Patents Examined by Andrew C. Pike
  • Patent number: 5944113
    Abstract: A sprinkler has a body and a first nozzle on the body for spraying a liquid. The body also at least one second nozzle on the body for spraying the liquid at an oblique angle to the spraying of the first nozzle, an inlet in the body for receiving a supply of the liquid, and a spindle in the body for communicating with the inlet to stop the supply of the liquid from the inlet to the nozzles in a standby mode. The spindle is releasable for movement in a direction for releasing the supply of the liquid to the nozzles, and a release device on the body engages the spindle for releasing the movement of the spindle. Portions of the spindle are on opposite sides of the nozzle in the standby mode for at least partial balancing of pressure of the supply of the liquid from the nozzles on the spindle and, thereby, the release device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Goran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 5944455
    Abstract: In the case of a device for the discharge of flowable material from flexible and more particularly sack or bag like containers through the use of a discharge aspiration device adapted to be introduced from above into the container, lifting tackle is provided able to be brought into holding engagement with a top edge part of the container. The lifting tackle comprises an annular or polygonal holding frame which is able to be moved in a vertical direction by attachment to a reciprocating device and on which the holding elements are secured. The holding frame has a smaller diameter than the container so that the top edge part of the container is drawn radially inward as the container is drawn upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Klaus Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 5941596
    Abstract: A vehicle body support frame structure includes pillar portions supporting an upper decking portion of the structure and mounting associated glazing panels. The pillar portions are constructed from a light-transmissive structural material that provide the needed support to the upper decking portion and glazing panels while allowing light to be transmitted through the pillar portions so as not to obstruct the view of an operator of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Brian See
  • Patent number: 5938265
    Abstract: A vehicle seat structure comprises: a connecting member which connects an outer side reclining apparatus in a widthwise direction of a vehicle and an inner side reclining apparatus in the widthwise direction of the vehicle to be interlocked with one another; a reinforcing member which is tubular and is provided adjacent to the connecting member, one end portion of the reinforcing member being fixed to a structural member of the outer side reclining apparatus and another end portion of the reinforcing member being fixed to a structural member of the inner side reclining apparatus; and deformation direction control apparatus for deforming the reinforcing member in a direction other than a direction in which a seating space of a vehicle occupant becomes narrower, when a side collision load is larger than a buckling load of the reinforcing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Oyabu, Manabu Hashimoto, Masaharu Tanino, Sadao Ito, Haruo Kato
  • Patent number: 5934379
    Abstract: A fire hazard is automatically detected and a fire is prevented or extinguished in an automotive vehicle upon such vehicle being involved in a collision. The vehicle has an air conditioning system including a container and employing CO.sub.2 as a refrigerant. The occurrence of a collision is detected by an impact sensor. In response to detection of the collision by such a sensor, a processing/control unit opens a valve in a line connected to an outlet at or near a bottom of the container. Thereby, the CO.sub.2 refrigerant is released substantially in liquid phase from the container and passed through the line and is discharged as a fire extinguishing agent into various parts of the vehicle, for example the engine compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro A.S.
    Inventors: Tom Wilhelm .O slashed.stlyngen, Bj.o slashed.rn Thron.ae butted.s
  • Patent number: 5931525
    Abstract: A vehicle headliner pull handle assembly is attachable to a vehicle interior sheet metal component which is covered by a head impact foam having openings formed therein. The assembly includes a pull handle body portion forming a grip and having first and second ends, wherein each end forms a peripheral edge. An extended attachment portion protrudes from each end and extends through one of the openings in the head impact foam for attachment to the sheet metal component. A headliner has the attachment portions extending there-through. A stabilizer plug is positioned over each attachment portion against the sheet metal component for providing strength to the assembly and for trapping the headliner against the peripheral edge of the respective end of the pull handle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Ted Rickabus
  • Patent number: 5931610
    Abstract: A fiber dispensing system for storing and delivering fibrous material includes a housing for receiving and storing the fibrous material and shapes supporting the housing. The housing has an activatable dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing the fibrous material from the housing. A control mechanism is electrically connected to the dispensing mechanism for receiving an activation signal to activate the dispensing mechanism. A load mechanism including load cells mounted to the straps and electrically connected to the control mechanism measures the weight amount of any fibrous material within the housing and transmits a weight amount data signal to the control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: ARR-MAZ Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Maurice Roger Rixom, Dale A. Ives
  • Patent number: 5931611
    Abstract: A ball cleaning system incorporates an object converger and diverter. The converger accepts objects from a plurality of inputs at a housing and uses a flexible tube to selectively connect each input to a single output. A motor, elongated member, and actuator move the flexible tube between inputs. The diverter includes a Y-shaped assembly, a solenoid, and a gate wherein the solenoid selectively moves the gate across the Y-shaped assembly so that objects passing through the Y-shaped assembly are directed down different branches of the Y. The actuator is a linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Intertech Corporation
    Inventor: Jack W. Worsham
  • Patent number: 5931523
    Abstract: A device encloses the border of the window of a motor vehicle. The device includes an elastic frame formed as an angled strip of a flexible, ductile metal or of a thermoplastic. The angled strip includes a leg portion projecting beyond the outer edge of the window. The leg portion turns inward towards the window and forms an encircling channel adapted to receive a trim strip. The angled strip is shaped such that a portion adjacent the planar surface of the window is spaced apart from the surface of the window to define a channel. The angled strip is provided with through-passages allowing the introduction of an adhesive or an adhesive plastic into the channel. The adhesive passes through the through-passages, into the channel, in the direction of the window surface to adhere the window to the angled strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Henniges Elastomer-und Kunststofftechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernhard Kreye
  • Patent number: 5931233
    Abstract: A two-phase fire suppression/protection method and system for structures and surrounding grounds includes a Phase1 and a Phase2. Phase1 is initiated first when a plurality of parabolic microphone sensors placed at the perimeter of the grounds surrounding the structure detect sound associated with an advancing wildfire. The parabolic microphone sensors provide a first signal to a system control unit which determines if a wildfire is advancing toward the structure. If a wildfire is identified, a filter and pumping system provides chemically treated water necessary to activate a plurality of parabolic volumetric distribution units located on the surrounding grounds. The distribution units generate a dome of high pressure cool air which encapsulates the structures and surrounding grounds for impeding the approach of the wildfire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Wildfire Protection Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul La Bonte, Wayne W. Spani
  • Patent number: 5927785
    Abstract: A "universal" liner for protecting the cargo area of sport utility vehicles and the like comprises four liner members selectively assemblable and disassemblable with one another by mating ribs and channels formed in the floor sections and outwardly projecting lips formed in the side wall sections of the liner members to allow them to be overlappingly assembled with one another to varying degrees to adjust the assembled lengthwise and widthwise dimensions of the liner to fit within the cargo area of substantially any such vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Paul A. Cantrell
  • Patent number: 5927908
    Abstract: A powder collecting and transporting device can collect powder left on a conveyer after the powder is sprinkled on cakes and bread into a laterally elongated powder container, and transport the powder in the container to a desired location by air suction. The device includes a hopper having an elongated powder discharge opening at its bottom portion and a cylindrical frame fluidly connected to the bottom portion. In the cylindrical frame, a suction pipe is rotatably provided. The suction pipe has an end portion in communication with a suction device. The suction pipe is formed with a slit at its peripheral surface. The slit forms a spiral line making one round along the longitudinal axis of the suction pipe. A part of the spiral slit is in alignment with the discharge opening to provide a suction port having small area for providing fluid communication between the hopper and the suction pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kikuchi, Takayuki Ichimura
  • Patent number: 5927406
    Abstract: A fire protection installation of the type comprising a normally dry network of sprinklers is, whenever the dry network of sprinklers is put to atmospheric pressure due to said network of sprinklers being opened, fed with water via a control station connected to a supply of water under pressure, wherein the network of sprinklers is evacuated and is normally maintained at a pressure that is lower than atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Maurice Kadoche
  • Patent number: 5921322
    Abstract: A telescopic high pressure sprinkler system is provided with a plurality of gaskets forming sliding seals between the piston and the outer conduit. Thus, the volume between the piston and the outer conduit forms a fluid chamber that is compressed as the piston is deployed so as to dampen the acceleration of sprinkler deployment. Furthermore, bleeder holes are provided to regulate the fluid chamber's compression while the gaskets provide a cushion when the piston comes to a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: The Curran Company
    Inventors: Douglas A. Bonfield, Stanley J. Zielinski, Joseph J. Roling
  • Patent number: 5921620
    Abstract: A retainer for horizontally suspended flexible material, such a headliner of a car, has an elongated support bar and one or more retainer pins engaged within one or more openings formed in the support bar. Each of the retainer pins has an arcuate portion with a sharp end that is adapted to penetrate through the flexible material and move the arcuate portion in a hook-like manner into engagement with the suspended flexible material. The support bar which has been securely engaged with the pins is moved into contact with the outer surface of the flexible material, preventing it from sagging and retaining it in a generally taut position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Robert M. Youens
  • Patent number: 5918681
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for vehicles includes a firing assembly for attachment to a container of fire extinguishing agent, a firing pin for penetrating the container to release the fire extinguishing agent, the firing pin being moved by an explosive squib or a solenoid, a conduit for carrying fire extinguishing agent to a discharge outlet, and a control system having a capacitor for pulse discharge of electric power to the control head to fire the squib or solenoid. The control box includes a three-position switch for firing the system, putting the system on automatic function, or deactivating the system. Other switches can include sensors for activating the firing pin in response to high temperature or vehicle impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Orrett H. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5915774
    Abstract: A system varies space of a vehicle having a first portion with occupiable space and a number of ground engaging wheels coupled to the first portion. A second occupiable portion is coupled to the first portion and configured to move relative thereto to adjust volume of an occupiable living space defined by both portions. A pair of support arms are coupled to the first portion which each have a bearing member engaging a guide of the second portion. Each bearing member is permitted to move relative to an axis perpendicular to an axis of travel of the second portion to relieve stress from forces acting on the system which are nonparallel to the axis of travel. The arms are positioned by an operator controlled positioning mechanism. In another system, an arrangement of telescoping arms is disclosed for positioning a first occupiable portion relative to a second occupiable portion. This arrangement includes an operator positioning mechanism with a rotatable member formed from a self-lubricating polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Kwikee Products Co, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Tiedge
  • Patent number: 5915887
    Abstract: Dust emission is controlled by a preferably short fill at the expulsion end of each chamber, and selective venting of residual pressure through the air-inlet end. This selective venting is accomplished through use of a novel seal or "pad" that has an extension for tightly covering and sealing the material-exhaust end of each chamber while the chamber is in a dust-control plenum. The pad extension is notched so that it leaves the air-inlet end uncovered, permitting pressure venting through the notch and the air-inlet end. To provide truly effective sealing of the pad extension against the wear plate above the chamber that is in the plenum, the extension is reinforced by a strong metal plate which is embedded in the pad. Careful contouring of the main material-conveying ports in the pad optimizes the performance. A new all-pneumatic pad-clamping pressure-control system has been found to provide excellent control of pressure and uniformity of wear, with a minimum of working parts and adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Reed Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Sulman, David J. Stoner
  • Patent number: 5913367
    Abstract: An aircraft penetrating nozzle comprises a penetrator which has a harden tip. The penetrator functions to open a passageway in a barrier or skin of an aircraft to permit the aircraft penetrating nozzle to pass thereinto. The penetrator is securely attached to a frustum which comprises a plurality of nozzles which disperse fire extinguishing fluids interior to the aircraft perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft penetrating nozzle and forward of the perpendicular. The frustum is securely attached to a shank which comprises at least one rotating nozzle which functions to disperse fire extinguishing fluid, in fog form, sideways to the aircraft penetrating nozzle which is fore and aft in the aircraft. The aircraft penetrating nozzle is attached to a boom and a fire extinguishing fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Hampton
  • Patent number: 5913642
    Abstract: A flap is disposed across the opening between an expansion chamber and an exhaust air duct to control the delivery of fiber tuft-laden air into a feed chute or chamber. The flap has two wings which pivot about a common pivot axis whereby as one wing increases the flow cross section from the expansion chamber, the other wing reduces the flow cross section. A pressure difference produces forces on both wings simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Rieter AG
    Inventors: Rolf Boehler, Lucas Hiltbrunner