Patents Examined by Kenneth J. Dorner
  • Patent number: 5806220
    Abstract: An information displayer with interchangeable boards for use in displaying advertising messages. Two sets of boards are disposed on two chains respectively, with each chain rotating about a pair of pinions. One pinion is stationary while the other is connected to a stepping motor. Hooks on a rigid bar grasp openings in the boards to release and display the boards. A pre-programmed microprocessor controls the stepping motor, permitting the boards to be displayed in any selected manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignees: Videotron s.r.l., New Board International
    Inventor: Fausto Flammini
  • Patent number: 5803647
    Abstract: A handrail connector for a pair of longitudinally spaced apart handrails having ends defining openings, the connector including a flexible bar having ends sized to be fitted within opposing openings of the handrails and being adapted to be retained with the openings upon movement of either of the handrails. The flexible bar includes a stop secured at its center and two biasing members placed on opposite sides of the stop. The biasing members provide a pushing force between the stop and each of the handrail ends to center the handrail connector between the handrail ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Ceiriog Hughes
  • Patent number: 5803651
    Abstract: A double locking connector with an engagement detecting member disposed slidably on an operating section of a flexible locking arm of a connector housing, in a direction of connector engagement, to slidably lock a locking lug of a flexible detection arm of the engagement detecting member on a locking section of the flexible locking arm, wherein an abutting projection against the flexible detection arm locked within a space of flection of the flexible locking arm is disposed in the connector housing to prevent the deflection of the flexible locking arm from being caused. An operating plate section of the engagement detecting member over laps a front end section of a mating connector housing in a state of the flexible detection arm being locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Saito
  • Patent number: 5802769
    Abstract: A door glass lifting assembly comprising guide grooves formed on a door glass run and a division channel for guiding and supporting a door glass lifted by force applied by a door regulator with power supplied from a motor, which includes roller mounted on two sides of the door glass and inserted into the guide grooves to separating two sides of the door glass from the guide grooves, and thereby reducing the mutual lifting friction between the two sides of the door glass and the guide grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Kwangho Lee
  • Patent number: 5803687
    Abstract: A compression clip of the present invention comprises a bolt and a self-tightening member having two side sections and a grooved intermediate section therebetween. The intermediate section has a hole for receiving the bolt. Preferably, the intermediate section has grooves on both an interior and exterior surface thereof. After tightening of the clip, the intermediate section flattens to become somewhat planar and the side sections are compressed inward to securely engage a guide rail or wear strip within the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 5799431
    Abstract: The retainer clip is adapted to be positioned between an inwardly extending flange at the back of a picture frame and backing material located within the frame behind a picture in the frame. The retainer clip includes a resilient body, structure on the body for engaging the inwardly extending flange at the rear edge of the picture frame and structure on the body for engaging the backing material. The structure for engaging the backing material includes at least one prong, detent or barb positioned to engage the backing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Terry Rozdolsky
    Inventor: Daniel E. Vilims
  • Patent number: 5800088
    Abstract: A device for changing a roll disk arranged in a free-floating fashion on a roll shaft and braced against a shoulder of the roll shaft, the device including a roll shaft piece connectable to an end face of the roll shaft and having radially projecting claws. An installation-and-removal unit is placeable on and coaxially turnable to the roll shaft. The unit has radially extending first, second and third claws that form perimeter segments. The first claws correspond to and engage with the claws of the roll shaft piece. A taper bushing is slidably provided between the roll disk and the roll shaft to hold the roll disk on the roll shaft, and has radially extending claws. The second claws correspond to and engage with the taper bushing claws, and are also moveable axially to the roll shaft. A ring is coaxially mounted on a side of the roll disk facing the unit, and has radially extending claws that correspond to and engage behind the third claws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lothar Luckhof, Herbert Berendes
  • Patent number: 5799444
    Abstract: A sliding vehicle window assembly is provided which includes at least one, and preferably a pair, of window panels spaced from each other to define a window opening and interconnected by upper and lower frame members or tracks, bonded to the interior surface of the pair of window panels. The upper and lower frame members are also spaced vertically apart from each other. At least one, and preferably two, arcuate channels are defined in each of the inwardly facing walls of the two frame members--the two channels arranged generally in tandem or end-to-end alignment. The pair of channels in each frame member are configured to receive a window panel, opposite ends of which retain cam or channel followers received by the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventors: Corey A. Freimark, Daniel J. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5799427
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements to a merchandise information system having a plurality of overlapping display items each having on opposite sides thereof information concerning available merchandise at a remote location. The system includes a support having a rigid base, and a plurality of spaced flexible webs formed integral with the lower edge of the base and depending therefrom. The display items are attached to the lower ends of the webs to display one side of the item. The lower end of each web includes a "claw" structure to prevent theft of the display item through downward extraction of the item from the web. The rigid base connects to a hanger support ledge on a plurality of steps on a display base. Mounting of a number of supports on the steps causes the display items to be arranged in an overlapping manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Vidpro International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick B. Abramson, Peter B. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5799428
    Abstract: A sign display device consists of a substantially U-shaped bracket with arms that resiliently grip a bar member such as used to form a frame for mounting a poster or sign. Slots extend through the bracket and are sized to receive sign clips that are affixed to the back of a sign. Use of the sign display device permits attaching a secondary sign to a main sign or poster display, with the bracket concealed by the secondary sign and standing out from the surface of the main sign for increased or enhanced visual recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Kansas City Poster Display Company
    Inventor: Gary S. Poindexter
  • Patent number: 5797695
    Abstract: An articulation hub assembly which connects tubular rod elements comprises the frame matrix for portable collapsible self-supporting prefabricated structures requiring clear span interiors with no supporting columns. In the event a rod element secured by the hub assembly is fractured, the hub assembly is disassembled easily to allow replacement of the rod element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: A. Jon Prusmack
  • Patent number: 5797696
    Abstract: In a snap connection system in which a shaft is inserted into a tube to a predetermined position, where co-operating surfaces on tube and shaft engage as in a laterally acting wedge. Two axially spaced spring loaded balls on one side of the tube urge the shaft into wedging engagement with the tube when in the pre-determined position. During insertion, a further spring loaded ball on the opposite side of the tube adjacent the wedge apex urges the shaft out of wedging engagement with the tube. A detent in the shaft accommodates this further ball at the predetermined position, locating the shaft axially and permitting wedging. The balls are biased by a spring sleeve and a tang thereon locates the sleeve on the tube. The tang may extend to the tube interior to coact with a detent in the shaft so that unclipping is necessary for disassembly. Alternatively, a spring loaded pin extending through sleeve and tube wall may accomplish the same end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Nastech Europe Limited
    Inventors: Ian David Baynes, Michael Thomas Hancock
  • Patent number: 5797694
    Abstract: An adjustable hanging bracket having an elongated spine with a longitudinal axis. The spine has a first portion and a second portion. First and second opposed ears extend from the first portion of the spine in a direction transverse to the axis. Each of the ears have distal ends. First and second opposed flanges extend from the spine in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis and are adjacent to the first and second ears. The first and second flanges form an arcuate taper towards the second portion of the spine. A first and a second seat tab extend longitudinally from the second portion of the spine in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis and forman acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spine. Each of the seat tabs have distal ends. The flanges define a plurality of fastener openings. The openings are aligned about a plurality of vertically spaced axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Alpine Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Arne Norris Breivik
  • Patent number: 5794364
    Abstract: A projectile launching and recirculating display apparatus and method are provided which preferably include a collector extending in a generally horizontal plane, and having an opening positioned in a medial portion thereof for collecting a plurality of projectiles, such as balloons, therein. A blower has an output positioned to underlie the collector opening for blowing a gas upwardly through the opening and thereby blowing the plurality of projectiles upwardly when overlying the collector opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Randel William Richmond
  • Patent number: 5794678
    Abstract: A roller door sealing system including at least one sealing member carried on the curtain, and disposed adjacent the end of the curtain attached to the roller, and a seal engaging member supported adjacent the curtain. The sealing member and the seal engaging member are disposed such that the sealing member engages the seal engaging member and seals the space between the curtain and the seal engaging member as the curtain approaches the doorway-blocking position. The sealing function provided by the sealing member or members only occurs as the door approaches the door blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Beringer, David P. Leppert
  • Patent number: 5794289
    Abstract: A mattress wherein at least one fabric strip bridges a foam crib for an inflatable cushion to provide lateral stability thereto such as when the mattress is tilted for turning a patient over or otherwise. The fabric strip position is selected so as not to interfere with pressure relief to a portion of the patient's body where pressure ulcers frequently occur. In order to accurately and quickly monitor the tilt of a mattress, transmitting and receiving coils are provided on opposite sides of an assembly of lifting bladders for the side of the mattress being lifted, and the signal strength is measured when a signal is transmitted therebetween, and the angle of tilt is determined therefrom. In order to reduce exposure of lines leading to an inflatable mattress, a notch is provided in a crib for receiving a pump for pressurizing a cushion within the crib so that the pump is positioned to face exteriorly of the crib to allow heat dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Wortman, Michael P. Rechin, Roland E. Flick, John K. Whitney
  • Patent number: 5790993
    Abstract: A futon frame includes a seat having a pair of electric motors mounted at opposite sides thereof for driving a pair of pinions arranged to engage inclined toothed racks mounted on each side of the frame for automatically and continuously adjusting the seat and a hingedly connected back between a sofa position and a bed position. Follower pins fixed relative to the seat are arranged to slidably engage matching guide surfaces above the toothed racks. The back is connected to opposite sides of the frame by a pair of link arms pivotal at each point of connection. A motor controller is mounted to the underside of the seat for connecting a user interface to the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Otis Bed Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Roma, James D. Stuart
  • Patent number: 5791810
    Abstract: A panel connecting device consists of a first member having a base, at least two successive extending elements extending from the base, each of the elements having a thinner portion near the base and a thicker portion at the end of the element. In between the thinner portion and the thicker portion may be an flange portion which gradually widens in the direction of the thicker portion. Thus, a cavity is formed between adjacent extending elements. The cavity is dimensioned to receive an element the size of the extending elements. The panel connecting device also consists of a second member that is substantially similar to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Douglas Williams
  • Patent number: 5791846
    Abstract: An expansion dowel (1) includes an axially extending cylindrical sleeve (2) and an expanding body (3). The sleeve (2) has an axially extending bore (5) and an axially extending expansion section (6) with axially extending slits. The bore (5) tapers inwardly to the leading end of the sleeve in the expansion section (6). The expanding body (3) is received in and expands the expansion section (6). Circumferentially and axially extending approximately V-shaped grooves 9 are formed in the outside surface of the expansion section and/are spaced apart by circumferentially and axially extending cylindrical surface sections (8). The approximately v-shaped grooves have flanks defining an angle (.alpha.) in the range of approximately 120.degree. to 140.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Franz-Paul Mayr
  • Patent number: 5788398
    Abstract: A connector for joining a corrosion-protection tube to an anchor of a tendon of a post-tension system including a body formed of an elastomeric material and a seal formed interior of the body. The body has a first receptacle formed at one end thereof for attachment to an end of the anchor. The body has a second receptacle formed at an opposite end thereof for attachment to an end of the corrosion-protection tube. The seal is positioned between the first receptacle and the second receptacle so as to form a liquid-tight seal with a surface of the tendon passing therethrough. The first receptacle is an orifice that has a diameter suitable for liquid-tight engagement with an end of the anchor. The second receptacle is an opening formed in the opposite end of the body and has a diameter suitable for liquid-tight engagement with an exterior surface of the corrosion-protection tube. The orifice and the opening are coaxial. The seal is a membrane which extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin