Patents Issued in June 19, 2001
  • Patent number: 6247177
    Abstract: An eyeglasses-held sun visor to provide sunshade to the face of the person. The eyeglasses-held sun visor comprises a visor, a headband, two pieces of flat, elasticized material, and four openings, two on the inside portion of the headband through which the arms of a pair of eyeglasses would be inserted, and one at each end of the headband through which the arms of said eyeglasses would exit, thereby securing said eyeglasses-held sun visor. The openings, along with the elastic nature of the material the eyeglasses slide under, secure the sun visor to the eyeglasses of a person thereby eliminating the necessity for any other apparatus to secure said sun visor to the head of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Ashley Marrell Hayes
  • Patent number: 6247178
    Abstract: The invention is an improved process for promoting bonding between parent and infant. The invention is also a garment for use with this process. The garment is a shirt made from scent-absorbing fabric. The shirt's sleeves and torso portion are secured together using hook and loop fasteners, allowing the sleeves to be detached. The parent wears the shirt for a period of time long enough for the shirt to absorb the scent. The parent then detaches a sleeve, using it or the torso of the garment to form an infant's blanket. After wrapping the infant in the blanket, the parent can then leave the infant in the care of someone else, and the infant will still be able to smell the scent of the parent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Victoria J. Bilda
  • Patent number: 6247179
    Abstract: A protective garment of the type typically worn by firefighters includes an improved liner assembly. The liner assembly comprises a lining fabric made from multifilament yarns in one weave direction and spun yarns in the other weave direction. The yarns are woven together to produce a first side of higher lubricity and a second side of lesser lubricity. The higher lubricity side forms an outer surface of the liner assembly to reduce friction otherwise caused by rubbing against adjacent surfaces, such as the firefighter's clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Safety Components Fabric Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey K. Underwood, J. Russell Hayes, T. Doyle Kelley
  • Patent number: 6247180
    Abstract: A display banner that may be attached to headgear and adjusted to provide weather protection for the back of the head, neck, ears and portions of the back and shoulders. It may allow the top of the wearer's head and hairstyle to remain uncovered, well ventilated and well groomed. Its shape and insertable supports enhance its inherent potential area for displaying promotional material and/or the preferred art of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Gordon Heinz
  • Patent number: 6247181
    Abstract: This invention provides a device designed to reduce head injuries among soccer players, and others who would not otherwise wear head protection. It integrates closed-cell foam padding into a traditional bandana form. Foam padding is sewn between layers of fabric in positions which will provide a degree of protection from rotational forces and from direct blows to the forehead, sides, and top of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventors: Karen J. Hirsch, Timothy J. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 6247182
    Abstract: A foot protector which is comprised of at least about 80 weight percent of a fabric material. The fabric material is comprised of at least 50 weight percent of stretch fabric, it is made from a two sheets of fabric, and a space between the two sheets of fabric is adapted to receive volatilizable material. A hole extends through the first sheet of fabric, and the hole has a diameter of less than about 0.3 inches. A volatilizable material is disposed within the space disposed between the two sheets of fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Hedy T. Tasbas
  • Patent number: 6247183
    Abstract: An infant sock capable of being securely attached to an infant's clothing to prevent loss includes a piece of material that extends past the cuff of the sock and is fastened to the infant's clothing in one of several ways. When infant clothing is selected that has snaps for easy diaper access, then the present invention makes use of these snaps for securing the material. One way to attach the sock is to shape the material extension into a loop and place the loop around the snap on the inside leg of the infant's clothing such that the male and female members of the snap are closed and the loop is securely sandwiched between the snap. Alternatively, the piece of material extension can be fitted with a male and female member of a snap sewn on opposite sides. These snap members are then secured to the infant garment by mating the snaps from the garment with the snaps of the sock extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Danielle Haas-Laursen
  • Patent number: 6247184
    Abstract: A conformable pair of underwear including a central member positionable over a crotch area and backside of the individual. The central member has opposed forward and rearward ends. The central member is fabricated of a cotton-like material. A front member is secured to the forward end of the central member for positioning above the crotch area of the individual. The front member has a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge has a plurality of male fasteners disposed thereon in a spaced relationship. The second side edge has a plurality of female fasteners disposed thereon in a spaced relationship. A back member is secured to the rearward end of the central member for positioning above the back side of the individual. The back member has a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge has a plurality of female fasteners disposed thereon in a spaced relationship. The second side edge has a plurality of male fasteners disposed thereon in a spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Derrick Watts
  • Patent number: 6247185
    Abstract: A compressive elastic-tights orthosis with an abdominal portion, or compressive knit, having a waist, front, back and, and groin, and adjoining two leg portions of compressive knit, the abdominal portion having a substantially triangular starched front region extending inward from the waist to the groin and having little deformability by providing high-pressure elasticity in both lateral and vertical directions, whereby, when the orthosis is worn, the front region exerts substantially constant pressure against the abdomen, in opposition to deformation of the abdomen, and the two leg portions exert vascular pressure on the lower limbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Innothera Topic International société anonyme
    Inventor: Christian Gardon-Mollard
  • Patent number: 6247186
    Abstract: A helmet with ventilation arrangement comprises a housing, an inner honey-comb like impact resistant layer shaped to the head of rider, a protective covering spaced above and formed integrally with the housing, and a chamber enclosed by housing and protective covering being open to outside in the front side for introducing air therein. Chamber has a net strap in the front side for preventing foreign objects from entering and one or more inner channels being in communication with the inner space of helmet through a passageway. In riding a motorcycle, air may enter into chamber. Moreover, such fresh air flows through channel passageway, and honeycomb-like impact resistant layer so as to be in contact with every part of the head of rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: I-Chuan Huang
  • Patent number: 6247187
    Abstract: A swimming goggle model, comprising: two lens frames, each lens frame accommodating a lens, and a first joining unit and a second joining unit on two opposite ends. At least one round string, pulled in sequence through the first and the second joining units of the two lens frames, maintains an appropriate span between the two lens frames. A headband device is joined in series to the two joining units on the outside edge of the two lens frames. Using this structural characteristic, the user can adjust the span of the round string between two lens frames, to adjust the span of the nose bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 6247188
    Abstract: An adjustable shoulder pad particularly adapted for use by children for playing hockey and other similar sports. The adjustable junior shoulder pad is made of two main portions, namely a left-hand portion and a right-hand portion. These two main portions have front and rear panels interconnected together by a shoulder arch and these panels have respective overlapping surfaces. The overlapping surfaces of the front and rear panels have affixing means which allow interconnection of the right and left portions in accordance with different positions for allowing size adjustment of the shoulder pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Bauer Nike Hockey, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-François Béland
  • Patent number: 6247189
    Abstract: An inline sanitary conditioning system for a toilet or urinal system comprises a hollow body plumbed into a flush line between the flush valve and the bowl of the toilet or urinal. A cage is mounted to into a chamber in the body through which the flush water passes. A solid tablet comprised of a soluble sanitary conditioning material is retained in the cage so that actuation of the flush valve causes water to flow through the upper end of the body into the chamber to dissolve a portion of the solid tablet to form a sanitary conditioning solution which is delivered to the bowl of the toilet or urinal. Preferably, electronic sensing apparatus are provided to detect users of the urinal or toilet, count the number of users, and activate a signal to alert maintenance personnel of the need to replace the sanitary conditioning tablet after 2000 or more users (or any other number) have been counted or predetermined number of days have elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Waterbury Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Dean, Nicholas A. Velezis
  • Patent number: 6247190
    Abstract: A plunger assembly having a plunger portion and an elongated handle with a central bore. The plunger portion has a bottom opening sized for fluid communication with a drain opening. The top end of the plunger portion has a threaded opening sized to receive the threaded end of the elongated handle, and allowing for fluid communication with the central bore. A check valve assembly rests on an annular seat formed inside the bottom of the elongated handle proximate the opening formed in the top end of the plunger portion. The check valve serves to allow airflow into the top end of the plunger portion while preventing airflow out of the top end of the plunger portion to prevent undesired backflow. Further regulation of the air flow into the plunger portion is achieved by providing a cap, at the top of the elongated handle for selectively allowing airflow into and through the central bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher T. Rigopoulus
  • Patent number: 6247191
    Abstract: A sanitary system for a locomotive wherein the treatment tank is protected from freezing by the use of the heat available in the exhaust air removed from the toilet compartment. A sealed and insulated compartment is formed around the treatment tank, and a vent is connected between the toilet room and the insulated compartment. A suction line located at an opposed position in the insulated compartment is used to direct the flow of air from the toilet room, through the insulated compartment around the treatment tank, to the locomotive exterior. By eliminating the need for heat tracing of the treatment tank, this invention reduces the cost and energy usage of the locomotive sanitary system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gail L. Detar, Anne K. Eisert, Todd M. Kindel, Lamar K. Ledbetter
  • Patent number: 6247192
    Abstract: The invention concerns an economiser device for toilet tank comprising a plurality of stacked and ballasted base units (1), said base units (1) including a substantially prismatic hollow shape having, in operative position, an open top surface, the lateral surfaces of said base unit (1) comprising interlocking means (7, 8, 9) for co-operating to make said units (1) mutually integral, whereof the width and the length is a multiple of a modular value M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Rita Bostoen
  • Patent number: 6247193
    Abstract: A flush toilet has a housing and a bowl set in the housing, having an upper rim, and having an inner surface extending downward from the rim. A ring atop the bowl has a plurality of nozzles spaced about the rim and each directed at an acute angle against an immediately adjacent portion of the inner bowl surface. Respective conduits have outer ends connected to the nozzles and inner ends. A supply feeds water under pressure to the inner ends and thereby directs streams of water from the nozzles against the inner surface. The conduits are all of substantially the same length between their ends so that pressure at the nozzles is uniform. These conduits are at least partially formed by flexible tubes. In addition each nozzle has an oval-shaped outlet opening and is directed at an acute angle of between 10° and 20° against the respective adjacent bowl portion and also at an angle of between 20° and 40° to vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Josef Riepl
  • Patent number: 6247194
    Abstract: A stairway for a swimming pool fabricated by a rotational molding technique having a set of stairs in its front face and a hollow reservoir therein that communicates with the pool. A separate box also formed by a rotational molding technique is attached to the back of the stairway and contains a pump. A filtering system is contained inside the stairway and is attached to the pump to circulate pool water therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Piscines Desjoyaux S.A.
    Inventors: Jean Louis Desjoyaux, Pierre Louis Desjoyaux, Catherine Jandros
  • Patent number: 6247195
    Abstract: A head structure is disclosed which includes a novel deck, bulkhead and overhead coating which prevents moisture, especially corrosive sea water, or salt atmosphere from reaching the underlying deck, bulkhead or overhead even if the surface of the coating is damaged or penetrated. The coating provides an attractive and highly durable surface which is easily cleaned and resists staining or discoloring. The novel coating in connection with the unique head design allows a head to be easily and rapidly cleaned and maintained a daily basis by simple wash-and wipe techniques requiring minimal crew involvement time. This permits crew members to be able to devote more of their time to education and productive endeavors rather than to maintenance. The head has a deck, bulkhead and an overhead, most or all of which are susceptible to corrosion in the salt water environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Corrosion Engineering Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen G. O'Brien, Paul C. Cassani, William A. Hall, John L. Cuzzocrea, Pasquale J. Russo, Douglas P. Tibbitts
  • Patent number: 6247196
    Abstract: A bogie construction includes at least two stiff axles interconnected by a rocking lever. The rocking lever is pivoted in its middle so that it can move in its longitudinal direction as a result of steering movements. The rocking lever is preferably connected to the bogie axle that turns the least, by a joint of an ear, and thus this axle determines the longitudinal displacement of the rocking lever. The rocking lever is connected to the other axles which turn more by suspension rods. A suspension rod pivoted below the axle is used, and thus the suspension rod can be made as long as possible. Consequently, the suspension rod tilts less as a result of the longitudinal movement of the rocking lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventor: Risto Jurmu
  • Patent number: 6247197
    Abstract: A brush assembly includes a distributor having a slot matrix formed in an outer surface of the distributor, the slot matrix including a plurality of longitudinal slots intersecting a plurality of annular slots. The brush assembly further includes a housing having an inner surface abutting the outer surface of the distributor, a brush mounted on the housing and a shaft. During use, the flow of liquid from the shaft to the housing flows through the longitudinal slots and annular slots of the distributor. By appropriately selecting the dimensions and numbers of these slots, the flow of liquid from the shaft to the housing is readily redistributed. For example, the flow of liquid is redistributed to provide a greater amount of liquid to the ends of the brush than to the center of the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Vail, Mike Wallis
  • Patent number: 6247198
    Abstract: For cleaning a wafer by a cleaning apparatus, a cleaning liquid is contained in a cleaning bath. Leaving two brushes open, the wafer is inserted to the cleaning bath, placed on oscillation and rotation rollers and retained by the rollers. The brushes are closed and the wafer is held by the brushes. Next, the two brushes are rotated while the wafer is oscillated and rotated by the rollers and so on. Furthermore, ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the cleaning liquid in the cleaning bath by an ultrasonic generator. Scrub cleaning with the two brushes and ultrasonic cleaning by ultrasonic vibrations are thereby performed on the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Kanji Kobayashi, Jun Kudo, Masao Yamaguchi, Shinya Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 6247199
    Abstract: A mop head with cleaning strands and a specially configured connector. Internal threading and dual channel openings are inset into the inner wall of the connector. A guide piece is positioned for rotatable movement adjacent to the threaded end of the handle which is to be threadedly engaged to the mop head, by means of the connector. The guide piece comprises two outwardly extending arm members and is held in position at the threaded end by a locking tab. The arm members are inserted into the channel openings as the connector is threaded into the threaded end of the handle. The rotational aspect of the guide piece permits continued screwing of the connector onto the handle's threaded end. However, the placement of the guide piece on the threaded end will not permit a mop head connector which is not configured with the dual channel openings from being threaded onto the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Petner
  • Patent number: 6247200
    Abstract: An apparatus on which scrapers for extensible machine slideway guards are mounted comprises a mounting frame consisting of a plurality of single lengths of section fitted together in pairs where the two lengths meet at one corner; and connecting squares having first contact faces which lie flat against opposing perimetric faces of the lengths of section. The lengths of section have a longitudinal groove in which the scrapers are retained and from which the scrapers extend outwards towards a contiguous slideway. The squares are positioned on the frame close to the corners and comprise second faces that are in contact with the scrapers and that, together with the perimetric faces of the lengths of section, form a gap contiguous to the squares. The ends of two adjacent scrapers are held together firmly and permanently within this gap. The invention also relates to a method for constructing the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: P.E.I. Protezioni Elaborazioni Industriali S.r.l.
    Inventor: Walter Goldin
  • Patent number: 6247201
    Abstract: A rear wiper blade protective device including a cylindrical tube having an open first end and a closed second end. The open first end is dimensioned for receiving the rear wiper blade therein. A pair of suction cups are coupled with respect the cylindrical tube whereby the suction cups can be adhered to the rear windshield with the rear wiper blade positioned within the cylindrical tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Nora McCray
  • Patent number: 6247202
    Abstract: A novel carpet extractor is disclosed having a first cleaning liquid conduit that communicates a supply reservoir with a cleaning liquid distributor via a first valve and a second cleaning liquid conduit that communicates the supply reservoir with the liquid distributor via a second valve. The first valve is actuated by a main trigger and the second valve is actuated by a surge button, both of which are conveniently located in the hand grip on the handle of the machine for propelling the machine over a floor surface. A first normal flow of cleaning liquid is obtained for normal cleaning by depressing the trigger and a second greater flow of cleaning liquid is obtained by depressing the button and the trigger simultaneously. A mechanism is preferably included that will open the first valve in the event an operator depresses only the surge button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Erik D. Lesco, David G. Mueller, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6247203
    Abstract: An improvement of the pop-up mechanism for an extendable handle of wheeled luggage is disclosed. The popup mechanism comprises an additional elastic device in the overlaying section of the sliding tube and the support tube for cooperating with a first elastic device and a fastening device. Once the push button is pressed by a hand the sliding tube locked by the pin of the push button is unlocked and thus the sliding tube moves downward a predetermined distance. In this manner, the hand pressing the push button previously will be able to leave the push button unattended. Then use the same hand to push down the sliding tube to its lowest locked position. As a result, the purpose of retracting the handle by a single hand is fulfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Kuo
  • Patent number: 6247204
    Abstract: A handle for use in conjunction with a trowel or other tool having a tang for joining with the handle. The handle is constructed of a pair of shell portions that mate together to form a handle body. Each of the shell portions have radially inward extending members, such as flat annular or washer-shaped members, that have central openings. The openings align when the shell portions are mated and receive the tool tang to lock the shell portions together. A series of spaced ribs on each shell portion mates with opposed ribs and with the tang to strengthen the handle body. The exterior of the body is covered with a two-part, generally resilient and comfortable grip or cover. The cover is formed by first injection molding a part of the cover on the body. Thereafter, the body is placed in a second mold to mold the second part of the cover. Both parts of the cover extend to the surface and provide a difference in color, durometer or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventors: Mike Hamby, Ronald G. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6247205
    Abstract: An apparatus for enabling hands-free use of a device for magnifying a long-distance event, such as binoculars, includes a base member, a first attachment member, and a second attachment member. The first attachment member is connected to the base member and is adapted to removably attach the apparatus to an article of headgear, such as a brimmed cap. The second attachment member is connected to the base member and is adapted to removably attach the apparatus to the magnifying device. The apparatus includes adjustable portions such as hinges so that the position of the binoculars may be adjusted by the user when the apparatus is attached to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventors: Jevan A. Damadian, John A. Linardos
  • Patent number: 6247206
    Abstract: A tightening device for a clamp in the form of an outwardly extending ear with outwardly extending leg portions interconnected by a bridging portion at their outer ends whereby the leg portions at least in their outer parts diverge from one another in the inward direction to provide at least one of two features consisting of increased tolerance range of a given clamp size and interactive feedback for the correct positioning of the clamping tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Paul M. Craig, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6247207
    Abstract: A collar bar that fits within the open collar of a shirt including a first elongated member sized in length to span and hold the open collar of the shirt. A first pair of clips, with one secured to each of the opposite ends of the elongated member, attaches the elongated member to the shirt to maintain the shirt in its open condition. A second pair of clips, each of which is secured to the elongated member near each of the clips of the first pair, secures the opposed lateral edges of the ascot to the collar bar to prevent the ascot from shifting as the knot loosens. The first and second pairs of clips may take various forms, or they may coincide, thereby serving both functions simultaneously, and the elongated member may be adjustable in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Ludwig C. Nitsche
  • Patent number: 6247208
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a simple, cost effective device for tightening a restraining device such as a belt, strap, rope or the like that requires very little space, and that can be easily operated to provide complete tightening of the restraining device, even when the restraining device is in a difficult to reach area. Exemplary embodiments can be configured as a unitary structure wherein arms of the unitary structure are each slotted and attached to a base of the unitary structure so that a belt can be easily inserted into the slots. The unitary structure can then be used to clamp the restraining device, such as a seat belt used to hold a child safety seat, in place. Tightening of the belt can be achieved through the use of a removable lever that tightens the belt with each rotation. Upon tightening of the belt to a desired tension, a secure locking mechanism, such as a nut, can be used to hold the belt in its tightened state without concern of belt slippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Cecil Creech
  • Patent number: 6247209
    Abstract: A capped rivet has a cap 10 with an exposed topside 14 and an inside 18 and further has a rivet part 20 with a rivet shank 22 and a rivet flange 24. The rivet shank 22 extends away from the inside 18 of the cap 10 and the rivet flange 24 extends transverse to the axis 23 of the rivet shank 22. The rivet flange 24 is firmly attached to the cap 10, and a reinforcing element 26 is arranged at the underside 25 of the rivet flange 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: YKK Europe Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Pferdehirt
  • Patent number: 6247210
    Abstract: The buckle includes a web adjustment member which further includes a first lacing bar, a second lacing bar and a third lacing bar about which webbing is laced. The first and second lacing bars are positioned relatively proximate to each other so that a pinch point is formed in the webbing proximate to the first and second lacing bars. This pinch point resists loosening of the webbing with respect to the buckle. A third lacing bar, which is relatively distant from the first and second lacing bars, maintains the pinch point during rotation of the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6247211
    Abstract: A medical tubing tethering device comprising a tether having a first proximal end and an opposed distal end. A first mechanism is supported adjacent the proximal end of the tether for securing the medical tubing tethering device to a desired object. The distal end of the tether has a second attachment mechanism for coupling a medical tube thereto to facilitate support of the medical tube once the medical tubing tethering device is supported by the desired object. The tether can be substantially helical so as to be capable of wrapping around the medical tube to tether the medical tube to the patient to prevent unwanted movement of the medical tube relative to the patient. The tether may also be a flexible strap with a pressure sensitive adhesive or a hook and loop touch fastener. The medical tubing tethering device can also be used in combination with a stand alone anchor to facilitate use with a wider range of coupling surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: MedCare Medical Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig J. Bell
  • Patent number: 6247212
    Abstract: A device for retaining solids in a drinking glass comprising a clamp connected to a grid via a hinge. The clamp and grid are initially positioned flat but upon rotation of the hinge, the clamp and grid are positioned perpendicular to each other for use. The flat configuration makes manufacturing and shipping easier and less expensive. Upon rotation of the hinge, the clamp and grid are locked into the perpendicular position via interlocking elements on the clamp and grid. The grid prevents solids in the glass from traveling with the liquid as the glass is being tilted, thus eliminating spills and discomfort to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Angel Manuel Graña Iglesias
  • Patent number: 6247213
    Abstract: A buckle body, flat cylindrical in shape, includes an upper plate, a lower plate and side walls. The buckle body has at its one end an insertion opening, and at its other end a belt-mounting part. Each of the opposite side walls has an opening to form engaged portions. A projection projecting from a central portion of the upper plate at the side of an insertion opening project above a belt passage of the insertion body. The insertion body has a belt-fastening portion, a belt-folding portion, the belt passage, and a base portion which are arranged from one end to an inner side thereof and extend between side frames. The base portion has at its opposite sides operating portions, which have at their intermediate portion engaging portions so as to engage/disengage from the buckle body. Even when the belt on the insertion body loosens while the buckle is used, the belt is prevented from loosening by the projection, and the length of the belt can be adjusted by obliquely lifting up the engaged buckle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoichiro Uehara
  • Patent number: 6247214
    Abstract: The invention provides a fastening device for releasably securing two lace ends (3) together. The fastening device comprises a body including first and second members (11, 12) having a passage through which the lace ends can pass. The passage may include aperture means (25). The device also comprises a gripping means associated with the passage for gripping the lace ends in a manner which allows movement of the lace ends through the passage but selectively resists reverse movement. The gripping means are typically defined by the first and second members (11, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Elias John Hyde
  • Patent number: 6247215
    Abstract: Methods of forming a printed multicolor synthetic pile fabric having a substrate and pile formed of fibers arranged in random groups extending essentially unifomn-y across the entire width and along the entire length of the fabric are disclosed. The methods can be utilized to form fabrics wherein each of the above-mentioned groups comprises a random number of fibers extending at angles and in directions that randomly vary from the angles and directions of the fibers in adjacent groups. The methods can involve washing griege goods for selected times and at selected temperatures so as to randomly re-orient the fibers forming the flocked surface of the fabric. In preferred embodiments, the fabrics are printed after fiber re-orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Microfibres, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Van Alboom, James R. McCulloch
  • Patent number: 6247216
    Abstract: A device for disassembling a universal joint for removal of the connecting member of a universal joint with minimal effort. The device for disassembling a universal joint includes the universal joint having a generally cross shaped connecting member with two pairs of ends. Each of the ends has a cap thereon. The connecting member connects two arms. Each of the arms has an end that is U-shaped. Each portion of said U-shaped end has a bore therein for receiving an end of the connecting member. The device has a frame. The frame has a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A bore for insertion of a cap of the connecting member is in the second side wall. A pressing assembly urges the ends of the arms against the second side wall of the frame. The pressing assembly has a pump portion and an extendable arm such that the extendable arm extends away from the pump portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Willard B. Rader, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6247217
    Abstract: A puller jaw positioning cam regulates the relative inclination of puller jaws on a puller assembly, typical to slide hammers. The cam has a first end and a second end. Extending through the cam from the first end to the second end is an attachment means for operating the cam about the shaft of a puller assembly. The first end of the cam provides a series of guide elements which communicate with the puller jaws. Rotation of the cam causes the inclination of the puller jaws to change relative to the shaft and each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Gary Hartman Kilgore
  • Patent number: 6247218
    Abstract: A method of connecting a window pane 1 to a window lifter 3 disposed in the door body 20 of a motor vehicle door 2 wherein, before connection, the motor vehicle door 2 and the window pane 1 are rotated by approximately 180° around an axis running through the surface of the motor vehicle door 2, and the window pane 1 is positioned below the door body 20 in an upside down position. The door body 20 and the window pane 1 are aligned relative to each other for connection of attachment points of the window pane 1 with attachment elements 33, 34 in the door body 20, and the distance between the attachment points and the attachment elements is reduced until a predefined final position is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG Coburg
    Inventors: Christian Saunus, Jörgen Sträng
  • Patent number: 6247219
    Abstract: This invention relates to method for fabricating a vehicle hub, bearing and brake disc assembly wherein the brake surface of the brake disc is oriented in a predetermined relationship relative to the outer race of the bearing assembly. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a vehicle hub including a hub flange; (b) providing a bearing assembly having an outer race; (c) installing the bearing assembly about the vehicle hub; (d) providing a separately formed brake disc having a brake surface; (e) securing the brake disc to the hub flange of the vehicle hub to produce a vehicle hub, bearing and brake disc assembly; (f) supporting the vehicle hub, bearing and brake disc assembly on a machining apparatus; and (g) using the machining apparatus to machine the brake surface of the brake disc of the vehicle hub, bearing and brake disc assembly whereby the brake surface is oriented in a predetermined relationship relative to the outer race of the bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Vince J. Austin, Glenn Kochan, Raymond C. Rapisardi
  • Patent number: 6247220
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a casing having tubular screw posts includes injection molding a resin composition in a mold to form the casing by introducing a pressurized gas into the resin composition through gas supplying pins to form hollow parts in the resin composition, providing the gas supplying pins with an outer diameter conforming to an inner diameter of the tubular screw posts, positioning the gas supplying pins in a mold at preset locations where the tubular posts must be formed, forming bores in the preset locations by removing the gas supplying pins from the preset locations before the resin composition is hardened, and providing internal screw members in the bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Quanta Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Liang
  • Patent number: 6247221
    Abstract: A process for sealing a ceramic filter by infiltrating a metal into an end of the filter. The process includes the steps of contacting the end of a porous ceramic filter with a molten metal, whereby the metal enters into the ceramic matrix to substantially fill the void space. The ceramic filter is cooled to form a filter having a ceramic-metal composite portion. The present invention also provides a filter having an infiltrated metal seal. Methods for joining infiltrated ends are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Coors Tek, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus A. Ritland, Dennis W. Readey, Richard N. Kleiner, Jack D. Sibold, Kyle Knudson, Steven Landin, Paul Thoen
  • Patent number: 6247222
    Abstract: A method for casting a plastic die including constructing an open ended container having a floor configured to the desired contour shape of the die. A plurality of elongated cores having tapered and arcuate peripheral edges are spaced within the container and secured in place by traversing members. A cavity is formed in the container therebetween for the injection of hardenable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Plasco Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Zuccarini
  • Patent number: 6247223
    Abstract: A fractional horsepower motor has a thrust bearing assembly mounted on the motor shaft to dampen the axial movement of the shaft. The assembly includes a thrust collar formed of resinous material and a thrust plate formed of metal with a wave spring positioned therebetween. Apertures in the thrust plate receive resilient hook projections formed on the thrust collar as a means for coupling the plate to the collar. Torque transmitting projections formed on the thrust collar engage notches formed in the thrust plate. The hook projections and the torque transmitting projections act together to capture and hold the wave spring between the collar and plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Arthur C. Keck
  • Patent number: 6247224
    Abstract: A method is described to prepare a highly textured oxide superconductor article in a single deformation-sinter process. A precursor article including a plurality of filaments comprising a precursor oxide having a dominant amount of a tetragonal BSCCO 2212 phase and a constraining member substantially surrounding each of the filaments is provided. Each of the filaments extends along the length of the article. The oxide article is subjected to a heat treatment at an oxygen partial pressure and temperature selected to convert a tetragonal BSCCO 2212 oxide into an orthorhombic BSCCO 2212 oxide and, thereafter, roll worked in a high reduction draft in a range of about 40% to 95% in thickness so that the filaments have a constraining dimension is substantially equivalent to a longest dimension of the oxide superconductor grains. The rolled article is sintered to obtain a BSCCO 2223 oxide superconductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: American Superconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Qi Li, Eric R. Podtburg, Patrick John Walsh, William L. Carter, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., Martin W. Rupich, Elliott Thompson, Alexander Otto
  • Patent number: 6247225
    Abstract: A cabled conductor comprises a plurality of transposed strands each comprising one or more preferably twisted filaments preferably surrounded or supported by a matrix material and comprising textured anisotropic superconducting compounds which have crystallographic grain alignment that is substantially unidirectional and independent of the rotational orientation of the strands and filaments in the cabled conductor. The cabled conductor is made by forming a plurality of suitable composite strands, forming a cabled intermediate from the strands by transposing them about the longitudinal axis of the conductor at a preselected strand lay pitch, and, texturing the strands in one or more steps including at least one step involving application of a texturing process with a primary component directed orthogonal to the widest longitudinal cross-section of the cabled intermediate, at least one such orthogonal texturing step occurring subsequent to said strand transposition step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: American Superconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory L. Snitchler, Jeffrey M. Seuntjens, William L. Barnes, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6247226
    Abstract: In a pickup head (1) for an automatic component assembly machine a house (5) is provided, which and a transmission (27, 29) is movable in a vertical direction (z-direction) by means of a drive motor (25) and is arranged on a horizontally (x-direction) movable wagon (3). The house (5) carries several pickup devices (11), which are movably mounted in the house and during the movement of the house (5) can be made to selectively accompany this in order to pick components. Therefor, the pickup devices (11) are resiliently biassed to a pulled down position by compression springs (21) and they can further be locked in an upper position by activating solenoids (31). These have locking pins (37), which during activation engage abutments (23) of each pickup device (11). The pickup head (1) can hereby, by driven by a single motor (25) simultaneously pick several components, what gives a quick picking function and hereby a quicker mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Mydata Automation AB
    Inventors: Marten Lundberg, Mikael Bergman, Ulf Weibahr