Patents Issued in June 5, 2001
  • Patent number: 6240648
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving rear wheel alignments for motorcycles having a swing arm suspension including a measuring rod for extending between a swing arm bolt or shaft and a rear axle of the motorcycle, a measuring rod having an end thereon for mechanically coupling with the swing arm bolt or shaft or a nut or other device coupled to the swing arm shaft or bolt so that the measuring rod is registered at a predetermined position with respect to the pivot shaft and further including a marker for marking a position along the measuring rod of a predetermined position of the rear axle of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel E. Dolph
  • Patent number: 6240649
    Abstract: A sighting assembly for providing a reference laser beam in the course of connecting pipe segments to each other includes an elongate body in which a laser pointing course is received and which is pivotally engaged at its front end to an straight edged arm. The body may further include a magnetic compass and a level assembly, both proximate its rear end, to provide a visual indication of the azimuth and inclination thereof. These are achieved by an azimuth ring on the compass projecting into lateral cutouts in the body for manipulative convenience. In one example the arm supports two spaced posts, each including spaced projections for contacting the pipe segment, and when the arm is collapsed below the body for storage the posts are received in the cutouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Paul T. McElroy
  • Patent number: 6240650
    Abstract: A combination leveling and edge trimming tool for use during the application of a wallpaper material to a wall surface. The tool includes a substantially thin and elongate planar shaped body having a first face and a second face as well as a first end and a second end. A bottom face of the body extends between the first and second faces and first and second ends and is suitable for receiving an elongate and substantially rigid blade edge suitable for use in leveling and adhering the wallpaper material to the wall surface. First and second level indicators are incorporated within the body and are operable about respective first and second rotating planes. A non-slip gripping material is secured to a selected first or second face and, upon orienting the tool at a specified angle relative to the wall surface, provides a secure engagement to permit trimming of excess wallpaper material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Cecelia D. Olson
  • Patent number: 6240651
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine including a support platform for supporting an object. Scanning means is supported by the support platform. The scanning means includes a probe assembly and a non-contact scanner. Drive means is connected to at least one of the probe assembly and the non-contact scanner for moving the probe assembly and non-contact scanner relative to each other. The probe assembly includes a probe movably disposed in a guide tube. The probe includes a shaft and a tip integrally formed from either a fiber-optic or non-fiber-optic material. The tip extends from the guide tube so as to be detectable by the non-contact scanner. The tip may include one or more stylus. During operation the tip contacts the object and the non-contact scanner detects the tip to determine the corresponding coordinates of the object. A light source illuminates the tip for improved detection of the tip. When the probe is formed of a fiber-optic material, light is emitted through the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Mycrona GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Schroeder, Frank Brossette, Stefan Hombach
  • Patent number: 6240652
    Abstract: An optoelectronic position detecting device for determining the absolute path or angle of two bodies which are moved relative to each other, comprising a light source 3, a transmitter element 2 which is partially exposed to light by the light source 3 and comprises a coding and which transmitter element 2 is coupled to the movement of the movable body, wherein the coding is provided in the form of a scanning trace 6, which is produced by virtue of the exposure to light, and a reference trace 7, and comprising a photosensitive line sensor 4 which is disposed in a fixed manner with respect to the transmitter element 2 for the purpose of scanning the code traces 6, 7 of the transmitter element 2, which output signals of the line sensor 4 influence an electronic evalutating unit for the purpose of determining the absolute path or angle, is determined by virtue of the fact that the transmitter element 2 is formed as a light-guiding body, into whose edge peripheral surface are coupled the light beams emitted by the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Böbel, Frank Bläsing
  • Patent number: 6240653
    Abstract: A gas-blowing device used in an apparatus for carrying out a process for producing pore-free cast-on-strap joints for lead-acid batteries. The device includes a metallic pipe closed at both ends having a plurality of groups of aligned gas outlets, gas inlets and inner plugs, all of which are evenly distributed along the pipe's length, and leveling plates. The gas-blowing device is used to give a simultaneous final cleaning and drying to a plurality of negative and positive plate lug surfaces immediately after water rinsing the plate lugs under ultrasonic vibration and prior to joining the plate lugs by the cast-on-strap process. This is done by means of gas jets coming out at high pressure from the gas outlets, and which are directed towards the plate lug surfaces. A uniform distribution of gas pressure and flow rate for all gas outlets, as well as a correct direction for all gas jets, are assured along the entire pipe's length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Acumuladores Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Luis Francisco Vazquez del Mercado, Gregorio Vargas Gutierrez, Jorge Lopez-Cuevas
  • Patent number: 6240654
    Abstract: A method and several exemplary apparatus for capillary dewatering of foam materials. The apparatus may include felt which is applied to an exposed face of the foam material, or a double felt arrangement applied to two opposed surfaces of the foam material. The apparatus may provide a temperature differential between the two exposed surfaces of the foam material. An alternative embodiment utilizes a roll having a capillary dewatering medium. The capillary dewatering medium may be maintained at a vacuum either above or below the breakthrough vacuum of the capillaries. The disclosed apparatus and method is particularly useful for dewatering foams having relatively fine open capillaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gerald Martin Weber, Osman Polat, Daniel Joseph Valerio, Jr., Kofi Aduwusu, Thomas Allen Desmarais
  • Patent number: 6240655
    Abstract: A method for treating a descending process flow and a spherical-shaped semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing system incorporating the same. The manufacturing system includes a first processing station, a second processing station and first and second intermediate stations positioned between the first and second processing stations. The first processing station produces, at an output thereof, a first process flow comprised of a first process fluid and spherical-shaped semiconductors. The output of the first processing station is coupled to a first downwardly descending tube which forms an input tube of the first intermediate station. The first process flow enters a porous tube positioned inside an evacuation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Ball Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Dirk Fruhling
  • Patent number: 6240656
    Abstract: A method of using a conveyor dryer having a drying chamber and a conveyor disposed within the chamber for conveying a selected material through the chamber. A stationary conveyor support is disposed on each side of the conveyor for supporting the conveyor. A material guide is disposed adjacent each side of the conveyor for generally retaining material on the conveyor and wherein the conveyor support and material guide are disposed adjacent to each other such that they cooperate to form a generally air tight seal that minimizes the flow of air between the conveyor support and the material guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Aeroglide Corporation
    Inventor: Roy J. Gillespy
  • Patent number: 6240657
    Abstract: Footwear comprising a sole, an upper, and a lace-binding system comprising a plurality of replaceable eyelet extenders. Replacing eyelet extenders, or components thereof, with others of a different color facilitates switching footwear from one color pattern to another. Replacing eyelet extenders, or components thereof, with others of a different length, flexibility, or elasticity facilitates modifying flexibility between eyelets and lace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: In-Stride, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Weber, Jack Wang, Joseph J. Skaja, Thomas M Adams
  • Patent number: 6240658
    Abstract: A lightweight snowplow assembly for mounting to the front of a vehicle. The snowplow assembly is comprised of a V-shaped plow blade portion and a support structure. The plow blade portion includes a nose blade and adjacent side blades. Wear strip members are attached to the bottom of the blade portion and chute members are mounted to the top of each side blade. A mounting structure is attached to the support frame of the plow portion and is constructed and arranged to attach the snowplow assembly to the front of the vehicle. The mounting structure includes a mounting frame, a pair of bumper pads and top and bottom adjustable strap members. The strap members are attached to predetermined positions above and below the bumper of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Gregory A. Knutson, William W. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 6240659
    Abstract: Control system for a jack for raising and lowering a lift assembly for hydraulically driven snow blades or other utilitarian accessories. Actuation of the jack allows for proper vertical alignment of the lift assembly for engagement to a vehicle chassis. Once engaged, the jack can be actuated into an inoperative position until the lift assembly is to be removed from the chassis. The control system includes several safety features that prevent the jack from being deployed when the snow blade is raised, and that automatically retract the jack when the snow blade is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc D. Curtis, Gary Harris
  • Patent number: 6240660
    Abstract: An attachment for use with snow handling equipment such as a snowplow blade or a wheel loader bucket or similar implement, the attachment comprising a plate pivotally mounted at each end of the implement and movable between a forwardly projecting horizontal deployed position and a retracted position wherein the plate extends upwardly and does not interfere with normal operation of the implement. In the deployed position the plate is freely pivotal upwards and has a rounded front lower corner so that it can readily ride over curb stones and similar obstacles without damaging the mechanism. The attachments have the effect of greatly increasing the snow handling capacity of the implement without significantly detracting from its normal utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Gerard F. Dugas
  • Patent number: 6240661
    Abstract: A power mining shovel including a drive train drivingly connected to ground-engaging device, the drive train including a drive train shaft, and a disc brake apparatus operably connected to the drive train shaft for selectively preventing rotation of the drive train shaft, the disc brake apparatus including a brake hub mounted on the drive train shaft for rotation therewith, the brake hub including an outer member rotatable about the axis, the outer member including an inner wall defining a generally cylindrical bore centered on the axis, the inner wall having therein a plurality of recesses, the brake hub also including an inner member rotatable about the axis, the inner member including internal splines engaging the drive train shaft to prevent relative rotation of the inner member and the drive train shaft, the inner member being located in the bore of the outer member and having a generally cylindrical outer wall, the outer wall having therein a like plurality of recesses, each of the recesses in the outer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Seibold
  • Patent number: 6240662
    Abstract: A guard attachment for removably mounting to a plow blade having a blade edge. The guard attachment includes a guard member having an arcuate surface which is adapted to shield the blade of the plow such that the guard member may be brought into sliding engagement with the surface to be plowed without catching or snagging obstructions on the surface. Furthermore, the guard member includes a fastening mechanism which removably mounts the guard member to the plow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Jeff Borowiak
  • Patent number: 6240663
    Abstract: A spaced series of generally C-shaped wear members, representatively excavating tooth adapters, are positioned on a front edge portion of a lip structure on, for example, an excavating bucket, by placing the lip edge portion between rearwardly extending top and bottom leg portions of each wear member. Spring-loaded, low profile attachment structures are mounted within top leg recesses of the wear members prior to the installation of the wear members on the lip structure. After the wear members are in place on the lip structure, the internally disposed attachment structures are secured to the lip structure at open rear ends of the top wear member legs in a manner causing the internal attachment structures to resiliently bias their associated wear members in rearward self-tightening directions relative to the lip structure. Protective shrouds are then connected to the open rear ends of the top wear member legs to conceal and protect their internally carried attachment structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: G. H. Hensley Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Howard W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6240664
    Abstract: A sign plate for an edge-illuminated sign including a transparent sheet with a front face, a rear face and a transparent edge that connects the front face to the rear face, wherein the transparent edge is positioned to receive light from a light source for transmission along the transparent sheet. The sign plate further includes a front image layer disposed on a front face of the transparent sheet, wherein the front image layer has a reflective surface. A rear image layer is disposed on a rear face of the transparent sheet substantially in registry with the front image layer, wherein the front image layer and the rear image layer are positioned so that the light within the transparent sheet is reflected from the reflective surface onto the rear image layer thereby to enhance illumination of the rear image layer. The sign plate has a structure such that a portion of the light within the transparent sheet forms an image of a halo or aura of light surrounding the rear image layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Airlite Unlimited
    Inventor: Thorgeir Daniel Hjaltason
  • Patent number: 6240665
    Abstract: A thin illuminated sign is described which is formed of two essentially mirror image frame members at least one of which has a central opening therethrough to expose a translucent sign element including signage indicia associated therewith. The frame elements contain mirror image mounting members adapted to support therein a mounting channel for a cold cathode florescent tube along at least one of the edges of the translucent member for projecting light therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: JJI Lighting Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobias A. Brown, Heinz K. Filzer
  • Patent number: 6240666
    Abstract: An information carrier for receiving at least one information data. The information carrier includes an inflatable hollow body made of a flexible, foldable material and a blower for blowing an air flow into the inner part of the hollow body. The blower is arranged in or on the hollow body in such a way that the air flow produced by the blower builds up an overpressure within the hollow body whereby the hollow body adopts a stationary and stable rectangular frame shape over which the information banner may be fastened, more particularly removably fastened, while at least partly covering the open space within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Raimund Apel, Michael Lazar
  • Patent number: 6240667
    Abstract: A support provides a window for the display of advertising material. The support has a gripping feature on opposing sides for engaging an airline fold-down tray by its side edges. A bottom flange functions as a position limiting device so that the support is correctly positioned onto the tray. The advertising medium is held within a groove between the window and the under surface of the fold-down tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Shane Harney, Nigel Harris, Ed Greenwood
  • Patent number: 6240668
    Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate identifying a container, for example, a pharmaceutical container, includes at least one member adapted to be secured, for example, removably secured, to a container and to provide indication information effective to distinguish the container when the member is secured thereto, for example, relative to an identical container without the member. The present apparatus is particularly useful in facilitating distinguishing one pharmaceutical container from one or more other pharmaceutical containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Pharcon Corporation
    Inventors: Burrell E. Clawson, James Weigl
  • Patent number: 6240669
    Abstract: A magazine safety for a firearm comprises a sleeve that is slidably received within a recessed pocket formed the magazine well and urged downward into the pocket by a spring. The sleeve has an upper blocking projection that engages a notch in the trigger bar of the firearm to prevent lateral movement of the trigger bar and a lower engaging projection that extends into the magazine well and engages the magazine once it is fully inserted, thereby lifting the sleeve and its blocking projection free of the notch of the trigger bar. When not lifted by the magazine against the urging of the spring, the blocking projection prevents movement of the trigger bar. Since the trigger bar is incapable of movement, the firearm cannot be fired until a magazine is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Frank A Spaniel, Zdenek Prisovsky
  • Patent number: 6240670
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for use in a wide variety of firearms to assist in securing the firearm from unauthorized use, the locking mechanism being rotatable between an unlocked position where it allows movement of the firing pin and a locked position where it prevents movement of the firing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: RA Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David S. Findlay
  • Patent number: 6240671
    Abstract: This present invention relates to a kit for making a bellows operated game caller, for use in hunting wild game animals and waterfowl, and more particularly to a weapon mounted wild animal game caller. This weapon mounted wild animal game caller finds particular application in attracting game animals. The bellows operated caller constructed from the kit may be conveniently mounted and attached to an archery bow or to a hunting firearm. The game caller emits a grunting sound which is know to attract game animals, such as deer. The use of the grunter is very desirable for short range hunting making it the choice for many bow hunters. The activation of sound is accomplished by a novel air bladder that is filled with a resilient filamentous polyester type fiber. When mounted to an archers bow, it is easily operated with the hand even with a fully drawn bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Joe Galfidi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6240672
    Abstract: A molded plastic keeper having an elongated stem and from which a series of 3-dimensional projections radiate. The projections can exhibit different shapes and offsets from the stem. In various constructions, a keeper with conical ribs is molded to the shank of a bare or wire at a jig or lure to support live bait or an artificial dressing. In another construction, the keeper is molded over a wire core that can be formed and mounted to a hook eye or cast into the body of a lure. In another construction, a hollow bore extends through the keeper and permits a threaded fitting over a fish line. A longitudinal slot can be included at a hollow bore keeper and/or the keeper can be constructed of a material that shrinks. A buoyant, weighted and/or hollow headpiece having a longitudinal bore can cooperate with the keeper and may support a rattle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Mikel Huppert
  • Patent number: 6240673
    Abstract: A fish hook remover for humanely removing a hook from a fish is particularly useful for catch-and-release fishing. The fish hook remover has a handle for a user to manipulate, a hook engagement member, and two rods which connect the handle and the hook engagement member. These connections are located such that the hook remover acts similar to a four-bar linkage. When the handle, forming one side of the four-bar linkage, is rotated one direction, the hook engagement member, forming the opposing side of the four-bar linkage, is rotated the same direction, thereby allowing the user to remotely control the motion of the hook engagement member. The hook engagement member has a channel running through it. An opening in the hook engagement member allows the user to insert the fishing line which is then used as a guide to properly place the fish hook remover. The hook engagement member is slid downward until the fish hook slides into a notch located in the bottom of the hook engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Billy R. Shelton
  • Patent number: 6240674
    Abstract: A seed top of foamed cells is constructed such that a porous sheet having open cells is affixed to one surface of a thin support band extending in a band-like configuration with its widthwise direction being an up-and-down direction, and accommodation recesses for accommodating seedling seeds are provided in the porous sheet. It is possible to reduce the size and weight of the seedling raising sheet used for raising seedlings and to eliminate the need for soil in raising seedling, thereby enabling an industrial mass-production of the seedling raising sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Paddy Kenkyusho, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyo Quality One Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneo Otake, Yasumi Fukuzumi, Tsuneo Onodera, Yoshiaki Watanabe, Shigetaka Isoyama, Masashi Numabe
  • Patent number: 6240675
    Abstract: A flower pot cover constructed of a thermoplastic material for providing a decorative cover for an item, such as a floral grouping. The flower pot cover comprises a base portion and a skirt portion. The base portion has an upper end, a lower end, a bottom having a first thickness and a continuous sidewall extending generally between the upper and lower ends of the base portion. The skirt portion is positioned circumferentially about the upper end of the base portion and extends a distance therefrom. The skirt portion is substantially flexible and has a third thickness which is less than the first thickness of the bottom of the base portion. The base portion and the skirt portion cooperate to provide the flower pot cover with a shape sustaining configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio V. Alcazar, Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6240676
    Abstract: An orientable glazing for a vehicle having a glazing frame which has an attachment flange (3). The glazing includes a toughened window glass (4), a run of elastically deformable adhesive (18) along a part of the periphery of the window glass (4) for bonding the window glass (4) to the attachment flange (3), a profiled elastomer seal (12) laid against the window glass at least in that part of the periphery of the window glass (4) that is not covered by the run of adhesive (18), and an opening and closing mechanism (24), wherein the run of adhesive is along the front edge (5), along the upper edge, along the contour of the upper rear corner (20) of the window glass (4), and along an upper segment (A) of the rear edge (6) of the window glass (4), and wherein the opening and closing mechanism acts in the region of the lower rear corner (22) of the window glass (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Gerd Cornils, Jürgen Panitz
  • Patent number: 6240677
    Abstract: A window frame carried on the door of a vehicle is in the form of an aluminum extrusion having a smooth bend in the region where the top of the frame meets the corner between the “B” pillar of the vehicle and the vehicle roof. The window glass has a sharp angle matching this corner. The aluminum extrusion carries flanges directed towards but stopping short of the sharp corner. The sealing and guiding strip assembly comprises a molded part incorporating a separate metal corner piece and defining a window glass receiving channel. The metal corner piece has clips which fit in a channel on the aluminum extrusion. The molded part is concealed beneath extruded strip parts meeting at a miter join at the sharp corner. These strip parts extend away from the corner piece and form integral parts of extruded window glass receiving channels matching the channel in the molded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: GenCorp Property Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Baumann
  • Patent number: 6240678
    Abstract: A capping head assembly has a first housing with a spindle mounting collar and supports a clutch housing. The clutch housing has an upper portion with a first magnetic ring and a lower portion with a second magnetic ring. The lower portion is freely rotatable relative to the upper portion and permits the adjustment of the air gap between the first and second magnetic rings. A locking mechanism maintains the adjusted air gap at a selected value that represents a definable torque level in the magnetic clutch. The capping head also includes a post assembly calibration system that establishes a known reference point, which compensates for manufacturing tolerances between individual capping heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Karl Heinz Spether
  • Patent number: 6240679
    Abstract: This invention is directed to rain gutters and, more particularly, to a gutter system for use with a dwelling that is easy to clean by an individual standing on the ground thereby alleviating the need for a ladder or an individual climbing upon the roof with the inherent dangers therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: A. Christian Smalara
  • Patent number: 6240680
    Abstract: An automatic downspout drain extension that automatically deploys into a downward position upon the weight of an entrained column of fluid. The automatic downspout drain extension includes a downspout member that depends from a gutter and is secured to a wall of a structure to which the gutter is mounted. The terminal end of the downspout is connected to a flexible elbow having a first end and a second end. The flexible elbow is secured between the downspout and the extension member. The extension member is an elongated conduit that includes an energy dissipater carried by the distal end of the extension member. The energy dissipater includes a liquid absorbing insert. A spring member biases the extension member in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Luther Roy Estes
  • Patent number: 6240681
    Abstract: A protector for preventing damage such as dents and scratches on a parked vehicle. The protector comprises a cushion that is suspended from the ceiling using a rope and positioned between adjacent vehicles. The rope is routed through spaced-apart holes in the cushion to provide two-point support. A stabilizer slat is carried by the rope between cushion and ceiling to prevent twisting of cushion and to dampen vibration of rope upon impact of vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Robert T Lyles, Sally S Lyles, Kermit S King, Carolyn R King
  • Patent number: 6240682
    Abstract: Roofing structure includes roofing brackets having a first leg attached to vertical members of a roof structure and a second leg that extends at an angle from the first leg and attached to horizontal members of the roof structure. Brackets serve to attache the vertical members to a support surface of the roof. The first and second legs include a plurality of preformed patterned holes and slots having varying sizes to receive fasteners. The pattern and size of the holes and slots allows for fastening of the brackets to steel bar joists while enabling the fasteners in the slots to be fastened near center lines of the respective bar joists. The slot sizes and positions enable fastening to steel bar joists for most distances between the flanges of their top angle chord members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: V.P. Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Mark James, Kenneth Herman Beaty
  • Patent number: 6240683
    Abstract: An anchoring system for a manufactured home and a method of anchoring a manufactured home utilizing longitudinal central and exterior slabs, strap anchors embedded in the slabs, and straps connecting the home to the slabs, where the straps extend from the central slab to an exterior I-beam underneath the home and from the exterior slab to an interior I-beam on each end of home, and where frame straps extend from the home to anchors in the exterior slabs and longitudinally spaced interior straps extend from the exterior slabs to the interior I-beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: William D. Byrd
  • Patent number: 6240684
    Abstract: The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a portable building with a plurality of interconnected walls defining an interior space therebetween, a floor on which the walls are positioned, a roof structure connected on top of the walls, and at least one bay area for servicing an automobile. In one aspect there are a pluralities of bay areas. In one aspect the building is removably mounted on a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: William H. Bigelow
  • Patent number: 6240685
    Abstract: A decorative building unit simulating a multi-pane, window or door. The decorative building unit is comprised of a glass support frame and a single glass panel having an outer surface mounted on or in the glass support frame. The glass panel has at least one simulated joint comprising at least two shallow spaced apart parallel grooves formed in the outer surface of the glass panel and a platform formed between the two spaced grooves. The size and spacing of glass support frame simulated muntins and platforms is such that, when mounted together, the simulated muntins and platforms align with each other to simulate a multi-pane beveled glass window or door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Glass Unlimited of High Point, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith L. Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 6240686
    Abstract: A method and structure for forming a small building includes a continuous curved wall forming a semi-arcuate arch, the wall comprised of lightweight cellular material such as foamed blocks. The blocks may be identical and interchangeably secured in place by adhesive to form the wall, so that the arch is easily constructed. The arched wall comprises both the longitudinal sides and the top of the structure. In addition, the structure includes an outer skin which covers the entire exterior of the arched wall. The outer skin is both a weatherproof layer and a tension member to apply a compressive force uniformly to the outer surface of the arched wall and significantly augment the load strength of the arch, resulting in a structure that is made very strong with a minimum mass of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Donald R. Mill
  • Patent number: 6240687
    Abstract: A modular office system incorporating a frame construction with improved stability to support components of the office system. The frame construction generally includes upright supports and crossbeams. The uprights and crossbeams have a tubular configuration to allow the passing of utility wiring. The crossbeams include triangular gussets to improve the support connection between the uprights and crossbeams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: The Marvel Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Chee Yeen Chong
  • Patent number: 6240688
    Abstract: The current invention is directed to a holder (32) for adjustable positioning of reinforcing rods (49). The holder has a horizontal support structure and a means for holding a reinforcing rod (49). The holder is comprised of a first leg member (33), a second leg member (34), a spring (35) and a retaining member (41). The leg members are elongated for spanning one of the cells of a hollow block (20). The first and second leg members are configured and arranged to create a gap (37) therebetween for receiving the reinforcing rod. The spring is adapted to bias the leg members against the reinforcing rod to vertically suspend and selectively permit adjustment of the vertical position of the reinforcing rod during the construction of a hollow block wall (47). In the preferred embodiment, the leg members and the spring are integrally formed from a continuous wire member having a U-shaped profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Bradley S. Dressler
  • Patent number: 6240689
    Abstract: A utility standard assembly having a tubular post member which is circumscribed and compressively held at its base end by a clamp member. The clamp member and tubular member assembly are the received into a clamp receiving pocket in a modular, structural base member which supports the assembly without welding. Wiring opening are located on the bottom of the base member and in the clamp receiving pocket so that the utility wiring may pass from the mounting surface directly into the tubular member. Further, the clamp receiving pocket is supported on legs which create an integral wiring access opening for installation and maintenance. A decorative, wrap-around base cover may be utilized to provide the desired aesthetic effects for the utility standard assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Eric Haddad, William M. Niemier
  • Patent number: 6240690
    Abstract: A novel metal roof is described for passive ventilation of building structures. A ridge vent is described that provides enhanced ventilation of the roof, and provides for safer and economical installation of the metal roof ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Roof & Metal Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford H. James, Michael James
  • Patent number: 6240691
    Abstract: A prefabricated composite panel is disclosed of the type comprising a rigid sheet of cellular polymeric material, a covering layer on the outer face of the foam sheet made of a cementitious material and a plurality of rigid facing elements embedded in and to the outer face of the cementitious layer so as to define an outermost surface of the panel, the facing elements being attached to the outer face in a pattern similar to conventional brickwork. Support strips formed from a rigid material different from the cellular polymeric material engage the foam sheet, the cementitious layer and a plurality of the facing elements to provide support of the facing elements to resist downward sagging of the facing elements on the foam sheet, such sagging induced by heat, combustion or other environmental factors. The cementitious layer is a fire barrier, and can be supplemented with additional fire retardant elements. A method of manufacturing such building panel is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Pan-Brick Inc.
    Inventors: Rolf Holzkaemper, Larry Hesterman
  • Patent number: 6240692
    Abstract: A concrete assembly form having a plurality of panels adjoined to one another to form opposing walls. A plurality of studs are encased in each panel. Each stud has a truss structure for increased strength and has a plurality of cylinders extending from the inner face of each panel. The opposing walls are connected with a plurality of bridges, each having collars on the ends in which are seated the cylinders from the panels. U-shaped rods are connected between the cylinders. A hold-down clip connects the bridges between vertically oriented panels. A method of preparing the assembly is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Louis L. Yost, William R. Yost
  • Patent number: 6240693
    Abstract: An interlocking and insulating form pattern assembly used in creating a wall structure for receiving a poured concrete. A first elongate form structure has a substantially rectangular configuration with a height, a length and a width. The first form structure includes a plurality of interiorly and arcuately formed walls which define in combination a first and second pluralities of interconnecting and vertically and longitudinally spaced and parallel extending concrete filling passageways. Tongue and groove portions are extend from first and second sides of each form structure and at least along selected oppositely facing surfaces so as to provide a stacking arrangement of a plurality of form structures to establish a desired height of the wall structure. The stacking arrangement sets upon a footing and receives a poured concrete to fill the vertically and longitudinally extending concrete filling passageways of the forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Gary L. Komasara, Vincent T. Alvaro
  • Patent number: 6240694
    Abstract: A structure includes a framework including frame members interconnected by hub members. The framework includes an inner surface and an outer surface. Cladding material is attached to the inner surface of the framework to form an enclosure or shell within the framework and maintain the framework exterior of the cladding material. This arrangement limits the collection of dust on the structural space frame elements due to the absence of the framework from the interior of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Geometrica, Inc.
    Inventor: Francisco Castaño
  • Patent number: 6240695
    Abstract: A pre-manufactured reinforcement structure comprising elongate side, top and bottom members connected by metal comer connectors into a rectangular frame and elongate brace members extending between the side members and forming, with the side members, adjacent triangular structures along the entire lengths of the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Meho Karalic, Arthur J. Paul
  • Patent number: 6240696
    Abstract: An anchor rod to be received in a bore filled with mortar mass including a connection region (2, 22, 32) having a plurality of axially arranged one after another, conical enlargements (4, 24, 34) a diameter of which increases in a setting direction and which are provided with circumferential sections (5, 25, 35) radially spaced from a longitudinal axis of the anchor rod (1, 21, 31) by a greatest distance, having a radius (r) smaller by from about 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm then a half of a nominal diameter of the anchoring region receiving bore, and extending, respectively, in a circumferential direction over an angle of up to 300°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ludwig, Erich Leibhard
  • Patent number: 6240697
    Abstract: An internally threaded insert anchor for use in poured concrete floors having a metal decking or a wood form is described which provides stability against skewing or misalignment due to rough action after being inserted into the metal deck or wood form, prior to the concrete being poured. Once locked into the concrete floor, the threaded insert anchor provides easy attachment for the support rods that carry the racks of utility, piping and ceiling grid systems for the building. Each threaded insert anchor is capable of accepting two different size rods or bolts with different thread cuts. The internal threaded apertures are protected from concrete intrusion during the pour by the plastic or metal sleeve. Moreover, the anchors are designed so that subsequent spraying of the ceiling with fire retardant or insulation foam will not penetrate into the threaded apertures, so as to prevent subsequent entry of the support rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: William J. Thompson, Keith L. Watkins