Patents Examined by Robert J. Warden
  • Patent number: 6692694
    Abstract: A method of deactivating chemical contaminants and biological agents from a target surface by aerosol spraying the target surface with a electrostatically charged, photosensitizer solution, and then illuminating the surface with ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Clean Earth Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randy Dale Curry, Jeffry Golden
  • Patent number: 6691362
    Abstract: A device is operably attached to a swimming pool cleaner for dislodging and permitting a steering of the swimming pool cleaner away from obstacles within a swimming pool. The device includes a coupling slidably attached to the swimming pool cleaner near its hose coupling. An upper, generally horizontally positioned, resilient elongate bumper has its opposing ends affixed to the coupling to form the upper bumper into an arcuate shape extending partially around a forward portion of the swimming pool cleaner. A second resilient, elongate vertical bumper has one end attached to the upper bumper and an opposing end attached a weight assembly of the pool cleaner at a location proximate the sealing flange. A roller is attached to the vertical bumper near the upper bumper for rotation thereabout when the swimming pool cleaner encounters an obstacle such as a step from which it is to be dislodged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: Sebor Family Trust, Phillipson Family Trust
    Inventors: Brian H. Phillipson, Paul Sebor
  • Patent number: 6687938
    Abstract: A screen delinter to delint a computer screen or television screen comprises a planar rectangular plastic body. A handle encloses the body leaving one edge of the body exposed. When not in use, the delinter is stored in a case lined with a wool material. As the delinter is removed from the case, the exposed edge is rubbed against the wool such that a charge is induced on the exposed edge. As the delinter is waved proximate a screen, the lint thereon is attracted to and adheres to the exposed edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Harmon
  • Patent number: 6687939
    Abstract: A bucket sweeper combination unit that is used in connection with a skid loader or skid steer which has universal mounts and remote hydraulics that power the unit. The sweeper is mounted to the lift arms of the loader ahead of the bucket. Chains are attached to the rear of the sweeper and the lift arms of the loader, and the bucket is pivotally attached to the mounting arms so that it can be pivoted when it is desired to dump the spoil material. A spoil guard is located on the bucket side of the rotating brush of the sweeper unit so that as the material is picked up by the brush, it will be deflected by the spoil guard directly into the bucket and retained in the bucket by the downwardly extending portion of the spoil guard. Preferably, the spoil guard is made adjustable so that its position can be moved closer to the rotating brush as the bristles wear shorter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Attachment Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Koester
  • Patent number: 6689313
    Abstract: A method adjusting the fragrance level in a room incrementally adds a fragrant, non-foaming emulsified composition to a fountain in the room. The composition has a siloxane anti-foam agent and water solution, a block co-polymer, denatured 200 proof alcohol and fragrance oil. Alternative compositions contain a solubilized fragrance or an insoluble fragrance oil for adding to water. The compositions may be provided in a concentrated form, for addition to a pre-existing water supply in a recirculating fountain, or in a dilute form for use as the recirculating fluid in the fountain. The compositions are clear and do not foam when used in a recirculating fountain. The compositions provide fragrance at a release rate significantly greater than solid or gel air fresheners with the same concentration of fragrance. Methods of fragrancing a room with the compositions are disclosed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Bath & Body Works, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Ferguson, Kristin Prince
  • Patent number: 6687950
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a holder (2) for a doctor blade and a blade (1) to be fitted in the holder for use in a paper or board machine. The holder (2) and/or the blade (1) comprises a composite material of whose surface or on a part of whose surface a ceramic coating (6) has been made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilkka Rata, Kari Niemi, Heikki Toivanen, Timo Lintula, Ilkka Eskelinen
  • Patent number: 6684450
    Abstract: A wringing device for cleaning elements of wet and damp mopping devices, including a liquid-permeable holder (1), which can be attached to a container (6) by a holder frame (5) and in which a cleaning element can be wrung out by pressing it in, the cleaning element being able to be brought towards the holder through an insertion funnel (2) which is separate from the holder and is fastenable in place on the holder frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Uwe Dingert
  • Patent number: 6682708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator for generating gases, comprising a housing which has an interior space and at least one combustion chamber filled with a predetermined quantity of solid propellant. The propellant consists of a plurality of solid propellant parts arranged in the combustion chamber in an irregular manner. The compressed gas is stored in a predetermined quantity in the combustion chamber and the combustion chamber constructed as a pressure chamber sealed hermetically toward outside in a non-activated state of the gas generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Siegfried Zeuner, Achim Hofmann, Roland Schropp, Josef Werneth, Andreas Zehentmeier
  • Patent number: 6681437
    Abstract: The cleaning tool for optical fiber connectors has cleaning sheet laminated to the bottom surface of a front plate. A plurality of rows of slit shaped windows are opened through the front plate. Peel-off sheet is attached to the front plate to close off the windows. Peel-off sheet sealing off the windows is removed to open a window, an optical fiber connector is moved within the exposed window, and the connecting surface of the optical fiber connector is cleaned by the cleaning sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: NTT Advanced Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Taisei Miyake, Hitoshi Goto, Isao Iwakane
  • Patent number: 6681434
    Abstract: A disposable dual sided cleaning cloth is in the form of a laminate having outer layers which are preferably made of non-woven material. The outer layers are secured together by an intermediate hydrophilic polyurethane absorbent foam coating which contains at least one cleaning ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Watch Hill Harbor Technologies
    Inventor: James A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6681435
    Abstract: A hairbrush head is connected to a front end of a handle and includes a solid cylindrical body having a bristle holder made of metal sheet attached to a circumferential surface thereof. The hairbrush head is so shaped that a space is provided between the circumferential surface of the cylindrical body and the bristle holder, so that hot air from a hairdryer passes through holes provided on the bristle holder into the space to circulate therein and thereby evenly distributes heat over the hairbrush head to facilitate easy hair setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Gim-Hwa Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tso Min Wang
  • Patent number: 6682696
    Abstract: Containers which are ready to be filled or a package material having a plastic surface can be sterilized by hydrogen peroxide in a gaseous phase. The hydrogen peroxide is supplied to the previously heated plastic surface. The entire sterilization procedure is performed with the hydrogen peroxide in a gaseous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holding & Finance SA
    Inventor: Thomas Bjerborn
  • Patent number: 6678912
    Abstract: A sweeping unit which can be affixed to a carrier vehicle or a trailer, comprising a supporting frame and at least one motor-driven rotary brush which is rotationally mounted around the longitudinal axis thereof. The supporting frame is provided with supporting wheels, whereby the vertical distance of said wheels from the axis of the rotary brush can be modified by means of an adjusting device comprising at least one adjusting member and a control unit. A sensor is provided for the detection of driving torque or the driving power of the rotary brush or an associated variable, whereby the signal from said sensor is switched to the control unit. The control unit determines the working position of the adjusting member corresponding to an optimum contact surface between the brush and the ground as a function of the contact position between the ground and the adjusting member, characterized by a sharp increase in said sensor signal when the rotary brush is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignees: Schmidt Holding GmbH, Patria Vammas Oy
    Inventors: Mauno Olavi Ruuska, Janko Tuskan, Clemens Rosa
  • Patent number: 6680033
    Abstract: A large amount of treated gas containing odor components is efficiently deodorized by performing ozone deodorization after water molecule deodorization, and thereafter performing ion deodorization. A composite deodorization system is provided with a first chamber for performing the water molecule deodorization connected with a fermentation system by a gas introduction opening supplied with the treated gas containing odor components from the fermentation system, a second chamber for performing ozone deodorization connected with the first chamber by a flow passage tube, a third chamber for performing ion deodorization connected with the second chamber by a connection tube, an ozone filter incorporated at a connection position of the second chamber and the connection tube, and a third chamber having a gas discharge opening for discharging the treated gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Asahi Environmental System Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Ishii
  • Patent number: 6676908
    Abstract: A device and method for dispensing chemical agents into a body of water includes a plastic, Bucket-like container having the chemical agents disposed therein. The side walls of the container are perforated with a plurality of perforations. Wrapped around the outside walls of the container is a removable cover layer disposed over the perforations. Disposed within the container is a layer of closed cell foam to provide the container with sufficient buoyancy to float at the surface of a body of water. The device is especially useful in the neutralization of pH within a lake or pond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Jerry F. Robinson, Sr., Gerald Reid, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6671921
    Abstract: A carpet is cleaned by drawing the broom over it, capturing animal hair and other objects from the carpet. The broom has a handle, preferably round of ½″ to 2″ diameter made of relatively rigid material such as wood, plastic, metal, or composite material. The handle is from about 4′ to 5′ long, providing comfort for the user while affording good control of the broom head. The handle is attached to the head by means of a threaded connection, adhesive, or other suitable means adequate to ensure the handle remains connected to the head, and preferably is removable for storage and/or travel. The head is 2″ to 6″ deep and comprises a base made of relatively rigid material such as wood, plastic, metal or other suitable material, having an arcuate long dimension of ½′ to 1 & ½′ at an angle of 5 to 25 degs., and a short dimension of 2″ to 6″.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Bradley L. Hickman
  • Patent number: 6669902
    Abstract: A method for sanitizing a food processing environment includes preparing an ozonated foam sanitizing medium and applying the sanitizing medium to either objects in the food processing environment, such as food processing equipment, food contact surfaces, interior surfaces of the food processing facility, or the ambient environment within the food processing facility, or both the objects within the food processing facility and the ambient environment of the food processing facility. An ozonated foam sanitizing medium includes a foaming agent dissolved in an aqueous solution and an ozone concentration of at least about 0.1 ppm and is prepared by either injecting gaseous ozone or introducing an aqueous ozone solution into an aqueous solution containing a foaming agent. In a system for generating the ozonated foam medium, the gaseous ozone can be injected with a feed gas, such as oxygen, air, an inert gas, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignees: L'Air Liquide - Societe Anonyme a'Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, American Air Liquide
    Inventors: Edward F. Steiner, James T. C. Yuan
  • Patent number: 6668414
    Abstract: A scuff mark removal tool for removing scuff marks from tile floors with little effort. The scuff mark removal tool includes a flexible ball member having a wall and being adapted to remove scuff marks from a tile floor; and also includes an elongate handle member being removably and securely engaged to the flexible ball member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: James Benjamin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6665901
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brush head, particularly a toothbrush head, and to a method of manufacturing such a brush head. The brush head includes a bristle carrier and bristles fixedly secured thereto, said bristle carrier having a slot-type recess in which a multiplicity of bristles is received forming an elongated tuft with a closed, smooth outer contour corresponding essentially to the contour of the slot-type recess. According to the invention the brush head is characterized in that the slot-type recess is divided by means of at least one transverse wall into several segments, a separate tuft is inserted and secured in each of the segments, and the at least one transverse wall is constructed so that the separate tufts converge, forming in combination the elongated tuft with a closed, smooth outer contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Georges Driesen, Thomas Fritsch, Armin Schwarz-Hartman
  • Patent number: 6665904
    Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly for cleaning a windshield and a method for assembling the windshield wipe assembly is disclosed. The windshield wiper assembly includes at least a plurality of wiper blades, a windshield wiper arm, and a locking clip. The plurality of wiper blades contact the windshield and move reciprocatingly across the windshield. The windshield wiper arm is provided for supporting the plurality of wiper blades. The locking clip is attached at a first clip end to the windshield wiper arm and at a second clip end to one of the plurality of wiper blades for positioning the plurality of wiper blades proximate to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Robert B. Kerchaert