Patents Issued in February 13, 2001
  • Patent number: 6185875
    Abstract: A telescopic seating system with aisle rails in the form of discrete and lightweight uprights. A telescopic seating system, such as a bleacher system or a platform seating system, is equipped with a series of uprights, which are easily movable to positions whereby the seating system can be retracted. The railing system includes discrete lightweight and movable uprights, each having a single closed-loop upper section. The noses of the decks upon which rows of seating are mounted have sockets which receive the lower end of each upright and support the uprights in the aisles of the seating system. Because the uprights are lightweight, discrete and easily moveable, the tendency to use the seating system without installing the handrails is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Interkal, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Victor, Stanley W. McKay, Melvin J. Guiles, Kenneth A. Ahrens
  • Patent number: 6185876
    Abstract: An installation duct for accommodating at least gas outlet couplings shall be improved such that the gas supply lines leading to the gas outlet couplings can be laid and connected in a simple manner. This is accomplished with the features of a connection plate (3), on which the gas outlet couplings (4, 5) are fastened, with a middle part (6) that can be placed on the connection plate (3), and with a cover plate (7), which is fastened to end parts (21, 22) of the side walls (13, 14) of the installation duct (1) pointing away from the connection plate (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dräger Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Ryszard Kummerfeld, Klaus Pete Kricheldorff
  • Patent number: 6185877
    Abstract: The combination greenhouse cold frame apparatus includes two foldable side panels that cover two arched sides that have a plurality of arched vertical legs to provide a framework for the foldable side panels. The arched sides are connected with the help of a junction between them that has a plurality of top frame connectors each having two ends that are dimensioned to receive the arched vertical legs. The top frame connectors also have a U-shaper portion dimensioned to hold the foldable side panels in different stages of retraction. A plurality of securing devices connectable to an exterior of the arched vertical legs is used to secure the foldable side panels when they are in a partially open position. Each foldable side panel can independently or jointly be opened from a top in a downward direction or from a bottom in an upward direction completely or partially, thereby providing adjustable amounts of sunlight and ventilation for plants enclosed by the combination green house and cold frame apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel Lloyd
  • Patent number: 6185878
    Abstract: A utility shed is disclosed comprising modular side panels (30) which are connected together by corner connectors (26) and in-line connectors (28) to form sidewalls. The connectors (26, 28) have an I-beam cross section and comprise U-shaped ends (106, 80) which engage relatively wide channels (62, 64) to securely hold the wall panels together. A door assembly is provided for engaging the corner connectors (26) and include pivot pin members (202) which attached to the vertical channel (114) of corner connectors (26) and allow pivotal door panels (164) to be suspended therefrom. Floor panels (116, 118) and lid panels (154) are provided compatible with the I-beam edge configuration of the side panels (30) such that the lid, floor and sidewalls mutually interlock with high structural integrity. The modularity of the side panels (30) allow for enclosures of larger or smaller size to be created using the same panel componentry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Hoke V. Bullard, III, William F. Croft, Gregory S. Floyd, Jonathan N. Mandell
  • Patent number: 6185879
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a house building module for module systems used in house building and methods in connection herewith. According to the invention, the module includes cellular plastic and U-sections of metal fitted into the cellular plastic as well as at least one concrete reinforcement extending in the longitudinal direction of the module. A house building module according to the invention can be comprised of a wall portion with integrated foundation portion (70). For casting the concrete reinforcement a method is applied in which the module per se constitutes a casting mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Sten Engwall
  • Patent number: 6185880
    Abstract: A roof ventilation system, especially for a conservatory roof, comprises a cowl (22) attachable to a ridge component of the roof and an electrically operated rotor (24) within the cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ultraframe (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Richardson
  • Patent number: 6185881
    Abstract: A fenestration product includes a door assembly having a door shiftable into and out of a closed position, at least one generally flat door jamb presenting an inner face that faces inwardly toward the door when the door is in the closed position and a generally oppositely facing outer face, and door hardware positioned along the inner face of the door jamb and configured to associate the door with the door jamb. The product further includes a substantially flat reinforcement plate secured flatly against the outer face of the door jamb. Moreover, the door hardware has at least a portion thereof that is securely fastened to the reinforcement plate so that movement of the hardware relative to the door jamb and reinforcement plate is prevented. A method of reinforcing a fenestration product in this manner is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Edward Wayne, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Olberding, David W. Allen
  • Patent number: 6185882
    Abstract: A rectangular steel frame has a wide peripheral flange integrally connected to a narrow peripheral flange by a web, and a set of spacer bars of predetermined thickness are welded to the narrow flange around the frame. A multiple layer glass unit is positioned within the frame, and a set of trim base strips are secured by peripherally spaced screws to the wide flange and to the spacer bars around the frame for capturing a peripheral portion of the glass unit. Steel reinforcing strips are secured to either or both sets of trim base strips by the screws, and corresponding sets of aluminum trim channels snap-fit onto the base strips around the frame for enclosing the steel reinforcing strips and to provide a neat decorative appearance. The above structure is also used to form a mullion within the window unit or a window frame assembly for a stepped opening in a building wall. Glazing materials extend between each set of trim base strips and the peripheral portion of the window unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Gregory M. Pearson
  • Patent number: 6185883
    Abstract: A window with decorative accessories for providing a decorative structure while increasing energy efficiency. The window with decorative accessories includes a window frame that has a pair of spaced apart lateral members and upper and lower members extending between the lateral members. Spaced apart first and second panes of glass are mounted in the window frame. A third pane of glass has a plurality of decorative accessories thereon. The third pane is disposed between the first and second panes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Noel Howard
  • Patent number: 6185884
    Abstract: A system and associated method for forming a window opening in a poured concrete wall and installing a window therein includes a two-piece reusable window buck having a retainer temporarily coupled thereto. The retainer becomes partially embedded in the poured concrete wall and after the window buck is removed from the window opening formed in the wall, the window is easily and conveniently installed in the window opening and secured therein by the window retainer and cooperating spring clip on the window frame without the need for additional mechanical fasteners or tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Feather Lite Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Dallas E. Myers, James W. Jackson, Norman Cottongim
  • Patent number: 6185885
    Abstract: A roof flashing assembly is disclosed, comprising a body member having a base portion, adapted to be rigidly sealingly mountable upon a roof surface in surrounding relation to projection therefrom, a boss portion extending from the base portion, having an inner boss surface which defines a passageway, extending through the boss portion, and adapted to receive an elongate member extending upwardly from the roof, an annular resilient gasket, having circumferentially extending first, second and third upper surface contours. The first contour defines a sealing surface adapted for resilient sealing contact with an outer surface of the elongate member at a location axially adjacent said base portion. The second contour defines a concave body portion, and the third contour defines a mounting surface which is rigidly sealingly mounted to the inner boss surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ken Thaler
  • Patent number: 6185886
    Abstract: A fixing element providing a reinforcement connection with a secondary action and settable in a drill hole by a hardenable composition the fixing element has a reinforcement rod, and at least one conical sleeve provided on the reinforcement rod, the at least one conical sleeve having a segment-shaped construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Gruen, Axel Braun, Joachim Schaetzle, Christian Weber
  • Patent number: 6185887
    Abstract: The profiled beam 111 is provided with a circular inner tubular part and comprises eight long slots, three of which are covered with each a clamping profile 112, 113, 114. At the supporting side, a supporting element 115 and two flat bars 116, 117 are fixed, which are provided with slots for further clamping profiles. The edges of the clamping profiles serve for the supporting of plates. A supporting surface 118 is attached laterally to the supporting element 115. The supporting element 115, which is oriented parallel to the flat bar 116, can also be mounted at the place of or additionally to this flat bar in parallel orientation to the flat bar 117, which shows the versatile applicability of the profiled beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: SYMA Intercontinental AG
    Inventor: Marcel Strassle
  • Patent number: 6185888
    Abstract: A post. The post includes a rigid support structure. The post includes a plurality of pieces. Each piece has a hole extending through it so the piece can fit into the support structure and remain in place on the support structure. Each piece is stackable upon another piece. A method for installing a post. The method includes the steps of placing a rigid support structure on ground. Then there is the step of aligning a hole of a piece over the support structure. Next there is the step of moving the piece down onto the ground so the support structure extends through the hole and the support structure maintains the piece in place. Then there is the step of aligning a hole of another piece over the support structure. Next there is the step of moving the other piece down onto the piece so the support structure extends through the hole of the other piece and the support structure maintains the piece in place. A method of forming a stone for a post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Charles T. Wasson
  • Patent number: 6185889
    Abstract: A flat roof drainage system is disclosed which utilizes a low point column head which allows the roof to be drained at the center of a structural member located at the low point of the roof. More specifically, the low point column head is a structural extension of a building column and is adapted to permit the attachment of support beams at the column head as well as the placement of a roof drain at the center of the column head so that the roof drain can be place directly at the lowest area of the roof to eliminate standing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventors: Dan P. Gilgan, Jerry F. Gilgan, Bobby J. Lowery
  • Patent number: 6185890
    Abstract: To improve sound damping in prefabricated building elements having two parallel welded wire mesh mats 1, 2, interconnected by web wires 7, 7′ enclose, therebetween, an insulating body (8) for example of foam plastic. Concrete is then sprayed on both sides over the mesh wires to form inner and outer shells. These concrete shells are interconnected by forming the insulating body with through-holes, which, upon concrete spraying, will form concrete webs or plugs (14, 14′) interconnecting the two shells, thus preventing resonant sound vibrations of the concrete shells. The through-holes (10, 11, 11′) can be molded during manufacture of the insulating body (8) or drilled or stamped therethrough, and may extend at right angles through the major extent of the foam body or obliquely, preferably downwardly and distributed randomly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: EVG Entwicklungs- u. Verwertungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Klaus Ritter
  • Patent number: 6185891
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a new method of building construction which eliminates traditional framed wall and trussed roof construction methods. The method of construction utilizes a polymer bonded foam-concrete structural composite building material formed from a styrene foam having a fiber reinforced, ethylene-vinyl acetate containing concrete emulsion integrally cured thereto, resulting in enhanced impact resistance and enhanced ability to withstand tensile load. The resultant structure has enhanced thermal insulation properties. The invention is further directed to a foam panel interface construction which renders the resultant structure impervious to wind damage at velocities in the range of about 155-310 mph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: R-40 Homes, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul K. Moore
  • Patent number: 6185892
    Abstract: On a sheet of plastic material or plate of glass, transparent or translucent, colored or otherwise, decorations in paint or plastic material, in the form of lenticular dots or flat dots or lines are applied by way of a “cliché” provided with conical points or ridge shapes, previously immersed in a paint or plastic and then applied to the sheet or plate. A plurality of sheets thus decorated can be assembled with or without distance pieces and set in a frame, to form a decorative panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Marco Calvanella
  • Patent number: 6185893
    Abstract: A paving block system and corresponding components and methods are disclosed. The system finds particularly efficacious application in forming patios, walkways and driveways, and may comprise interconnecting or adjoining bottom barriers and side barriers. Each bottom barrier receives one or more paving blocks thereon, and may optionally have formed in the bottom surface thereof a recess for receiving a top rail formed into bottom barrier. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, adjoining blocks interconnect to form a relatively continuous paving block top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Johannes N. Gaston
  • Patent number: 6185894
    Abstract: A door includes a first wood stile and a second wood stile. The door can also include a top rail and a bottom rail. The top rail has a first end attached to the first upper region of the first stile and a second end attached to the second upper region of the second stile. The bottom rail similarly has a first end attached to the first lower region of the first stile and a second end attached to the second lower region of the second stile. The door also includes at least a first moisture-resistant end-cap attached to the first lower end of the first stile and/or the second lower end of the second stile. The first end-cap, for example, can be a single component extending across the lower ends of the stiles and a bottom surface of the bottom rail. The door more preferably includes a first moisture-resistant end-cap attached to the first lower end of the first stile and a separate second moisture-resistant end-cap attached to the second lower end of the second stile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Simpson Door Company
    Inventors: John R. Sisco, Danny Clarence Holcomb, R. Anthony Reynolds, Robert H. Forster
  • Patent number: 6185895
    Abstract: A ventilating radiant barrier for reducing the solar or thermal load into a home through a rood while also providing ventilation beneath the exterior of the roof to protect the roof from moisture damage. The ventilating radiant barrier includes a panel has a pair of faces, a pair of end edges and a pair of side edges extending between the end edges of the panel. A first of the faces of the panel has a spaced apart pair of perforations rows extending between the end edges of the panel. The second face of the panel has a spaced apart pair of perforations rows extending between the end edges of the panel. The perforation rows of the second face of the panel are positioned between the perforation rows of the first face of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Rettew
  • Patent number: 6185896
    Abstract: A screw threaded fastener (103) has an elongate shank (122) with a drilling tip (104) at one end and a head (123) at the other end. A screw thread extends along at least a part of the length of the shank (122). The trailing flank (116) of the thread subtends an angle (B) relative to the axis (117) of the fastener which approaches 90° and is greater than the angle (C) subtended by the leading flank (115). The screw is for use in fixing sheets of material a1 to thin metal battens (5) and the angle between the trailing flank (116) and the adjacent thin metal section (18) of the batten (9), being reduced in comparison to a conventional thread form, lessens the distorting effect of the thread on the batten (9) under relatively high pull-out loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: W. A. Deutsher Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: David James Alexander Roberts, Mark Doneddu
  • Patent number: 6185897
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved flange connector 10 for adjoining adjacent concrete structural members 12. The flange connector 10 is a one-piece steel member having a faceplate 18, opposing faceplate returns 22, flattening bends 24, embedded legs 26 and reinforcing tabs 28. To allow the faceplate 18 to expand during welding, the opposing faceplate returns 22 extend away from the faceplate 18 at approximately ninety degree (90°) angles. The embedded legs 26 then extend from the faceplate returns 22 by way of flattening bends 24 that span between the embedded legs 26 and the faceplate returns 22. The flattening bends 24 extend away from the faceplate returns 22 at an angle that allows the embedded legs 26 to be positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the horizontal surface of the concrete structural members 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: JVI, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Johnson, Charles Magnesio
  • Patent number: 6185898
    Abstract: A shear frame assembly of the type having a pair of tensioned diagonal straps that provide resistance to shear loads. The shear frame assembly includes a pair of laterally opposed vertical supports each having a first end portion and each vertical support has an aperture in its first end portion. The aperture is sized to receive one of the tensioned diagonal straps therethrough. Transverse top and bottom plates extend between the end portions of the vertical supports. A strap-alignment member is positioned in each aperture and each alignment member is positioned to receive and align the tensioned strap within the aperture. A force distributing member is positioned in each aperture and interposed between the alignment member and the respective vertical support. Each vertical support is formed by three studs that are connected together by bands that wrap around the studs so as to sandwich the middle stud between inner and outer studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Robert F. Pratt
  • Patent number: 6185899
    Abstract: A structural panel, suitable for use as slatwalling in retail outlets, comprised of a metal sheet bent to define on each side of the panel a series of channels of re-entrant cross-section extending continuously across the width of the panel. The panel is manufactured by a bending process wherein a portion of sheet material is deformed into a U-shaped cross-section, and the sides of the channel are deformed by bending into a substantially S-shape to define the re-entrant channel shape, this process being repeated at regular intervals along the sheet material. The bending process is performed by tooling including first and second tool assemblies, the first assembly including a shaping part for deforming a portion of sheet material into a recess defined between a pair of opposed tool elements of the second tool assembly, the opposed tool elements being driven towards each other to deform the channel side walls into an S-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher D. De Niet
  • Patent number: 6185900
    Abstract: A leading end of packaging material is grasped in a packaging material holder while a load is wrapped. Packaging material is dispensed from a packaging material dispenser, and relative rotation is provided between the dispenser and a load to wrap packaging material around the load. The packaging material holder is positioned on the rotating surface of a turntable but is isolated from any electrical or fluid power source of a rotatable surface of the turntable. During the wrapping cycle, a spring builds and stores energy as the packaging material holder moves downstream along the turntable, automatically releasing the leading end of the packaging material and automatically grasping a trailing end of the packaging material. At least a portion of the packaging material is cut between the packaging material holder and the load, and the spring releases the stored energy to move the packaging material holder upstream toward the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignees: Lantech Management Corp., Lantech Holding Corp. Lantech, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Martin, Patrick R. Lancaster, III
  • Patent number: 6185901
    Abstract: An automated positive count rotary slat packaging apparatus and related methods include independently rotatable rotary slats. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a positive count mechanism disposed in the pill delivery path adjacent the containers and a controller which is capable of generating an alarm or determining when a bottle is filled incorrectly. Accordingly, underfilled containers can be independently filled by further rotating only the respective rotary slat. A drive device for each rotary slat is also provided having frustoconical drive wheels connected to the ends of counterrotating drive shafts. The drive wheels, which are driven by a motor, engage corresponding frustoconical drive surfaces of the rotary slats to thereby rotate the slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Aylward Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Aylward
  • Patent number: 6185903
    Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve has a bonding material disposed upon an inner and/or outer portion of the sleeve for crimping the sleeve adjacent the pot to hold the sleeve about the pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6185904
    Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Patent number: 6185905
    Abstract: Banknotes emerging from a currency processing machine with a plurality of formation channels advance in succession along respective ducts of which the runouts are equipped with respective rollers positioned to pick up the notes, transfer them to each channel and stack them on a first shelf. An occluding mechanism operating at the inlet of each channel causes groups of the notes to accumulate on the corresponding first shelf, each of which is picked up by a first gripper and transported toward a first strapping/banding station where a gripping mechanism takes up a continuous strip of banding material by the leading end and passes it around each successive group; the strip is cut into discrete lengths by a tool designed also to seal the leading end to the trailing end of the cut length, banding the group to fashion a bundle which is then transferred to a second shelf and carried by this same shelf toward the outlet of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignees: G. D. S.p.A., Currency Systems International Inc.
    Inventor: Armando Neri
  • Patent number: 6185906
    Abstract: A container having a resealable closure thereon is produced by a method including the steps of providing a closure having a spout and a flange and a stem projecting therefrom, placing the closure about an access area of the container and welding the closure to the container body thereby bonding at least one portion of a hinge to the spout. The closure stem defines an aperture and the cap has a lid and skirt projecting therefrom. The skirt is configured to prevent interference during pouring of the contents of the container. The hinge assembly connects the cap to the spout and allows for reclosable opening of the cap from the spout while maintaining the attachment of the cap with the spout. A tamper-evident structure is formed integrally with the cap including a removable portion secured to the closure by a breakable joint. The closure further includes an orienting projection for orienting the closure on the container at a predetermined location and position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: Jens Mogard, Karl-Erik Lundh, Gote-Elof Rickardsson
  • Patent number: 6185907
    Abstract: In a horizontal form-fill-and-seal (FFS) machine, a continuous length of packaging film is folded lengthwise over the consumer products to be packaged. The lateral edges of the packaging film are separately and independently aligned with one another by edge sensing and control devices. A zipper is fed between the aligned lateral edges of the packaging film. The lateral edges are sealed to one another, and the zipper sealed to the folded packaging film, by a pair of sealing sections, each of which includes a pair of parallel sealing devices. Side seals are produced by conventional means, which also separate completed packages from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Art Malin, Joel L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6185908
    Abstract: Filler strips made of a solid layer of thermal sealable material, such as separate strips of polyethylene film or other suitable thermal sealable films, are sequentially spaced on one side of a thermal sealable plastic mesh web at equal distance from one another. The pre-prepared web is used on a conventional form, fill and seal machine to form mesh bags having top and bottom fin seals with enhanced strength. The bag is primarily mesh so the product within the bag breathes easily. A thermal sealable print band may be located on the second side of the mesh. Different types of bags can be formed on different types of automatic form, fill and seal machines by modifying the specific configuration of the pre-prepared mesh web for the particular automatic form, fill and seal machine design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: C&H Packaging Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Madderom
  • Patent number: 6185909
    Abstract: A method for packaging a web roll, where a packaging sheet is wrapped in a helical line around the web roll, in order to create a body packaging, and where the packaging sheet is wrapped in the circumferential direction around the web roll at the beginning and/or end of the web roll, to form a substantially uniformly shaped axial projection during creation of end packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Finishing GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Schölzke, Jakob Hannen, Jozef-Franc Zajec, Frank Rostek, Hans-Josef Peters, Udo Ticheloven
  • Patent number: 6185910
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for high-purity bottling of beverages and an apparatus for carrying out such a method. For achieving high-purity bottling within a confined space and for reducing the operating expenses in comparison with conventional plants, it is suggested that an immersion bath sterilizer should be connected directly to a rotary filling machine and that the rotary filling machine should be arranged in a clean room, whereas in the area of the bottle conveying path through said clean room ultraclean-room conditions are created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Achhammer
  • Patent number: 6185911
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for filling a two chamber tube made from plastic having a substantially circular cross section and a separation wall made from plastic and extending between two substantially diametrically opposed connecting points of the separation wall and having a length in excess of the diameter of the tube to form, together with the wall of the tube, the two chambers. A filling nozzle is inserted into each chamber for introducing the filling product into the tube and the tube is sealed after removal of the filling nozzles. In order to guarantee reliable filling of the two chamber tube, the separation wall is attached, prior to introduction of the filling nozzles, to the inside tube wall at its end regions bordering the connecting points in such a fashion that the length of the middle region remaining between the two end regions corresponds substantially to the diameter of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: IWK Verpackunsgstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Hähnel, Herbert Frey
  • Patent number: 6185912
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a packaging blank of sheet material, such as cardboard, for forming into a box is disclosed. Digitally stored details of a predetermined number of basic box shapes are displayed for selection in accordance with the items to be packaged. The selected basic shape then provides a number of basic designs of box based on the shape, from which a design is selected. A blank in accordance with this design is then displayed, for the user to make further modifications to the design. The details of the final design are stored digitally and used to control a cutting machine to reproduce the blank from sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: SCA Packaging Limited
    Inventors: August Artois, Lars Georg Howald Brus, Magnus Renman, Wim Wouters
  • Patent number: 6185913
    Abstract: A packaging machine which carries out the conventional packaging of products with a stretchable and gas-tight film is housed in a main chamber (1) which is seable and contains a modified and controlled atmosphere suitable for the conservation of the product to be packaged. The product enters and leaves the main chamber by passing through corresponding sealable airlock chambers (7, 8) provided with corresponding automatic doors (107, 207, 108, 208) and in any case designed to provide a seal with respect to the external environment and to the main chamber to which these chambers are attached. When the outer sides of the airlock chambers are opened, their inner sides are closed, so that the modified and controlled atmosphere cannot issue from the main chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: A.W.A.X. Progettazione e Ricerca S.r.l.
    Inventors: Angelo Cappi, Renato Rimondi
  • Patent number: 6185914
    Abstract: A pre-stretch wrapping device consisting of a base, a pre-stretch station, a vertical drive, and a rotatable load causes a pre-stretched web to become wrapped around the load under controlled tension. The pre-stretch station comprises a pair of pre-stretch rollers located on a pivotal frame, a spring which opposes the pivotal movement of the frame relative to the base, a roller motor, and a sensor located between the frame and the base. The sensor monitors relative movement of the frame from the base and a controller in response to signals from the sensor controls the operation of the roller motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: 1137508 Ontario Ltd.
    Inventor: Laurie Robert Mackie
  • Patent number: 6185915
    Abstract: A fruit-packaging machine includes a plastic bag web outputting device mounted to a frame for supplying a plastic bag web that is enclosed at two lateral sides thereof when it passes through a side-enclosing device. A fruit-conveying device conveys fruit to be packaged into a plastic tube that is then enclosed by a final enclosing device. An operative plate is secured to an enclosing seat of the final enclosing device. The operative plate is operably connected to an actuating plate that pivots a shaft extension of a pivotal shaft by a follower rod. A receiving plate is connected to the pivotal shaft to pivot therewith, thereby receiving the packaged fruit and conveying the packaged fruit to a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Kuo-Hsing Chang
  • Patent number: 6185916
    Abstract: A vegetation trimmer apparatus with two rotary cutting heads. In a preferred embodiment, a left arm and a right arm protrude forward from the main body of the trimmer, thereby creating a void between the arms. The apparatus easily cuts around fence posts and small trees when the operator maneuvers the apparatus such that one head passes on each side of the object to be cut around. The apparatus comprises one or more, preferably flexible, cutting members attached to a whirling disk at each head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Jay Johnson
  • Patent number: 6185917
    Abstract: A versatile, lightweight and compact utility cart is provided for supporting and transporting a variety of landscaping appliances. The utility cart includes a base defining a generally planar platform, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the base and a handle extending upwardly from the base. The utility cart may also include a mounting arm extending outwardly from the base in the plane of the platform for adjustably mounting an accessory of the landscaping appliance. In one embodiment, the utility cart further includes a retaining arm pivotally mounted to the base and the retaining arm includes an adjustable retaining guide for temporarily retaining the landscaping appliance between the retaining arm and the platform. In a second embodiment, the utility cart further includes a mounting bracket having a U-shaped flange at one end and an L-shaped flange at the other end for temporarily securing the landscaping appliance to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: James Goudes
  • Patent number: 6185918
    Abstract: This Power air blower fan head mobilizer of matted vegetation solves the problem of blowing leaves and other debris matted together by wind or rain. A flexible serrated mobilizer probe (composed of metal, plastic, or composite) is inserted into the terminal fan head air nozzle of an air or leaf blower in such a way that a mass of often wet debris is stirred, tossed, moved, and cut. Thus, the invention opens pathways into the matted mass so that airflow is effective. The device includes a curved sharp terminus, which acts as a vegetation cutter on both flat and irregular surfaces. Large stemmed vegetation and small limbs can also be sawed in two because the probe has coarse and fine serrations on its respective lateral sides. In addition, the 5 inch projecting curved probe terminus provides a spring skid to reduce weight of the power air blower, thus saving energy of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Dewey Allen Nelson
  • Patent number: 6185919
    Abstract: A system for removing plant stalks from a field and shredding the plant stalks. The plant stalks are cut and passed through feed rollers which directly feed the plant stalk to a shredder. Compression of the plant stalks by the feed rollers increases as the plant stalks slide between the feed rollers in a variable nip formed by the feed rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Farm Machinery Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Milton Anthony Borchard
  • Patent number: 6185920
    Abstract: A self-propelled utility tractor having articulated steering, a standing operator, a turning radius near the rear wheel on the inside of a full turn, the radius of turn being not substantially longer than the wheel base, independent rear wheel brakes to assist in tight turns, a steering wheel for operating a steering linkage, an engine and transmission, centrally mounted with the engine below the transmission transmitting power by a jack shaft so the out put shaft of the engine extends down to power an attachment. Where the attachment is a mower deck, a rear discharge chute on the tractor deflects the clippings uniformly across the rear to avoid wind rowing. Flexible elements rotate above the mower blade to provide additional mulching and turbulent air flow and self-cleaning of the underside of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Lonmore L.C.
    Inventor: Lonnie Oxley
  • Patent number: 6185921
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved tobacco harvester adaptable to various harvesting conditions without the necessity to manually remove and/or install defoliating blades or harvesting heads. The present invention has two harvesting heads including a stationary lower harvesting head with a pair of defoliating paddles to harvest the sand lugs. The second harvesting head is a “tipping head” with rotating steel blades or “cutter bars” which is selectively lowered into position over the defoliator to harvest the leaves from the middle and upper portion of the tobacco stalk. The elevation of the tipping head may be adjusted from the operator station while the harvester is in service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Taylor Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: George Ronald Taylor
  • Patent number: 6185922
    Abstract: A hand-held pneumatic yarn splicing device has a splicing chamber into which a pair of yarn ends to be spliced together may be placed, the chamber having at least one air inlet extending into the chamber for directing air from a high pressure source external of the device into the chamber. The chamber is interchangeable with other chambers and has a pair of projections extending from the wall of the chamber to break up the twist of highly twisted and heat set yarns which are to be spliced together by the action of the high pressure air. The chamber is cylindrical and has a center axial bore and the projections extend radially from the inner wall of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Williams Specialty Company
    Inventor: Fannie E. Logan
  • Patent number: 6185923
    Abstract: Significant length adjustment is achieved in a facile manner in connection with an expansible chain comprising upper and lower layers of links, each link extending generally laterally of said chain and arranged longitudinally to define the length of said chain, the links of said upper layer having a dimension in the direction of said chain length greater than that of the links of said lower layer so that when said chain is contracted adjacent links of said upper layer engage one another and gaps are produced between the links of said lower layer, an end of said chain being slidably telescopable into a housing having an articulately mounted retaining member which when disengaged from said chain end permits telescoping movement of said chain end with respect to said housing to adjust the effective chain length and which when moved to retaining position engages said chain in the gap between the adjacent links of said lower layer, thereby fixing said chain within said housing without distortion of or damage to sa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Genal Strap, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Joseph Elias
  • Patent number: 6185924
    Abstract: A high efficiency coolant collection type gas turbine is obtained by forming coolant supply and collection flow paths for moving blades in a more outer peripheral side of a gas turbine rotor than a hub, supplying the coolant supplied from a shaft end into the moving blades through the supply flow path, collecting the coolant after cooling into a combustion chamber side, supplying air extracted from a compressor to cool moving blades of a downstream side stage or a rotor outer wall through slits formed from a turbine rotor central portion to the hub, reducing rotor thermal stress and a pressure loss of the coolant flow paths and cooling a high stage side of a compressor rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Matsumoto, Shinya Marushima, Takashi Ikeguchi, Kazuhiko Kawaike
  • Patent number: 6185925
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a gas turbine engine annular rear turbine frame includes a first plenum box having an inlet for receiving cooling air and an annular first manifold tube in fluid communication with a first outlet of and extending in a first circumferential direction away from the plenum box. The first manifold tube is circumscribed radially outward of and around a centerline and has axially spaced apart first arcuate sections circumscribed about and perpendicular to the centerline. Each of the first arcuate sections of the first manifold tube has a corresponding portion of a first plurality of impingement cooling holes disposed through the first manifold tube and aimed generally radially inward. In one embodiment the impingement cooling holes are aimed towards a first circumference on the frame and A cooling air bleed is preferably connected to the plenum box with a selectable on and off control valve therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Proctor, Michael J. Epstein, Gordon G. Fraser, Scott E. Farley, Richard F. Koch, Robert W. Siebert