Patents Issued in April 22, 1997
  • Patent number: 5621974
    Abstract: A cutting implement such as of the scissors type is disclosed herein, having a pair of elongated shanks pivoted together midway between their opposite ends so that opposing blade cutting edges converge together as the shanks are closed towards one another. The cutting edges are carried on an exposed edge marginal region of either permanent or replaceable blades disposed into open receptacles on the respective shanks. Each shank receptacle is defined by sloping surfaces at the opposite ends of each receptacle and a pair of stepped posts is provided in spaced apart relationship between the opposite opening ends. A replaceable blade is formed with a plurality of recesses along the edge opposite to the cutting edge leading into longitudinal slots whereby the shank posts are indexed or registered with the blade recesses for snap-lock retention therewith into the slots with the blade seated on the post steps. A permanent blade is provided with shaped holes for placement on the steps of the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Anthony W. Rose, Jr.
    Inventors: Anthony T. Rose, Theresa M. Rose
  • Patent number: 5621975
    Abstract: A system for use in construction or similar activities, for layout of points or lines using a projected laser beam includes a remotely controlled turntable unit having a rotatable turntable for receiving a portable, hand-carryable self-leveling laser projecting instrument. The portable self-leveling laser instrument preferably has a relatively wide self-leveling range, such as up to about 4.degree. in two axes, and is useful in layout operations separate from the remote turntable. When placed on the remote turntable unit, the direction of pointing of the laser or lasers from the instrument can be controlled by the operator from a distance, through operation of a hand-held remote unit having directional buttons which control a motor of the turntable unit. Provision can be included for measuring angles on the turntable unit, for varying the speed of rotation of the turntable, as by holding down one of the buttons, and for generating a preselected angle (such as 90.degree.) from a remote position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Levelite Technology
    Inventor: Joseph F. Rando
  • Patent number: 5621976
    Abstract: A device having a top end and a bottom end is characterized by a longitudinal bore extending into the device from the bottom end a particular distance and adapted for receiving a contractor's grade stake therein, which bore is intercepted at its top end by a slot extending through the device from a one side to an opposite side thereof and configured to accept a contractor's grade line therethrough in a manner to maintain the line on the top surface of the grade stake within the bore such that a particular grade level as between at least two grade stakes which each carry a device on their top ends may be maintained via the line extending between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas Ochsenbine
  • Patent number: 5621977
    Abstract: There is disclosed a plumb bob having a segmented bob body with an upper bob body segment which is attached to a flexible suspension cord and a removably attached lower bob body segment. The upper segment of the bob body has a marker mechanism which can be an internally contained marker that is resiliently biased within the upper segment by springs which permit the marker to project from the under surface of the body upon impact, registering a point on the lower surface. An alternative marker mechanism comprises a pair of crossed slots in the lower end surface of the upper segment which guide a marker for scribing lines which intersect at the transfer point. The upper segment of the bob body is secured on the transfer point by a central protuberance which permits the body to tilt, but not topple, resting at the transfer point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Hampton
  • Patent number: 5621978
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine having three elongated members defining X, Y and Z axes is provided wherein the Y axis is defined by a horizontal arm extendedly and retractably mounted in a housing supported on the rail defining the Z axis. The horizontal arm is provided with convex ridges on its upper and lower surfaces. The ridges preferably extend along the center line of the arm. The arm is supported by upper and lower pairs of wheels having concave surfaces located in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Alan J. Sarauer
  • Patent number: 5621979
    Abstract: A drive attachment device (10), particularly adapted to receive and transmit drive to the handle (31) of a paint brush (30) comprises a body (11) having a socket (12) for receiving the end of a paint brush, and resilient retaining means in the form of tension springs (17) mounted on pegs (16) to span an opening (18) through which the handle (31) of the paint brush (30) is introduced when being fitted to the device. The tension springs exert sufficient force on the paint brush handle both to retain it in position against axial displacement and to transmit rotation when the body (10) is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: David B. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5621980
    Abstract: A hair blow dryer attachment for styling and creating a greater volume of hair is comprised of a base from which a plurality of hollow members project. The base adapts the attachment to a hair blow dryer. The hollow members are arranged and spaced to facilitate insertion into hair to the base of the hair and to support the hair while drying. Each hollow member contains a plurality of apertures which are arranged to diffuse and deliver air from the blowdryer to hair at the base of the head, thus drying the hair at its base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel B. Kingsbury
  • Patent number: 5621982
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic substrate processing system comprising a processing equipment for processing electronic substrates including semiconductor wafers and liquid crystal substrates; a cleaning equipment for cleaning said electronic substrate in a predetermined processing step; a portable closed container for accommodating a cassette containing said electronic substrate; a purging station for gas-purging said portable closed containers; and a storage member for storing said portable closed containers, wherein said cassette accommodates said electronic substrates which have been cleaned by said cleaning equipment being set in said portable closed container and purged with an inert gas in said purging station, and said portable closed container or containers is stored in said storing section when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teppei Yamashita, Masanao Murata, Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Teruya Morita, Hitoshi Kawano, Mitsuhiro Hayashi, Atsushi Okuno, Akio Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5621983
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaporating a coating solvent from a coating on a first substrate and for minimizing the formation of mottle. A drying oven includes a plurality of air foils positioned adjacent to the second substrate surface. Each of the plurality of air foils have a foil slot through which a stream of drying gas is supplied to the drying oven. The foil slot length is adjusted to not be significantly greater than the first substrate width to minimize air flow over the first and second coating edges which minimizes the creation of mottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lundemann, Robert A. Yapel, Roger K. Yonkoski, Brian L. Strobush
  • Patent number: 5621984
    Abstract: An amusement footwear comprises an insole, an outsole, and a resilient portion disposed between the insole and the outsole for providing the footwear with a bouncing effect. The resilient portion comprises a plurality of coil springs which are held securely by the fitting portions of the insole and the outsole and are enclosed by a resilient casing fastened between the insole and the outsole. The insole is provided on the heel portion thereof with an adjustment device for adjusting the size of the footwear. The outsole is provided respectively on the undersides of both front and rear ends thereof with an anti-skidding device. The footwear is provided with a front foot-fastening strap held in the front retaining holes of a ring portion of the insole and is further provided with a rear foot-fastening strap held in the rear retaining holes of the ring portion of the insole and the retaining holes of the adjustment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Frank Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5621985
    Abstract: A jumping assist system to be mounted in conjunction with each lower leg and foot of a human which will cause the imparting of additional energy during the jumping movement which will result in the individual being able to jump higher, especially in a succession of jumps, as well as having greater endurance in jumping. When the lower leg moves forwardly into the jump-ready position, a pulling force is applied from the lower leg to a tension brace which extends substantially parallel to the back of the leg to under the heel of the foot causing a forward rotational force at the ankle joint. This force will assist the individual in the jumping action. There is also a separate strap connection over the dorsum of the foot which extends along the bottom of the foot and under the heel, anchoring in the achilles area. This dorsum strap further assists in achieving an increased level of upward support and some rotational force that assists the individual in the jumping motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: John H. Frost
  • Patent number: 5621986
    Abstract: A slip-on shoe is shaped so that it can be worn on either foot of a user, and it includes a pumice stone which is attached to a top surface of the shoe. A wearer can wear the shoe on one foot and then rub the other bare foot over the pumice stone to remove callouses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventors: Emir A. Medina, Clara D'Aiuto
  • Patent number: 5621987
    Abstract: An assembly for coupling an implement to an operating arm of a machine generally consisting of a first component fixedly mountable on the implement, having an annular gripping surface, and a second component connectable to the operating arm having a pair of gripping members displaceable along a first line of travel into and out of gripping engagement with the gripping surface of the first component, and am actuator for selectively displacing the gripping members into and out of such gripping engagement, the first component having at least one pair of spaced abutment surfaces disposed in opposed relation to the gripping members for restricting displacement of the gripping members relative to the first component along a second line of travel intersecting the first line of travel and at least one abutment surface engageable by the gripping members for restricting displacement of the gripping members along the first line of travel for retaining at least a portion of the gripping members in opposed relation to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Rockland, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel S. Pratt, Dan Shaffer, Tim A. Davis, Ashley Heiple
  • Patent number: 5621988
    Abstract: A steam iron comprising a housing (1) containing a removable water supply chamber (7), a distribution chamber (6) containing a drip feed device (15) and having an opening (16) connected to the water supply chamber (7), two valves (18 and 19) provided at the opening (16) and the water supply chamber (7) respectively, and two reciprocal valve actuation members (20 and 21) for actuating the valves (18 and 19) when the chamber (7) is secured within the housing (1). One valve (18) comprises a movable plug (22) and a stationary seat (23), while the other valve (19) comprises a stationary plug (24) and a movable seat (25), and the two reciprocal actuation members (20 and 21) are designed to engage both the movable plug (22) and the movable seat (25) when the chamber (7) is secured within the housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Moulinex
    Inventors: Jean-Paul A. A. Bouleau, Gerard L. H. Guillot
  • Patent number: 5621989
    Abstract: A steam valve seal for a steam iron comprising: a hollow cylindrical base disposed within an opening defined by a steam chest cover plate of the iron, the base receiving a steam valve of the iron; an annular middle portion disposed between the base and an outer annular wall having a downwardly extending annular shoulder; the annular shoulder disposed in an annular channel defined by the steam chest cover plate; and an annular groove defined by and disposed between the annular middle portion and the outer annular wall, the annular groove receiving an annular clip disposed within the iron which holds the seal against the steam chest cover plate. Shrinkage of the steam valve seal causes the cylindrical base to tighten against the steam valve and causes the annular middle portion and annular shoulder to tighten against the steam chest cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J. Hensel, Richard L. Hoare
  • Patent number: 5621990
    Abstract: A keepsake holder for baby teeth which provides parents, guardians and others with a convenient way in which to save and display a child's baby teeth. The holder comprises a generally folded card having a top leaf and a bottom leaf. Attached to the inside of the top leaf are preferably graphical representations and dental terminology indicia corresponding to a child's twenty baby teeth. Attached to the bottom leaf is a plurality of date entry lines for entering the dates on the sheet that a child's baby teeth fall out. Also attached to the bottom leaf is a multi-pocketed double ply transparent sheet for separately retaining the child's baby teeth. Advantageously, cross-referencing indicia are disposed adjacent each graphical representation, dental terminology indica, date entry line and pocket to cross-reference each retained baby tooth to its graphical representation, its dental terminology and the date that it fell out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Anastasia Blanchard
  • Patent number: 5621991
    Abstract: An electroluminescent lamp and associated method for manufacturing the same having coplanar contact pads, thereby allowing the lamp to be positioned at any point along a conductive bus bar. The lamp includes a base nonconductive film having an electrically conductive coating. A first layer of illuminative material is screen printed on to the base film. A second layer of insulative material is applied over the first layer of illuminative material. A third layer comprised of a conductive ink coating is then screen printed over the second layer of insulative material in inlaid fashion. An insulative coating is then applied over the third layer of conductive material to effectively seal the first, second, and third layers between the base nonconductive film and the insulative coating. First and second coplanar contact pads are then formed on the lamp for electrically connecting the lamp to a power supply. The first electrical conductive contact pad is electrically connected to the base film conductive coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Stan-Tech
    Inventor: Thomas L. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 5621992
    Abstract: A self standing floor sign (10) comprising two end panels (12 and 14), and two side panels (16), the two side panels (16) pivotably secured between the end panels (12 and 14), and the side panels (16) having a hinge oriented within an approximate center of the side panels (16) to allow the side panels (16) to collapse in a generally inwardly direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan N. Mandell, Glenn E. Tomblin
  • Patent number: 5621993
    Abstract: A sheet material blank preformed to a standardized dimension and configuration for forming the digits zero through nine for signs. The preferred embodiment of the blank is made from an opaque, flexible sheet material having pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the backside and a release liner. The key feature of the blank is its rectangular outer dimension and two rectangular apertures of equal area centered within said outer dimension so as to define a pair of elongated legs of equal width integrally bridged by three horizontal elongated members of a width equal to the width of said pair of legs. The blank thus defines a figure having parallel and linear edges resembling the digit eight. The second key feature of the blank is linear indicia provided on the release liner which aids the consumer in creating the desired digits from the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Carl Stover
  • Patent number: 5621994
    Abstract: A sign frame for directory or other applications, and having adjustable corners permitting the sign to assume orthogonal and nonorthogonal configurations. Each adjustable corner connector has first and second elements that respectively connect to contiguous ends of adjacent edge members making up the sign. The elements of the adjustable corner connector are pivotably interconnected at hubs that are spatially displaced from the edge members, so that the hubs fit within the outline of the assembled frame without interfering with the edge members making up that frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: APCO Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Cobb, Benjamin H. Bell, Jeff A. Hampton, Danny L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5621995
    Abstract: A magazine entrance guide integral with the mainspring housing of the firearm is provided. It is a guide having four sloped surfaces front, back and two opposite sides guiding double column staggered round high capacity magazine entrance during insertions. The magazine entrance guide with widely spaced sides in one embodiment has upwardly extended opposite side stabilizing extensions enclosing opposite sides of the gun butt within opposite side grip plates that counter torsion forces between the guide and the mainspring housing. In another embodiment opposite side stabilizing extensions are positioned within the angled out opening sides of the gun butt magazine opening to counter torsion forces between the guide and the mainspring housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Alan K. Smith
  • Patent number: 5621996
    Abstract: A mountable security and display device for storing a firearm uses a pair of complementary casings that can be locked in a closed position whereby the casings substantially surround and prevent access to the operational portions of a firearm. To facilitate quick access to the firearm, the casings can be remotely unlocked. Once unlocked, the casings automatically open to an opened position whereby the casings hold the firearm and provide substantially unimpeded access thereto. The apparatus can be arranged to store the firearm in a loaded condition, and can be configured to store ammunition separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Pride Cast Metals, Inc.
    Inventor: George M. Mowl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5621997
    Abstract: A handgun grip enhancer unit for use with side panel grip type handguns. The unit is made from elastomer and includes a forward finger rest cushion member molded integral with reduced thickness side wing members which extend rearwardly in full face engagement with the gun handle and beneath the standard side panel grip elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Pearce Grip, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Lane Pearce
  • Patent number: 5621998
    Abstract: A speed loader for loading a plurality of cartridges having shells into respective chambers of a revolver cylinder comprises a sheet form piece of resilient material formed with six substantially circular bores of diameter slightly less than the caliber of the shells. The cartridges can be fitted in the bores respectively and will be held in the bores by tension in the resilient material and frictional engagement between the resilient material and the shells of the cartridges. The six bores are arranged in two groups of three. The bores of the first group have their centers lying on a first arc of radius substantially equal to the radius of the circle on which the centers of the chambers lie, and the centers of the two outer bores are angularly spaced along the arc at approximately 60.degree. from the center of the inner bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Charles Norgaard
  • Patent number: 5621999
    Abstract: A light emitting module is attached to one of a pair of separable U-shaped metal clamps that can fit around a weapon trigger guard. The clamps have recesses for retaining elastomeric inserts which contact the trigger guard. The inserts are of inexpensive glass-filled molded plastic rather than machined steel so that a greater variety can be provided at low cost and little value is lost by discarding those not needed for a particular weapon. The greater variety provides a better fit with little or no custom shaping and the elastomeric inserts are much easier to shape if an unusually contoured trigger guard is encountered. A slide switch passes through the clamp and is actuated by either a right or left handed user. The motion of the switch is transverse to the trigger guard and firing direction of the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Tac Star Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Moore
  • Patent number: 5622000
    Abstract: A laser sighting system mounted entirely in a fore handgrip assembly of a firearm also having a pistol handgrip rearward of the fore handgrip assembly, the fore handgrip assembly including a frame removably secured relative to a barrel of the firearm and a hollow grip element extending from the frame transverse to the barrel axis, the laser sighting system including a battery inside the hollow grip element, a laser diode on the frame forward of the grip element connected by electrical circuitry to the battery and a switch on the grip element for selectively energizing the laser diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Ira M. Marlowe
  • Patent number: 5622001
    Abstract: A device for trapping and collecting snails, slugs, and other like creatures in a garden environment. The device includes a container having a primary opening for accessing the interior of the container and entrance ports to provide a path of ingress for the animals to be caught. The device further includes a skirt that surrounds the container to provide the dark environment preferred by such creatures and an anchor means to secure the device from tampering by raccoons, squirrels, and other rodents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Michael L. Kazmierzak
  • Patent number: 5622002
    Abstract: A method for topdressing turfgrass on an activity field with only solid elastomeric particles is described. The method produces turfgrass which has enhanced color and health even when there is extensive abrasion of the grass through use of the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: John N. Rogers, III, Joseph T. Vanini
  • Patent number: 5622003
    Abstract: What is described herein are homogeneous, aqueous, non-freezing seed coating compositions containing high loadings of a nutrient such as Mn(NO.sub.3).sub.2.6H.sub.2 O.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: ISP Investments Inc.
    Inventor: Kolazi S. Narayanan
  • Patent number: 5622004
    Abstract: A growing system, comprising a container for liquid, a container for growing medium and a wick for transporting water between them, provides a low maintenance, low water usage, self-watering planter. The wick, cut from an extended, continuously manufactured length, may comprise a plastic net and omni-directional, long-fiber sphagnum moss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Nashua Industrial Machine Corp.
    Inventor: Lester Gidge
  • Patent number: 5622005
    Abstract: An automotive door glass assembly which in a preferred embodiment includes an extendable door glass extendable from a door cavity and having a first bore and an edge surface; a shoe supporting the door glass having an alignment surface and a generally oblong longitudinal slot intersecting the first bore; a U-shaped cradle positioned adjacent the glass around the edge of the glass having a bore generally aligned with the first bore, the cradle also having a ledge and a surface in contact with the shoe alignment surface; a cam plate fitted within the first bore and the bore of the cradle, the cam plate having a head retained by the ledge of the cradle; a fastener eccentrically mounted in the cam plate and engaged therewith for permanently affixing the position of the glass with respect to the shoe; and a sleeve surrounding the threaded fastener and torsionally associated with the cam plate at a first end and at a second end having a torque receiving head to allow for adjustment of the glass with respect to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Ochenski, David M. Mooney
  • Patent number: 5622006
    Abstract: A bi-directional door for the elderly and handicapped which comprises a support assembly mounted to a floor, a swing gate pivotally mounted about a support shaft in the support assembly, and a controller assembly located within the support assembly. A first bevel gear at the base of the swing gate is positioned for rotation about the support shaft. A second bevel gear, which is controlled by the controller assembly, is coupled to the first bevel gear at a 90 degree angle. Accordingly, when the swing gate is opened and released, the controller assembly controls the rotation of the first and second bevel gears such that the swing gate returns back to a home position at a predetermined rate. In addition, the support assembly includes various ways for adjusting and fine tuning the angular position of the bi-directional door in the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Terence J. Collins
  • Patent number: 5622007
    Abstract: There is disclosed an automatic sliding door closing device comprised of two elongated arms coupled together at their proximal ends by a coiled spring which spreads the distal ends of the elongated arms apart. The distal end of one elongated arm is attached to a door jamb and the distal end of the other elongated arm is attached to the edge of the sliding door. Speed damping is provided by a pneumatic cylinder which retards the acceleration of the sliding door due to the force exerted by the coiled spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Steven L. Archer
  • Patent number: 5622008
    Abstract: An extruded weatherstrip of an elastomeric material formed by the polymerization of ethylene propylene and diene monomers capable of adapting to the surface contour of a retention flange. The weatherstrip includes a foot of pliable uncured elastomeric material and a seal member of cured elastomeric material formed integral with said uncured foot. The seal member has a retention member which forces the foot within imperfections and variations in the retention flange to provide a weather resistant seal with the retention flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventor: S. Brian King
  • Patent number: 5622009
    Abstract: A tilt type window support mechanism structure that is placed into the window frame of a conventional tilt type window. It fastens in the sidewalls of the frame and at the sill. It is capable of both extension and rotation about its connecting axis. These capabilities allow for optimum placement of the support frame under the tilted window, thus freeing the user from manually supporting the window in its desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: John Healey
  • Patent number: 5622010
    Abstract: A panel tray display system for improving storage capabilities beyond that of standard shelving has at least one tray support panel with vertically spaced lip troughs extending substantially continuously across the panel. The display system also has trays of a standardized, modular length that is chosen to allow a user to arrange two or more trays in a substantially side-to-side relationship on the display system. Each tray has a hanger member, a tray shelf and upturned front and side retaining rails. The hanger members are engaged in lip troughs so that the trays hang from the support panel. The trays may be repositioned vertically and horizontally on the panel as desired. The predetermined modular length of the trays is shorter than the length of traditional shelving and allows the user to maximize available storage space by adjusting the vertical distances between vertically adjacent short trays. The trays are thin, on the order of 1/16 inch, to further increase available storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Karl F. Weber
  • Patent number: 5622011
    Abstract: Adjacent backdrop panels and a suspended canopy comprising a stage shell, wherein the backdrop panels include angular alignment devices for readily and accurately aligning adjacent panels to present a pleasing, uniform appearance and tilt aligning devices to readily align the angle of tilt of the backdrop panels. The suspended canopy formed of individual canopy panels having rotatable hinge devices for storing the canopy panels in a substantially vertical position and having a readily engageable stay assembly for accurately fixing the relative angle of the canopy panels when deployed in a performance position above the backdrop panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Jines
  • Patent number: 5622012
    Abstract: A panel for so-called sectional doors, in which a number of panels are hinged together by means of hinge parts which form part of the panel. Each panel consists of an elongated body part, which is formed by two side plates lying a distance apart and along the long narrow sides contains the hinge parts for forming the hinged connection. One hinge part contains an arc-shaped nose, the arc-shaped outside wall of which connects virtually directly to one side wall of the body part, and the inside wall running concentrically herewith merges through an acute angle into the other side wall of the body part. The other hinge part has a supporting part lying near one side wall of the body part and bearing an essentially cylindrical thickened part, and a concentric wall running at a distance therefrom which with the thickened part leaves a space free for the accommodation of the nose of the other hinge part of an adjacent panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Hendrikus J. Schijf
  • Patent number: 5622013
    Abstract: A multipurpose arena with a suspended roof and an interior which can be adjusted to accommodate events requiring different space arrangements. The roof is made of sections suspended between opposed supporting pylons and assumes a catenary shape. Rail-mounted, motor-driven, stands can be shifted from place to place depending on the event or events being catered. Partitions divide the arena into separate private compartments wherein separate events can be held simultaneously in each compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Kajima Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Ban, Masaru Ozaki, Arata Yoshida, Masahiro Hanyu, Takeshi Miyazaki, Seiichi Muramatsu, Haruji Tsubota, Naoya Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5622014
    Abstract: A columbarium structure comprising several niche units, each of which is of a door hingably attached to it. Within each such door, a rotatable element is rotatably mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Hali J. Weiss
  • Patent number: 5622015
    Abstract: An apparatus for consolidating earth and anchor setting device. The apparatus includes a vertical support, a plurality of spaced media consolidation plates swingably mounted to the vertical support, a rib disposed along a lower edge of respective ones of the consolidation plates and a bearing plate secured to the vertical support. The apparatus can be used to install a bearing and moment foundation having an upper surface, a lower surface and a converging side surface. The upper surface is adapted to receive a pushing force for pushing the foundation into the soil and the side surface adapted to contact the soil when a pushing force is applied to the upper surface. The anchoring device can also be used to install a pier foundation having a plug, an installation load bearing member, an installed load bearing member and a cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: James S. Collins
  • Patent number: 5622016
    Abstract: A seal assembly, which minimizes or eliminates infiltration of rain water along the roof of a truck parked in a loading dock, generally comprises a downwardly inclined roof panel which extends outwardly from the building wall and collects the water. A gutter member, supported by and disposed along the length of the roof panel, collects water runoff from the building walls and the roof panel and channels the water away from the center of the door opening and towards either side of the loading dock opening. The seal assembly also comprises a seal member mounted to the roof panel and/or the gutter member so that it generally hangs into the upper portion of the door opening and engages the top portion of the truck so as to sealably engage the truck roof and form a water blocking barrier, thereby minimizing or eliminating infiltration of rain water along the truck roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Frommelt, William Triervieler, David J. Hoffmann, Kenneth F. Lenz, Thomas J. Medley, Thomas J. Boffeli
  • Patent number: 5622017
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sash profile having a first channel that opens toward and receives a glass panel and a second channel that opens toward and is covered by the glass panel. The second channel and the glass panel cooperate to define a continuous passage about the perimeter of the sash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Lynn, Todd W. Bruchu
  • Patent number: 5622018
    Abstract: A component shutter having a plurality of end caps for closing off the outermost longitudinal ends of each of a pair of side rails of the shutter and providing a decorative, finished appearance to the outermost longitudinal ends of each of the side rails. The end caps comprise a top portion and a tongue portion, with the tongue portion being sized to fit within a pocket formed between the side rail and either a top or bottom end rail. The tongue portion is slidably inserted into the pocket. The end cap forms a finished appearing edge surface for an end of the side rail of the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Tapco International
    Inventor: Charles E. Schiedegger
  • Patent number: 5622019
    Abstract: A translucent panel is provided to simulate the surface of a glass-block matrix. The panel is impressed with a rectangular grid to simulate the perimeter of a plurality of glass blocks in a matrix and with a texture pattern simulating the pattern or texture of glass blocks. Two panels are mounted in a window frame in a spaced parallel configuration to simulate a glass-block window. An interior partition or wall is constructed with panels on either side of an interior framework. The partition is finished by suitable end caps, corner pieces and top caps. The translucent panel is preferably made by feeding a hot sheet of glass or plastic between two opposed rollers each having a suitable pattern thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Joe Dorough, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5622020
    Abstract: An attachment clip is formed from a generally rectangular blank of bendable material and includes a pair of depending legs bent forwardly and upwardly so as to engage the slots found in the nailing flange of standard horizontal siding panels. The clip includes a nail slot having a length greater than the length of an individual slot formed in the nailing flange of the panel, thereby permitting greater expansion and contraction of the panel on the wall to which it is attached. The clip is formed from a rectangular blank of bendable material, with a notch extending upwardly in the lower edge to form the depending legs which are journaled through individual slots in the nailing flange of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Margaret A. Wood
  • Patent number: 5622021
    Abstract: A wall brace apparatus and method for holding together and supporting walls and also for forming an arena or walled enclosed structure. Wall brace 10 or 15 has a frame 30, a top bracing member 40, and a bottom bracing member 50 for holding together, bracing, and supporting respective top sides and respective bottom sides of walls 60 adjacently to and in alignment with each other. Wall braces 10 or 15 are used to hold walls 60 to form side walls, and walls 60 can be easily assembled and disassembled from the top and bottom bracing members 40 and 50. Wall brace 20 or 25 also has a frame 30, a top bracing member 45, and a bottom bracing member 55 for holding together, bracing, and supporting respective sides of walls 60 at an angle to each other. Wall braces 20 or 25 are used to hold walls 60 to form corner walls, and the walls 60 can also be easily assembled and disassembled from the top and bottom bracing members 45 and 55.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Rapid Rink Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Bookout
  • Patent number: 5622022
    Abstract: An architectural truss having a connector utilizing first, second, third, and fourth plate structures which lie adjacent three chords. The first plate structure engages an outer first chord while the second plate structure engages the outer first chord and a central second chord. A third plate structure engages the central second chord and a third outer chord. A fourth plate structure engages the third outer chord. Each plate structure resists movement relative to an adjacent chord under shear stress. An interconnecting member engages and holds each of the plate structures. The central second chord may extend outwardly from the first and third chords at an angle to form a corner of a triangular structure constituting a portion of a truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas C. Haisch
  • Patent number: 5622023
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for automatically delivering and applying hot asphalt in a liquid state for easy spreading to a roof surface and an apparatus for performing this process. The method involves heating the asphalt to a liquid state and maintaining the temperature while pumping the hot asphalt from ground level to roof level to a hand held spray jet applicator which also rolls the asphalt smooth. The method employs temperature regulation and circulation of the asphalt to maintain the hot liquid state for easy application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Louis T. Crispino
  • Patent number: 5622024
    Abstract: Collated drywall screws are provided for securing drywall to framing members. A collated screw has screws connected to each other by a holding strip. Each screw is received in a frangible sleeve about its threaded shank such that a screw on being screwed into a workplace is separated from the strip by the head of the screw passing through the sleeve breaking the sleeve. The improvement arises in having the head of the screw spaced from the frangible strip by a distance greater than the thickness of the drywall such that a screw is screwed through the drywall in at least partially into the frame support prior to the head of the screw engaging the frangible strip. The increased engagement with the frame member prevents the screw from stripping in the drywall and drawing drywall powder which may clog the power driver after repeated use. The invention provides drywall screws and a method of driving them which reduces the forces a user must manually apply to a power driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Gordon L. Habermehl