove for preventing injuries to an opponent's eyes and thumb. The boxing glove includes a glove member having a main body, a thumb-receiving portion integrally extending along the length of a side of the main body, a wrist portion, a bottom end, an opening into the glove member through the bottom end, and a slit extending from the bottom end through the wrist portion on the palm side of the glove member; and also includes a first strap member securely attached in the interior of the main body and extending across the width of the main body and across the user's fingers; and further includes a string member used to lace the slit closed; and also includes padded members sewn to the main body to protect the user's hand; and also includes straps and hook and loop fasteners for securing the wrist portion about the user's wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Jesse F. Bolton
  • Patent number: 6178554
    Abstract: An easily removable mitt or pad of a flexible cut-resistant material to be worn on the palm and about the wrist to protect at least the user's palm area. The pad, which preferably has an oval periphery, includes a hand-receiving opening for insertion of the user's hand. The opening has a diameter greater than the diameter of the user's wrist, but greater than the diameter of the user's hand, so that the pad can be easily separated from the palm area and hand beneath the user's hand when it is not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Charles W. Pake, Melton C. Causey
  • Patent number: 6178555
    Abstract: A lower leg and foot cover for covering the knee and lower leg regions of a user's pants and the front of the user's shoes from soiling and soaking. The lower leg and foot cover includes a knee cover which is coupled to an upper end of a flexible lower leg cover. A flexible shoe cover is coupled to a lower end of the lower leg cover. Flexible straps are provided for securing the knee cover and the lower leg cover to the wearer's leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Williams
  • Patent number: 6178556
    Abstract: A body part protector for being custom-fitted to a body part, including at least two protective pad inserts, each of the pad inserts having an initially flexible protective layer formed of a support material impregnated with a moisture-curable resin which hardens upon curing to form a rigid structure which retains a body part-defined shape into which it is molded during curing. The protective pad inserts are stored in moisture-proof conditions until use to prevent hardening. A pad encloses the at least two protective pad inserts, and is conformable to the molded shape of the pad inserts. A hard shell outer protector is adapted for receiving and carrying on an inner, concave surface thereof the pad and the at least two protective pad inserts positioned therein in protective position on the leg between the leg and the outer protector, the outer protector and the pad having complementary fastening elements for releasably securing the pad to the outer protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Parker Athletic Products, LLC
    Inventors: Louis J. Foreman, Matthew M. Winningham
  • Patent number: 6178557
    Abstract: A apparel stain protector for protecting a user's garments from perspiration staining. The apparel stain protector includes an absorbent pad comprises a pair of flexible outer plies and a flexible middle ply interposed between the outer plies, Ideally, the plies are substantially coextensive with one another. The outer plies each comprise a mesh fabric material having a plurality of apertures therethrough. The middle ply comprises a water absorbent fabric material for absorbing moisture and perspiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Kathryn Bel Monte
  • Patent number: 6178559
    Abstract: An undergarment including a pair of pockets disposed on the legs at a level below the central crotch. One of the pockets is adapted to receive and carry a drug bag, and the other pocket is adapted to receive and carry a pump operably attached to the drug bag. The embodiment for female use has the pockets on the inside section of the legs below the level of the crotch, and the embodiment for male use has the pockets on the outside section of the legs below the level of the crotch. The undergarment eliminates the need for a shoulder bag or waist pack to carry the drug bag and pump used by individuals on chemotherapy, heart muscle drugs, or other medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Irvin N. Dennis, Nancy E. Dennis
  • Patent number: 6178560
    Abstract: A fit system positionable adjacent interior portions of a helmet and cranial surfaces of a cranium of a wearer of the helmet proximate the interior portions of the helmet for improving the fit of the helmet to the cranium. The system includes an elongate fluid impervious bladder having a first end including an inlet port in fluid communication with the bladder and a second end remote from the first end. The bladder defines a single continuous fluid flowpath between the first end and the second end for receiving fluid introducible into the bladder through the inlet port for expanding the bladder so that substantially the entire length of the bladder may be expanded to engage mutually facing portions of the cranium of the user and interior portions of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Southern Impact Research Center, LLC
    Inventors: Peter David Halstead, Cherie F. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6178561
    Abstract: Safety goggles include a primary frame having a top provided with two raised seats and an upwardly extending tongue between the two raised seats, each of the seats having a first pin extending outwardly longitudinally from an end thereof and a second pin extending outwardly longitudinally from another end thereof, a lens frame having a top provided with two cavities aligned with the two raised seats, each of the cavities being formed with a groove and an opening configured to receive the first pin and the second pin respectively, a recess being formed between the two cavities and aligned with the tongue, the recess having an inclined surface at an outer side thereof and a chamfer at an inner side thereof, the chamfer being located close to the opening, whereby the goggles can be rapidly manufactured and assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Chen-San Cheng
  • Patent number: 6178562
    Abstract: Cap and vest components of an animate body heat exchanger designed to apply a controlled temperature to parts of a human body are described. The cap and vest components are often used in combination, and the interior side edges of the cap are curvilinear and intermesh lengthwise to assure that the portion of the head underlying the junction between such edges is subjected to the controlled temperature. The vest includes not only a zipper for application and removal, but also separate lacing for close fitting adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Coolsystems, Inc
    Inventor: William Elkins
  • Patent number: 6178563
    Abstract: A toilet deodorizer comprising a pump housing in the form of a cylinder 52 and a piston 54. The cylinder 52 is to be mounted on the movable toilet seat 14 of a conventional toilet. When sitting on the toilet seat, the toilet seat moves which causes a piston 54 to be moved within the cylinder 52 which causes liquid to be dispensed from a pump chamber 50 through an outlet valve 100 in contact with a deflector plate 134 which disperses the liquid within a wide area of the toilet bowl 10. When the user gets up from the toilet seat, the toilet seat is lifted which causes retraction movement between the piston 54 and the cylinder 52 which causes a new quantity of liquid to be pulled through an inlet valve 44 into the pump chamber while maintaining the outlet valve closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Leon Helfet
  • Patent number: 6178564
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing a liquid from the rim of a toilet bowl such that a controlled, consistent amount of liquid is dispensed into each flush is disclosed. The liquid dispenser includes a bottle for holding the liquid, a base for holding the bottle and for providing a liquid feed conduit between the bottle and a dispensing plate, and a hook for suspending the base from the rim of the toilet bowl. The dispensing plate is integral with or attached to the base, and serves to distribute liquid from the feed conduit to a dispensing position on the upper surface of the dispensing plate where the liquid is contacted by flushing water from the toilet bowl. The dispensing plate has various configurations that assist in the distribution of the liquid to the dispensing position on the upper surface of the dispensing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Leonard, Timothy I. Moodycliffe, Dale Aberegg, Cathal L. Fahy, Greg S. Breiding, Jack W. Plessinger
  • Patent number: 6178565
    Abstract: A drain assembly with a shaft that has an enlarged shoulder at its upper end supports a basket assembly by providing a peripheral resting surface for peripheral flange members that extend outwardly from the connected upper end of the mesh walls forming the basket. A bar member used as a handle is rigidly mounted within the basket's cavity longitudinally therein. A grill cover assembly in removably mounted within the peripheral shoulder sandwiching the flange members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Jose Franco
  • Patent number: 6178566
    Abstract: A toilet housing and waste collection and treatment system purify wastewater to a satisfactory level. When solid wastes are conveyed from individual toilets (31)-(33) into an active circulation chamber (16) in a toilet housing (10), the solid wastes are subjected to air exposure treatments in the active circulation chamber (16). The wastewater exposed to air in the active circulation chamber (16) is then purified through a three-phase flowing structure in first and second active water chambers (51) and (52), with the three-phase flowing structure including water, air, and carrier particles containing aerobic microorganisms. The wastewater so treated flows into first and second sediment separation chambers (53) and (54) where solid wastes are settled down and separated from the wastewater. The treated water is then supplied to a water reservoir (56) which in turns supplies the water to the respective toilets (31)-(33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Nihon Shinko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Yagi
  • Patent number: 6178567
    Abstract: The flush system for a toilet provides a discharge pipe upstanding within a flush tank of the toilet. The pipe has a bottom with a bottom opening through which water from the flush tank travels to the toilet bowl of the toilet. The bottom is connected to the first inlet controlled by a first valve and a second inlet controlled by a second valve. The first inlet is at a higher elevation than the second inlet with respect to the bottom opening. The flush system further comprises actuating handle for selectively moving the first and second members in a first mode or a second mode such that in the first mode, only the second inlet is opened and in the second position the first and second inlets are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Edward J. Bliss
  • Patent number: 6178568
    Abstract: A toilet and bidet assembly for directing a stream of water toward the anus or the genital parts of an individual sitting on a toilet includes a toilet that has a toilet bowl. A main member is coupled to the toilet bowl. The main member has a mounting portion and a bidet portion. The bidet portion extends from the mounting portion into an interior space defined by the bowl portion of the toilet bowl. A spray nozzle is coupled to the bidet portion of the main member. The spray nozzle is positioned in a manner such that it directs water towards the anus of a user when the user is seated on the toilet seat. In addition, a cover member is pivotally coupled to the bidet portion for covering and uncovering the spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Spiros Boulieris
  • Patent number: 6178569
    Abstract: A flow control device for a toilet to prevent flooding upon obstructing of a waste outlet of a toilet bowl. The device includes at least one sensor assembly mounted on a rim of a bowl of a toilet or urinal to hold the sensor assembly in a predetermined position within the bowl. If water bridges contacts on the at least one sensor assembly, an electrical circuit is completed, and a solenoid is actuated to close a normally opened valve to shut off running water to the water tank of the toilet. A power source and a valve open alarm system are electrically connected to the at least one sensor assembly and the solenoid actuated valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Niccole Family Trust
    Inventor: Richard Quintana
  • Patent number: 6178570
    Abstract: The system includes a jet, a rotating member or “eyeball” housing a series of discharge nozzles that can be adjusted to vary the location of an outlet flow stream as well as the direction and speed of the eyeball's rotation. A high pressure water jet flows into the eyeball and exits through the discharge nozzles. Depending upon the adjustable orientation of the nozzles, relative to the rest of the eyeball, the eyeball can be rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise, and at varying speeds. The discharge nozzles are further positionable to permit them to be displaced in a common direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: B&S Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon Denst, Paul A. Dongo
  • Patent number: 6178571
    Abstract: A barrier-free shower system having the combined configuration of a drain sump, drain and a continuously weighted shower curtain. A series of channels is formed into a threshold of a barrier free shower enclosure. The channels trap water within the shower enclosure and channel the water toward the drain sump. Water is directed to the channels from the base of the shower enclosure and from a shower curtain which hangs directly over the threshold. There is no lip or barrier in the base of the shower at the threshold to keep the curtain from billowing out as heat escapes the shower enclosure, so a continuous weight is provided near a lower edge of the curtain to keep it positioned over the channels in the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Aqua Bath, Inc.
    Inventor: George F McAllister
  • Patent number: 6178572
    Abstract: A low voltage battery energized passive detection system generates a control signal in response to radiated heat from a human body part to energize, for settable periods of time water flow valves and ancillary equipment that may be associated with the act of washing. To minimize power demand, a programmable microchip may be employed as a control unit and have external settable parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: International Sanitary Ware Manufacturing Cy, S.A.
    Inventor: Karel Carl Van Marcke
  • Patent number: 6178573
    Abstract: A ventilated crib bumper is provided for forming a safer protective barrier around the interior boundary of a crib. The crib typically has side supports defining an interior boundary extending around the periphery of a mattress disposed in the crib. The periphery of the mattress is spaced from the interior boundary by a spacing. The ventilated bumper is supported in the spacing. The ventilated bumper includes an upper bumper section disposed above the upper surface of the mattress and a lower bumper section disposed at least partly in the spacing between the interior boundary of the crib and the periphery of the mattress. The upper bumper section has at least one padded portion which includes flexible padding and at least one ventilated portion which includes a plurality of openings for ventilating between the interior of the crib and the exterior of the crib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Allen S. Wagner, Gina Rae Wagner
  • Patent number: 6178574
    Abstract: A bedsheet with pocket is made by forming a hidden pocket which is located between the bedsheet and a mattress. A slot opening is made in the side edge cover area of a bedsheet, preferably near the head edge cover area of the sheet. The open edge of the pocket is attached to the slot opening to form a cavity to hold articles such as television remote controls, medicines or tissues, within easy reach of a person in bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Jeff Stromatt, Melody Stromatt
  • Patent number: 6178575
    Abstract: A stretch mounting unit includes a unit body detachably mounted on a stretcher, a drive device attached to the unit body for providing an output, a center shaft for receiving the output of the drive device, a coupling that couples the drive device and the center shaft for transmitting the output of the drive device to the center shaft, a roller pressed on the center shaft to produce torque, a carrier swingably disposed on the center shaft, a pair of wheels rotatably mounted on the carrier and rotated by the torque of the roller, and a friction clutch provided rotatably on the center shaft and associated with the carrier for swinging the carrier until one of the pair of wheels touches the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignees: S. N. Seiki Co., Ltd., Kyowa Denko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Harada
  • Patent number: 6178576
    Abstract: A deflector for attachment to a vertically adjustable hospital bed so that when the bed is raised or lowered the deflector engages equipment that is attached to the wall and moves the bed frame away from the equipment to prevent damage thereto. The deflector comprises a vertically oriented member having a pair of surfaces that form a predetermined angle with one another so that one surface engages the equipment as the bed is raised and the other surface engages the equipment as the bed is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Jack L. Newell
  • Patent number: 6178577
    Abstract: A mattress having multiple massage units provided on a top surface thereof is provided. Each of the massage units is formed at a lower side with an open-ended space through which two long locating strips are extended. The long locating strips are sewed up onto the top surface of the mattress at points that are in front of and behind each massage unit by a predetermined distance, so that the massage units are attached to the mattress by the long locating strips while being movable between two sewed points of the long strips before and after them. The massage units are provided in their inner spaces with at least one pair of massage elements to massage different areas on a user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Cheng Chien-Chuan
  • Patent number: 6178578
    Abstract: A mattress is provided having an elongated foam base, a plurality of air sacks positioned above the foam base, and a longitudinally-extending manifold. Each air sack defines an interior region. The manifold includes an outer wall defining an interior region in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid and in fluid communication with the interior region of each air sack. The foam base and the plurality of air sacks cooperate to define a channel. The manifold is positioned in the channel and supported on top of the foam base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Sohrab Soltani, James J. Romano, Timothy W. Perez
  • Patent number: 6178579
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprising an elongated body portion and a head including a static portion and a circular portion, a handle, and an angled shaft between the head and the handle. The circular portion rotates or reciprocates about an axis normal to a longitudinal axis of the head. The circular portion includes stiff bristles and the static portion includes soft bristles. The elongated body portion is hollow and further includes a motor in the hollow portion, which is operatively connected to the circular portion for rotating or oscillating or reciprocating the circular portion. A battery is located within the hollow section for powering the motor. A switch is operatively connected to the motor to provide momentary and continuous operation of the toothbrush. A worm gear and a pair of step gears are located in the hollow portion. The motor is operatively connected to the worm gear and the step gears are operatively connected to the worm gear and to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Dr. Johns Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Blaustein, John R. Nottingham, John Osher, John W. Spirk, Douglas A. Gall
  • Patent number: 6178580
    Abstract: A drive unit 42 for driving a brush 8 is provided on a tip of a rotatable arm 26. The drive unit 42 includes a motor 61 for driving the processing member 24 having a brush 58 for rotation and an adjustment mechanism 45 for adjusting a force to urge the processing member 24 against a wafer W. With no intermediary of a flexible transmitting means, such as a belt, the processing member 24 is securely joined to the motor 61 through a shaft 55 and driven by the motor 61 directly. The adjustment mechanism 45 is constituted by an electromagnetic actuator which includes a stationary element 46 and a movable element 48 capable of elevating along the stationary element 46. The motor 61 is coupled to the armature 48. The adjustment mechanism 45 controls the position of the processing member 24 with respect to the upward and downward direction as well as the force to urge the processing member 24 against a wafer W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Akira Ishihara, Kazuyoshi Namba, Akira Yonemizu, Takanori Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6178581
    Abstract: A scrubber adapter for attachment to a butterfly mop presents a brush surface for performing scrubbing operations on the surface to be cleaned. The brush provides a familiar tool to the typical mop user and therefore is more likely to be used in the appropriate manner. Furthermore, the brush is less abrasive than other scrubber strip type materials and therefore is less likely to damage the surface. In an alternative embodiment, the brush is attached to a base to form a brush head which may be removed from the remainder of the adapter. As a result, the brush may be quickly and easily replaced without replacing the entire scrubber adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: National Metal Specialist Corporation
    Inventor: Larry I. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6178582
    Abstract: A toothbrush in which the head comprises a base region adjoining the handle, and a tip region, the tip region being flexibly and resiliently linked at a link region to the base region in a manner which enables the tip region to fold or pivot resiliently relative to the base during toothbrushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Smithkline Beecham Consumer Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Halm
  • Patent number: 6178583
    Abstract: A toothbrush which provides superior cleaning as well as gum and inter dental stimulation. The toothbrush has an elongated member extending between two ends. The elongate member has a head at one of its ends. The head has a plurality of tufts comprising a multiplicity of bristles. The tufts have proximal ends attached to the head, distal ends extending outwardly from the head and sides extending between the distal and proximal ends. The distal ends of the tufts are angled downwardly from a peak so that adjacent tufts form a V shaped profile when looking at the side of the tufts. The head further includes a number of additional bristles attached thereto and extending above the peaks of the tufts. Alternatively, the tufts of bristles may include a predetermined number of bristles that are stiffer than the rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Daniel W. Volpenhein
  • Patent number: 6178584
    Abstract: A window cleaning apparatus includes a handle, a paddle and a cleaning element. The paddle is detachable and pivotally attachable to the handle. A spring biased slider carried on the handle has a pivot pin on one end releasibly engagable with a hinge receiver on the paddle. The cleaning element is one of a plurality of interchangeable bodies, each having one major surface engagable with one major surface of a paddle and side edges having elastic mounted thereon to draw the ends of the side edges of the body inward to form an opening smaller than the outer diameter of the paddle to releasibly attach the body of the cleaning element about the paddle. The bodies are formed of an absorbent material for use as a drying element and with an intermediate fluid carrying layer and a rough mesh layer for use as a scrubbing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: K & R Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Post
  • Patent number: 6178585
    Abstract: Novel slurries for the chemical mechanical polishing of thin films used in integrated circuit manufacturing. A tungsten slurry of the present invention comprises an oxidizing agent, such as potassium ferricyanide, an abrasive such as silica, and has a pH between two and four. The tungsten slurry of the present invention can be used in a chemical mechanical planarization process to polish back a blanket deposited tungsten film to form plugs or vias. The tungsten slurry can also be used to polish copper, tungsten silicide, and titanium nitride. A second slurry, which is a 9:1 dilution of the tungsten slurry is ideal for chemical mechanical polishing of titanium nitride films. A third slurry of the present invention comprises a fluoride salt, an abrasive such as silica and has a pH≦8. The third slurry can be used to polish titanium films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Cadien, Daniel A. Feller
  • Patent number: 6178586
    Abstract: A hand-held trowel that includes a first and second adjoining edges that have a plurality of notches disposed therein that is used to provide grooves in cementious material, said trowel used for spreading cementious material and said trowel including a third edge extending away from the trowel body having sufficient rigidity and strength for prying up a ceramic tile for use as a margin trowel. The trowel also includes a handle for grasping by hand that is rigidly attached to the trowel body which may include a level indicating device to tell with an air bubble and liquid whether or not the fourth edge of the trowel, which is straight when placed on the surface of a tile, is level relative to the gravitational field of the earth. A trowel for use with tile, brick, block and plaster may also include first and second level indicators mounted in the handle or on the trowel blade that provides for levels of indication or straightness relative to the earth's surface in two different planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Hossein Jafarmadar
  • Patent number: 6178587
    Abstract: A rotary window cleaner comprises a first wiper (2) and a second wiper (3) connected respectively to a rotating shaft (22) of a first motor (20) and a rotating shaft (25) of a second motor (21) which are arranged adjacently in series to each other, and said first wiper (2) and said second wiper (3) are rotatably disposed proximate with respect to each other on a window pane (1). The rotating shaft (22) of the first motor (20) is provided at one end with a movable gear (23) and the rotating shaft (25) of the second motor (21) has a fixed gear (28) mounted at one end opposite to the movable gear (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Saito Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shosaku Saito
  • Patent number: 6178588
    Abstract: A device for connecting a wiper blade (10) for windows of motor vehicles to a driven wiper arm (19), guided on the motor vehicle, in which the wiper blade has a striplike elongated, spring-elastic support element (12) for an elongated, rubber-elastic wiper strip (14), disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis on the support element (12) and capable of being pressed against the window (26), from each of whose two long sides a respective projection (36, 38) protrudes as a connection means toward the wiper blade; the common longitudinal axis (35) of the two projections is crosswise to the longitudinal axis of the support element and is located in a plane parallel to the window, and each projection engages a recess 62, assigned to it, in the wiper arm (19). A connecting device that is especially favorable in terms of the choice of materials is obtained if the projections (36, 38) are disposed on a separate component (18) that is firmly joined to the support element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Kotlarski
  • Patent number: 6178589
    Abstract: A track assembly allows the placement of a pair of web cleaning devices on either side of a paper web moving upwardly through the floor of a press. The track assembly facilitates mounting and rapid removal of web cleaning buffs from beneath a press. A docking plate is installed on the operator side of the press, and a pivotally mounted flip plate is installed on the drive side of the press. A pair of tracks are mounted on either side of the web slot and extend between the docking plate and the flip plate. The tracks inter-fit with the docking plate and are clamped to the flip plate. A removable ramp can be temporarily attached to the drive side of the tracks to allow the cleaning assemblies to be moved up the ramp and positioned on each of the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kaim & Associates International Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne K. Kaim
  • Patent number: 6178590
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a removable bottom cannister that receives the refuse of the cleaning process. The bottom cannister is fitted with a plate forming an air channel along a portion of the interior side wall of the cannister. When air flows across the top of the air channel, as from cyclonic motion, suction occurs that is used to draw down a liner, or removable bag, against the inside of the cannister and thereby to prevent the liner from floating up and being drawn into the outlet, which would block the operation of the vacuum cleaner. The liner is positioned to receive the refuse and is desirable for reasons of convenience and hygiene during the process of emptying the cannister. In addition, the air channel can be fitted with a clip to aid in the insallation of the liner. The cannister can also be fitted with an interior hood or cone to optimize the flow of air across the top of the air channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Lindsay Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Winston S. Lindsay, III, Edward W. Lindsay, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6178591
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner module including a vacuum blower head and a support assembly for positioning in an opening defined between a movable window and a corresponding window sill of a building. The support assembly mounts the blower head outside the building adjacent to the movable window and the window sill when the support assembly is positioned in the opening. Some embodiments of the vacuum cleaner further include a cyclone separator and silencer which communicates with the fan outlet of the vacuum blower head for reducing emission of dust and noise from the vacuum blower head. Other embodiments of the vacuum cleaner module further include a muffler for attenuating suction noise generated by the vacuum blower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Jules L. Dussourd
  • Patent number: 6178592
    Abstract: A lightweight ballast frame with a metal rim spanned by one or more metal mullions is loosely anchored at several points to a flexible screen mesh covering a vent formed in an enclosure defining a collection chamber and providing an escape portal for the exhaust airstream which has deposited entrained debris in the chamber. The ballast frame resists outward ballooning of the flexible screen caused by the airstream, and promotes scavenging of debris adhering to the interior of the flexible screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Woodland Power Products Inc.
    Inventor: James C Whitney
  • Patent number: 6178593
    Abstract: A cylindrical cam apparatus attached to the lower hinge of an automobile door; adjusted as such to automatically spread the hinge leaves apart during closing thereof, thus compensating for hinge assembly wear, restoring smooth and complete latching function of vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Robert J. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6178594
    Abstract: A door check apparatus comprises an elongated body having side walls defining a channel and an energy absorber. When the door check is mounted to a door, a pivot pin is inserted through an opening at the first end of the elongated body, and a slide pin extends through the channel. The pivot pin is attached to the door and the slide pin is attached to the structure adjacent to the door. As the door is opened, the elongated body moves relative to the slide pin to position the slide pin toward the second end portion of the elongated body. The slide pin may be positioned in any one of one or more stop positions which yieldably hold the slide pin. If the door is opened beyond its normal opening arc, the energy absorber is engaged and resists further movement of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Freightliner LLC
    Inventor: John G. Koch
  • Patent number: 6178595
    Abstract: A mounting for a door leaf, a fanlight leaf or the like, particularly for an all-glass leaf, has a plane clamping plate (1) and a plane counter clamping plate (2). The mounting can be attached, in the region of an edge recess (3) in a leaf edge (5) of the leaf, to the two opposite surfaces, and the leaf can be pinched between the clamping plate (1) and the counter clamping plate (2) by means of fastening screws (7) joining the clamping plate and the counter clamping plate. At the clamping plate (1) a web plate (9) is formed extending perpendicular to the clamping plate, which web plate, in the assembled condition, spans over the distance between the clamping plate (1) and the counter clamping plate (2) extending through the edge recess (3). The counter clamping plate is provided with a rectangular recess (17, 41) being adapted to the shape of the free end of the web plate (9), the web plate in the assembled condition engaging by means of its free end with the rectangular recess (17, 41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Societa Italiana Progetti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mario Marinoni
  • Patent number: 6178596
    Abstract: An apparatus that accurately adjusts the angle of the back of a seat that prevents the twist caused by an external impact to a vehicle to mitigate the risk of injury. The apparatus includes turning pieces, each of which are mounted to supporting brackets that are fixed to both ends of a seating portion and back of the seat. The turning pieces are connected on a connecting shaft and are turned by means of an actuating lever. The apparatus for adjusting the angle of the back includes a concave portion in an arc formed on one surface of a turning piece connected to the back of the turning pieces on the connecting shaft. A guiding protrusion having an upper end in a cylindrical form on the connecting shaft such that it is guided in the concave portion by surface contact on one surface of the turning piece connected to the seating portion of the turning pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Koryo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyoung Il Choi