Patents Issued in August 7, 2001
  • Patent number: H1987
    Abstract: The use of a specified molecular weight range of poly(alkylene ether)s, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG), and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), and end-capped poly(alkylene ether)s, as plasticizers for polyesters such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(propylene terephthalate) (PPT), poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT), poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN), and poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT), that are non-volatile during drying processes as well as during melt processing. Such poly(alkylene ether)s and end-capped poly(alkylene ether)s decrease the melt viscosity of the polymer matrix and depress the glass transition temperature, and thereby improve the processability of polyesters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Andrew E. Brink, Bruce C. Bell, Gerald T. Keep
  • Patent number: PP12030
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of a new and distinct interspecific mint hybrid ‘Neerkalka’ developed by sexual crossing between improved Mother plant Mentha arvensis (cv Kalka) and pollen plant Mentha spicata (cv Neera), which hybrid is propagated vegetatively by suckers or stem cuttings and is stable for commerical cultivation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Sushil Kumar, Nirmal Kumar Patra, Suman Preet Singh Khanuja, Ajit Kumar Shasany, Alok Kalra, Harikesh Bahadur Singh, Hemendra Pratap Singh, Ved Ram Singh, Nareshwar Mengi, Hasan Tanveer, Arif Ali Naqvi, Vijay Pal Singh, Kambod Singh
  • Patent number: PP12031
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘Eckabey’, characterized by its incurved and curled creamy white bracts; large cyathia clusters; late flowering, response time about 11 weeks, dark green leaves; tall and upright plant habit; and good postproduction longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Paul Ecke Ranch, Inc.
    Inventor: Franz Fruehwirth
  • Patent number: PP12032
    Abstract: A new variety of Magnolia grandiflora ‘Halehines01’ is characterized by a slow growth rate and compact habit with dense green foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Terry D. Hines
  • Patent number: PP12033
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Juniper plant named ‘Taylor's Blue’, characterized by its very low-growing, procumbent plant habit; unique silvery-blue leaf color; relative ease of rooting; and tolerance to low temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Hines Nurseries, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen Taylor
  • Patent number: PP12034
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Tibouchina plant named ‘Angyo Lavender’, characterized by its upright, somewhat outwardly spreading and open plant habit; reddish brown stem color; and large and unique lavender pink flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Hines Nurseries, Inc.
    Inventor: Tamotsu Masuda
  • Patent number: PP12035
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘Eckadela’, characterized by its bright red bracts; early flowering, response time about 8 weeks; freely flowering; dark green leaves; upright, mounded and very freely branching habit; and excellent postproduction longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Paul Ecke Ranch, Inc.
    Inventor: Franz Fruehwirth
  • Patent number: PP12036
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Double Impatiens plant named ‘Cameo Scarlet’, characterized by its extremely large scarlet-colored flowers; fully double flower form; freely flowering habit with flowers positioned above the foliage; compact, mounded, somewhat spreading, densely foliated, and freely branching plant habit; and large rounded dark green leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Oglevee Ltd.
    Inventor: Xenia Cascante
  • Patent number: PP12037
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Double Impatiens plant named ‘Cameo Light Pink’, characterized by its extremely large soft pink-colored flowers; fully double flower form; freely flowering habit with flowers positioned above the foliage; compact, mounded, spreading, densely foliated, and freely branching plant habit; and large rounded dark green leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Oglevee Ltd.
    Inventor: Xenia Cascante
  • Patent number: PP12038
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘Winpeach’, characterized by its incurved and curled light pink bracts; early flowering, response time about 8.5 weeks; medium green leaves; tall and upright plant habit; and good postproduction longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Paul Ecke Ranch, Inc.
    Inventor: Franz Fruehwirth
  • Patent number: PP12039
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Spathiphyllum plant named ‘Kalypso’, characterized by its large upright plant habit; large, rounded, dark green, shiny leaves; rapid growth rate; freely flowering; large rounded white spathes that are positioned above and beyond the foliage on strong peduncles; freely flowering; and long-lasting spathes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Milestone Agriculture, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Cornelis
  • Patent number: PP12040
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Angelonia plant named ‘Balangdeum’, characterized by its dark purple-colored flowers; upright plant habit; freely basal-branching habit; and dark green leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Ball FloraPlant, a division of Ball Horticultural Company
    Inventor: Scott C. Trees
  • Patent number: PP12041
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Double Impatiens plant named ‘Cameo Pink’, characterized by its extremely large rose pink-colored flowers; fully double flower form; freely flowering habit with flowers positioned above the foliage; compact, mounded, spreading, densely foliated, and freely branching plant habit; and large rounded dark green leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Oglevee Ltd.
    Inventor: Xenia Cascante
  • Patent number: PP12042
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘Winred’, characterized by its incurved and curled red bracts; response time about 10 weeks; thick, strong and stiff lateral branches; very dark green leaves with thick red purple petioles; tall and upright plant habit; and good postproduction longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Paul Ecke Ranch, Inc.
    Inventor: Franz Fruehwirth
  • Patent number: PP12043
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach ‘Prunus persica’ tree with the following combination of unique features that are desirable in a new variety. 1. Heavy and rugular production of fruit. 2. Production of very firm, white flesh fruit with good handling and shipping quality. 3. Fruit that will stay firm on the tree 15 to 17 days after maturity (shipping ripe). 4. Fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality. 5. Early season maturity of white flesh fruit. 6. Fruit with an attractive red skin. 7. Vigorous half-open growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Jung-Kyoung Lim, Sung-Hun Lim
  • Patent number: PP12044
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘Sole Mio’, characterized by its dark orange red-colored flower bracts; red-colored nectaries; dark green leaves; compact, upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; very freely branching habit; early flowering; and excellent post-production longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Paul Ecke Ranch, Inc.
    Inventor: Eduard Gross
  • Patent number: PP12045
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Anthurium plant named ‘Atwentyone’, characterized by its dwarf growth habit: high vigor; early and freely flowering habit; large spathes in proportion to the overall plant size; spathes held close to the foliage on relatively strong peduncles; bright red-colored spathes that doesn't fade under conditions of high temperatures and/or high light; and long-lasting spathes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Oglesby Plants Intl., Inc.
    Inventor: Marian W. Osiecki
  • Patent number: RE37306
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Shirai, Masahiro Ishida, Tetsuya Kuze, Toshihiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: RE37307
    Abstract: An ultra-thin composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material is a membrane which is defined by a thickness of less than 1 mil (0.025 mm) 0.8 mils and a microstructure characterized by node interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Bamdad A. Bahar, Robert S. Mallouk, Alex R. Hobson, Jeffrey A. Kolde
  • Patent number: RE37308
    Abstract: The cell is formed of a selection transistor, a detection transistor and a tunnel condenser. The detection Transistor has its own control gate formed with an n+ diffusion which is closed and isolated from those of the other cells of the same memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Paolo G. Cappelletti, Giuseppe Corda, Carlo Riva
  • Patent number: RE37309
    Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus for transferring a pattern formed on a mask onto a photosensitive substrate by a scanning exposure method, includes a light source for generating a light beam having a predetermined spatial coherence, an illumination optical system for receiving the light beam from the light source and illuminating a local area on the mask with the light beam, and a device for synchronously moving the mask and the photosensitive substrate so as to transfer the pattern on the mask onto the photosensitive substrate. A direction, corresponding to a higher spatial coherence of the light beam, is made to coincide with the direction of relative scanning an illumination area and the mask in the illumination area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiharu Nakashima, Masato Hamatani, Ken Ozawa
  • Patent number: RE37310
    Abstract: An arrangement for two side-by-side elongated lamps in a lighting fixture in which lampholders are alternately mounted on opposite sideplates or brackets of the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture has an inside dimension that is longer than the length of each lamp/lampholder combination by a length sufficient to prevent the distal end of each lamp from overlapping the exposed plug portion and the lampholder of any of the adjacent lamps. The lamps are tightly gathered, and are close enough together to simulate a hairline light source having an optical centerline coincident with the optical centerline of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvan R. Shemitz
  • Patent number: RE37311
    Abstract: On a semiconductor substrate of a first conductive type is formed a well layer of the same conductive type as that of the substrate in electrically separated that is, physically separated and electrically isolated, from the substrate, and a MOS transistor, used as a nonvolatile memory cell, forming a drain region and a source region respectively within the well layer is used as a memory cell. Well layers associated with different columns are connected to each other by a well wiring commonly so that operation voltage different from that of the semiconductor substrate is applied thereto. In the case of data erasing, prescribed positive voltage is applied to a well wiring, and prescribed voltage lower than said positive voltage is applied to a selected word line. In the case of data programming, prescribed negative voltage is applied to the well wiring, prescribed voltage higher than said negative voltage is applied to the selected word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka Kato, Tetsuo Adachi, Hitoshi Kume, Takashi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: RE37312
    Abstract: In a digital VCR, which carries out bit rate reduction coding of digital video signals for magnetically recording and reproducing the same, a plurality of blocks each including the digital video signal of a plurality of pixels are formed, and the digital video signals are encoded for each block. A code amount is controlled so that the code amount may be constant on the basis of one or more of the plurality of blocks, and encoding is carried out for correcting a possible error, whereby error correction blocks are formed. The error correction blocks are rearranged so that the error correction blocks included in the blocks, which are adjacent to each other in a screen, may be adjacent to each other on a recording medium, and the data for three rectangular regions, which are obtained by trisecting the screen with respect to the horizontal direction, may be recorded in corresponding three tracks. Thereby, mosaic deformation in a reproduced picture can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eiichi Takakura
  • Patent number: RE37313
    Abstract: A homogeneous, essentially nonaqueous adjuvant composition containing at least one spray oil selected from the group consisting of: (a) vegetable oils; (b) fatty acids and blends thereof; (c) esterified fatty acids or blends thereof; (d) saponified fatty acids or blends thereof; (e) N,N-dimethylamide of the formula RCON(CH3)2 (f) polybutenes of the following formula  a surfactant in an effective amount to emulsify said composition and a buffering agent in amount sufficient to reduce the pH to below about 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Helena Chemical Company
    Inventor: Johnnie Roberts
  • Patent number: RE37314
    Abstract: The compounds of the present invention inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase, and subsequently suppress the biosynthesis of cholesterol. And they are useful in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, and atherosclerosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Shionogi Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kentaro Hirai, Teruyuki Ishiba, Haruo Koike, Masamichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: RE37315
    Abstract: A flexible three-paths catheter provided with a balloon carries a sealingly sheathed radiofrequency radiating antenna, together with the shielded power supply cable and with some thermocouples, within a plastic lining surrounded by a flow of liquid; a second path carries the power supply cables of some outer thermocouples, flooded by the reverse liquid flow, while the third path allows a fluid to flow through for inflating the balloon. Introduction of the catheter into a hollow organ makes it possible to perform hyperthermal therapy of tumors by means of radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Medical Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Avigdor Lev
  • Patent number: RE37316
    Abstract: A synchronous LSI memory device, comprises memory cell array sections (BK1, BK2) each having a plurality of memory cells; a timing generating section (CLOCK MASKED SECT) for generating a first basic signal (CPOR) synchronous with a clock signal (CLK) and masked according to the status of a control signal (CKE); a signal generating section (SERIAL SYS CONTROL) for generating a second signal (CP) in synchronism with the first basic signal (CPOR) and stopping generating the second signal after a predetermined number of accesses or in response to a stop signal (MRRST, MWSTP, LADA, BSTP); and a control section (SHIFT REGISTER) for controlling the cell array sections (BK1, BK2) on the basis of outputs of the timing signal generating section and the signal generating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yuji Watanabe
  • Patent number: RE37317
    Abstract: The preparation and use of nucleic acid fragments encoding acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterase enzymes to modify plant lipid composition are disclosed. Also disclosed are chimeric genes incorporating such nucleic acid fragments and suitable regulatory sequences may be used to create transgenic plants with altered levels of saturated fatty acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: William Dean Hitz
  • Patent number: 6269485
    Abstract: A batter's lower leg protector product, including a lower leg protector for being custom-formed to the shape of a batter's lower leg while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The lower leg protector product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material. A flexible lower leg protector is positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The lower leg protector includes a leg portion shaped to provide, when in place on a batter's leg, protection to the front, lateral and medial aspects of the leg above the ankle and optionally-detachable ankle flap portions integrally formed with a bottom edge of the leg portion and shaped to provide protection to the lateral and medial ankle bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Parker Athletic Products, LLC
    Inventor: Louis J. Foreman
  • Patent number: 6269486
    Abstract: A laminated kidney shaped disposable garment shield for use with colored garments made of sheer and semi-transparent materials. The laminated shield has a first armpit facing layer made of a moisture absorbing fibrous cellulose material and a second garment facing layer which is laminated to the first layer made of a thin moisture impervious plastic material. The second layer has a color which has a low level of reflectivity and contrast with a colored sheer or semi-transparent garment. The shield is attached to the garment with strips of pressure sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Lois Nager, Eleanor Heyman
  • Patent number: 6269487
    Abstract: A glove is designed to not only increase the grip on a tennis racket, but one in which the wrist is maintained in relatively unflexed condition, so when the ball hits the racket, the return is straight and true. This is accomplished by providing a fabric palm and finger portion of the glove which is flexible and includes a roughened palm portion for increased gripping action and contact with the racket handle, but a relatively stiff wrist cover portion integral with the palm portion for precluding pivoting or flexure of the wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Barbara E. Schryver, Susan C. Upham
  • Patent number: 6269488
    Abstract: A headband apparatus and method of making for securing a headband on the head in such a way as to avoid twisting the headband while it is positioned on the wearer's head. The headband apparatus further provides an aesthetically pleasing hair enhancement for the wearer. The headband apparatus and method of making includes a headband portion attached at opposite ends to an elastic member which extends through the length of a covering member. The method of making provides a method of stitching the elastic and covering assembly so that the inelastic portion of the headband remains flat while on the head of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Marilyn Jurgensen, Tracy Wehrkamp
  • Patent number: 6269489
    Abstract: A hunting hood is described that can be worn on the head of a hunter, in both summer and winter. The hood has several comfort-providing features, such as an adjustable eye window and an attachable and detachable hinged flap for exposing an opening for the mouth of a hunter. These adjustable features allow the hood to be contoured to the face of each individual hunter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Bradley J. Heath
  • Patent number: 6269490
    Abstract: A deodorant and urine dispersing device for placement in a urinal and including a receptacle mounted on a flexible base pad having an opening for alignment with the outlet opening in a urinal and including vertically spaced urine dispersing filters each of which includes a plurality of rod-like members oriented in spaced, parallel relation with the rod-like members in the upper dispersing filter being parallel to the path of urine flow and the rod-like members in the lower dispersing filter being perpendicular to the rod-like members in the upper dispersing filter. Each of the rod-like members have a generally cylindrical upper surface and a lower edge defined by downwardly converging surfaces forming a V-shaped configuration with the lower apex defining a narrow edge to reduce capillary action and reduce splashing of urine when it engages the dispersing filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Michael F. Suski, Michael R. Suski
  • Patent number: 6269491
    Abstract: A combined receptacle and waterfall unit for a pool or the like includes a receptacle portion and a water dispensing unit positioned in a recessed portion of the rim of the receptacle. The water dispensing unit dispenses water like a waterfall laterally outward from the rim of the receptacle. The receptacle may be shaped to be used as a planter. A lighting device may be positioned on or near the water dispensing unit to illuminate the water being dispensed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Stefan T. Zankow
  • Patent number: 6269492
    Abstract: An automatic hair washer which has plural washing nozzles for spouting wash water to a head part, and includes a hot water storing tank for storing wash water, a hot water supplying pump for pumping wash water from the hot water storing tank and supplying the pumped wash water to the washing nozzles. Hot water supplying electromagnetic valves for controlling spouting of wash water from the washing nozzles by opening/closing operations thereof are also provided along with hot water supplying pump control for controlling output from the hot water supplying pump to change amounts of wash water supplied to the washing nozzles from the hot water supplying pump in correlation with the opening/closing operations of the hot water supplying electromagnetic valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Oohiro Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Miyoshi, Hirohisa Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6269493
    Abstract: A spa system which emp loys a removable drain cover. Removal of the drain cover will cause a proximity switch to turn off the circulation pump in the spa. In a preferred embodiment, the removable drain cover has a magnet attached to it and a magnetically actuable reed switch is attached to the drain body in proximity to the drain cover. Removal of the drain cover with the magnet attached will cause the reed switch to change state which opens a circuit controlling the operation of the spa pump thereby shutting down the spa circulation system. As a result, the spa circulation system cannot be operated without the drain cover in place. This reduces the likelihood of unwanted objects being drawn into the drain. Furthermore, should the spa user's hair become entangled in the drain cover or the drain pipe, the spa pump may be turned off by simply removing the drain cover thereby permitting the entangled user to be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Edwin C. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 6269494
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a plurality of anchoring plates (50), each with a series of holes (52) positioned on the anterior face of the plate and at right angles to it, close together, capable of accommodating a fastening screw (53) inserted in a respective through-hole (31) provided in the facing panel, and adjustable attachment assemblies each capable of fixing such a respective plate to the support structure, in such a way that the anterior face thereof is turned toward the inner face of the facing panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Alessandro Moretto
  • Patent number: 6269495
    Abstract: An adjustable drain apparatus to be positioned with a floor therearound. The drain has a drain channel, having an upper end to receive fluid, and a lower end to expel the fluid. The drain also has a base, positioned proximate to the drain channel, having a cavity to receive the fluid expelled from the lower end. Additionally, the drain has pivoting means, coupled to the lower end of the drain channel, for enabling pivoting of the drain channel relative to the base. Moreover, there is a securing means for pivotally securing the pivoting means to the base. Uniquely, the securing means comprises a pair of plates, each having an inner concentric substantially spherical surface designed to mate with the pivoting means and be coupled to the base. Also, the pivoting means comprises a ring having an inner surface that is attached to the lower end of the drain channel, and an outer spherical surface designed to smoothly pivot against the spherical surfaces of the pair of plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: C&D Innovations, L.C.
    Inventor: Chris Sondrup
  • Patent number: 6269496
    Abstract: The invention proposes a child's bed including at least one planar bed-framework element arranged perpendicularly to a lying surface. The invention also provides for at least one toy element to be integrated in the bed-framework element in a movable manner by means of guide members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Detlef Kuenkes
  • Patent number: 6269497
    Abstract: A waterbed mattress system for recreational vehicles and, in particular, to a waterbed system for a recreational vehicle having a cabin or sleeping area or space or flat or truck bed which includes a waterbed mattress which can be filled from a source of water internal or external to the vehicle through the side, wall or floor of the vehicle via a series of tubes and a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: William L. Renfro
  • Patent number: 6269498
    Abstract: A bed support mechanism. The mechanism includes at least two substantially identical L-shaped support members each including a top section and a leg section, the top sections being adjacently positioned to one another and each of the leg sections extending downward at opposite ends of the adjacently positioned L-shaped support members to support the bed. In the preferred embodiment, an adjustable foot is connected to the distal end of each of the leg sections to provide adjustment for beds of different heights. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the L-shaped support members are connected together by bolts and wing nuts which extend through a plurality of apertures spaced along the length of the top section wherein the apertures align at pre-selected positions along the length of the L-shaped support members for inserting the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Landon E. Perkins
  • Patent number: 6269499
    Abstract: A multi-axis positioner patient platform comprises a patient table and a base. A first actuator drive has a first end is connected to the patient table. A second end of the first actuator drive is connected to the base. Further, a second actuator drive has a first end connected to the patient table and a second end connected to the base. Finally, a third actuator drive has a first end connected to a common longitudinal position of the first actuator drive and a second end connected to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Yosef Amir
  • Patent number: 6269500
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wave generating apparatus for generating waves in for example beds, chairs and the like. In one aspect the device includes a motor driven crankshaft to which are attached several longitudinal beams. The beams mounted on the crankshafts are offset with respect to each other in such a way as to produce a phase shift between the beams. Each beam is provided with several links pivotally attached at one end to each beam and the links are spaced apart along each beam by a distance equal to the desired wavelength of the wave being produced. The other ends of each link is attached to a flexible membrane which forms a support surface of the bed or chair. The links from the different beams are interleaved at equal phase intervals so as to produce a transvers traveling wave in the flexible membrane so that a complete wave passes during each full rotation of the crankshaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Saringer Research Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Saringer
  • Patent number: 6269501
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a method for automatically positioning an object, such as a patient, on a movable table using pre-scan scout data. High and low edges and a center of the object are determined as a function of object position in a z-axis direction. At least one threshold is determined from which to determine whether to move the table. The table is automatically repositioned based on comparison of the thresholds to respective distances of the high edge, low edge and center of the object from isocenter. The above described method allows automatic and dynamic adjustment of the table height to a position that prevents over-range while allowing use of higher gains to reduce image noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jianying Li, Thomas L. Toth
  • Patent number: 6269502
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a method and apparatus for holding a pacifier 54 within a pacifier holder 20. In one embodiment the pacifier 54 is internally secured by means 52 within a rolled quilt holder 20 with the nipple 64 projecting from the rolled holder 20 having a means 62 for securing the holder 20. Additionally, methods are described for wrapping an infant 12 in a blanket 14 in such a way as to prevent movement of the arms and legs of the infant 12 so that the infant can properly access the pacifier 54 and holder 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Patricia T Exstrom
  • Patent number: 6269503
    Abstract: A diaper changing station is provided which incorporates voice and/or video instructions in any variety of languages and is activated by a motion detector, manual depression of a button or by lowering the changing platform to a position of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Koala Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Betker
  • Patent number: 6269504
    Abstract: An apparatus is configured to support at least a portion of a body thereon. The apparatus includes a cover having an interior region, a base located within the interior region, and a three dimensional engineered material located within the interior region above the base. The three dimensional engineered material and the base cooperate to provide support for the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Romano, Sohrab Soltani, Michael V. Bolden
  • Patent number: 6269505
    Abstract: A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: M.P.L. Ltd.
    Inventor: John W. Wilkinson