Patents Issued in February 20, 2001
  • Patent number: 6189220
    Abstract: A punch includes a socket disposed on a plate, a barrel supported above the plate, a shaft slidably received in the barrel and a mold piece detachably secured to the shaft. One or more levers have one end pivotally secured to the barrel and have a middle portion coupled to the shaft for moving the shaft and the mold piece downward to actuate on the socket. The mold piece is detachably secured to the shaft with a threaded ferrule. The punch includes one or more mold pieces and sockets of various shapes which may be replaced with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Yu Hsun Hsuan
    Inventor: Cheng Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 6189221
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a can opener appliance with a side cutting mechanism. The can opener appliance includes housing portions, which include a cutter support mounted therein. A cutter wheel is mounted at least partially within the cutter support and has a cutting edge for severing a can wall. A traction wheel is also positioned inside the housing portions of the can opener appliance. The traction wheel has a gripping surface to engage the can. The cutter wheel and the traction wheel are rotatable and the axes of rotation of the wheels are substantially perpendicular to each other. The wheels are positioned adjacent and spaced apart from each other to define a gap to accept a can to be opened. One of the wheels is moveable towards the other to engage and lock the can between the wheels. The cutter wheel then acts to sever the can wall and the traction wheel acts to move the can past the cutter wheel The cutter wheel is formed of a drawn tool steel with a Rockwell C hardness from about 53 to about 57.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: The Rival Company
    Inventors: Mary K. Barrow, Eric S. Wall
  • Patent number: 6189222
    Abstract: An articulated razor handle extension is disclosed which comprises a handle adapted to be grasped by a hand at one end thereof, and a gripping head adapted to engage a handle at the other end. The handle and the gripping head are joined by a plurality of shaft sections which are releasably connected by at least one spur gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Calvin M. Doyle
  • Patent number: 6189223
    Abstract: A volumeter, for determining a volume of an item by measuring the item in at least one of the three main spatial directions defining a volume, has a support surface on which the item rests and a transparent surface moveable in a first one of the three main spatial directions against the item, wherein the transparent surface extends substantially parallel to the support surface and has a side facing away from the support surface. An optical camera is connected to the side facing away form the surface. The camera moves together with the transparent surface and measures a second and third one of the three main spatial directions. The volumeter is used in particular in connection with self-service postal stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Werner Haug
  • Patent number: 6189224
    Abstract: A machine frame of a ballast bed rehabilitation machine is composed of two articulatedly coupled frame parts. A longitudinal inclination meter is mounted on the leading frame part, in the working direction, for detecting the inclination of the track. A laser reference system is provided for controlling the position of vertically adjustable track working units arranged on the trailing frame part, the laser reference system being formed by a laser transmitter, equipped for relative adjustment of a reference plane by means of an adjusting device, and laser receivers. A control device is designed for the time-delayed delivery, in dependence upon the distance travelled, of a longitudinal inclination value detected by the longitudinal inclination meter to the adjusting device of the laser transmitter. The reference plane, used to guide the working units, is adjusted in accordance with the detected longitudinal track inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen Industriegesellschaft m.b.H
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Bernhard Lichtberger
  • Patent number: 6189225
    Abstract: Angle gauge for grinding the lip of sharp-edged tools whereby an adjustable first device is arranged on the frame at one end of the frame that during measurement is intended to be supported against the periphery of the grinding wheel and that through adjustment varies the distance between the said one end and the periphery of the grinding wheel, and an adjustable and rotatable second device is arranged at the other end of the frame and provided with a flat edge that extends towards the periphery of the grinding wheel and that during measurement abuts with periphery of the grinding wheel with the corner edge that faces the first device in such a manner that the flat edge forms an angle with the periphery of the grinding wheel where this angle defines the cutting angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Tormek AB
    Inventor: Torgny Jansson
  • Patent number: 6189226
    Abstract: A snowflake stencil for forming a decorative snowflake image on a surface. The stencil includes a sheet having first and second faces with a plurality of decorative holes therethrough between the first and second faces of the sheet arranged to resemble the configuration of a snowflake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: John Mascarenas
  • Patent number: 6189227
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying shingles onto a roof of a structure. The apparatus includes a first and second retractable/extendable rail, with the first and second rails being positioned to ends of a roof in a parallel relationship to each other. The first and second rails are configured with slots positioned approximately 5″ apart from each other. The apparatus also includes a third retractable/extendable rail, which is positioned in corresponding opposing slots in the first and second rails. A fourth and a fifth rail are hingedly connected to the third rail, with the fourth rail having a bottom portion for resting shingles against as they are placed in proper locations on the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Todd A. Siegfried
  • Patent number: 6189228
    Abstract: An apparatus that directs the flow of heated air that is being discharged from a clothing dryer, in which the dryer is positioned upon a rigid support, that elevates the dryer above the normal ground surface. The dryer discharge hose is connected at one end to the dryer, and to a valve assembly, located beneath the dryer, housed in the dryer support. The valve may be actuated so that heated air is either directed to flow through the valve assembly, into another hose which vents directly outside, or through an interior discharge opening, so that heated air is reintroduced back into the dwelling. The apparatus is provided with an access door, so that the valve can be positioned as desired. If air is being reintroduced back into the dwelling, a removable air filtration system is provided. In the event that the air filtration system becomes overwhelmed with particulate matter, the valve has a safety flap which is actuated by increased air pressure, and allows the heated air to vent outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Lyle Schuette
  • Patent number: 6189229
    Abstract: A hair dryer holder for adjustably holding a hair dryer, comprising a base for attaching the hair dryer holder to a surface, an extension member including a bottom portion fixed to the base and an arm member extending from the base, and a universal joint member coupled to the arm member and comprising a ball member juxtaposed between two cup members for rotation therein, the ball member configured for coupling to a nozzle of a hair dryer such that the nozzle can be positioned by the ball member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Andrew P. Thomas, Anne Marie Thomas
  • Patent number: 6189230
    Abstract: An electric hand and towel dryer includes an enclosure having an inlet and first, second, and third outlets for heated air. A tube associated with the second and third outlets connects to opposed air outlets in the enclosure. A blower unit incorporates a heating element, a motor, and a fan located inside a first chamber of the enclosure for generating a hot air stream. The stream selectively exits the enclosure through the first outlet or the second and third outlets. A folding blind controls the flow of the hot air through the first or second and third outlets for respectively drying hands or a towel supported on the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Oasis Global Limited
    Inventor: Hing Wah Huen
  • Patent number: 6189231
    Abstract: A foot dryer includes a dryer housing having front and rear units defining a foot receiving cavity. A footrest is disposed in the foot receiving cavity for supporting a foot of a user. A blower is disposed adjacent the footrest and contained within the rear unit. The blower delivers air under pressure into the cavity. A holder supported by the housing above the user's foot may be used to dispense a moisture or fungus inhibiting agent downwardly onto the foot without the aid of the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Harold Lancer
  • Patent number: 6189232
    Abstract: The invention concerns a blow-suction box or equivalent for a paper machine or board machine, which box comprises at least a pressure chamber and which box is placed in the vicinity of a cylinder, roll, or equivalent, from which cylinder, roll or equivalent, a web and/or a wire is/are fitted to run past the box. In connection with the pressure chamber, a nozzle slot has been arranged, out of which a sealing blowing is fitted to be applied towards the cylinder, roll or equivalent and/or towards the web and/or wire running on its face in order to disintegrate the boundary-layer air flow carried along with the web and/or wire. In connection with the nozzle slot, an air guide made of a resilient material has been fitted in order to direct the sealing blowing and to enhance the sealing further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Nenad Milosavljevic, Pekka Saarikivi
  • Patent number: 6189233
    Abstract: Dryer section of a machine for at least one of producing and processing a web of material. The dryer section includes at least one heatable drying cylinder having a circumference, at least a part the circumference adapted to be surrounded by the material web, at least one support band arranged to surround the at least a part of the circumference, and a sealing band arranged to surround the at least a part of the circumference. An overpressure cap is arranged to receive one of a liquid and gaseous medium and is adapted to apply a pressurized one of the liquid and gaseous medium on the at least one drying cylinder. A temperature of the medium is lower than a temperature on an outside of the part of the circumference. At least one second support band is arranged around the at least one drying cylinder and is positioned between the at least one support band and the sealing band, wherein the at least one second support band has a coarser structure than the at least one support band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Halmschlager, Walter Holzer, Karl Steiner
  • Patent number: 6189234
    Abstract: A continuous flow fluid bed dryer has a dryer housing having a drying chamber and a plenum chamber located beneath the drying chamber. Moist product to be dried is introduced to the drying chamber at a product inlet and proceeds through the drying chamber to a discharge housing. A porous screen partially separates the drying chamber and the plenum chamber. Heated air is introduced into the plenum chamber which then passes through the screen to the drying chamber to dry product in the drying chamber. A shaft extends centrally through the drying chamber and is mounted for slow rotation therein. A plurality of paddles are connected to the shaft. The paddles move about a path of rotation whereby paddle ends sequentially sweep over the surface of the screen. In doing so, the paddles momentarily move product away from the screen permitting a rush of heated into the drying chamber locally fluidizing the bed and further drying the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: International Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Luker
  • Patent number: 6189235
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling grain flow within a column of a grain dryer is disclosed. The grain dryer includes a metering roll positioned to contact grain advancing out of a discharge opening of the column. The grain dryer further includes a regulator member which is movable between a flow regulating position and a trash escape position. The regulator member contacts either the metering roll, or grain supported by the metering roll when the regulator member is positioned in the flow regulating position. The regulator member is spaced from the metering roll by a distance sufficient to enable a trash object to advance between the regulator member and the metering roll when the regulator is positioned in the trash escape position. A method of controlling grain flow within a column of a grain dryer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: ffi Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip C. Middaugh, L. Michael Watson
  • Patent number: 6189236
    Abstract: A method of reducing the purge gas consumption, dry-down time, or both required for start-up and operation of a gas phase fluidized bed reactor system. The method involves contacting a stream of cycle gas having water and/or a polar hydrocarbon with an adsorbing material while the cycle gas is in a closed circulation loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David Mason Gaines, Philip Everett Harrison, Roger Brady Painter, Bill Jack Garner
  • Patent number: 6189237
    Abstract: Process and device for drying a moving web. The process includes vaporizing moisture in the web, creating a blanket of compressed air along a first surface of the web, and the blanket of compressed air directing the vaporized moisture in a direction from the first surface toward a second surface of the web that faces away from said blanket of compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Mayer, Karl Steiner
  • Patent number: 6189238
    Abstract: A portable purge system for transporting materials, such as semiconductor wafers used in the manufacture of ICs, comprises a carrier having compartments for releasably receiving and enclosing the materials therein. The carrier is flooded with an inert gas such as nitrogen so as to adsorb the nitrogen on the surface of the materials, dilute contaminants, and purge the contaminants from the carrier. The carrier and the flooding means are mounted in a transport case. A humidifier is connected to the flooding means so that the materials will adsorb water and thereby further resist adsorption of hydrocarbon contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mindaugas F. Dautartas, Ofer Sneh
  • Patent number: 6189239
    Abstract: A article of footwear is disclosed having a flexure member in the sole to facilitate abduction bending to provide footwear that is easy to don and doff. The footwear includes a split upper having a forefoot upper portion and a rear upper portion. A closure mechanism is provided to hold the upper closed while the footwear is worn by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: David W. Gasparovic, William M. Dieter, Nancy M. Dalton
  • Patent number: 6189240
    Abstract: A novelty shoe embodying a caricature of the head of an animal includes a sole and an upper which cooperate to form a foot-receiving compartment therebetween. The sole and the upper are configured such that a mouth of the caricature defines an entry for the foot-receiving compartment. A first portion of the upper is attached to the sole and forms a lower jaw of the caricature. A second portion of the upper extends from the toe and forms an upper jaw of the caricature. The upper second portion articulates relative to the entry of the foot-receiving compartment between open and closed positions and fasteners are provided for releasably securing the upper second portion in the closed position. The shoe may be displayed on a support in the form of a headless animal, wherein the shoe is positionable on the support such that the addition of the shoe creates the appearance of a completed animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Scott Cowgill, Jonothon T. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 6189241
    Abstract: A cushioned in-line skate shoe comprises: an in-line skate shoe body, including: an outer side wall which has an outer lower edge, an inner side wall which has an inner lower edge, a sole provided on a bottom of the shoe body and connected between the outer and inner lower edges, at least one outer hole and at least one inner hole formed on the outer lower edge and the inner lower edge, respectively; an air cushion foot pad including: an upper surface, a lower surface opposing to the upper surface, a circumferential edge which is formed between the upper and lower surfaces, a plurality of flexible columns connecting the upper surface and the lower surface to define a plurality of air chambers formed within the circumferential edge so as to rigidly support the air chambers, a plurality of transverse protrusions formed on the circumferential edge of the foot pad, thereby when the foot pad is positioned over and contact with the sole of the shoe body, the protrusions are inserted into the outer and inner holes o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: European Sports Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter S. P. Liu
  • Patent number: 6189242
    Abstract: A shoe for a bicycle includes an outsole having a depression for receiving a board and having an opening for receiving a coupler. The board has a recess for receiving a fastener plate. One or more fasteners are engaged through the coupler and the board and threaded to the fastener plate for securing the coupler to the board. A shoe upper includes a peripheral flange engaged onto the board and an insole has a peripheral portion snugly engaged with the peripheral flange of the shoe upper. The insole has a pivotal flap received in the recess and engaged with the fastener plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Mikel Lin
  • Patent number: 6189243
    Abstract: A dredging method and a dredging apparatus which can efficiently suck large quantities of sand and gravels deposited on the bottom of dams, rivers, harbors, etc., convey them with as much saved energy as possible, and can prevent diffusion of turbid water. To achieve these objects, the apparatus includes a case laid down into the water in communication with the atmosphere. A suction pipe having a suction portion at the lower end thereof is connected to this case. The apparatus further includes a drain pump for draining water in the case and forming a level difference between the water level in the case and the external water level A container is removably disposed at an intermediate portion of the suction pipe. The sand and gravels are sucked from the suction pipe into the container by the siphon principle due to the level difference between the external water level and the water level in the container, and the container is cut off and the sand and gravels are taken out when the container is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Moburon Design Office Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Senji Oikawa
  • Patent number: 6189244
    Abstract: A narrow-trench earth trencher and flexible tube installer, including a relatively large diameter narrow driven sprocket connected by a chain with attached earth cutters to a relatively small drive sprocket. The trencher includes a carriage frame adapted to be connected to a pulling vehicle, with wheels at one end to facilitate horizontal travel. Mounted on the carriage frame are first and second vertically-oriented trencher frame assemblies. The trencher also includes a vertically-oriented tubular member and a crumber for helping place the flexible tubing in the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Randal Johnson, Jay Hagberg
  • Patent number: 6189245
    Abstract: A steam iron soleplate divided into at least one steaming area having a plurality of steam outlets and at least one drying area having one or more grooves but free of steam outlets. The grooves are arranged in a network of furrows defining a pattern of raised lands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Seb S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Louison, Denis Daulasim
  • Patent number: 6189246
    Abstract: A versatile three-dimensional billboard capable of remote control operation, animation, and color accentuation. The billboard includes a board defining a plurality of holes arranged in a matrix. A plurality of rods are slidably mounted in the holes. At least one actuator is operatively coupled to the rods, the actuator being capable of moving each of the rods independently of the other rods. A controller is coupled to the actuator, the controller being operable to move the rods to desired positions such that outer ends of said rods define a three-dimensional display. This billboard has a broad range of uses, for example from a corner grocery store display to a giant advertising billboard at a major downtown location such as Times Square in New York City.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ravi Gorthala
  • Patent number: 6189247
    Abstract: A product identification and information tag of sheet material for overlying an elongated support hook, wherein the mounting portion of the tag is frictionally engaged over projections on a saddle member carried by the hook itself. The length of the tag can be readily adjusted without the need for extraneous tools such as scissors or the like. The mounting portion of the tag is provided with a series of longitudinally spaced mounting apertures with alternating fold and tear lines spaced midway between adjacent apertures whereby the mounting portion may be folded onto itself to align adjacent apertures, transversely tom, or even transversely tom and then folded on itself to provide the tag with different effective lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Fast Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: John Gebka
  • Patent number: 6189248
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing an electronic label to the front of a store display shelf. The bracket is a one-piece metal sheet formed to provide a central body portion with clips for securing the electronic label. An upper support member extends rearwardly from the upper edge of the body portion and has shelf-engaging lugs adapted to be received in selected ones of regularly spaced openings in the shelf. A spring clip extends rearward from the bottom edge and resiliently and/or frictionally engages bottom contours of the shelf, to secure the bracket at the front edge of the shelf. The bracket is considerably less expensive and easier to install then conventional devices for this purpose, which typically extend the full length of a display shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Trion Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Nagel, Harold B. Bond, Richard J. Wildrick
  • Patent number: 6189249
    Abstract: A tamper-proof seal assembly for discouraging and detecting tampering of containers onto which the tamper-proof seal assembly is installed. The container includes a closure assembly. The closure assembly defines an opening. The tamper-proof seal assembly includes a security tag and a button assembly. The security tag includes a flag and a stem. The flag and stem are integral but are easily severable. The button assembly includes an outer button and an inner button. The button assembly is mounted on the container proximate the closure assembly. The stem is inserted through the closure assembly opening and into the button assembly, where the stem is secured against withdrawal by a ratchet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher V. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6189250
    Abstract: A magnetic picture display device is described. The invention includes a horizontal ground surface, a planar item to be displayed, a first support element and at least one front surface-contacting member. The display item has a front surface, a rear surface and at least one edge. The first support element has at least one ground surface contacting portion and at least one rear surface contacting portion. The rear surface-contacting portion includes ferromagnetic material. The front surface-contacting member includes a high-strength magnet. To use the invention the ground surface contacting is located on the ground surface and the rear surface of the item is located on the rear surface contacting portion of the first support element. The front surface contacting member is located on the front surface of the item at a point closest to the rear surface contacting portion of the first support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Bell
  • Patent number: 6189251
    Abstract: A wall-hanging art-tapestry comprises, for example, a Giclée print of original art reproduced with extreme high fidelity on a textured watercolor paper mounted on a honeycomb board. Canvas is used to cover the back of the board and upholstery velvet edgings are used to edge and cover three sides of the perimeter. An antiqued wood rod with end mounted resin finials are stapled with a fifty percent board compression at each staple across the top and in front of the artwork. A cord is attached at each end of the rod for hanging and tassels are added to complete a tapestry look to the whole construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Heather Wilson
  • Patent number: 6189252
    Abstract: A frame having the appearance of a Hicks frame or moulding is disclosed. The frame comprises four mitred frame elements with grooves cut into the mitred surfaces so that when the frame is assembled, a connector can be inserted into the grooves of adjacent frame elements to hold the frame together. Corner pieces which resemble conventional Hicks type corner pieces hide the junctions between adjacent frame elements. Each corner piece includes a connector which fits into the grooves of two adjacent frame elements to hold the frame together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nielsen & Bainbridge L.L.C.
    Inventors: Martin Dowzall, Vazgen Houssian
  • Patent number: 6189253
    Abstract: A muzzleloading rifle has a bolt with a laterally extending handle. The bolt is operationally connected to the cocking piece of the firearm by means of engaged cam surfaces of the bolt and the cocking piece which will permit the rifle to be cocked only by moving the bolt handle in an upwardly and rotational motion without any longitudinal movement of the bolt towards the cocking piece. After the firearm has been loaded by means of depositing a disc element with a primer element in the center bore thereof in the breech opening of the firearm, the firearm is placed in a firing condition by reversing rotational motion of the bolt handle. The disc element has a center bore which is adapted to receive a conventional nipple and a percussion cap, or in lieu thereof, and preferably, a shot gun primer. The latter is preferred in that it provides a hotter and more intense ignition of the gun powder in the muzzleloading rifle art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ebsco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Knight, L. Dale Watley
  • Patent number: 6189254
    Abstract: In order to simplify manually loading cartridges into a magazine, a device is provided for use with a magazine that receives a plurality of cartridges in stacked relation through an opening against a force biasing the cartridges toward the opening. The device includes a band configured in size and shape for placement on a thumb of one hand for loading the magazine with the cartridges when the magazine is gripped by that one hand. The device also includes a projection integrally associated with the band and extending from an outer surface of the band for engagement of a top one of the cartridges previously loaded into the magazine. With this arrangement, the projection has a surface adapted to contact a surface of the cartridges in such manner as to engage the top one of the cartridges when the magazine is gripped for depressing the top one of the cartridges away from the opening against the biasing force in response to a bending/depressing thumb motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Arthur R. Steitz
  • Patent number: 6189255
    Abstract: A hollow telescopic fishing rod has a fishing rod body which includes a plurality of fishing rod body sections made from fiber-reinforced resin. The fishing rod body has an inner surface, an internal path for a fishing line and line-holding protrusions made from the fiber-reinforced resin, preferably by means of monobloc forming together with said fishing rod body sections. The line-holding protrusions are formed on the inner surface in a spiral, and the line-holding protrusions have a cross-sectional shape which is a trapezoid whose upside corners are arc-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Okada Muneki, Morimoto Kazuya
  • Patent number: 6189256
    Abstract: A fishing method and apparatus is provided comprising a lure module enhanced with circuitry that is capable of releasing hooks upon detection of a signal sent from a user operated, remote device enhanced with circuitry to send the signals causing hook release. The module may be provided as a lure, as a bait-holder, or as a shape-neutral module, while the signal-sending device may be a mounted or handheld device used for example in a boat. Upon determining that a irretrievable snag has occurred, the signal sending device is used to send an appropriate remote signal to the lure or module effecting hook-release rendering the lure or module free from obstruction and retrievable. The lure or module may be reset with replacement hooks for continued fishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Mark A. Boys
  • Patent number: 6189257
    Abstract: A fishhook adapted to be used in a clustered arrangement, with each hook of the cluster mounted for pivotal movement so as to be able to minify the chance of entanglement with weeds or trash. The novel fishhook array made possible in accordance with this invention also enables a highly advantageous weathervaning characteristics of each individually attached hook/lure entity, such that each is maintained in a natural horizontal attitude. Each hook has an upper shank portion extending at an angle downwardly from the eye of the hook, with the upper shank portion forming a forwardly curved shoulder portion with the integral lure-receiving lower shank portion. This curved forward shoulder portion forms an acute angle, such that the lower shank portion is able to reside in a generally horizontal position when the hook is suspended from the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Donald E. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 6189258
    Abstract: A container formed as a clear cylindrical tube having a weighted base is dimensioned to pull stripped line into the tube and stack the line in neat coils using the weight of the line to provide a guiding pull. A removable handle may be provided for carrying the container over land and a tubular extension may be removably mounted on the top of the container for accommodating special fishing conditions such as high winds. The container may be used to transport clothing and other articles as it is carried inside a travel bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Carl Anderson
  • Patent number: 6189259
    Abstract: An insect bait-and-switch liquid delivery apparatus for the control of insects. The apparatus includes a reservoir defining a first chamber containing liquid bait attractive to an insect and a second chamber containing liquid active toxic to an insect, a first feeding station in the first chamber for making liquid bait available to an insect, a second feeding station in the second chamber for making liquid active available to an insect, a passageway interconnecting the first and second chambers, and an access port disposed to initially prevent or limit access of an insect to the second feeding station during an initial feeding period and to subsequently enable access to the second feeding station via the passageway after the initial feeding period. In one embodiment, the access port is located beneath the surface of the liquid bait, and in another embodiment the access port is located above the surface of said liquid bait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Soller
  • Patent number: 6189260
    Abstract: Compressed mixtures of coconut coir pith and peat moss are prepared from decompressed coconut coir pith and peat moss. The compressed mixtures are capable of being decompressed to form fluffed plant growth media having improved fluffed yield and enhanced wettability characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Kusey, Douglas George Dellmore
  • Patent number: 6189261
    Abstract: A flexible grid for use in guiding a person to arrange flowers, and the like, includes a number of openings formed therein by woven-together fluffy fabric-coated, flexible wires. The flexible grid may be supported on, as by being bent around, or in an open top of a container to enable a number of different size floral stems to be inserted and frictionally held in the openings. The floral stems and the flexible grid may be removed as a unit from the open top of the container to enable the lower ends of the floral stems to be snipped for better water absorption, or to add water to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Valerie A. Helgeson
  • Patent number: 6189262
    Abstract: Modular cubes with numerous cylindrical cavities include a rooting medium and tree in each cavity, whereby a long and narrow root system is established for each such tree within the confines of the respective cylindrical cavity. Individual cavities are provided for each individual tree, though multiple trees can be in a single cavity. The system could be closed, using all of the water supplied to the tree, or open where unused water is drained from the cavities. A drainage medium can be provided with the rooting medium so that the rooting medium is not lost during drainage of water. The cubes with the vegetation are used to remediate a contaminated site, including discharged industrial waste water. Alternatively, the vegetation might be harvested with its long root system and transplanted at a contamination site, the transplantation being made in any suitable manner, i.e., within the ground, within a cavity of a like cube, or in any other expedient for effecting remediation of the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Edward G. Gatliff
  • Patent number: 6189263
    Abstract: A device for retaining garden beds, retaining water, and/or blocking plant roots, with the device having two connected reinforcing members with a liquid permeable member positioned between the reinforcing members. A method of building a garden bed includes using the device around the perimeter of a bed. A method for building a pond or stream includes using the device around the perimeter of the pond or stream. Finally, a method of blocking root travel includes burying the device to block travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: George Patrick Solis
  • Patent number: 6189264
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a storm shutter system. The system utilizes a track above an opening, a shutter that is held by the track that covers the opening, a retainer that in conjunction with the track acts to hold the shutter in place, a means for retaining the shutter once the shutter has been installed. The shutter system can be deployed from the inside and is therefore very useful in protecting windows above the ground floor. The storm shutter system is useable with various types of windows including stacked windows and horizontal sliding windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Oscar DiVeroli
  • Patent number: 6189265
    Abstract: A one-leaf or two-leaf sliding door, swinging/sliding door or pocket door, particularly for vehicles, has an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic drive. A nut is attached to the at least one door leaf and a spindle extends through the nut. A drive for moving the at least one door leaf is provided either to rotate the spindle directly or to linearly move the at least one door leaf. A freewheel is mounted on an end of the spindle, wherein the freewheel has a component which is stationary relative to but capable of rotating together with the spindle. A releasable brake or clutch is provided for preventing rotation of the freewheel component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: IFE Industrie-Einrichtungen Fertigungs-Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Fink
  • Patent number: 6189266
    Abstract: The mechanism comprises a bracket, to which are mounted a fixed roller shaft and a rotatable brake shaft. The roller shaft has a roller which runs in the door track. A cylindrical torsion spring is positioned on the brake shaft. One end of the spring is anchored to the brake shaft. The other end of the spring is connected to a tensioning ring, so that the tension of the spring can be adjusted. The tensioning ring is disengagably secured to the bracket. An arm protrudes from the brake shaft. The lift cable for the door extends through an eye carried by the arm. As long as the cable is taut, the brake shaft is prevented from turning. At its outer end, the brake shaft carries a cam member with braking teeth. The teeth are positioned to bite into the exterior surface of the track if the cable breaks and the spring rotates the brake shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Arthur A. Mihalcheon
  • Patent number: 6189267
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes inner and outer panels defining a cavity therebetween. The outer panel has an opening therein for receiving a door latch operating handle. An outside door handle assembly includes a housing and an operating handle movably mounted on the housing. A door module frame for mounting within the door cavity has a door handle support arm extending into proximity with the opening of the door outer panel. A snap retainer is provided acting between the housing of the outside handle assembly and the support arm of the module frame to loosely mount the handle assembly on the module frame so that mounting of the module frame within the door cavity carries the operating handle of the door handle assembly into general alignment with the opening of the door outer panel. An escutcheon is provided for installation onto the outside of the outer panel to surround the opening in the outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Hale Staser
  • Patent number: 6189268
    Abstract: The Village Wall system utilizes furniture, equipment, components, and accessories in the creation of unique office designs. Two parallel rails are attached to existing walls and support fixed tackboards and rolling accessories, e.g., markerboards, shelves, bookcases, etc. An outrigger beam is releasably connected, orthogonally, anywhere along the length of one of the rails. The other end of the outrigger beam is fixed to a pedestal which rotatably supports a work surface. Electrical power and communication services are provided through a wire managing service zone attached to the existing wall, a wire managing channel formed in the outrigger beam, a wire and cable storage facility within the interior of the pedestal, and through a grommet to the top of the work surface. Work areas without walls are defined by the location of the work surface along the existing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Paoli, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger John Carr, John Judson Jaqua, III
  • Patent number: 6189269
    Abstract: A thermoplastic wall forming member is provided with rails for securing a wiring channel interiorly of a hollow structure to be formed by the wall forming member and other wall forming members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Royal Building Systems (CDN) Limited
    Inventor: Vittorio De Zen