Patents Issued in April 15, 1997
  • Patent number: 5619812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heel rest for an iron. More specifically, the heel rest of the present invention, comprises a recess to improve the stability of an iron in its upright position on a soft surface, such as a padded ironing board or carpet. As the iron is placed in the upright position, the weight of the iron presses down upon the soft surface and causes the soft surface located directly under the recess to rise and fill in to the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J. Hensel, Richard L. Hoare
  • Patent number: 5619813
    Abstract: An iron. The invention relates to a soleplate for an iron, the soleplate comprising a casting (1) secured to a metal ironing cover (4) made up of at least two layers of different materials, said soleplate being characterized in that the metal cover (4) is made up of an assembly comprising at least two layers (5, 6) of co-laminated materials, in which assembly the first layer (5) forms the layer for fixing to the casting (1) and is constituted by the same material as the casting (1) or by a material having similar physical characteristics, and the second layer (6) forms the ironing layer, the thickness of the second layer lying in the range 5% to 40% of the thickness of the first layer (5), and preferably in the range 15% to 17%. A soleplate for an iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Forest, Jean-Louis Brandolini
  • Patent number: 5619814
    Abstract: A shaftless golf club head photograph holder and method of producing same wherein the head is crafted by placing a photograph, with or without framing means, into the front striking face of the head and securing the photograph in place by a two-sided adhesive tape in one instance and by transparent epoxy in a second instance to prevent misalignment of the photograph. The transparent epoxy also serves to allow an aesthetically pleasing viewing of the photograph. The entire head is mounted upon a heel plate which creates a horizontal planar surface which is then placed in fixedly mounted assembly with a decorative support base. The base has an ornamental letter plate to commemorate in letters, words, or symbols the nature or special meaning of the shaftless golf club head photograph holder to the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Timothy H. Herrndobler
  • Patent number: 5619815
    Abstract: A device for holding a POG includes a disk-like, circular base. The base has a front face and a rear face, with the front face having a rim extending at least partially along the perimeter of the base which is adapted to grasp the POG and hold it snug against the front face upon placing the POG within the circumference of the rim. A gripping member on the rear face attaches the base to at least one spoke of, for example, a wheel of a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis Greene
  • Patent number: 5619816
    Abstract: A free-standing frame for a photo, a printed painting or any other sheet having decorative or informative data to be displayed. The frame is formed by a pair of superposed flexible plastic panels, at least the face panel being transparent, the sheet to be displayed being sandwiched therebetween. Threaded through holes in the panels is a cord which in the flat state of the frame has overlying the face panel a pair of parallel vertical cord sections on either side of the sandwiched sheet, and a pair of parallel horizontal cord sections behind the rear panel joining the ends of the vertical cord sections to define an endless cord rectangle which serves to loosely hold the panels together. When the rear cord sections are hooked together at their centers and converge to create a holding node, the resultant flexing of the panels which are then under tension acts to compress the sheet therebetween to maintain its frame position and to more effectively display the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Hillary Ellison
  • Patent number: 5619817
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the unauthorized firing of a hand held weapon. The apparatus includes an electrically operated locking system which prevents the firing of a weapon and which, in use, consumes only small amounts of electrical energy. An electrical relay in the apparatus does not consume electrical energy while in the open or the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: David W. Jones
  • Patent number: 5619818
    Abstract: A body tube is plugged at one end so as to receive hair and stack the hair against that end. Two gathering slides have tapered holes and move opposite each other crosswise of the body tube to gather the hair. A clamp tube lies against the body tube and holds clamp jaws away from the hair until the clamp tube is withdrawn. Hair is quickly stacked and clamped for use in tying fishing flies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Dellas Frederiksen
  • Patent number: 5619819
    Abstract: An elongated recreational device holder for holding a fishing rod, shotgun or other elongated device and its associated accessories is disclosed. The holder consists of a carrier having a number of storage compartments and attachment rings. The carrier is padded and water-resistant to protect a fishing rod, shotgun and other devices and accessories placed therein. The carrier is length adjustable to snugly carry any elongated device of any length. Once the elongated device is removed form the carrier, the carrier wraps around the waist of the user such that the user is free to move about, while at the same time having all desired accessories readily at hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Alan D. Hauschild
  • Patent number: 5619820
    Abstract: Support apparatus for supporting a transparent bullet resistant panel on a door having no frame for its window includes channel elements for holding the transparent panel and support elements including brackets secured to the channel elements and disposed against the inside of the door and support elements extending downwardly within the door. Different embodiments of brackets are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: James R. Madden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5619821
    Abstract: A spring-loaded quick-release mechanism to a locking security grille is triggered by (i) manual activation, preferably through a foot switch, or (ii) fire, typically through a thermal fuse. Fins incorporated in, and/or affixed to the bars of, a security grille are preferably rotating, normally in phase, so as to serve as a louver or, when completely closed, an interlocked security shield, or panel. One locking release mechanism, which may optionally be quick release, has a sliding bar with alternate (i) extension and (ii) notch regions that respective engage the ends of solid, purely cylindrical, elongate prisms, normally cylindrical bars, to respective lock, and disengage, these prisms in a security grille. Finally, a security grille with standard universal retention assemblies variously serves to retain any, and any combinations, of tubular bars, solid bars, fins mounted to bars, and solid fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Lockinbar, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. St. George, Craig Adams, Donald Gonrowski, William Rose
  • Patent number: 5619822
    Abstract: Sash window unit, at least comprising a frame with a sash window which is slidable vertically therein, the frame being provided with a guideway which can interact with one or more guide parts on the sash window, sealing means between the sash window and the frame, and means for holding the sash window balanced in an open position, the guide parts being stationary relative to the sash window, and closing means are present on the frame for, at least near a closed position of the sash window, placing said sash window in sealing contact with the frame, with the interposition of the sealing means, and on release to make the sash window slidable without appreciable friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Michel N. Trompert
  • Patent number: 5619823
    Abstract: A metallic frame and, more particularly, a stainless steel door frame has a bent sheet metal frame element encompassing an inner space and the element has backbends which extend perpendicularly inward from the back ends of faces of the element. At least one slidably insertable sleeve is disposed inside the element and has flanges which are spot welded to the back ends. The sleeves serve as carriers for various door hardware such as hinge reinforcement and strike plates, clips having bendable tabs, and anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Co.
    Inventors: Robert O. Ruff, Donald L. King
  • Patent number: 5619824
    Abstract: A heat releasable bracket, for supporting a ceiling panel under normal conditions, and for releasing the ceiling panel when exposed to elevated temperatures caused by a nearby fire or the like, includes a first bracket part which includes a mounting portion for securing the first bracket portion to a support structure such as a beam, column, wall, etc.; a second bracket part which is adapted to be secured to the first bracket part and provide a support for the ceiling panel; and a heat releasable link which normally joins the first and second bracket parts together, but which releases the second bracket part from the first bracket part when exposed to elevated temperatures, which in turn allows the ceiling panel to drop away from the position at which it is normally supported. The heat releasable bracket can form part of an effective and relatively inexpensive ceiling panel support system comprised of at least one heat releasable bracket and at least one other bracket which is not heat releasable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Steelcase, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Russell, Mark A. Baloga, David P. Lathrop, Kevin S. Nason, Paul B. Siebert
  • Patent number: 5619825
    Abstract: A gutter screen is provided for building gutters having an outer edge with an inwardly turned lip and gutter supports attaching the gutter to the building. The screen has a straight downwardly sloping intermediate gutter covering section, substantially vertical rear portion biased against the rear of the gutter and gutter support and a front portion biased against the lip of the gutter and gutter support and extending underneath the lip in biasing relation. The intermediate gutter covering section terminates flush with the lip to provide a substantially co-extensive surface for the screen and the top of the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventors: David W. Leroney, Brad E. Wideman
  • Patent number: 5619826
    Abstract: An improved bathroom assembly construction includes a base, a plurality of corner posts, plates and partition strips, a roof, a plurality of corner caps and a plurality of securing means. Both the base and the roof are provided with corner slots, mounting slots and indentations for mounting respectively the corner posts, plates and partition strips to eliminate use of screw bolts. The corner posts may extend from the corners of the roof with the corner caps fitted thereon and may be secured firmly by means of the securing means. A gap is formed between two adjacent plates and is of a size matching that of a gap formed between two adjacent tiles so that, after tiles are arranged on the plates each of which has a width equivalent to a total width of a plurality of tiles, the bathroom assembly may look very neat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Wan-Kuei Wu
  • Patent number: 5619827
    Abstract: A flexible roofing membrane is attached around the perimeter edge of a roof by the interlocking cooperation of a continuous sheet metal cleat member and a continuous sheet metal locking member. The cleat member is secured to roof perimeter blocking by common fasteners which penetrate the cleat member. The loose edge of the roofing membrane is sandwiched between the cleat member and the locking member, which snaps into locking position within a sheltered cavity formed by the cleat member. The cleat-membrane-locking member assembly provides a water-tight flashing system at the roof edge as well as a means for anchoring the membrane to the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: John E. Church
  • Patent number: 5619828
    Abstract: Improved installation fins (28, 76) for window or door assemblies (88, 98) are provided which include structure (46) defining an elongated fold line (73) in the fins (28, 76). The structure (46) includes a plurality of elongated, discrete, parallel, aligned depressions (48) formed in one face (38) of the fin (28 76); the depressions (48) are oriented with the longitudinal axes thereof at an oblique angle of from about 10.degree.-40.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the fin (28, 76). The fins (28, 76) are preferably fabricated from aluminum, and the depressions (48) are formed therein by knurling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventor: Jim Ver Meer
  • Patent number: 5619829
    Abstract: Fixing members are mounted, at predetermined intervals, on the top portion of a footing that is built along a road. A concrete-type board having vertical through-holes is mounted on the footing through the fixing member. Steel rods each having top and bottom threaded portions are inserted into the respective through-holes of the board with the bottom threaded portions being threadedly engaged with the respective fixing members. Upper nuts are engaged with the top threaded portions of the respective rods, to thereby fix the board onto the footing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Nitto Boseki Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Tokio Tan, Kikuo Kazi, Shinta Yamamura, Naoyuki Furuta, Tadanori Mizukami
  • Patent number: 5619830
    Abstract: Families of rhombus-based two-zoomorph variably assemblable tile sets wherein a single amphographic line delineates different parts of one zoomorph and different parts of a second and different zoomorph as well, and may similarly delineate further fatter or skinnier zoomorphs. All or some of these may, in conjunction with one another, tile the plane in an infinite number of different and interesting ways. These tiles and tilings and patches of tiles may be used in puzzles, in games, for teaching certain aspects of geometry, or for the decoration of fabrics or other surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: John A. L. Osborn
  • Patent number: 5619831
    Abstract: A method of forming a joint (2) and the member (8, 28) used therein between two cementitious faces (3, 4) in which the space between the faces is not of uniform cross-section, but has at least two different widths (5, 6) and is stepped with a shoulder (7). The joint member has a central upright portion (9), a lower portion or head (10) for positioning the member relative to the lower faces (5). The lower portion includes one or more sets of projections (14) which are resiliently deformable. Flanges 11 on either side of the central portion have limited movement relative to the central portion rest on the shoulder (7) of the faces when the space between the member and the faces 3, 4 is filled with a resilient but compressible product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Engineering Certifiers Limited
    Inventor: Alan M. Reay
  • Patent number: 5619832
    Abstract: An arrangement in a protective membrane (1; 101; 201), particularly for floors (11; 111; 211), comprising a substantially plane membrane of a preferably rigid material, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Isola AS
    Inventor: Egil Myrvold
  • Patent number: 5619833
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system for suspension from an overhead ceiling of a room is disclosed which includes a plurality of wall trim members secured to the room walls, a plurality of main runner members extending from the wall trim members in a horizontal plane for spanning the room and a plurality of cross braces interlocking with the main runner members and forming a grid for receiving ceiling tiles, panels, fixtures, and the like. A plurality of clips are slidably disposed on the wall trim members, main runner members, and the cross braces to suspend those members from the ceiling and to support the main runner members and cross braces at intersection points in the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Eric S. Neff
  • Patent number: 5619834
    Abstract: A slate positioning device comprises a positioning plate. The positioning plate has a horizontal plate and the first and the second longitudinal plates at two ends of the horizontal plate. The first longitudinal plate has a hole. The second longitudinal plate has an upper convex edge and a lower convex edge. A pad plate has a slot and a concave surface to cover the first longitudinal plate. The upper convex edge and the lower convex edge are inserted in the corresponding grooves of the corresponding slates. A screw rod passes through the hole and the slot to fasten the first longitudinal plate and the pad plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Laurance Chen
  • Patent number: 5619835
    Abstract: A modular wall block is formed with a groove in a top surface configured to frictionally receive fingers of a rake-like connection device which may extend through apertures in an end portion of a grid-like sheet of reinforcing material. The connection device includes enlarged tabs projecting away from the fingers to engage in a widened slot defined in the bottom of superimposed wall blocks for positioning the front faces of the blocks in the retaining wall relative to each other in either a vertically aligned or vertically set back relationship depending upon the direction of extension of the tabs. The groove and the slot are formed at opposite ends of a tapered through-opening extending between top and bottom surfaces of the block. By virtue of the taper, the width of the groove is less than a width of the slot to accommodate the different portions of the connector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: The Tensar Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph S. Bailey, II, Robert Miller, Joseph D. Emberson
  • Patent number: 5619836
    Abstract: A sheetrock patch fastener that includes an integrally formed unit that is capable of supporting repair patches of various sizes and which is non-intrusive to the hidden surface of the sheetrock wall being repaired. The sheetrock patch fastener includes an upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion. The upper portion has an upper portion distal edge, an upper portion proximal edge, and a pair of upper portion distal edge corner teeth which extend downwardly from the upper portion at the ends of the upper portion distal edge. The intermediate portion extends downwardly from the upper portion and has an intermediate portion upper edge that is collinear with the upper portion proximal edge, and an intermediate portion lower edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventors: Duane A. Rouch, Mark S. Andrews
  • Patent number: 5619837
    Abstract: A corrugated panel structure, for use in the construction of a building wall or other structural application, includes a corrugated panel of broad, planar configuration and a pair of elongated caps mounted on opposite edges of the corrugated panel. Each of the elongated caps has a protruding central channel which is slotted to receive the individual corrugations of the corrugated panel. Each elongated cap is secured in place over an end of the corrugated panel by a rod disposed within the central channel and extending through apertures in the corrugations and end portions of the corrugated panel. Between the end portions, the corrugations form a zig-zag pattern of diagonally oriented planes which alternate in direction. Such corrugations extend in spaced-apart, parallel fashion between the opposite edges of the panel. The slots in the central channels for receiving the individual corrugations are diagonally oriented and alternate in direction relative to the directions of elongation of the elongated cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Fabricio N. DiSanto
  • Patent number: 5619838
    Abstract: A strapping system in which edge protectors are disposed between a load and tensioned strapping applied about the load in a strapping station. Edge protector applicator assemblies located on opposite sides of the load position edge protectors adjacent top and bottom surface edge portions of the load when the load is raised above a deck. The edge protectors are folded over and retained on edges of the load upon application of the tensioned strapping about the load to protect the edges of the load from the tensioned strapping. The strapping system includes a movable frame with spaced support members disposed below the deck and aligned with spaces in the deck. The frame is raised and lowered so that the support members of the frame extend through the spaces of the deck to lift the load above the deck to allow positioning of the lower edge protectors adjacent to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Calvin E. Kasel
  • Patent number: 5619839
    Abstract: A packaging machine and method of packaging utilizing chains of interconnected preopened bags which are fed sequentially and one at a time to a load station. Bag tops are clamped against spreading horns by sensor equipped clamps which cause disablement of a bag filling mechanism unless a bag is properly located at the load station. The horns include mirror image subassemblies each including stationary and moveable sections. Each subassembly includes a prime mover interposed between the sections to relatively move the sections between collapsed and bag extending positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Peppard, Anthony H. Gates
  • Patent number: 5619840
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery package (30) of maxi bags (10) and a method for packing maxi bags into a delivery package (30). A delivery package (30) consists of maxi bags (10) placed overlappingly one top of the other, said bags being rolled around a rolling core (20) into a roll package. The edge portions of the maxi bags (10) have been folded prior to being conducted to a rolling core (20) so that in longitudinal direction the maxi bags (10) are essentially of equal thickness, whereby in each maxi bag layer of a delivery package (30) the undesired thickness of the thick handle part of the lifting loop structure (13) of the maxi bags (10) has been made uniform in order to produce a stable delivery package (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Oy W. Rosenlew AB
    Inventors: Per Nyman, Veikko Koivum aki
  • Patent number: 5619841
    Abstract: A process for packing, cooling and shipping fresh produce incorporates a standard corrugated paperboard, stackable container without utilizing any water resistant chemical compounds, together with a moisture-impervious plastic bag which is inserted into the paperboard container. The free ends of the plastic bag extend upwardly and above the top plane of the paperboard container as produce is packed and thereafter allows an opening for a preselected amount of free water to be applied over the fresh-packed produce. Thereafter, the top of the bag is tucked in providing a loose closure and the package is palletized and inserted into a cooling chamber having a relatively low humidity where the temperature of the produce is rapidly brought down to its storage and shipping temperature. By having the paperboard container avoid the presence of any high humidity environment, the basis weights of the paperboard components can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Herbert D. Muise, Mark A. Stanish
  • Patent number: 5619842
    Abstract: The method of the present invention for bagging pre-silage, has the steps of (a) receiving a bale of pre-silage from a loader, (b) compressing the bale in at least one cross section dimension to fit into a bag, and (c) advancing the compressed bale into the bag. The apparatus of the present invention for bagging baled pre-silage, has (a) a support frame having a plurality of lateral walls. The lateral walls define a rear opening to which a bag is attached, and a front opening through which is received the baled pre-silage. At least one of the lateral walls is reversibly movable in a direction toward an opposite lateral wall for compressing or squeezing the baled pre-silage to a size that will fit into the bag. The front opening has a closure and ram for enclosing the baled pre-silage and applying the ram to advnce the compressed baled pre-silage through the rear opening and into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventors: David Brubaker, Darin Boone
  • Patent number: 5619843
    Abstract: A machine for wrapping a plurality of articles into a package. The machine is provided with a film which comes in roll form and the film passes through a cutter but does not cut it entirely off. At the same time, generally parallel to the film there is a row of articles which are advanced and passed on to a guide which moves them onto the film. The film is then drawn after which the articles are advanced in unison and then the film is drawn about the articles. The group of articles are then passed on to rollers and into a shrink tunnel for shrinking of the film so as to tightly engage the articles. As the film is pulled into loops, the loops are supported by a vacuum conveyor so that the loops will stay ready for the eventual drawing of the film about the group of articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Robert H. Ganz
  • Patent number: 5619844
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a package with heat tack seals for a slice of a food item. A web of thermoplastic material is first formed into a tubular arrangement with a longitudinal heat tack seal. To form the tubular arrangement, means are provided for folding a continuous web of thermoplastic material into a tube and for continuously forming a heat seal along the longitudinal face of the folded web. The food item which has been formed into a soft mass, is then inserted into the tubular member and the tubular member is flattened to form a thin film tube. Means are provided for forming a heat tack cross-seal which is disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal forward moving direction of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Schreiber Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent A. Meli, David L. Shaft
  • Patent number: 5619845
    Abstract: The improved battery-powered lawnmower includes a safety key that is automatically removed when the removable battery is removed, while at the same time blocking the battery recharger receptacle. The lawnmower also includes a control circuit that shuts off the lawnmower upon the occurrence of one or more of several predetermined conditions, including low battery voltage, the encountering of heavy grass for a period of 3 seconds or more, and high motor current that may occur when the cutting blade is jammed. The cutting blade is designed to move through any debris accumulated between the blade ends and the housing sidewall without sacrificing the lift for needed cutting and mulching. The invention also includes a unique height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the chassis, a handle attachment that allows the handle to be positively tightened to the lawnmower chassis, and a telescoping groove for the battery's quick connect/disconnect terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Bruener, Paul A. Tharman, John A. Fiorenza, II, Joseph L. Pfaff, Richard A. Dykstra, William H. Reitman
  • Patent number: 5619846
    Abstract: A lawn mower blade, particularly suited for a rotary lawn mower is provided with at least two end tines at opposite ends. Each tine has a forward bevelled cutting surface. The rear most and lowest most end tines are in a common (lowest) plane while all other tines are respectively forward thereof and in planes above the common plane. There are preferably three tines at each end which, on rotation, trace out a grass cutting annulus. The tines rotate in this annulus, chopping up the grass cuttings into small pieces virtually consuming them. The cut grass clippings thus not accumulated to the underside of the lawn mower deck and then fall as clumps to leave an unsightly mess on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Danny J. Brown
  • Patent number: 5619847
    Abstract: A disposable rotary lawn mower blade is made from a one piece stamping with "V" shaped cutting edges on each opposite ends. The disposable blade is mounted on the original cutting blade such that original blade is placed within the inner side of the V-shaped cutting edge. The cutting and wear is on the V-shaped cutting edges of the disposable blade, which can be installed and removed in seconds without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Clifton A. Cox, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5619848
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically removing a slub from spun filament yarn and a sliver or roving of staple fibers. The sliver or roving of staple fibers are fed through a drafting apparatus to prepare a continuous bundle of staple fibers. The filament yarn is pretensioned such that a texture is temporarily substantially removed. The continuous bundle of staple fibers and the filament yarn are combined downstream of the drafting apparatus. The combined continuous bundle and the filament yarn are fed into a spinner. The spun filament yarn and staple fibers are monitored to detect imperfections of a predetermined magnitude. A first signal is generated upon detection of an imperfection of the predetermined magnitude. The feeding of the staple fibers is stopped in response to the first signal. The core yarn is clamped at a predetermined position in response to the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Prospin Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Manual Costales, Mark J. Yukob, Charles W. Proctor
  • Patent number: 5619849
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing randomly variegated multiple strand yarn in twisting together two or more yarns at a plurality of yarn twisting stations. At each station a pneumatic twisting head is disposed in which randomly turbulent air currents are created in a chamber in the twisting head by compressed air flowing into the chamber from a manifold through bores in the twisting head, thereby randomly twisting together two or more yarns in the chamber. The yarns which have been twisted together are taken up over a plurality of traversing drums commonly mounted on a shaft which is driven by an alternating electric current motor controlled by a control device which operates to start and restart the motor on a predetermined cycle including a variation of the electrical input sufficient to result in randomly unpredictable inertia resistance of the traversing drums to rotational speed variation, thereby creating randomly unpredictable take-up of the yarns to produce non-uniform random twist in the yarns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Caress Yarns, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. McNeill
  • Patent number: 5619850
    Abstract: A bleed air buffer seal arrangement is provided for improved buffer sealing of oil sump seals in a gas turbine engine. In a multiple spool gas turbine engine, bleed air for buffer sealing is obtained through an annular bleed slot or annular array of bleed ports formed in the impeller shroud of a high pressure centrifugal impeller at a location spaced aft or downstream from the leading edge thereof. Bleed air from this location exhibits significant pressure at low engine power conditions to provide satisfactory buffer sealing, without subjecting sump seals to excess pressure or temperature at high engine power conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Palmer, Gulshan K. Arora
  • Patent number: 5619851
    Abstract: A diverging rocket engine nozzle has a system to allow ambient gases to flow from the outside to the inside of the nozzle's chamber. The system includes a plurality of coolant conduits adjacent the inside surface of the nozzle. The conduits are spaced apart to provide a plurality of vent openings which extends from the inside to the outside of the nozzle's chamber. A plurality of valves controls gas flow through the vent passages when the pressure outside of the nozzle is greater than the pressure directly adjacent the inside surface of the nozzle. The coolant conduits cool and shield the valves at their points of attachment to the outside of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Johnson, Rafael A. Bustamante, Edward B. Thayer, Richard J. Peckham
  • Patent number: 5619852
    Abstract: In an air/fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine, having a second air/fuel ratio sensor disposed downstream of a catalytic converter, a computing type used for computing a second air/fuel ratio correction quantity in accordance with an output of the second air/fuel ratio sensor is switched in such a manner that the second air/fuel ratio quantity is set larger when the output of the second air/fuel ratio sensor is outside a reference level range than when the output of the second air/fuel ratio sensor is within the reference level range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Uchikawa
  • Patent number: 5619853
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a honeycomb structure having an inlet and outlet end disposed in a housing and located in an exhaust gas stream downstream from an engine. The honeycomb structure possesses a first substantially unobstructed flow region, i.e., a low-flow resistance region, and a second more obstructed flow region adjacent the first region for the exhaust gases in the exhaust gas stream. The exhaust system further includes a fluidics apparatus disposed in the exhaust stream proximate to the center of the first region comprising a diverter body, a diversion fluid source and a conduit possessing an outlet for directing the diversion fluid toward the diverter body. Lastly, the diverter body comprises a main body and at least one pair of extensions, preferably symmetrical extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Jacqueline L. Brown
  • Patent number: 5619854
    Abstract: A turbocharged diesel engine having a two stage turbocharger assembly is described. The assembly includes two low pressure turbochargers coupled in parallel and arranged in series with a single high pressure turbocharger. This allows all turbochargers to be of comparable dimensions and allows for interchangeability of parts between low pressure and high pressure turbochargers. The turbochargers may be mounted on an enclosure which encloses the turbines and the exhaust gas ductwork and which communicates with the exhaust pipe to insure that any leaking exhaust gas escapes to the atmosphere via the exhaust pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom Diesels, Ltd.
    Inventors: John N. Ramsden, Ian W. Drake
  • Patent number: 5619855
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine is disclosed which is able to operate efficiently at inlet air flows having a high subsonic Mach Number. The combustor has an outer liner and an inner liner spaced therefrom, wherein a combustion chamber is defined therebetween. A dome inlet module is provided which is in flow communication with compressed air flow from a compressor upstream thereof. The dome inlet module has an outer member fixed to the outer liner and an inner member fixed to the inner liner, wherein a flow passage is defined by the outer and inner members for the compressed air flow to flow freely from a compressor to the combustion chamber. Fuel atomizers are then utilized to inject fuel into the flow passage so that the fuel is mixed with the compressed air stream to form a fuel/air mixture which enters the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David L. Burrus
  • Patent number: 5619856
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for dispensing cooled, heated or ambient temperature liquids from a liquid tank which contains therein a cold sink member for maintaining the liquid at a preselected temperature. The cold sink member may be formed in the shape of a cup-like finned member or a tree-like shaped member having outwardly extending fingers in order to greatly increase the transfer of heat energy within the liquid tank and to reduce the thickness of boundary layer formation in the cold sink member. The apparatus includes adapter means operable to supply separately controlled, selective dispensing of any of the chilled, heated, or ambient temperature liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Yong N. Lee
  • Patent number: 5619857
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for storing and delivering a liquid cryogen. The apparatus is a dewar having a rotating liquid cryogen intake, a rotating gas supply/vent, and a rotating capacitance gauge. The rotating capacitance gauge comprises two elongated plates having outer edges shaped concentrically with the inner profile of the dewar on both ends that are electrically isolated from but fastened to one another with a small gap therebetween and electrical leads to the exterior of the dewar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce D. Caldwell, Paul D. Duncan, John H. Fricker, Rick C. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5619858
    Abstract: An ice maker is provided which ejects ice pieces into a storage receptacle disposed beneath the ice maker during an ice harvesting cycle. The ice maker includes a rotatable bail arm which initiates the ice harvesting cycle to supply the ice pieces to the receptacle and has a generally horizontal first portion which extends over the receptacle and a second portion which extends at an angle to the first portion. The ice maker also includes a molded plastic sensing element having a pair of spaced apart eyelets adapted to receive the first portion of said bail arm and pivotally support the sensing arm on the bail arm between a "high ice" position and a "low ice" position. The sensing element is pivoted between the "high ice" and "low ice" positions to adjust the level of the ice pieces which is maintained in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Gunderson, Timothy L. Varney, Curtis W. Sisson
  • Patent number: 5619859
    Abstract: An absorption refrigeration unit adapted to attain energy-saving by suppressing a surplus refrigerating capacity at the time of a normal operation during which the cooling water temperature is low, improve the response by ensuring adequate heating at the time of start-up operation at which the cooling water temperature is low, and avoid a pressure rise in a generator when the cooling water temperature is high or abnormality occurs. Fundamentally the amount of heat applied by a burner 31a is controlled according to the cooled water outlet temperature Tm, while the maximum permissible temperature for a high temperature generator 3 is determined according to the cooled water inlet temperature. When the temperature Tgh in the high temperature generator 3 exceeds the maximum permissible temperature determined by the cooled water inlet temperature, the amount of heat applied is reduced. During the normal operation in which the cooling water temperature is low, the amount of heat applied is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takatoshi Takigawa, Mitsuji Kawai
  • Patent number: 5619860
    Abstract: A controlling apparatus for an air conditioner includes a relay serving to control the feeding of electricity to a compressor, a semiconductor element including a controlling terminal to control the feeding of electricity to a magnetizing coil of said relay, a temperature controlling mechanism for changing the connected state between contact points thereof to another one depending on a preset temperature value and a detected temperature value, a heating section adapted to generate heat by feeding a small quantity of electric current while performing temperature compensation in association with the changing operation with the contact points in the temperature controlling mechanism connected to each other, electricity transmitting paths each serving to feed the electricity fed from the contact points in the temperature controlling mechanism to the controlling terminal of each of the semiconductor elements therethrough, and a restricting circuit for allowing the semiconductor elements disposed in the electricity
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuchiyama Yuji, Shimizu Masayuki
  • Patent number: 5619861
    Abstract: A centrifugal type separator is disposed on a downstream side of a temperature-operating type expansion valve. Liquid-phase refrigerant separated herein is again pressure-reduced by an aperture resistance and thereafter inducted to an inlet side of the evaporator by means of a liquid-phase refrigerant discharge passage. Meanwhile, gas-phase refrigerant separated by the separator is returned directly from a gas-phase refrigerant discharge passage to an evaporator outlet side passage, and after being united with superheated gas-phase refrigerant evaporated by the evaporator, is taken into a compressor. A temperature-sensing tube of the expansion valve is disposed further on the downstream side of the foregoing union location so as to enable the temperature of the superheated gas-phase refrigerant evaporated by the evaporator to be sensed accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Yamanaka, Nobuharu Kakehashi, Hiroshi Kishita, Kenichi Fujiwara