Patents Issued in October 21, 1997
  • Patent number: 5678333
    Abstract: A changeable scrolling web sign for selectively displaying a variety of menu items and pricing information in a viewing window includes a scrolling web adapted to receive interchangeable information panels. The mounts for mounting the information panels on the web permits the information panels to move relative to the web in a direction substantially parallel to the scrolling direction of the web for permitting the web and panels to be wound on and paid out from cylindrical take-up rolls. A cover is placed over the information panel when positioned in the viewing window of the menu board for maintaining the information panel in a flat, planar viewing position. The sliding movement permitted between the information panel and the web accommodates the varying radii created as the web and information panel are wound on and unwound from the web take-up rolls. The scrolling web sign is adapted to be backlighted to enhance the aesthetics of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Milwaukee Sign Co.
    Inventor: Robert B. Aiken, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5678334
    Abstract: A display board, such as an advertising sign, information sign, road sign, or the like, comprises a panel 10 of transparent material which has at least one lighting element 13 for illuminating the panel from the edge on at least one lateral defining edge. At least one of the two flat sides of the panel is at least partially covered with an opacifier film. The panel which is provided with the opacifier film is provided to backlight display symbols to be mounted onto he front flat side seen by an observer. The light reaching the contact face between the panel and opacifier film, form the panel into the opacifier film, is scattered by the opacification of the film, so that the entire opacifier film lights up and provides an evenly bright face for backlighting a panel provided with display symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Schoniger
  • Patent number: 5678335
    Abstract: A display groove is formed along a display pattern provided on a display panel, and a display element unit is arranged along the display groove as a light source to constitute a display device. The display element unit 2 has one or more LED's inserted into a unit case 21 having an elongated opening so that light is emitted over the width area and the length area of this lens 25 for providing an emitted state of a wide display pattern along a display groove in a small number of LED's 231 along the display pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Gomi, Noriaki Ito, Yasuo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5678336
    Abstract: An illuminated sign, such as an emergency exit sign, includes a stencil in which a pair of oppositely-directed, arrow-shaped through-holes are disposed. At least one arrow-shaped snap-in element is provided which is inserted into either of the through-holes to block the passage of light therethrough. The snap-in element includes elastic spring fingers having hook-shaped ends adapted to engage a rear end of a ridge which borders a rear side of a respective through-hole, thereby yieldably retaining the snap-in element within the through-hole. All of the spring-fingers are movable simultaneously through a respective through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: George H. Jue, Gregory L. Kuffel
  • Patent number: 5678337
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to signage comprised of symbols or indicia that is adapted to be attached to a horizontal surface, such as pavement, asphalt or cement. The signage is comprised of a plurality of separate signage portions, each of which has ends which are spaced apart from the ends of all of the other signage portions to allow liquid to drain from the pavement within the signage portions when the signage portions are attached to the pavement. Some of the ends of the signage portions have only a convex top face and a face that is substantially perpendicular to the pavement, while other signage portions have ends with both a face that is substantially perpendicular to the pavement and an angled face connecting the face that is substantially perpendicular to the pavement to a convex top face of the signage portion that is substantially parallel with the pavement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Amir Ashoori
  • Patent number: 5678338
    Abstract: A display device in the form of a sign having spaced frame construction whereas one or more C-Channel shaped periphery edge frames are secured in a back-to-back relation such that the display faces attached to the outer portion of each frame is viewable from the exterior position relative to the device. The peripheral edge frame if single sided or the peripheral edge frames if the device is multiple sided are secured thereto by a plurality of pairs of cross members attached in an interconnecting relation to each frame such that the space between the bars is determined by the configuration of the interior support member(s) or it is determined by the architectural style and strength required by the designer. A cover in the form of a sheet is positioned around the outside periphery of the device to at least partially enclose the interior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Kelly R. Coleman
  • Patent number: 5678339
    Abstract: An integrated picture frame and stand apparatus articulable from a blank of foldable material, and upon articulation, positionable and free standing on a support surface. The apparatus includes a face member, at least one back member, and a frame stand member that co-operate to maintain the picture in place within the frame while maintaining the frame in an upright position. The frame stand member may further include a locking wing member hingedly attached to the frame stand member and a base member, which upon articulation, and through the use of tabs and slots, restrain the positions of all cooperating elements to further maintain the device in its articulated orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Marventano
  • Patent number: 5678340
    Abstract: A semi-automatic breech locking pistol having a frame and an operating slide supported for reciprocal movement on the frame between battery and retired positions. An extractor supported for limited pivotal and lateral movement relative to the slide cooperates with an ejector mounted in fixed position on the frame. An abutment on the slide limits pivotal movement of the extractor to positively secure the extractor in engagement with the rim of an associated cartridge within the cannelure of the cartridge during the extracting portion of the pistol operating cycle. The extractor is free to move laterally of the operating slide when the breech is closed on a chambered cartridge to enable the extractor to engage and grip the rim of the chambered cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Kook-Jin Moon
  • Patent number: 5678341
    Abstract: A compact muzzleloader firearm has a barrel and a ramrod mounted below the barrel. The ramrod extends through a tubular member supporting a slide block connected to a hammer with struts. A spring mounted on the tubular member biases the slide block to move the hammer from a cocked position to a fire position. A manually operated safety structure on side plates adjacent the hammer prevents the hammer from moving to the fire position. The safety structure is also releasable to allow the hammer to move from the cocked position to the fire position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Gordon A. Kahnke
  • Patent number: 5678342
    Abstract: An automatic pistol including a trigger safety which is pivotally mounted through the trigger guard to prevent the rearward movement of the trigger; a trigger bar with a ledge to engage a firing pin foot to move it in a rearward direction and an inclined edge in the ejector plate for engagement of the trigger bar wing for disengagement of the ledge in the trigger bar off the firing pin foot; a firing pin embodying a stepped chamber and containing within a spring mechanism for propelling the firing pin into the cartridge chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Edward Karl Felk
  • Patent number: 5678343
    Abstract: An automatic weapon includes a housing; a bolt movably received in the housing; a weapon barrel replaceably received in the housing and having a recess; and a locking member movably supported in the housing to assume locking and releasing positions. In the locking position the locking member projects into the recess for locking the weapon barrel to the housing and in the releasing position the locking member is withdrawn from the recess. There are further provided a spring for urging the locking member into the releasing position; a shaft rotatably supported in the housing and a cam secured to the shaft for rotating therewith as a unit and for contacting the locking member. The cam has a first angular position in which it holds the locking member in the locking position and a second angular position in which the spring holds the locking member in the releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Industrie GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Menges, Lothar Post
  • Patent number: 5678344
    Abstract: A casing for protecting firearms from the elements while allowing the user to access firearm sight and trigger. Although the firearm is at all times fully enclosed in the cover, the firearm may be aimed and discharged without having to remove the firearm from its protective casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Brent Jones, Robert Lawrence Parker, Phillip Durham
  • Patent number: 5678345
    Abstract: A barrel stabilization unit is provided for stabilizing a barrel and controlling recoil of a rifle or shotgun having a barrel guide means for providing a fulcrum attachment point adjustably along the barrel of a rifle or shotgun, and fillable ballast containment means affixed to said barrel guide means for providing a counter ballast at said fulcrum attachment point, and an attachment means affixed to said fillable ballast containment means for firmly connecting the barrel stabilization unit to a rifle or shotgun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Jerry Michael Gnade
  • Patent number: 5678346
    Abstract: A bird decoy having more than one use is disclosed. In a first embodiment the decoy provides conveyance means for user supplies and when the user is situated in it, becomes a decoy which operates as a blind. In a second embodiment the decoy is adaptable to present the image of any one of three different body positions found in a flock of game birds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Keith Craige Kellett
  • Patent number: 5678347
    Abstract: A fishing rod strike indicator for increasing reaction time for use with a fishing rod including at least one rod guide and fishing line, a rod station being formed in a rectangular configuration with an outer surface, an inner surface, two apertures and two VELCRO bands each coupled through one of the apertures, the inner surface of the rod station being positioned upon a fishing rod adjacent a rod guide, the VELCRO bands of the rod station being wrapped around the fishing rod then through the rod station and folded back and coupled to itself to secure the rod station to the rod; and at least one generally elliptical ring having a folded region and an inner surface including VELCRO loop strips coupled to the folded region, the VELCRO loop Strips of the folded region of a ring being couplable to the VELCRO bands of the rod station, one ring being coupled to the apparatus during use, in an operative orientation a ring being pulled downward with a quarter turn whereby the elliptic ends of the ring engage a fish
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Ian V. Cube
  • Patent number: 5678348
    Abstract: A fishing rod organizer is disclosed. The organizer includes a pair of circular, axially detached brackets. Each bracket has a like plurality of generally radial slots. A resilient element is disposed in each slot for releasably gripping a fishing rod that extends through the slot. The brackets are axially aligned to align each slot of one of the brackets with a corresponding slot of the other bracket such that a fishing rod extended through a respective aligned pair of slots is held by the brackets. A pair of restraining straps are provided. Each selectively encircles the respective bracket and carries a first hook and loop connector on an inside surface of the restraining strap. Each bracket carries a complementary second hook and loop connector that is disposed circumferentially about the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Zielinski, Jeffrey Alan Wilson
  • Patent number: 5678349
    Abstract: An artificial insert-type fishing lure has an elongated and narrow lower body base that is attached to a fishing line at one end and has fish hooks attached thereto. A clear pivoting member is pivotally attached to the upper side of the base at its forward end so that it pivots and swings upward from the lower body base. The pivoting member defines within itself a cavity within which a removable lure insert is placed. The pivoting member can be made in various different sizes and shapes and is itself interchangeable on the base. When the pivoting member is swung upward, a removable insert of varying colors and appearances and of corresponding shape can be placed within the cavity of the pivoting member, and the upper body is then pivoted downward and snap-fit to the lower body base. The removable insert is thus held within the cavity of the pivoting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Howard E. Pacora
  • Patent number: 5678350
    Abstract: A fishing lure is molded to have the appearance of a fish from silicone rubber, a flexible plastic-like translucent material. It mimics the movements of a fish by means of its shape, flexible material, buoyancy and a hinged section. The lure reflects light well, especially accentuating movement, via colorful and reflective foil or ribbon centrally embedded within the lure's translucent material. It has a hook with a shank that is embedded within the material and projects from this material to form an eyelet for fastening a fishing line or lead. This fishing lure also has a weight embedded within the material in the lower, from part of the body which further aids the lure's mimicry of fish movements. A rattle is embedded approximately midway in the body which transmits faint intermittent sound underwater. The weight, specific gravity of the silicone material, and the mass of the hook combine to cause the lure to descend in water at a selected rate of one foot per one to ten seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Mark H. Moore
  • Patent number: 5678351
    Abstract: A castable device for spin or bait casting which forms a static casting loop 15 and makes it possible for an angler to cast small lures or flies 27 with typical spin or bait casting equipment 14. The castable device is comprised of a leading section 10, an intermediate weighted section 11, and a trailing section 12, which attaches between a spin or bait casting line 25, and a leader 26 and fly 27, and provides a static casting loop, when cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Danny R. Halterman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5678352
    Abstract: Processes and devices for producing a heated non-flammable gaseous fumigant for commodity fumigation use by application of a carrier gas, such as carbon dioxide (102), to a heater (103) either prior or subsequent to mixing the gas with a toxic agent gas, such as methyl bromide (213), such as by means of a mixer (214) and applying the mixture of gasses as a commodity fumigant to eradicate target peats infesting a commodity stored within an enclosed volume (106). In the preferred embodiment, the gaseous carbon dioxide is formed by flashing liquid carbon dioxide (614) directly to the gaseous state in a heater (630) prior to being mixed with methyl bromide (654) in a mixer (648) and applying the mixture of gases as a fumigant to a commodity held within an enclosure (668).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Leitner, Arthur W. R. Terry
  • Patent number: 5678353
    Abstract: A grass guard for forming a vegetationless border around a perimeter of an object, such as a lawn sprinkler head, is described. One particular embodiment consists of a two layer construction. The top layer is a plastic sheet simulating grass. The bottom layer is made of a heavy grit bonded into a uniform body with a polymer. The layers form a relatively thin, weather resistant, plastically compliant disk with a center hole for stretch, self-adjusting fit over a pre-installed sprinkler head. The device is also easily cut through with a knife to fit various head locations. The bottom layer has an outside vertical edge with a top rounded corner enclosing the top layer to prevent edge delamination or fraying. An adhesive is provided to bond the grass guard to the neck of the sprinkler head to eliminate gap formation around the head. A hammering board can be used to facilitate the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Emily Tsao, Chein-Hwa Tsao, Stephen K. Chan
  • Patent number: 5678354
    Abstract: A no-burn process for fostering growth of a mature perennial grass crop in a field. The process includes: (a) providing seed-containing heads on the grass crop; (b) removing seed from the seed-containing heads to leave a standing remnant of the grass crop in the field, the standing remnant having a top surface which is elevated above the ground; (c) leaving the standing remnant unburned; (d) applying a layer of nitrogen beneath the top surface of the unburned standing remnant within about three months of removing the seed from the seed-containing heads; and (e) depositing a substantially uniform layer of light reflecting material beneath the top surface of the unburned standing remnant throughout the field within about three months of removing the seed from the seed-containing heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Charles M. Keno
  • Patent number: 5678355
    Abstract: A weed growth inhibiting enclosure member for use with container grown ornamental plants comprises a frusto-conical open-ended tube of thin, flexible light-impervious material of diameter to fit snugly around the container exterior, and of a length such that its upper part overlays the open container top and can be wrapped closely around the plant stem for retention without using a tie. This upper part has spaced perforations of size to permit passage of water to the earth in the container while preventing protrusion of weeds therethrough. The member reduces evaporation and also protects the container exterior against the adverse effects of sunlight and dirt. The weeds are thus denied the light essential to their growth, while access of the wanted plant is unimpeded, so that the weeds remain immature and compete only minimally for water and nutrients. The wrapping of the tube part around the plant stem ensures that it will not impede growth of the plant, as might a tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Leno Valentino Mori, Robert Victor Mori, James Edward Slominski, Uwe Sonneman
  • Patent number: 5678356
    Abstract: There is provided a container or tray for growing, planting and transplanting plant, having a plurality of growing compartments arranged in adjacent rows. Each growing compartment is formed by four walls. An air opening is located adjacent to each wall of each growing compartment. The walls of the growing compartments are offset at a non-right angle with respect to the major axis of the tray. Air slits are formed in the walls of the growing compartments. The bottoms of the growing compartments have openings, each with a pair of ledges adjacent thereto so that the root ball of the plants may be aerated while holding the plants within the growing compartment. The center-to-center spacing between adjacent growing compartments is the same throughout the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Winstrip, Inc.
    Inventor: Aart Van Wingerden
  • Patent number: 5678357
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of attaching reversibly an inflatable three dimensional graphic to the exterior surface of an inflatable wall of an inflatable toy. The wall surface includes means for reversibly attaching the graphic in a leak tight manner while providing a method for fluid communication between the wall and the graphic so that the graphic can be inflated simultaneously with the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Jesse Rubio, Guy W. Rochefort
  • Patent number: 5678358
    Abstract: A portable soldier fighting cover having a pair of adjacent relatively rigid frames attached to an underlying waterproof flexible anchorage sheet, and defining a structure resistant to bending for spanning a military trench or foxhole, and further having a load bearing sheet attached to and overlying each frame for transmitting loads to the frame resulting from the weight of protective material such as sandbags or timber placed on the cover, and also from ballistic fragments and blast overpressure from near misses, and further having a pair of elongated straps attached to each frame and extending beyond the ends of the frames for securement to the ground for transmitting loads from the frame to the ground and for supporting the cover in the event of collapse of the foxhole side walls. Curtain sheets can be attached to the straps for service as revetments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Michael J. Koledin
  • Patent number: 5678359
    Abstract: A sloped gutter assembly provides for the controlled discharge of runoff water from a structure roof. The gutter assembly includes a first elongated gutter section having a bottom and upstanding side walls that collectively define a U-shaped cross-section. The first gutter section is characterized by an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the side walls are tapered progressively from the upstream end to the downstream end. This taper defines a cross-section of progressively reduced dimension. A plurality of mounting brackets are spaced apart and integrally attached to one of the upstanding sidewalls, and attach the first elongated gutter section to the structure. Finally, the gutter assembly includes a screen that is hingedly attached along one side to the upstanding side wall disposed adjacent the structure. The screen is further disposed to overlie the opposing gutter side wall, and therefore the gutter channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Cyril Turner
  • Patent number: 5678360
    Abstract: A gutter liquid separator is shown for separating liquid from non-liquid debris and for removing debris from a rain water gutter system secured to a roof of a structure. In a particular embodiment, the gutter liquid separator includes two main components; a debris discharge outlet and a liquid separator. The debris discharge outlet includes a flow surface, an inner and an outer wall extending up from the flow surface so that upstream edges of the flow surface, inner and outer walls are secured to a U-shaped gutter of the system. The debris discharge outlet also includes a debris drop-off edge that defines a drop-off plane passing through downstream edges of the flow surface, inner and outer walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: James H. Fort, George C. Rannenberg
  • Patent number: 5678361
    Abstract: A protruding ridge type rain diverter for a foldable roof for a tent, canopy, yurt, or other portable shelter is described, comprising: at least one elongated strip of foldable roof material sealedly attached to the roof along both long sides of the strip thereby forming an elongated pocket, and an elongated substantially transversely incompressible member positioned within each pocket, thereby maintaining each pocket in a protruding position relative to the roof. The position and shape of the pocket(s) facilitate flow of runoff from the roof away from entryway, door, and/or window openings of the portable shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Alan F. Bair
  • Patent number: 5678362
    Abstract: A termite shield according to the present invention provides a physical barrier between a foundation and a wooden building structure, a detection mechanism for detecting termite presence, and a chemical termiticide in the form of a bait block. The termite shield includes a sill plate barrier which is positioned between a masonry foundation and a sill of a wooden structure. An interior bait block holder is removably attached to the sill plate barrier on an interior side of the foundation, and an exterior bait block holder is removably attached to the sill plate barrier at an exterior side of the foundation. The bait block holders may be provided with a block of wood which is inspected periodically to detect the activity of termites. If termites are detected, the block of wood may be replaced with a bait block of cellulosic material containing termiticide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Byron Hulls, Kathy D. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5678363
    Abstract: A sound barrier panel includes an acoustic layer that comprises chipped rubber and cord fiber from tires and a structural concrete layer bonded to the acoustic layer by a combination composite bond that includes both a mechanical portion and a chemical portion. The panel is formed in a special process that can define panels of various sizes, such as twelve feet by twenty-five feet in size. The panel has a high sound absorption capability and a high sound transmission loss, especially at low frequencies, and is extremely weather resistant and durable. The panel is also durable and cost effective and utilizes what otherwise would be potential hazardous waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Paul Ogorchock, Steve McCowin
  • Patent number: 5678364
    Abstract: A novel and improved soundproof wall is disclosed comprising a main wall rising from the ground, a first branch wall provided atop the main wall and inclined toward a noise source and a second branch wall provided atop the main wall and inclined away from the noise source. In addition, a subordinate branch wall is provided on at least one of the first and second branch walls and extending in a direction other than that of the branch wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shima, Toshiyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5678365
    Abstract: A rotating guard rail assembly formed preferably of steel tubing and sheathed in a polymerized material such as plastic. The assembly generally comprises a vertical stanchion sheathed in plastic and having a rotating jacket assembly mounted about the exterior of the stanchion. The jacket is free to rotate about the stanchion thereby acting as a cornering or pivoting device to redirect a moving object upon impact of the guard rail assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Frank Venegas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5678366
    Abstract: A sliding window structure has a window frame comprising an upper frame member, a lower frame member and bilateral side vertical frame members which are assembled in substantially rectangular shape, and an indoor side sash and an outdoor side sash fitted to the window frame. The lower frame member comprises an indoor side portion to which the indoor side sash is mounted and the outdoor side portion to which the outdoor side sash is mounted and has a step-like configuration in which the indoor side portion has a height higher than a height of the outdoor side portion. An attachment is mounted to the outdoor side portion of the lower frame member so as to cover the outdoor side portion. An upper end of the attachment is substantially at the same height level as an upper end of the indoor side portion of the lower frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: YKK Architectural Products Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki Nambo, Shigeru Ueda, Toshiaki Hirono, Yuichi Nozaki
  • Patent number: 5678367
    Abstract: A fastening device is disclosed for fastening siding around an opening defined by a building. The device includes a first and a second J-channel element which co-operate together in an abutting connected angular relationship relative to each other adjacent to the opening. The first element has an exposed portion which defines a miter cut disposed adjacent to the second element. The second element has an exposed face, the arrangement being such that in the vicinity of the miter cut, the exposed portion overlies and conceals the exposed face when the elements are disposed in the aforementioned abutting relationship so that when the siding is installed, the exposed portion and the face of the elements appear to be mitered relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Keith Kline
  • Patent number: 5678369
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refractory/heat insulating panel used in buildings and structures which must have a refractory performance. In the refractory/heat insulating panel (801), the mechanical strength and the fireproofing performance at the joint portions, which are weak portions in the panel, are increased by integrally forming inorganic boards (831) in the male and female joint portions (832, 836), filling a light-weight aggregate in the core material located at the male and female joint portions at a high density, or making the density of the core material at the joint portions higher than that at the center of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: IG-Technical Research Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Ishikawa, Hideki Takiguchi, Fumio Takahashi, Minoru Saitoh, Hiroaki Konta, Takanobu Niizeki, Masahiko Suzuki, Hiroyuki Umetsu, Yoshihiko Kanno, Toshihide Kokubun
  • Patent number: 5678370
    Abstract: A surface covering formed by planar components includes a plurality of concentric rings with each ring formed by corner components having two pairs of parallel sides of different length. The shorter sides of the pairs of parallel sides meeting at an angle equal to an angle formed by adjacent sides of a regular polygon. While the longer sides of the pairs of parallel sides meet at an angle equal to an angle formed by adjacent sides of the regular polygon. Planar infill components are utilized between the corner components with adjacent polygonal rings varying in size by a whole number of infill components. Spacing elements may be disposed between adjacent concentric polygonal rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Stonemarket
    Inventor: James E. Douglass
  • Patent number: 5678371
    Abstract: A vapor barrier panel is designed specifically for application to the area between the floor joists and under the sub floor and in front of a concrete basement wall. The panel body includes a flat panel section with a flange at the top edge at right angles to the top edge and two flanges down each side. The panel body is thus applied so that the top flange engages against the underside of the sub floor and the side flanges engage against the sides and bottom respectively of the floor joists. The panel is semi rigid so they can be applied in place simply by sliding into position and abutting against a bead of sealant applied to the floor and floor joists or pre-applied to and carried on the outside surface of each flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Mark E. Wills
  • Patent number: 5678372
    Abstract: Adjacent reinforced, preformed wall panels are joined to one another by a wet-knit joint. The confronting edges of the wall panels are formed to have an undulating pattern of alternating convex, concave segments having ends of reinforcement bars extending from the concave segments. The reinforcement bar ends are connected to an arrangement of elongate bars and a zig-zag reinforcement bar, that knits the wall panels together. The wet-knit joint is completed by the introduction of concrete, or other pourable material, that, when cured, creates a strong connection between the wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Constru-Plus Internacional, S.A.
    Inventors: Donald W. Thomson, Frank B. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5678373
    Abstract: A modular construction system (10) which is directed toward the construction of structural walls (26). The construction system (10) employs precast wall units (12) and a variety of spacer/tensioning, spacer, tensioning, and extension assemblies (14, 16, 18, and 20). The wall units (12) contain a plurality of cavities (44) and are made of concrete with side walls (36) reinforced with prestressed tension wires (48). In the process of constructing a wall (26), the wall units (12) are stacked one upon the other onto threaded wall bars (24) that extend upwardly from a foundation (22). The spacer/tensioning assembly (14) and the spacer assembly (16) provide alignment during the stacking process and also create mortar joints (52). The spacer/tensioning assembly (14) and the tensioning assembly (18) are utilized in conjunction with the wall bars (24) to tension the wall units (12) onto lower wall units (12) and the foundation (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Megawall Corporation
    Inventors: Howard M. Franklin, Erik Garfinkel
  • Patent number: 5678374
    Abstract: A method of reinforcing a concrete made construction comprising the steps of provisionally disposing a reinforcement member onto a lower surface of a concrete made construction, forming holes at the lower surface of a concrete made construction, and inserting fixtures into the holes to fixate the reinforcement member onto the lower surface of a concrete made construction so that the fixture imparts tension force to the reinforcement member in a plane of the reinforcement member. For instance, a fixture includes a device for applying tension force to the reinforcement member in a plane thereof by moving at least a part of the fixture in a direction perpendicular to the reinforcement member. The invention ensures fixation of a reinforcement member onto a lower surface of a concrete made construction such as a bridge to which repeated live loads are always applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Kyouryou Hozen Inc.
    Inventor: Katsumi Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 5678375
    Abstract: A building framework comprises a plurality of steel girders, steel columns, and steel connecting members for joining at least one girder with at least one column to form the building framework. Further provided is a plurality of substantially flat coupling elements, each having opening therein, wherein at least one column and at least one connecting member each terminate with at least one coupling element. The coupling elements substantially match each other and extend outward beyond the outer wall of the column and of the connecting member for providing attachment therebetween. The girders, columns and coupling elements are reinforced with concrete extending through the coupling elements via the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Tuomo Juola
  • Patent number: 5678376
    Abstract: A universal intercept clip connects a muntin bar to a supporting frame member of a window. The clip includes a muntin bar connecting portion, a supporting frame member connecting portion and connecting structure for removably connecting the muntin bar connecting portion to the supporting frame member connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: James P. Poma
  • Patent number: 5678377
    Abstract: Spacer frame assembly for an insulating glass unit comprising a plurality of spacer frame elements connected to form a generally planar polygonal frame. Each frame element defines an impervious outer peripheral wall and first and second lateral walls, integral with the outer wall, extending inwardly from opposite outer wall sides parallel to the frame plane. The outer wall and lateral walls extend substantially continuously about the frame polygon and are joined adjacent their ends by connecting structure. The connecting structure comprises a connecting tongue continuous with and projecting from an end of one frame element. The other frame element end has a tongue receiving structure and the element ends are telescopically joined. Muntin bars are secured to the frame elements by latching structures which assure quick muntin bar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Glass Equipment Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmund A. Leopold
  • Patent number: 5678378
    Abstract: A composite building system includes a special joist having a lower flange in one embodiment and a special ladder reinforcement in another embodiment, a plurality of special masonry blocks defining a longitudinal trough, the blocks having mutually co-planar upper surfaces and at least one stepped upper edge, the stepped upper edges of the plurality of blocks running substantially transverse the trough in a grid-like pattern, a network of wire lateral reinforcement disposed in at least some of the stepped edges; and a flowable or fluid grout filling the stepped edges and the trough and, when cured, binding the joist or ladder reinforcement and the plurality of blocks to form an integral steel reinforced concrete structure having a substantially planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Russell P. Ellison, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5678379
    Abstract: A bendable metal stamping has upstanding arms adapted to overlie the narrow dimension of a wooden stringer in use as a bottom plate of a building frame. The stamping has legs extendable toward the perimeter of the building and are attached to the floor. The stamping is bendable along a line parallel to the bottom edge of the inner one of the arms and the inner edge of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Luciano Quattrociocchi
  • Patent number: 5678380
    Abstract: An elongated elastomeric T-molding formed of a body having opposed decorative outer and inner mounting surfaces defining spaced first and second edges and being adapted for flush mounting to an edge of an article of furniture by means of an integral flange projecting at right angles outwardly of the inner mounting surface of the body is frictionally fitted within an elongated groove within an edge of a planar article of furniture such that the inner mounting surface of the body lies flush with the edge of such planar article of furniture. The body has at least one decor line and preferably laterally spaced parallel decor lines integrally molded within the outer surface of the body and extending longitudinally along the body. The color of the elastomeric material of the decor line or lines contrasts with that of the body and is preferably of different durameter hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: James D. Azzar
  • Patent number: 5678381
    Abstract: An insulative beam and method for its construction. The insulative beam includes two support channels formed from a sheet metal and a block of a plastic material shaped so that each of the two channels wraps at least partly around the block of plastic material. In some embodiments of the invention, the channels extend longitudinally beyond the block of plastic material. If desired to give additional strength to the ends of the insulative beam, the ends are reinforced with angles or channels that fit at the end of the block of plastic material and the angles or channels are welded to the support channels. In other embodiments, the reinforcement is supplied by vertical ribs formed in the web of the support channels. The location of the vertical ribs can be at the ends of the beam or at other areas that are otherwise weakened. Additional reinforcement can be provided by vertical supports within each of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Duane G. DenAdel
  • Patent number: 5678382
    Abstract: A structure of base of column and a construction method for base of column formed by installing a lower end of column steel frame on a foundation formed under the ground. Plural column main reinforcing-bars, which have bottom bent portions and are incorporated in a foundation concrete at specified positions corresponding to a sectional shape of column, are protruded upward out of a top face of the foundation concrete and a lower end base plate of the column steel frame is combined to upper protruding portions of the column main reinforcing-bars. As combining measures, there are such measures that a tightening nuts are screwed onto male threaded portions provided on the protruding portions of the column main reinforcing-bars, or caulked portions are formed on the protruding portions of the column main reinforcing-bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Kingo Naito
  • Patent number: 5678383
    Abstract: A construction assembly for attaching thin panels to a support frame. An elongate base strip suitable for attachment to a support frame. Two walls extending from the bases strip define a slot, one of the walls having plural teeth. A mating cover strip has a flexible projecting wall with plural teeth on one side facing the teeth of the slot but fewer in number. The cover strip and elongate base have thin panel support walls facing each other. The flexible projecting wall bends on a fulcrum attached to one of the second wall and the flexible projecting wall, such that upon insertion of the flexible projecting wall into the slot, the teeth are urged towards each other to grip a panel in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Ben Danielewicz