Windshield Patents (Class 296/84.1)
  • Patent number: 6769730
    Abstract: A windshield mounting structure includes A-pillars for mounting a windshield and frangible members provided at the A-pillars for supporting the windshield. When an object collides with the windshield from the vehicle outside, the frangible members deform or break, thereby causing the windshield to move in its entirety or in part inward into a passenger compartment, absorbing the impact in collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Okamoto, Yuji Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6767959
    Abstract: A filler containing adhesive is described that also in the presence of large amounts of conductive fillers such as low or non-oxidized carbon black shows good antenna impedance. Said adhesive is characterized by the presence of polycarbonate prepolymers, in particular prepolymers containing a group or formula I: wherein R represents linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic radical, a saturated or unsaturated cycloaliphatic radical, an araliphatic radical, or an aromatic radical with 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and n=1 to 8, preverably 2 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sika AG, Vorm. Kaspar Winkler & Co.
    Inventors: Bernhard Bosshard, Michael Schlumpf
  • Patent number: 6713178
    Abstract: A soda inclusive glass substrate is coated with a highly tetrahedral amorphous carbon inclusive layer that is a form of diamond-like carbon (DLC). In certain embodiments, the amorphous carbon layer includes at least about 35% sp3 carbon-carbon bonds, more preferably at least about 70%, and most preferably at least about 80% of the sp3 carbon-carbon bonds. The high density (e.g. greater than or equal to about 2.4 gm/cm3) of the amorphous carbon layer prevents soda from exiting the glass and reacting with water at surface(s) of the glass, thereby minimizing visible stains (or corrosion) on the glass. The high density amorphous carbon layer also may repel water. In some embodiments, the highly tetrahedral amorphous carbon layer is part of a larger DLC coating, while in other embodiments the highly tetrahedral layer forms the entirety of a DLC coating on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Patent number: 6696124
    Abstract: An adhesive compound is described that is formed using a specific adhesive system. Due to the specific adhesive system the disconnecting of the adhesive compound is considerably eased, which, in particular, is of great benefit for the quick removal of plastic windows in case of emergency. The specific properties of the adhesive compound are based on its specific structure. In the middle of the compound between the substrates a specific parting layer is installed by which the two substrates can be disconnected easily. The parting layer preferably is an elastomer that has an extremely high tenacity and an elongation at rupture of 500% up to more than 1500% and that shows a good adherence to the assembly adhesive so that the removal can be performed by stretching the parting layer whereby it constricts and thereby peels off from the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Sika Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Peter W. Merz, Thomas Wirz, Bernd Rudi Burchardt
  • Publication number: 20040021334
    Abstract: A windshield assembly having a windshield outer periphery and including a first transparent member, a second transparent member and a transparent interlayer disposed between the first transparent member and the second transparent member. The assembly includes an insert having a first portion and a second portion, and the insert extends a portion of the windshield assembly outer periphery. A portion of the first portion of the insert extends between the first transparent member and the second transparent member. An insert for a windshield assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Calvin B. Blevins, Shaun E. Jessup
  • Patent number: 6663158
    Abstract: Windshield retaining brackets having a generally S-shape configuration that are attachable to opposing roof structure supports of the roof of a golf cart. The S-shape is defined by a first outer transverse member, a first outer longitudinal member, a middle transverse member, a second outer longitudinal member and a second outer transverse member. The first outer transverse member, the first outer longitudinal member and the middle transverse member define a frame slot. The frame slot of the S-shaped retaining bracket is positioned about the roof structure support and a windshield slot defined by the middle transverse member, the second outer longitudinal member and the second transverse member is positioned within notches formed in the edges of the windshield to secure the windshield to the roof structure supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Tampa G Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry M. Showalter
  • Publication number: 20030227190
    Abstract: A windshield of a laminated glass curved to protrude toward the vehicle outside. An interlayer of the laminated glass is tensioned so that the windshield has a force acting to cause the entire laminated glass to flex toward a passenger compartment. The windshield is configured in its entirety to be flexible toward the inside of the passenger compartment, so that the impact of an object colliding with the windshield from the vehicle outside can be absorbed and impact received by the colliding object can be mitigated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Okamoto, Yuji Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20030200717
    Abstract: Flexible molding for use in eliminating a gap between a windshield and an opening, or a pane and an opening, is accomplished by a unique hinge groove between an exterior surface member of the molding and a seat member. By pinching the two members together, the channel that receives and attaches to the windshield is widened, making it much easier to attach the molding to a windshield. Also, inside the channel are one or more barbs that ensure good retention of the molding to the windshield or pane. The barbs also provide better gripping for any adhesive used in the channel when securing the molding to a windshield. Also provided are primer ridges for improved adhesion of the molding to the car body or other structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Nelson Guzman, John Kimball
  • Publication number: 20030200718
    Abstract: The double glazed panel assembly comprises a glass holder frame which includes an inner annular glass supporting surface and an outer annular glass supporting surface which extends along an outer periphery of the inner annular glass supporting surface in a laterally spaced relationship and is raised relative to the inner annular glass supporting surface, and the outer and inner glass sheets are supported by the outer and inner annular glass supporting surfaces, respectively. Therefore, the outer peripheral part of the outer glass sheet provides an inwardly facing surface (facing the corresponding glass supporting surface of the glass holder frame) that is available as a surface for bonding onto the glass holder frame so that the outer glass sheet as well as the inner glass sheet can be firmly attached to the glass holder frame, and a required integrity of the assembly can be ensured even though the panel assembly presents a flush outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Yachiyo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiyasu Ito
  • Patent number: 6636370
    Abstract: A windshield for a head-up display system has a pair of opposing major surfaces that are nonparallel to one another in selected areas. Light rays directed toward the nonparallel area of the windshield are reflected from the outer and inner major surfaces of the windshield and directed toward the eye of the observer as parallel or superimposed light rays to eliminate ghost images when viewing images projected by the head-up display system through the windshield. The interlayer blank utilized to make the windshield has a non-uniform thickness profile with a tapered thickness positioned in the selected areas of the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn E. Freeman
  • Patent number: 6619590
    Abstract: A connecting device for joining a windshield with a fuselage side frame of a viewing port of an aircraft, especially a cockpit frame of a helicopter. The connecting device includes a fastening element which is fixed into position on a section of a peripheral region of the windshield through a bore hole and into a congruent bore hole of the fuselage side frame and in a fastening part with a spring device. A peripheral slit filled with a sealant is arranged in a peripheral region between the fuselage side frame and windshield. The fastening part includes a retaining nut and a spring device which can be moved and guided within a seating element and connected with the fuselage side frame. The spring device is arranged between the retaining nut and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Wojatschek, Mark Drewe
  • Publication number: 20030155790
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-reflecting windshield that includes a laminated glass sheet and a detecting device for optically detecting a target object such as water droplets. The laminated glass sheet includes a first glass sheet, a heat-reflecting film formed on the first glass sheet, an intermediate film and a second glass sheet. The detecting device is disposed on a main surface of the laminated glass such that a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element in the device are arranged in a predetermined region of the main surface, and the predetermined region is rubbed by a windshield wiper. The heat-reflecting film includes at least three dielectric layers and at least two metal layers, and the heat-reflecting film is not formed in said predetermined region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Tatsuya Noguchi, Hideki Imanishi, Seiichiro Honjo
  • Patent number: 6582799
    Abstract: A laminated article is provided which is particularly well adapted for use as an automotive sidelite. The laminated article includes a first ply, a second ply and an interlayer located between the two plies, with the two plies and interlayer dimensioned such that the laminated article has a total thickness of about 4.0-6.0 mm, more preferably of about 4.0-5.0 mm. The plies are preferably heat strengthened glass in the thickness range of about 1.0-3.0 mm. The interlayer is preferably a plastic material, such as polyvinyl butyral, and has a thickness in the range of about 0.50-0.80 mm. A coating, such as a solar control coating or electroconductive coating, can be formed or deposited on one or more surfaces of the plies and/or interlayers. A method and apparatus are also provided for producing a laminated sidelite of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Edward Brown, William S. Cunningham, Michael T. Fecik, Vaughn R. Imler, Alana R. Zajdel, William B. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6551673
    Abstract: A vehicle glass includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposing the outer surface. A circumferential edge joins the inner and outer surfaces. The edge has at least, in part, a generally planar portion connected to the outer surface by an outer corner and connected to the inner surface by an inner corner. The planar portion is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the outer surface. Furthermore, the outer corner also has a radius less than one half the thickness of the vehicle glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Yamamoto, Akihiko Kuribayashi, Michael Peterson, Antoine Kmeid
  • Patent number: 6495261
    Abstract: Glazing Panels suitable for vehicle windscreens comprise a solid coloured obscuration band (24) around the perimeter, a fade out band (26) extending inwardly therefrom and a multilayer transparent infra-red reflective and/or absorbing coating (28) have the outer edge of the coating positioned so as to lie within the fade out band (26). The panel reduces reflection caused by the transition between coated and uncoated areas of the glass. The panels may be laminates or bilayers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Societa Italiana Vetro - SIV - S.p.A
    Inventors: Giovanni Gagliardi, Sergio Castellano
  • Publication number: 20020074775
    Abstract: An air bag assembly for use in a vehicle at a location exterior to the passenger compartment. The air bag assembly includes an inflator for discharging inflation gas and a gas receiving expansible air bag cushion disposed in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon release of inflation gas from the inflator, the air bag cushion is deployed across a region immediately below the windshield of the vehicle as well as over the lower portion of the windshield and adjacent frame pillar elements surrounding the windshield. The extent of coverage over the windshield is such that the vehicle operator retains a degree of visibility over the deployed air bag cushion after deployment has taken place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Shawn Gregory Ryan
  • Patent number: 6391400
    Abstract: This invention pertains to coated polymer sheets which are useful as visibly transparent heat reflective thermal control films and which are suitable for use in glazing applications. The coated polymer sheets are characterized by a high transmission of visible radiation (i.e., visibly transparent) and a high reflectance at one or more near infrared radiation center wavelengths (i.e., heat reflective), and rely primarily on the interference effects of the dielectric layers to achieve these results. More specifically, the present invention pertains to thermal control films comprising (a) a thin flexible polymeric sheet having a first face and an opposite second face and a thickness of from 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas A. Russell, Michael L. Fulton
  • Patent number: 6361849
    Abstract: A bent glass sheet for a vehicle window of the present invention has a roughened region for eliminating distortion of transmitted light through the bent glass sheet. The bent glass sheet comprises a main surface surrounded by an edge of the bent glass sheet and the main surface has a smooth transparent region. The main surface also has the roughened region that covers at least a portion of a peripheral region of the main surface and in the portion of the peripheral area the roughened region extends at least 3 mm from the edge of the bent glass sheet. The roughened region covers an area in which the transmitted light are distorted. Therefore, the discomfort of passengers due to distortion of transmitted light is relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoichi Shukuri, Kazuo Yamada, Takahiro Shimomura
  • Publication number: 20020027371
    Abstract: A thermally energy efficient vehicle includes a vehicle structure having generally interconnected structural members that form a frame for the vehicle and generally planar interconnected panels that define a shape of the vehicle. The thermally energy efficient vehicle also includes a low transmittance glass window positioned within the vehicle structure which increases a thermal resistance of the vehicle and an energy efficient thermal management system that provides exterior thermal management and interior thermal management for the vehicle, such that the energy efficient thermal management system consumes less thermal energy as a result of the increased thermal resistance of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Paul Gielda
  • Patent number: 6340200
    Abstract: A pillar outer of a front pillar of an automotive vehicle comprises a stiffener and a flange portion connecting to a pillar inner. A peripheral portion of a windshield is fixed to a front face (a face orienting outwardly of the vehicle) of the flange portion via a plastically deformable member which can be deformed easily and plastically when a load is applied thereto in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. When an impact generated when an obstacle comes to interfere with the windshield is transmitted to the plastically deformable member, the plastically deformable member is easily press collapsed by the load, and the impact that is to be received by the windshield and the obstacle can be absorbed through the impact absorbing action. In addition, since the front face of the peripheral portion of the windshield is disposed flush with an outer wall portion of the pillar outer, a connecting portion between the two members is made flush with those members to thereby reduce the air drag thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouji Enomoto, Suguru Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6336611
    Abstract: A collapsible panel forming a separation structure between a generally closed inner environment and an outer environment, for instance consisting of a motorvehicle stratified window, incorporating within its mass at least one explosive charge to which an igniter/detonator device is operatively associated to produce detonation of the explosive charge so as to shiver the panel in a controlled way substantially within the plane thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Certime Amsterdam B.V.
    Inventor: Luciana Collinucci
  • Patent number: 6312811
    Abstract: The photochromic compounds of the invention correspond to the formula: in which Th2 represents a bithienyl group in one of the positions 5 to 10 of the naphthenic ring system system, R1 denotes a bithienyl or trithienyl group and R2 denotes a bithienyl, trithienyl, aryl, naphthyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl or N-alkylpyrrolyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Essilor International Compagnie Generale d'Optique
    Inventors: Michel Frigoli, Nicole Rebiere-Galy, Corinne Moustrou, Andre Samat, Robert Guglielmetti
  • Patent number: 6280847
    Abstract: An intrusion resistant laminated glazing, suitable for automotive use, comprises an impact resistant ply of rigid thermoplastic polyurethane sensitive to ultra-violet radiation and, outside said ply, an ultra-violet absorbing or reflecting ply. The ultra-violet absorbing ply may be of thermoplastic polyurethane interlayer material which serves to bond the rigid thermoplastic polyurethane ply to outer glass plies. By using interlayer materials of low modulus to bond the rigid thermoplastic ply to outer glass plies, a product with good impact resistance and intrusion resistance is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Pilkington PLC
    Inventors: Philip Harold Corkhill, Malcolm Francis Green, Neil Winstanley, Paul Arthur Holmes
  • Patent number: 6280826
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bulletproof glass window, in particular for use as a lowerable side window of a motor vehicle, with plural glass panes (1, 3, 5) arranged in layers and laminates (2, 4), with at least one laminate being positioned between two adjoining glass panes in each case, in order to join the two glass panes, with a grading or stepped portion that is formed at the edge of the bulletproof glass window and with a projection (8) for lodging the bulletproof glass window in a chassis (14) or door frame, and with a metal armoring which, in the area of the projection (8), at least covers the inner surface of the projection, in the area of the grading or stepped portion a recess (12) being formed on the face, and the metal armoring (6) extending into the recess (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Isoclima GmbH
    Inventors: Herwig Wöll, Siegfried Stranner
  • Patent number: 6263627
    Abstract: An outside edge of a glass pane and a coextensive inside edge of a frame are connected together by a glass-mount assembly having a T-section outer seal strip fixed to an inner face of one of the edges and having an inwardly projecting T-leg and a U-section inner seal strip fixed to the other edge and forming an outwardly open groove snugly receiving the T-leg, and a plurality of screw fasteners each having a part bearing outward on the inner seal strip and a shank engaged in the T-leg of the inner seal strip. The outer strip is provided with a plurality of inwardly open threaded sleeves each receiving a respective one of the shanks. These sleeves can be part of one or more metal reinforcement profiles imbedded in the outer strip. Alternately the screw fasteners are self-tapping screws and the outer seal strip is formed with a plurality of inwardly open blind bores each receiving a respective one of the screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Parat Automotive Schonenbach GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Schönenbach, Heinrich Krieg, Martin Windpassinger
  • Publication number: 20010006734
    Abstract: A heat-treatable coated glass article comprises a substantially transparent substrate with a substantially transparent dual-function coating on a surface of the substrate. The coating provides low emissivity and high anti-solar performance properties. It comprises a first anti-reflection layer of dielectric material, preferably tungsten oxide. An infra-red reflective layer of silver metal and/or copper metal overlies the anti-reflection dielectric layer. A buffer layer, such as a chromium buffer layer, is positioned between the anti-reflection layer and the infra-red reflective layer. Also, optionally, a color control layer may be used, preferably being positioned between the anti-reflection layer and the substrate. A second buffer layer directly overlies the infra-red reflective layer. A second anti-reflection layer overlies the second buffer layer. In accordance with a method of manufacturing the coated article, each of the layers of the coating is deposited in turn by D.C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventor: Hulya Demiryont
  • Patent number: 6254166
    Abstract: A windshield assembly for a motorcycle. The shield includes a fixed portion and a movable portion. The movable portion moves within slots in the frame and the movable portion. A compressive force is releasably applied to hold the movable part in place, and to allow it to be moved. The assembly is held in place by mounting brackets which cooperate with locking brackets, and these attach to docking points on the cycle. The brackets or parts thereof may be frangible, wholly or in part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Barry A. Willey
  • Patent number: 6241304
    Abstract: A vehicle window for mounting in an aperture in a vehicle body includes a glass pane having inner and outer faces provided with a polymer profile extending along at least a substantial part of at least one edge of the pane and adhering to the inner face thereof. The profile projects a predetermined distance from the inner face, and includes structure for locating the window relative to the aperture during assembly of the vehicle, wherein at least part of at least one edge of the pane is free of the at least one polymer profile. Optionally, the window may additionally include at least one preformed finishing member extending along an edge of the pane, and/or at least one polymeric distance piece for spacing the window from the vehicle bodywork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Pilkington Automotive UK Limited
    Inventor: Mark Robert Frost
  • Patent number: 6224136
    Abstract: A flange having a first flange close to a roof panel and a second flange close to roof rail which are mutually overlapped with each other is disposed in a peripheral edge of an opening portion of a vehicle body. A peripheral edge of a window shield panel is bonded on the flange. A spacer inserting port open in both ends is provided between the first flange and the second flange. A first spacer has an inserting portion, a first engaging portion and a locating hole. The inserting portion is inserted into the spacer inserting port from one of the openings, whereby the first spacer is fixed to the flange and the first engaging portion and the locating hole are exposed from the flange. The second spacer is fixed to a peripheral edge of the window shield panel. The second spacer has a second engaging portion engageable with the first engaging portion and a locating pin insertable into the locating hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Takagi
  • Patent number: 6190776
    Abstract: A heat-treatable coated glass article comprises a substantially transparent substrate with a substantially transparent dual-function coating on a surface of the substrate. The coating provides low emissivity and high anti-solar performance properties. It comprises a first anti-reflection layer of dielectric material, preferably tungsten oxide. An infra-red reflective layer of silver metal and/or copper metal overlies the anti-reflection dielectric layer. A buffer layer, such as a chromium buffer layer, is positioned between the anti-reflection layer and the infra-red reflective layer. Also, optionally, a color control layer may be used, preferably being positioned between the anti-reflection layer and the substrate. A second buffer layer directly overlies the infra-red reflective layer. A second anti-reflection layer overlies the second buffer layer. In accordance with a method of manufacturing the coated article, each of the layers of the coating is deposited in turn by D.C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Turkiye Sise Cam
    Inventor: Hülya Demiryont
  • Patent number: 6186578
    Abstract: A window pane fixed to an automobile via a peripheral joint forms at least a part of a wall defining a cabin of the vehicle. The window pane, at the peripheral joint, is constructed so as to eliminate at least one mode of acoustic radiance from the pane to a cavity defined by the cabin when the pane is excited by an acoustic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Gilles Garnier, Marc Rehfeld
  • Patent number: 6180247
    Abstract: A thermally insulating coating system for curved and/or hardened glass panes includes at least one layer of noble metal enclosed by a lower and an upper blocker layer. An underoxidic NiCrOx layer with a thickness between one Å and two nm is embedded into the noble-metal layer. The advantage is that the optical qualities of the coating system are not influenced by the tempering and curving of the glass pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Leybold Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Szczyrbowski, Manfred Ruske, Anton Zmelty
  • Patent number: RE38272
    Abstract: An attachment device (1) secures an enclosure to the roof frame (2) of a golf cart has a sleeve portion which wraps around the frame (2) and is secured by zipper teeth (9). An optional flap (14 15) extending from the sleeve portion has attachment means to secure an enclosure. Opening slots (13) in the flap allow windshield opening release brackets (7) to be inserted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Annwil, Inc., a Fla. corp.
    Inventor: Roger F. Nation