Patents Issued in July 21, 1998
  • Patent number: PP10512
    Abstract: The cultivar is characterized by its medium green foliage and two-toned orange and white flower. Its relatively strong growth habit, quick rooting time and continuous flowering provide for superb cuttings and also for quick recovery following wet weather conditions. The blooms exhibit good post-harvest quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: John Bodger & Sons Company
    Inventor: David Lemon
  • Patent number: PP10513
    Abstract: The cultivar is characterized by its medium green foliage and pale orchid color bloom having a small deep purple eye near the center. Its relatively strong growth habit, quick rooting time and continuous, relatively large flowering provide for superb cuttings and also for quick recovery following wet weather conditions. The blooms exhibit good post-harvest quality and the cascading nature of the cultivar makes it suitable for a trailing finish product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: John Bodger & Sons Company
    Inventor: David Lemon
  • Patent number: PP10514
    Abstract: The cultivar is characterized by the lavender-rose color of the bloom over medium green zoned foliage. Its quick rooting time and continuous flowering provides for superb cuttings and for quick recovery of the bloom following wet weather conditions. The blooms are slow to shatter, and an abundant amount of cuttings may be obtained from a single plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: John Bodger & Sons Company
    Inventor: David Lemon
  • Patent number: PP10515
    Abstract: The cultivar is characterized by the distinctive light salmon color of the bloom over medium green zoned foliage. Its quick rooting time and continuous flowering provides for superb cuttings and for quick recovery of the bloom following wet weather conditions. The cultivar exhibits improved outdoor performance over the current variety Pink Camelia, and an abundant amount of cuttings may be obtained from a single plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: John Bodger & Sons Company
    Inventor: David Lemon
  • Patent number: PP10516
    Abstract: The cultivar is characterized by its medium green foliage and clear amethyst colored bloom. Its relatively strong growth habit, quick rooting time and continuous flowering provide for superb cuttings and also for quick recovery following wet weather conditions. The blooms exhibit good post-harvest quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: John Bodger & Sons Company
    Inventor: David Lemon
  • Patent number: PP10517
    Abstract: The cultivar is characterized by its sharp candy pink color above medium green foliage. Its quick rooting time and continuous flowering provides for superb cuttings and for quick recovery of the bloom following wet weather conditions. The cultivar performs well either indoors or out of doors, and an abundant amount of cuttings may be obtained from a single plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: John Bodger & Sons Company
    Inventor: David Lemon
  • Patent number: PP10518
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named `Elba`, characterized by its attractive red fully double flowers that are about 5.5 cm in diameter; resistance to Powdery Mildew under commercial greenhouse conditions; and excellent postproduction longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Begonia Breeders Assoc. B.V.
    Inventor: Andre Smaal
  • Patent number: PP10519
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named `Clara Franje`, characterized by its attractive white fully double flowers that are fringed and about 6 cm in diameter; resistance to Powdery Mildew under commercial greenhouse conditions; and excellent postproduction longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Begonia Breeders Assoc. B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Man
  • Patent number: PP10520
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Aechmea is provided which abundantly forms a large distinctive inflorescence with coral-red bracts and yellow flowers. The foliage of the new variety is dark green and is marked with silver-white coloration. The new variety can be readily distinguished from the `Friederike` variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,872) by its blossom coloration, the more openly branched inflorescence, and the degree to which the flower petals emerge from under the floral bracts. Also, the overall inflorescence is cleaner appearing than that of the `Friederike` variety even with age.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: DeLeon's Bromeliads Inc.
    Inventor: Nat DeLeon
  • Patent number: RE35851
    Abstract: The rollers of a live roller conveyor are driven by drive wheels, which are driven from a driveshaft extending along the conveyor. When the drive wheels and their respective conveyor rollers are in contact with each other, the drive wheels cause the conveyor rollers to rotate. When the drive wheels and conveyor rollers are out of contact, the rollers are not driven and can accumulate product. Relative motion between the drive wheels and the conveyor rollers causes the drive to be engaged and disengaged.This is a Reissue of a Patent which was the subject of a Reexamination Certificate No. B1 5,375,696, dated Nov. 12, 1996, Request No. 90/003,811.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Interlake Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellsworth H. Collins, William A. Fultz, James F. Mattingly
  • Patent number: RE35852
    Abstract: A vibration wave driven motor comprise a comparator for comparing a resonance frequency of the motor with a power supply frequency and a frequency setter for setting the power supply frequency according to a predetermined algorithm in response to the output of the comparator. The frequency setter is provided with an algorithm which, if the power supply frequency is identified lower than the resonance frequency by the comparator, brings the power supply frequency toward an optimum frequency through a predetermined frequency higher than the resonance frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Tadao Takagi
  • Patent number: RE35854
    Abstract: A programmable protection circuit comprises three identical units connected between a common point (C) and a first conductor (A), a second conductor (B) and ground (M). Each unit comprises the anti-parallel arrangement of a thyristor (T) and a diode (D), a bipolar transistor (TR) being connected between the gate and anode of the thyristor, the anodes of the thyristors being connected to the common point and the base terminal of each unit constituting a programmation terminal and being connected to a device defining a voltage threshold. Each device defining a voltage threshold is a zener diode (Z1, Z2, Z3) connected between each base terminal and the common point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, S.A.
    Inventors: Robert Pezzani, Eric Bernier
  • Patent number: RE35855
    Abstract: A structured product family of dynamoelectric machines for use in a plurality of applications has a frame with a closed end, and a set of permanent magnets is adhesively secured within the frame. An armature disposed in the frame for interaction with the permanent magnets includes a shaft, a core having a set of winding receiving slots therein, and a commutator. During manufacturing and assembly, stress on the motor shaft and commutator is minimized. A brush plate is associated with the frame for locating a set of brushes relative to the commutator, and an end shield is secured to the frame opposite its closed end. At least one freely aligning bearing assembly disposed in the end shield for freely aligning the shaft and including a bearing and a retainer having predetermined conditions preset with the retainer being adhesively secured to the end shield. A bracket is adhesively secured to the frame for connecting the dynamoelectric machine in anyone of the applications; and a novel brush assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harald E. Blaettner, Richard F. Uhen, Robert E. Ellis, Eldon R. Cunningham, Michael J. Usher, Joseph E. Miller
  • Patent number: RE35856
    Abstract: A camera is provided having a film roll chamber for holding an unexposed roll of film, an exposure chamber into which ambient light enters through a taking lens to impinge on the film, and a light blocking member for preventing light entering through the taking lens from entering the film roll chamber. According to the invention, the light blocking member includes a stepped piece having a first step sufficiently raised to prevent light from entering the film roll chamber and a second step raised above the first step for supporting edges of the film In a preferred embodiment, the light shielding member supports the emulsion side of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Douglas Harold Pearson
  • Patent number: RE35857
    Abstract: An installation for the controlled dosing of an irrigation flow with a herbicide particularly for detecting root growth into the outlets of an underground drip irrigation line, includes a sealed container and a slow release herbicide material wherein a portion of the flow is directed through the herbicide impregnated material so that herbicide is controllably released into the diverted flow, and the diverted flow is reintroduced into the irrigation flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Hydroplan Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Raphael Mehoudar
  • Patent number: 5781928
    Abstract: A lightweight, padded, washable multi-purpose hand protector comprising a fingerless half glove for baseball players, football players, boxers and martial artists to protect the hands and knuckles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Louis J. Avila
  • Patent number: 5781929
    Abstract: A hockey goaltender's glove is described, in which the outer cuff thereof is divided into three segments, namely a central segment and two lateral segments, and in which the central segment is connected to the lateral segments along edges thereof, via elastic webbing. The central segment thus may be readily flexed outwardly and away from the lateral segments, thereby providing improved flexibility of the cuff, to improve the goaltender's ability to smother the puck, without unduly sacrificing protection of the wrist and forearm area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Canstar Sports Group Inc.
    Inventor: Brian H. Shikatani
  • Patent number: 5781930
    Abstract: A jacket with sails situated beneath associated sleeves including a jacket having a torso portion with a front, a back, an open top, an open bottom, and a pair of sides. The jacket further has a pair of sleeves coupled at inboard ends thereof to the sides adjacent the open top thereof. A pair of vertically oriented elongated thin pockets each extend between the open bottom of the jacket and an intersection of an associated sleeve and the torso portion. Further provided are a pair of wings each with a first side edge coupled within the pocket along a length thereof. Each wing further has a second side edge coupleable to an adjacent sleeve. In use, the wings have a stored orientation within the pockets and an employed orientation with the second side edge coupled to the associated sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Alton L. Boshoff
  • Patent number: 5781931
    Abstract: A method for converting a conventional glove into a more comfortable glove by altering the shape of the glove fingers of the conventional glove. A stitching is usually disposed along the tips of the glove fingers of a conventional glove which causes discomfort because it is not aligned with the fingernails of the hand in the glove. An aperture is cut into the upper portion of the glove finger and the aperture is sewn together, thereby pulling the stitching upward to be aligned with the fingernail and creating a more comfortable glove. Alternatively, a fold is made on the upper portion of the glove finger and the fold is sewn together, thereby pulling the stitching upward to be aligned with the fingernail and creating a more comfortable glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Arnold Yoonho Lee
  • Patent number: 5781932
    Abstract: A forehead perspiration collector and discharger constructed primarily of various sizes of vinyl or rubber tubing. The larger sized tube of the device having absorption apertures rests upon the wearer's forehead for taking in perspired fluids whereby the smaller tubes direct any contained excess fluids out to the rear discharge site. An elastic cord is joined to sliding cord retainers which rides over the tubular sides of the device which serves as an adjustable enclosure for securing to a wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 5781933
    Abstract: The aereodynamic peaked cap is constructed with a crown, as a turned upside down bowl to cover the wearer's head and an outwardly projecting visor. The visor comprises: a) a middle frame with one or more apertures inside. b) a mesh cover below,which air coming from below, can pass through. c) an upper streamlined sloping cloth connected to the crown by buttons.Between the crown and the upper cloth there are some apertures as ducts for air flow coming from below the visor. By buttoning the buttons male on the upper cloth and the buttons female on the crown in a different alternate way the formed folds as air ducts can be moved from the center to the sides of the visor, so that, in case of rain and snow, to avoid vertical penetration of rain into the middle duct, this duct can be closed and the side ones can be enlarged, to allow however a greater air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: General Building s.a.s. di De Giacomi Giancarlo
    Inventor: Giancarlo De Giacomi
  • Patent number: 5781934
    Abstract: The sports cap kit includes a sports cap with a primary symbol representing a favored sports team attached to the cap above a visor thereof. The primary symbol has a normally open mouth including a movable jaw. At least one smaller, removable, secondary symbol representing an opposing team engages within the open mouth and the lower jaw is moved to create a chewing action, the interaction between the two symbols sending a message that the favored team will "chew up" or dominate the opposing team.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Terrance P. Pauley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5781935
    Abstract: An improved body protection pad which can be formed to protect a variety of body parts from impact, constructed with a rigid central layer and having a soft outer covering which absorbs impacts and disperses energy. This softer outer layer protects the wearer of the pad, as well as protects the impacting object or person. An inner cushioning layer is also provided between the pad wearer and the rigid central layer. An abrasion resistant coating can also be added over the soft covering. When used for contact sports such as football, this pad construction is effective in preventing injuries resulting when the pad is used as a striking object. The covering may be applied in segmented pieces or as a continuous layer over both sides of the rigid central layer. The central layer can be solid or can form a frame-like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventors: Aldean B. Bassett, Nicole Durr
  • Patent number: 5781936
    Abstract: A protective system for the rider of a non-enclosed vehicle including a garment-shaped inflatable member for surrounding at least upper portions of the body of the rider, a source of pressurized gas, and apparatus for exposing the interior of the inflatable member to the pressurized gas source for rapidly inflating the inflatable member in response to a sudden separation of the rider from the vehicle by at least a predetermined distance, wherein the inflatable member has a garment-shaped configuration when in a non-inflated orientation, and which when inflated, has an expanded, generally bulbous configuration such that large magnitude concentrated forces experienced thereby on impact with an object subsequent to the sudden separation of the rider from the vehicle are prevented from transfer directly to the rider, thereby protecting the surrounded upper portions of the rider's body from serious injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Jacob Alaloof
  • Patent number: 5781937
    Abstract: A toilet deodorizing system in which a motor is controlled by a micro switch on a toilet seat being hinged to a toilet bowl to turn a vane wheel in a container when a person sits on the toilet seat, causing a suction force to be induced at a dip tube for drawing spoil air from the toilet bowl into an antiseptic solution in the container for treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Ming-Feng Liang
  • Patent number: 5781938
    Abstract: A toilet seat lowering device provides for the automatic lowering of the seat of a toilet when the toilet has been flushed. A counterbalance arm extends generally rearwardly from the seat, and is offset to one side to clear the tank support and structure behind the bowl. The seat is substantially balanced by the arm, with the arm allowing the seat to lower slowly and gently to a lowered position, resting upon the rim of the bowl. The seat and arm are actuated by an actuating line which is removably connected to a float within the tank. The float may be a conventional tank float, or may be a specially adapted float installed within the tank in addition to the conventional tank float. When the float descends as the water level in the tank drops when the toilet is flushed, the actuating line is drawn downwardly by the descending float, thereby drawing the counterbalance arm upwardly to cause the seat to lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Eric A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5781939
    Abstract: A potty training chair aid including a training potty including a waste receiving compartment housing having a top opening, a pivotal potty seat, and a potty lid pivotally connected to the training potty with a second pivoting hinge in a manner to be pivotal over the potty seat; a back support extending upwardly from the compartment housing; a pivoting child restraint assembly including an activity tray supported on two lockable support arms, the activity tray including a tray surface having a first plurality of geometric depressions formed therein; a second plurality of geometrically shaped activity blocks; and a cassette tape player mounted within one of the lockable support arms, the cassette tape player having control buttons extending from the support arm at a location accessible to a child seated on the potty seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Laurita Bledsoe
  • Patent number: 5781940
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible, self-contained toilet apparatus including a basic storage container assembly operable to receive and support a foldable seat and anchor assembly connected thereto and provided with a usage accessories assembly for conventional use including a cleansing/flushing operation. The basic storage container assembly includes a main storage body assembly having a removable seat support and flush assembly and a seat support and drain assembly. The seat support and flush assembly is removable to receive the foldable seat and anchor assembly connected thereto for use in a normal toilet function operation. In a cleansing/flushing operation, the seat support and flush assembly is connected to a garden hose assembly to provide cleansing fluid to the main storage body assembly and an enclosure support and plug member of the seat support and drain assembly is removed to receive a dumpster hose assembly connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: GTS, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Becker, Bruce D. Becker
  • Patent number: 5781941
    Abstract: A safety bath mat has a layered body with a base layer provided with a coating of adhesive for attaching the mat to the floor of a tub or shower. The body of the mat further includes a second layer in which polycarbonate particles are embedded in vinyl. Additional vinyl covers the first two layers to a substantially uniform thickness while conforming to the underlying rough surface configuration caused by the polycarbonate particles. The upper two layers are transparent, allowing artwork on the upper surface of the base layer to be seen through the two upper layers. An optional thermometer indicates the ambient water temperature, to aid in prevention of stalling. The adhesive has a protective sheet that is removed for installation. The mat is permanently bonded to the tub and provides a durable, slip resistant surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Lois F. Fields
    Inventors: Michael D. Radke, Jeffrey M. Fields
  • Patent number: 5781942
    Abstract: A wash station comprises a sink and a water dispensing faucet operably associated with the sink for selectively dispensing water thereto. A first sensor is operably associated with the sink for determining the presence of a user. An electrically operated valve is in flow communication with the faucet for causing water to be selectively supplied thereto and operably associated with the first sensor for being actuated thereby. A soap dispensing faucet is operably associated with the sink for selecting dispensing soap. A second sensor is operably associated with the soap dispensing faucet for determining the presence of a user in operable association with the soap dispensing faucet. A pump is in operable association with a soap supply, in fluid communication with the soap dispensing faucet, and in operable connection with the second sensor for causing soap to be selectively supplied to the soap dispensing faucet upon detection of a user by the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Allen, Daniel C. Shaw, Lee M. Adler
  • Patent number: 5781943
    Abstract: A medical table includes a base. The medical table also includes a number of rollers, supported by the base, which collectively define a bed surface for supporting a patient, wherein each roller of the number of rollers (1) defines a fluid impervious bag having a void therein, and (2) contains a plurality of beads within the void of the fluid impervious bag, and further wherein the number of rollers includes a prime roller having a shaft extending therefrom. The medical table further includes a motor mechanically coupled to the shaft of the prime roller. The medical table also includes a vacuum source in fluid communication with each void of the number of rollers. A method of moving a patient from a first position to a second position is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moenning, Donald M. Judy, Douglas B. Thatcher
  • Patent number: 5781944
    Abstract: A foldable device for a crib enables the crib to be folded for storage. The foldable device includes an upper foldable member to which a number of transverse bars pivotally connected with a number of vertical bars are pivotally connected thereto and a lower foldable member to which a number of transverse arms pivotally connected with the number of vertical bars are pivotally connected therewith. With the upper foldable member and the lower foldable member, the crib of the invention is able to be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Li-chu Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 5781945
    Abstract: A portable, foldable bed rail adapted for use with an associated bed having a mattress thereon includes a rail member having first and second substantially identical, mirror image end rail portions and a central rail portion. The end rail portions are hingedly mounted to the central rail portion by respective rail hinge members having parallel axes of rotation. The end rail portions are foldable toward one another adjacent to the central rail portion for storage. The end rails each include a support member having a support leg. The support members are independently hingedly mounted to a respective one of the end rail portions by support hinges. The support hinges have parallel axes of rotation and are rotatable in a direction transverse to the rail hinge members. Each of the support hinge members is independently movable toward and away from its respective end rail portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig S. Scherer, Michael C. Thuma, David Corbett Brown, Brian James Woodard, Michael Scott Garner
  • Patent number: 5781946
    Abstract: A novel blanket/seat cover (7) for portable infant car seat or apparatus comprising of a flat cross-shaped member (8) having a mid section area (9), a right side extension (10), a left side extension (11), a lower extension (12) and an upper extension (13) each extension having a fold line (24) common to said mid section area (9) allowing each extension to be folded, a strap (14) located on each side of said mid section area (9), a leg pocket member (15) having an attachment means to said flat cross-shaped member (8) with upper edge unattached, a slit (20) at center of said leg pocket member (15), a central opening (16) to accommodate shoulder-body strap locking devise, a storage pocket member (17) having an attachment means to said flat cross-shaped member (8) with lower edge unattached, a storage pocket closure member (19) having an attachment means to said flat cross-shaped member (8) with upper edge and both sides unattached of said storage pocket closure member (19) having an attachment means for storage
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventors: Wanda M. McEntire, Vera Lindsey Wilson
  • Patent number: 5781947
    Abstract: Cervical pillows with beautification properties for supporting the head and neck of a person are provided. Pillows have a resilient pillow body having an adjustable height head rest, a resilient pillow body having a resilient upper portion with a plurality of depressions on a top face of the resilient upper portion for receiving the person's ears, a top face with a planar portion with a downward angular planar declination, and a resilient lower portion with a bottom face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Roger Sramek
  • Patent number: 5781949
    Abstract: A rotational therapy apparatus is provided for use on a bed having a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame, a support surface located on the deck, an air handling unit, an electrical communication network, and a rotation control module including a controller coupled to the communication network. The rotational therapy apparatus includes a normally deflated rotation air bladder located between the support surface and the deck. The rotation air bladder remains deflated during normal use of the bed. The rotation air bladder is coupled to the rotation control module for selectively inflating and deflating the rotation air bladder to provide rotational therapy to a body located on the support surface. The apparatus also includes a graphical interactive display coupled to the electrical communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, David J. Ulrich, Jay T. Butterbrodt, Kenneth L. Kramer, Jason C. Brooke, Eric R. Meyer, Gregory W. Branson, James M. C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5781950
    Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool which features a unique supplemental tool locking and release mechanism, inwardly tapered handles to provide external plier jaw storage, thereby leaving greater room for supplemental tool storage inside the handles, a box-beam handle construction for greater strength, downwardly opening handles to facilitate ease of use, and laminated plier jaws which are riveted together for even greater strength and overall integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Imperial Schrade Corp.
    Inventors: David A. Swinden, John Denis Lemaire
  • Patent number: 5781951
    Abstract: A method for applying glue to the upper surface of soles for footwear includes the steps of transferring a sole to a first station with the upper surface turned upward, picking up the outline of the sole, transferring the sole from the first station to a second station, keeping the sole orientation unvaried and applying a jet of glue directed to the upper surface of the sole along a path that can be adjusted and that follows the border of the sole. In a different embodiment, glue is also applied to the surface of the upper that is intended for attaching of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: F.LLI Talamonti Macchine S.n.c.
    Inventors: Talamonti Sergio, Talamonti Federico
  • Patent number: 5781953
    Abstract: A loading dock leveler adapted for being supported for pivotal movement on a loading dock to provide a pathway between the dock and a vehicle being loaded or unloaded includes a ramp formed of a generally flat plate deck member having a plurality of spaced apart, parallel, channel cross section beams welded to the underside of the deck member and extending between a distal side edge of the deck member and a side edge which is disposed adjacent the loading dock. Plural spaced apart pairs of hinge members are welded to the deck member and to the beams at the distal side edge of the deck member and a truss structure including somewhat V-shaped struts extend between the hinge members and are welded to the hinge members and the deck member to provide a lightweight, rigid and durable support structure for minimizing deflection of the deck member and failure of a hinge connection between the ramp and a dock leveler lip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce R. Winter
  • Patent number: 5781954
    Abstract: The extension ramp is suitable for use with a car ramp having a raised platform portion for supporting a car wheel and a downwardly elongated sloped portion connected thereto, the sloped portion having a given inclination with respect to the platform portion. The extension ramp comprises a substantially elongated straight portion having a free end mountable along the sloped portion of the car ramp and a slanted portion connected to a second end of the straight portion and forming an obtuse angle with the straight portion. The slanted and straight portions are defining together a passage for a car wheel and the slanted portion has a free end for laying on the ground and for receiving the car wheel. The free end of the straight portion is securable along the sloped portion of the car ramp, whereby the extension ramp is mountable on the car ramp for lowering the inclination of the sloped portion of the car ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Camoguid Inc.
    Inventor: Claude Mayer
  • Patent number: 5781955
    Abstract: A motorized multiple brush assembly including a handle having a top circular face, a bottom circular face, and a periphery formed therebetween, wherein the handle has a rotating rod concentrically situated along the length thereof with ends protruding therefrom. Further provided is a plurality of attachments adapted to be releasably coupled to the rotating rod. The attachments include a saw attachment with a disk-shaped rigid saw concentrically coupled thereto, a first brush attachment with a brush having a triangular configuration concentrically coupled thereto, a second brush attachment with the brush having a generally cylindrical configuration concentrically coupled thereto, and a third brush attachment with the brush having a disc shaped configuration concentrically coupled thereto. Finally, a control system is situated within the handle and powered by a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Glen J. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 5781956
    Abstract: A handle for a concrete float comprising a molded outer grip surface shot around a molded plastic core. Two identical components are engaged to form the plastic core. Each component has an interior rib structure and a mounting nose. The mounting nose has a cavity for receiving a screw and a flat mounting surface. The screw passes through the cavity and engages the threaded recesses of the float blade, fastening the handle to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Marshalltown Trowel Company
    Inventors: Curtis Dwight Kelsay, Alan Jerome Ness
  • Patent number: 5781957
    Abstract: An ice scraper for use in removing frost and ice from vehicle windows. The ice scraper is formed from a hard plastic material into a circular disk with an easily gripped handle attached to its top. The body of the ice scraper is a concavo-convex disk with a circumferential edge that joins with the top surface of the disk to form a sharp cutting edge. A plurality of inclined ridges are formed on the cutting edge at regular spaced intervals; these ridges assist in breaking up ice as it is being scraped from a surface. The handle is integrally attached to the top of the disk. A plurality of finger receiving indentations are formed in the handle to allow the ice scraper to be gripped securely, with little effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Jason K. Scholl
  • Patent number: 5781958
    Abstract: A toothbrush has an elongated handle with bristles disposed at one end extending outwardly from one surface of the handle. The handle is formed of a semi-rigid plastic material having a pair of flanges disposed on the surface opposite that of the bristles for controlling the flexure at various points along the handle length and a softer material is formed onto that portion of the handle containing the flanges to provide a soft grip for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Meessmann, Gerald S. Szczech, William A. Bredall
  • Patent number: 5781959
    Abstract: A molded plastic conical mop wringer that incorporates a clip and supporting ribs to firmly support the wringer in a stable position below the rim of the pail. The openings in the conical surface are elliptical and do an excellent job of gripping the ends of the mop strands as the mop is twisted and pressed to eliminate the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Donald G. Tipotsch
  • Patent number: 5781960
    Abstract: A self-guiding vacuum cleaner having a chassis (10) supporting a brush nozzle (50) facing the floor and having a nozzle opening (51) communicating with a chamber (16) in which a dust container (17) is arranged, the chamber being connected to the inlet side of a fan unit (33). The vacuum cleaner has a drive system for driving the vacuum cleaner on the floor, the drive system including at least two drive wheels (35) which are also arranged to guide the vacuum cleaner on the floor by relative motion of the wheels. The chassis (10) and the nozzle (50) are provided with cooperating means (48, 49) by means of which the nozzle (50) is such supported in the chassis for vertical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Lars Kilstrom, Bjorn Riise, Anders Haegermarck
  • Patent number: 5781961
    Abstract: A container construction for a vacuum cleaner includes a housing enclosing a dirt receptacle for the vacuum cleaner, the housing having a wall. A hole extends through the wall of the housing and a tubular conduit extends through the hole in the wall. The conduit has an inlet end located outside the housing and an outlet end located inside the housing. The conduit includes a flange extending radially outwardly from an outer periphery of the conduit, the flange being sized to contact the wall of the housing. The conduit also includes a rib extending radially outwardly from the conduit outer periphery in spaced relation to the flange. A clamp cooperates with the rib and the housing to secure the conduit to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Charles J. Thur, Mark E. Cipolla
  • Patent number: 5781962
    Abstract: Disclosed is a carpet cleaning machine having a revolving, cylinder-shaped, double-ended carpet cleaning member powered by a gear-driven drive shaft for removing dirty material from a carpet. In the improvement, the drive shaft is coupled to the first end and an idler shaft is coupled to the second end, is spaced from the drive shaft and supports the second end for rotation. Double-ended support of the cleaning member materially reduces problems arising from cantilever shafts used in prior art machines to drive cleaning members. Another embodiment has a centrifugal separator with an air stream exit mouth and two flow guides fixed with respect to such mouth. The flow guides have differing aperture areas and a cavity is between the guides for capturing material otherwise permitted to flow downstream and prematurely clog a mesh filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Racine Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Fiegel, Norman K. Harris, David G. Jansson, Mark A. Pleshek
  • Patent number: 5781963
    Abstract: Rotatable hand tools such as screwdrivers utilize a coextruded tool handle which provides a comfortably grip. The handle has an extruded body formed of a rigid synthetic resin with a uniform cross section over most of the length of its grip portion. Extending axially over the length of the grip portion is a multiplicity of coextruded peripherally spaced stripes of a synthetic resin which is substantially softer than that of the body, and these stripes are firmly bonded to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Joseph P. Maru, Clifford H. Snow, Jr., Toye F. Howle
  • Patent number: 5781964
    Abstract: A pull handle assembly of a wheeled suitcase which can prevent its lower end from wobbling is disclosed in the present invention. The pull handle assembly comprises one elongated tube mounted in the suitcase having a rectangular channel in it and a pull handle telescopingly received within the channel of the tube. The pull handle comprises an elongated rod member having an upper end and a lower end, a gripping handle installed on the upper end of the rod member for hand gripping, and a rectangular rod guide installed on the lower end of the rod member for guiding the pull handle within the channel. The pull handle assembly further comprises a rod detention means installed under the upper opening of the channel for holding the rod guide of the pull handle to the channel, and three flaps installed on three sides of the rectangular channel next to the rod detention means for restricting the rod guide from wobbling laterally within the channel when the rod guide is being held by the rod detention means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Chaw Khong Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jerhong Lin, Kuo Chung-Hsien