Patents Examined by Richard M. Smith
  • Patent number: 6170606
    Abstract: A mobile machine which carries the operator of the machine is equipped with a control which has a shape, geometry and motion analogous to that of the machine and which causes machine motion analogous to the motion imparted to the control by the operator. The analog control may be applied on mobile equipment including aerial work platforms, forklifts, front end loaders, backhoes, earth movers, bulldozers, diggers, trenchers, agricultural equipment, mining machinery, and other operator controlled vehicular equipment by tailoring the shape, geometry and motions of the control to be analogous to those of the machine being controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Safety Dynamicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest J. Merz
  • Patent number: 6145618
    Abstract: A ladder system comprises first and second rails with at least one rung connected between and perpendicular to both rails. First and second non-linear rail slots are located adjacent the bottom of the respective rails. Also, the ladder system comprises first and second ladder shoes. First and second bolts extend through the first and second shoes, respectively, and the first and second slots, respectively, to moveably connect the first and second shoes to the first and second rails, respectively, with both slots of a shape so that each shoe can move about the bottom of each respective rail and each respective rail can rotate relative to each respective shoe inside each respective shoe without interference occurring between the rails and shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Verenski
  • Patent number: 6142318
    Abstract: A toothbrush holder device has a generally hemispherical support member having a hemispherically concave inner surface tapering down to a drainage hole in a lowermost part of the support member. The support member is provided with a plurality of apertures each traversable by a toothbrush handle. The apertures perforate or traverse the inner surface and are upwardly spaced from the hole and angularly spaced from one another about an axis of the support member. A plurality of partitions on the support member extend away from the inner surface of the support member. The partitions serve to at least partially isolate or separate toothbrushes which are resting on the inner surface of the support member and which have respective handles inserted through respective apertures. Preferably, the partitions are radially oriented inserted and are disposed between respective adjacent ones of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: William Tooma
  • Patent number: 6129180
    Abstract: A sawhorse provided with a pair of supports supporting a horizontal member wherein the supports are angled toward the respective ends of the horizontal member and where the ends of the supports are within the space of the ends of the horizontal member and the supports themselves are made of leg portions and portions which support the underside of the horizontal member and are connected therethrough, the latter section being flat and being at an obtuse angle with said legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Troy S. Brady
  • Patent number: 6116379
    Abstract: A ladder stabilizing system having a solid brace (50 or 46) or the combination of side spreaders (24C), the ladder sections (10 and 12), and a diagonal cross brace (18) creating two rigid triangles, the function of which is to prevent the ladder sections from twisting or flexing and therefore make the step ladder or the side braces (70 & 74) of a ladder or step ladder much more stable and will prevent the ladder sections (10 and 22), or extended side braces from twisting or flexing, thereby making the ladder stronger and safer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Michael A. Huss
    Inventor: Michael A. Huss
  • Patent number: 6112915
    Abstract: A push-back storage rack comprises a frame defining at least one storage bay having a depth sufficient to accommodate a plurality of separate storage units; and a track-mounted carriage assembly mounted in the bay. The carriage assembly comprises at least two articulated carts connected together end-to-end for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis. The carts ride on a track that has an upper track section, a lower track section, and an arcuate front section that joins the upper and lower track sections. The track guides the carts for movement between the front and the rear of the bay on the upper track section and directs the carts downwardly and then rearwardly on the lower track section in an inverted position as the carts move forwardly at the front end of the upper track section. The carts are thus stored underneath the upper track section and are brought upwardly to the upper track section as the carts are filled and moved rearwardly in the upper track section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Lyman F. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6105719
    Abstract: A highly mobile support cart for automotive service personnel presents an elevated support platform over the engine compartment of a vehicle undergoing service. The wheeled frame, ideally supported by a smooth, concrete surface, comprises a rigid, transverse base from which rigid, elongated rails outwardly diverge. The frame mounts an extensible, slightly inclined ladder that supports the work platform. The frame rails and base are equipped with suitable caster wheel assemblies for locomotion. The divergent, reinforced frame design enhances stability and structural integrity. The extensible ladder transported by the frame projects upwardly from the rear. The ladder comprises a lower half pivoted to the frame that telescopingly receives a sliding upper half. Registered locking orifices are pinned by a spring biased clip system to lock the ladder halves against axial displacement. The locking clip comprises a generally C-shaped clasp that is yieldably, spring biased to a locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: REL Products Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Lensing
  • Patent number: 6105791
    Abstract: An inventory counting article pusher display tray system includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear wall, and a floor for positioning a row of articles thereon for movement along the track. The track further defines a series of longitudinally spaced numbers visible from above the track and extending rearwardly from the track front end, for indicating the number of articles in or removed from the row. A pusher is connected to the track for movement therealong and has a front side for engagement with a rearmost article on the track. A spring urges the pusher toward the track end of said track so as to move all articles on the track toward the track front. A reflective panel is secured to the pusher for movement as a unit along the floor, the reflective panel being disposed below the floor and angled relative to the floor so as to project substantially forwardly one of the numbers reflecting the position of the pusher along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Display Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jay Chalson, Anthony Camello
  • Patent number: 6105723
    Abstract: A steel plank for scaffolding which comprises a thin sheet metal bendment with a top surface and a bottom surface. The steel plank also comprises an elongated bottom plate attached to the thin sheet metal bendment. The steel plank further comprises a non-slip material attached to the bottom side of the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Harsco Corporation
    Inventor: Michael S. D'Alessio
  • Patent number: 6098750
    Abstract: A safety system which protects the open side of a mezzanine, loading dock or other elevated work area when in use. The safety system is easy to use while requiring only minimal floor space. The safety system comprises two posts, a movable arm having a safety net and associated hardware such that when the safety system is in a first position the opening of the mezzanine or loading dock is substantially covered by the net. When the safety system is in a second position, the arm and net are out of the way, allowing access by workers and machinery to and from the open side. The operation of the safety system from the first position to the second position or vice versa is performed remotely from the open side, thus further reducing the risk of falling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Bay Nets, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Gregory Reynolds, William K. Kiniry
  • Patent number: 6098751
    Abstract: A scaffold system in which a scaffold bed is suspended between a pair of channel members. The channel members are horizontally disposed in respective frames that include a spaced pair of column members. The bed is modular and provides a deck surface that is formed by a plurality of panel members that are joined by a pair of beam members. The panel members have retainer flanges at opposite ends thereof, the end most retainer flanges of the bed engaging respective ones of the channel members. Each of the column members is provided with a retainer for holding the bed engaged with the channel members. Handrails are selectively connectable between the column members in elevated relation to the deck surface. The retainers are adopted for connecting wall braces for laterally stabilizing the system. The frames can rest on stationary supports, or they can be configured as hangers for suspension by tension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Mountain Box Systems
    Inventors: R. Stephen Eichenlaub, George Natale
  • Patent number: 6095282
    Abstract: A rappel tool for use in conjunction with rappel rope, the tool comprising generally rectangularly-shaped and substantially planar rigid body having first and second side edges and first and second end edges. A first opening extends through the body and is proximate and spaced from the first end edge and is spaced from the first and second side edges. A second opening extends through the body and is proximate and spaced from the second end edge and is spaced from the first and second side edges. A third opening extends through the body and is disposed between the first and second openings and is spaced from the first and second side edges. Each of the openings is of sufficient size to permit passage therethrough of a plurality of rappel ropes of a diameter of no more than about nine millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: James E. Sadeck
  • Patent number: 6095286
    Abstract: A personnel lift (20) having adjustable side-to-side shim assemblies (38a-d) used in conjunction with a series of slide blocks (39, 40) in the mast of the personnel lift. The mast of the personnel lift includes a number of nested columns (24a-e) that extend to lift a person and an aerial work platform (22) to a desired height. The shim assemblies (38a-d) and slide blocks (39, 40) are used to maintain the nested columns (24a-e) in proper alignment, and the shim assemblies (38a-d) are adjustable to account for wear. The adjustable features of the shim assemblies (38a-d) are accessible when the columns are fully assembled, which allows the shim assemblies (38a-d) to be adjusted without requiring that the mast be disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Citron, Ronald A. Teter, John Busuttil, Matthew G. Kraemer, Ronald L. Williams
  • Patent number: 6092625
    Abstract: A simple, self-contained, anti-slip ladder pad which can be readily clipped on to a ladder anywhere along the length of the ladder rails without using screws or bolts to adjust the position of the ladder pad or to secure the ladder pad in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Bedrosian
  • Patent number: 6085868
    Abstract: A portable tree stand assembly includes a support bracket structure, a seat, a platform and a seat and platform position adjustment arrangement. The support bracket structure is attachable to a supporting tree. The support bracket structure has an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The seat is pivotally mounted to the upper end portion of the support bracket structure. The platform is pivotally mounted to the lower end portion of the support bracket structure. The seat and platform position adjustment arrangement interconnects the seat and platform to a middle portion of the support bracket structure extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower end portions thereof. The seat and platform position adjustment arrangement is adjustable to moveably place and retain the seat and platform in a substantially parallel relation to one another and in respective level positions for a range of lean angles of the supporting tree to which the support bracket structure is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventors: Tod E. Anthony, Michael Schirer
  • Patent number: 6085866
    Abstract: A safety device interacts with a holding rope passing over a deflection point. A housing has a holding rope connection for connecting the housing to one part of the holding rope. A clamping jaw is pivotally connected to the housing. The clamping jaw and housing form a clamp for clamping another part of the holding rope in a clamp position of the clamping jaw and for releasing the another part of the holding rope when the clamping jaw is in a release position. The deflection point is positioned between the one part and the another part of the holding rope. A secure rope is connected to the clamping jaw and extends radially around the clamping jaw and the housing. The secure rope moves the clamping jaw from the release position to the clamping position when a load is placed on the secure rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Hubert Kowalewski
  • Patent number: 6070696
    Abstract: An adjustable leg support assembly that includes a cross brace slidably mounted on a center support and projecting laterally therefrom to opposed ends spaced from the center support. An upper clevis is slidably mounted on the center support above the cross brace. A pair of legs each have one end affixed to the upper clevis, a lower end and a center portion affixed to associated ends of the cross brace. An attachment arrangement is selectively mountable at the upper end of the center support for attachment of structure to be supported. The upper clevis may be adjustably affixed to the center support such that the attachment structure on the center support is adjustably positionable with respect to the lower ends of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur B. Chubb, Douglas G. Break, Daniel J. Spencer, James E. Suyak
  • Patent number: 6050365
    Abstract: A scissors-type work platform lift machine includes a mobile chassis having rear stationary wheels and front steerable wheels, a scissors lift mechanism mounted at a lower end on the chassis, a work platform mounted on an upper end of the lift mechanism, and an electro-mechanical actuation arrangement for operating the lift mechanism between retracted and expanded conditions so as to move the work platform between lowered and raised positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Zefer Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Enoch L. Newlin
  • Patent number: 6044927
    Abstract: A scissors-type work platform lift machine includes a chassis, a work platform, a scissors lift mechanism, and a telescopable electro-mechanical actuation arrangement. The work platform is disposed above the chassis. The scissors lift mechanism has a plurality of portions pivotally movable relative to one another, an upper end portion pivotally mounting the work platform above the chassis, and a lower end portion pivotally mounted on the chassis. The pivotally movable portions are movable vertically between retracted and expanded conditions so as to move the work platform between lowered and raised positions relative to the chassis. The actuation arrangement extends and is mounted to selected upper and lower ones of the pivotally movable portions of the lift mechanism and is adapted to operate the lift mechanism between the retracted and expanded conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Zefer Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Enoch L. Newlin
  • Patent number: 6041891
    Abstract: A climbing device for attaching to building frames having a pair of jaw members, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other. The spacing between the jaw members may be adjusted, and a lever mechanism is provided to permit the user to detachably affix the climbing device to the frame of a building. A support member is also provided to provide a foot hold for a user so that the user may stand on the device during use. The device may also be connected to a tether or safety line and ultimately connected to a harness attached to the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventors: Peter J. Fullam, Louis J. Cowin