Patents Examined by Gregory M. Vidovich
  • Patent number: 6484915
    Abstract: A transport container holder has a holding frame which is releasably engaged in a fastening frame forming a passthrough to the trunk of a motor vehicle. An actuating member pulls the tractive element which engages a pair of locking bars on opposite limbs of the fastening frame against springs which are attached at the other ends of the locking bar so that pins of the locking bars release the holding frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Peter Butz GmbH & Co. Verwaltungs-KG
    Inventors: Peter Butz, Wolfgang Sitzler
  • Patent number: 6484403
    Abstract: A method for converting a locomotive traction motor originally equipped with sleeve bearings to roller bearings is provided. The ensuing method includes removing all parts of the original motor leaving only the motor frame. Recesses are then machined in the motor frame at both the pinion end and commutator end. The recesses are sized accordingly, to receive the roller bearings, which have a larger diameter then the sleeve bearings. Upper and lower frame inserts, each having an additional mounting opening, are then mounted to the machined frame to increase the strength and stiffness around the machined regions. A replacement axle is then equipped with the roller bearings, a pair of labyrinth seals, a gear and a pair of wheels. A pair of bearing housings may then be placed over the roller bearings. Each bearing housings has a reservoir that when the traction motor is assembled, is in communication with the roller bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Magnus/Farley, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Macklin, Paul Bien, Roger M. Boor
  • Patent number: 6484385
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are for use in the manufacture of self-sealing reinforcement tie rods for reinforcing HVAC ducts, of the type including an elongated threaded rod having fastened inwardly of each end thereof an abutment structure comprising an elongated hollow tubular body having a bore therethrough for coaxially receiving the rod, the tubular body having a longitudinally inwardly located tubular crown portion for attachment to the rod, and a longitudinally outwardly located, radial outwardly protruding annular flange portion for abutting and bracing a duct wall. The apparatus includes a work plate having in the upper surface thereof a slot having a lower wall which slopes downwardly and radially inwardly towards the center of the work plate, on which are positioned a single file line of abutment structures, flange down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Eco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley J. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6484380
    Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes sheet dispensing mechanisms (34, 36, 38, 40). Each sheet dispensing mechanism includes a picking member (72). The picking member rotates, with each rotation generally causing one sheet to be picked from a stack (42) of sheets. The picking member includes movable engaging portions supported on arcuate segments (128, 144). The engaging portions move radially outward to apply additional moving force to an end note bound in the stack responsive to movement of the picking member exceeding the movement of the end note. Sheets are carried in the machine by a transport (54) including a plurality of belt flights (174, 176, 178). Sheets are carried between the belt flights and projecting member portions (180, 182). At least one of the belt flights includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced projections (194, 200, 204, 207) on a sheet engaging surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, Thomas A. VanKirk
  • Patent number: 6484382
    Abstract: A method of providing an internal circumferential shoulder in a cylindrical passageway including the steps of forming an enlarged internal diameter groove in the passageway, machining an integral unitary circumferential shoulder blank of external dimensions conforming to the groove, cutting the shoulder blank into at least segments, each segment having opposed end surfaces that match the end surfaces of adjacent segments, the opposed end surfaces of one segment being defined by parallel, spaced-apart planes forming a key segment, positioning the shoulder segments into the groove, the key segment being inserted last and securing the key segment within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: ERC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6481081
    Abstract: A process cartridge for use in a printing machine is provided. The process cartridge includes a first housing portion including a first housing attachment surface and a second housing portion including a second housing attachment surface. At least a portion of the second housing attachment surface is associated with at least a portion of the first housing attachment surface. The process cartridge further includes a plurality of rivets. Each of the plurality of rivets includes a retaining portion thereof. At least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion define an aperture for passage of the retaining portion of at least one of the rivets therethrough. The other of at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion define a cavity for receiving the retaining portion of the at least one rivet. The portion of the housing defining the cavity being interferencely fitted to the retaining portion of the at least one rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie R. Kilian, Michael G. Petranto, Beverly S. Bortnick, James A. Pascucci
  • Patent number: 6481077
    Abstract: A carrying apparatus for carrying an automobile dash module to an interior of a vehicle includes a support portion, a sliding part, and a fixing part. The support portion is configured and adapted to carry the dash module into the interior of the vehicle through a door opening of a vehicle body. The support portion includes a main frame that extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to a direction of a length of the dash module supported by the support portion. The sliding part is slidably coupled to the main frame to slide in the longitudinal direction of the main frame. The fixing part is configured and adapted to be fixed to a predetermined portion of a periphery of the door opening. The fixing part is coupled to the sliding part and configured to engage a portion of the vehicle body so that the main frame and said sliding part can pivot about an axis oriented in a vertical direction relative to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Matsumoto, Masanobu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6477774
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for initially performing a heat treatment process on a closed channel structural member to facilitate the subsequent performance of a magnetic pulse welding process so as to manufacture a vehicle frame component or a portion of a vehicle frame assembly. Initially, a workpiece is provided that is preferably formed from a closed channel structural member having a circular or box-shaped cross sectional shape. The workpiece is subjected to a scanning heat treatment process, wherein the workpiece is heat treated in a continuous and longitudinal manner from one end to the other. Preferably, the workpiece is supported vertically during the scanning heat treatment process to prevent the shape thereof from becoming distorted. The scanning heat treatment process is preferably a retrogression heat treatment process, wherein the workpiece is rapidly heated to a sufficient temperature that provides for full or partial softening thereof, followed by relatively rapid cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Marando, John L. Kichline, Jr., Richard L. Stuck
  • Patent number: 6474519
    Abstract: A holster for containing a sealant caulk gun heaving a tip comprising: a strap having a first end and a second end, a clip with a tongue formed in the first end for attaching or disengaging from another object; a body connected to the second end of the strap further comprising a first body end with a guide horn and a second body end having a second body end opening and an elongated nose connected to the second body end; the elongated nose further having an opening disposed therein in communication with the second body end opening for receiving the tip of the sealant/caulk gun; and a cap detachably secured to the elongated nose; and a tool holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth Dale Cleveland
  • Patent number: 6474523
    Abstract: A piece of baggage is provided with a pack portion having a strap with end portions that can be adjusted to extend horizontally from the sides of the pack portion or, alternatively, upwardly from the pack portion. When the strap ends are oriented extending horizontally from the pack portion, the piece of baggage can be worn as a conventional lumbar pack. When the strap ends are oriented to extend upwardly from the pack portion, the piece of baggage can be supported from a person's shoulder in a comfortable manner similar to a conventional shoulder bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: TRG Accessories LLC
    Inventors: Kathleen Morrison, Mark Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 6470573
    Abstract: The method of making a vehicle body panel includes blow molding all or a substantial portion of the vehicle body panel and then securing attachments to openings formed on the blow molded body or to peripheral portions of the blow molded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Patent Holding Company
    Inventor: Sassan Tarahomi
  • Patent number: 6467663
    Abstract: A cargo supporting apparatus adapted to be used within a bed of a pickup truck. The apparatus includes a frame which is pivotally mounted to a longitudinal sidewall of the bed such that it can be moved between a stowed position and an operative position. In the operative position the frame extends generally horizontally from the sidewall of the bed. A pivot assembly is used to support the frame in its operative position. A locking assembly is operatively associated with the pivot assembly for holding the frame in its operative position. The locking assembly also includes a user actuatable lever. The actuatable lever can be used to unlock the locking mechanism such that the frame can be pivoted from its operative position into its stowed position. The frame includes a plurality of openings which each have a cargo carrying element such as a net or flexible bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Brett J. Borella, Jeffrey M. Aftanas
  • Patent number: 6467661
    Abstract: An adjustable, shoulder-strap assisting device having an elongate support member with a non-smooth surface on a shoulder engaging side. The elongate support member also has a deformable, rigid insert disposed therein such that the support member is capable of being custom fitted about the shoulder of the user in a non-slipping position. The shoulder-strap assisting device conforms to the contour of the user's shoulder and receives the shoulder strap of a backpack, golf bag, suitcase or the like and prevents the shoulder strap from moving relative to the device such that the load carried by the strap does not shift on the shoulder of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Kerl, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis A. Mistretta, Richard S. Binko, Floyd V. Edwards, Kenneth F. Munroe
  • Patent number: 6467146
    Abstract: A process for forming closed sections using electromagnetic force. A sheet metal stock is folded into a generally closed section having flanges. The folded section is placed in a die and the die is closed. An electromagnetic force is applied to the die to expand the sheet metal towards interior walls of the die, thereby forming the closed section to a predetermined shape. During expansion, the flanges are drawn inward toward the die. After removed from the die, excess flanges are trimmed from the section if needed, the sections welded closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Slawomir J Herman
  • Patent number: 6467664
    Abstract: A bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle adjacent the rear of a vehicle. The bicycle rack includes an adjustable frame assembly having a first frame member attached to a housing and a second frame member attached to a connecting member. The connecting member is rotationally coupled to the housing to allow relative pivotal movement between the first and second frame members. A locking member is disposed within the housing and selectively movable between a first position, in which the locking member engages the connecting member to impede relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing, and a second position, in which the locking member is disengaged from the connecting member to allow relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing. At least one support arm is coupled to the housing and configured for sliding and pivotal movement between a stowed position and an extended position in which the arm engages the housing to support a bicycle adjacent the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Duncan Robins, Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6457616
    Abstract: A beltclip-mounted holder assembly allows for the hands-free carrying of a beverage container. The body portion of the holder assembly comprises a plate having a spring-loaded clip used to attach the holder assembly to a person's belt or waistband. A pivotally mounted bracket located near the base of the plate allows a receptacle to move in a pendular manner. The receptacle is insulated and is designed to support a beverage container therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald G. Gagne
  • Patent number: 6457617
    Abstract: The invention relates to a load carrier for vehicles, comprising a load carrier bar which extends over the exterior of a vehicle, and support members which extend between the load carrier bay and the vehicle and which are releasably mountable on the vehicle and the load carrier bar with the aid of clamping devices which extend from each support member for engagement with the load carrier bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Mont Blanc Industri AB
    Inventor: Göran Andersson
  • Patent number: 6454147
    Abstract: A personal tool carrying device provides improvements in manufacture and appearance. A hook includes an integrally formed head end that is supported by ribs of a slot of a housing. A friction cap preferably surrounds the head end to hold the hook in a selected rotational position. The head end and friction cap are held in a cavity of the housing by a mounting element such as a belt clip. The housing swivels in relation to the mounting element. The device provides various surfaces for product identifying information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Marks
  • Patent number: 6450378
    Abstract: A portable rack and storage device for safely holding, transporting and concealing weapons such as longarms, compound bows and the like is disclosed. The rack and storage device is designed to be mounted over a bench-type vehicular seat in a forward-facing or rearward-facing direction with respect to the transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: David N. Miller
  • Patent number: 6446851
    Abstract: A portable, organized carrier for holding a variety of odd-sized goods includes two sets of layered, co-nesting, pocket-mounting flaps foldable around a comparted core area. The folded flaps are capped and clamped together by a pair of shell-like covers mounted at opposite longitudinal ends of the carrier. Shoulder and waist straps as well as a handle allow for use of the carrier as a backpack or a tote bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: JT USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Parks, Donald J. Widmer