Patents Issued in July 6, 1999
  • Patent number: D411904
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: Torrill Risholm, Ragner Risholm
  • Patent number: D411905
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Digital Equipment BCFI AB
    Inventors: Bo Molander, Oscar Pena
  • Patent number: D411906
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: Connie L Ely, Ruth J Smith, Kelly J Schroeck
  • Patent number: H1795
    Abstract: A structural connection wherein two structural members are joined at an angle of less than 180 degrees by a sheet metal connector, formed with an integral gusset at the longitudinal line of juncture, that is attached with a plurality of fasteners. The gusset reinforces the connection against forces acting perpendicular to the longitudinal line of juncture and the plurality of fasteners reinforce the connection against angular displacement of the structural members perpendicular to the longitudinal line of juncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Leek
  • Patent number: H1796
    Abstract: Circuits and methods for eliminating hold time violations are disclosed. A DE-type flip-flop latches a data input signal on a data input terminal a fraction of a clock period before a triggering edge of the clock signal. The DE-type flip-flop provides a data output signal for a full clock period beginning after the triggering edge of the clock signal. The DE-type flip-flop includes a latch having its data output terminal coupled to the data input terminal of a flip-flop. The flip-flop clock input pin and the latch enable terminal of the latch are connected to a clock line. The DE-type flip-flop used in place of a standard flip-flop, in which a hold time violation occurs, eliminates the hold time violation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Chakra R. Srivatsa, Ronald J. Melanson, David J. Greenhill
  • Patent number: H1797
    Abstract: Linear frequency modulation having a large time-bandwidth product and an remely linear frequency versus time waveform, is provided by a feedback technique utilizing a linear ramp voltage generator whose output is summed with a correction voltage to drive a voltage controlled oscillator to output the LFM waveform. Part of the LFM waveform is fed back through a digital discriminator for error signal generation and comparison with a preset value associated with the output slope linearity, thus yielding the basis for generating the correction voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Richard P. Mosser, William H. Suder, III, Richard E. Pavek
  • Patent number: H1798
    Abstract: A soft multicomponent compound comprising a styrenic block copolymer having good elastomeric properties, a paraffinic oil, a crystalline polyolefin and a metallocene polyolefin having a density from 0.86 to 0.91, a molecular weight distribution less than 3, and good distribution of ethylene and from 12% to 30% by weight of one or more .alpha.-olefin monomers having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms. The metallocene polyolefin partly replaces the styrenic block copolymer in conventional soft compounds and provides the desired softness at significantly lower oil contents, thus avoiding surface tackiness and oil extractability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Michael John Modic
  • Patent number: PP10990
    Abstract: A new Clematis cultivar which produces creamy white, almost yellow, fully formed and round flowers. The variety is climbing and clinging and suitable for patio container growth. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for ornamental use in outdoor settings in a variety of climatic conditions. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: Raymond J. Evison, Mogens N. Olesen
  • Patent number: PP10991
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of a Globba hybrid characterized by pink bracts and mostly transparent bracteoles with yellow green and streaked with red purple as within the inflorescence. The foliage displays reddish underleaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: Gregory A. Adams, Mark L. Collins
  • Patent number: PP10992
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of geranium plant named `Fizzard`, particularly characterized by the combined features of bright red single flowers, very early and rich flowering, medium green foliage with slight zonation, vigorous growth, and bushy and well branched plant habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Florfis AG
    Inventor: Angelika Utecht
  • Patent number: PP10993
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Hypericum plant named `Bosapin`, characterized by its long flowering stems; large bright red berries; dark green leaves; and excelllent postproduction longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: H. and B.R. van den Bosch B.V.
    Inventor: Bernard Renee van den Bosch
  • Patent number: PP10994
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Hypericum plant named `Bosakin`, characterized by its long flowering stems; large dark red berries; dark green leaves; and excellent postproduction longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: H. and B. R. van den Bosch B.V.
    Inventor: Bernard Renee van den Bosch
  • Patent number: PP10995
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Anthurium plant named `Sweet Love`, characterized by its tall, upright, outwardly arching and freely branching plant habit; medium green leaves that are glossy and cordate in shape; numerous inflorescences that are positioned high above the foliage on long, strong and erect scapes; broad salmon-pink spathes with truncate base; and good post-production longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Rijnplant B.V.
    Inventor: Magdalena J. M. van Rijn
  • Patent number: PP10996
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named `Sunny Ingrid`, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading growth habit with dense foliage and erect flower stems; moderate growth rate; purple ray florets with violet blue disc florets; and numerous inflorescences per plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Paul Ecke Ranch
    Inventors: Bjarne Larsen, Niels Larsen
  • Patent number: PP10997
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Impatiens hybrid plant, and named `96-009-18` is provided. `96-009-18` is distinct in its unusual shades of red and orange with red veination, slightly cupped flowers, early flowering, medium green foliage and upright branching growth habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: John Bodger & Sons, Co.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Parker, Maryke Cleland
  • Patent number: PP10998
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Anthurium plant named `Sugar Love`, characterized by its compact, upright, outwardly arching and freely branching plant habit; dark green leaves that are cordate in shape; numerous inflorescences that are positioned above the foliage on strong and erect scapes; broad salmon-pink spathes with truncate base; and good post-production longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Rijnplant B.V.
    Inventor: Magdalena J. M. van Rijn
  • Patent number: PP10999
    Abstract: Hybrid tea rose plant having an attractive ivory white flower color; large flowers on long stems; long vase life; and good cut flower production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Bear Creek Gardens, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Jurgen Evers
  • Patent number: PP11000
    Abstract: A new distinctive cultivar of apple (Malus Xdomestica) which is exceptional in combining the desirable appearance of `Empire` with much larger fruit size, and the processing quality of `Northern Spy` without the production problems of `Northern Spy`. It offers growers and consumers a large attractive fruit that can be used fresh or for cooking. The cultivar is named `Fortune` and was tested as NY 429.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan K. Brown, Roger D. Way, David E. Terry, Kenneth G. Livermore
  • Patent number: PP11001
    Abstract: Schwarzwalder is a new variety of calla lily having a flower with a deep purple colored spathe and deep purple colored spadix and producing 2-7 flowers per tuber. The leaves are medium green with whitish spots and have a leathery texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Sande BV
    Inventor: Jaap P. Spaans
  • Patent number: PP11002
    Abstract: A new variety of hybrid lily plant bearing semi-upright flowers of excellent form and long persistence, both on the plant and as cut-flowers. The flowers of the new plant are particularly characterized by their deep red coloration at the edge shading into a wide yellow orange area surrounding a small dark brown ray extending from the nectary furrows. This combination is completely new in the Asiatic hybrid divisions of lilies suited to forcing and to mass commercial cultivation. The variety is highly resistant to fusarium disease and shows tolerance of virus. The bulbs may be precooled and forced for cut-flower production. The clone is vigorous and is a good grower and propagator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Johan A. Mak
  • Patent number: RE36243
    Abstract: A one pass seedbed preparation device having two fluted coulter assemblies per seedbed. The coulter assemblies are attachable to existing seed planting apparatus at their bias spring housings and are offset to provide self-cleaning action. Fertilizer delivery is then provided to an area surrounding the seedbed raised by the coulter wheels. The fertilizer may be delivered by a knife-blade cultivator, an injector or a rolling-disc drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Rawson, Allen Rawson
  • Patent number: RE36244
    Abstract: An apparatus for plugging a burning or gushing well comprises a hollow tubular plug body (20) sized for insertion into a well casing (112). Provided on the plug body are a retainer module (54) for retaining the plug within the well casing; a sealing sleeve (46) provided for forming a seal between the plug body and the well casing; and a valve assembly (50) for selectively closing a hollow internal passageway of the tubular plug body. The plug body is loaded on a gantry assembly (21), which in turn is carried by a shielded vehicle (24). At the base of the gantry assembly are provided an alignment assembly (37) for aid in approach to the well casing and a cutter assembly (40) for sawing off inordinately protruding casings. In one embodiment, a protective break-away shell (118) circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the plug body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Bruce Matthews
  • Patent number: RE36245
    Abstract: A light bar is provided for mounting to a roof of an emergency vehicle such that the signalling devices comprising the light bar are distributed across the roof to form a non-linear pattern. A dome assembly covers the signalling devices and also forms a non-linear pattern traversing the roof. The light bar provides for enhanced visibility at angles approaching 90.degree. to the heading of the vehicle. Moreover, the non-linear pattern of the signalling devices allows the light bar to provide a signalling pattern whose warning effect can be alternatively directionalized into different distinct zones about the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, each of the signalling devices is contained in a module comprising a base and a dome such that enhanced transmittance of light is provided at angles approaching 90.degree. from the heading of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Edward S. Stanuch, Michael Benner, Earl Gosswiller
  • Patent number: RE36246
    Abstract: A film rewinder for a camera comprising a motor and rewinding means driven by the motor and adapted to rewind a used film into a film cartridge, comprises first sensing means disposed at a specific position in the path of the film moved to the film cartridge when the film is being rewound and effective to generate an output signal when the leader portion of the film has passed the specific position; second sensing means effective to generate an output signal when the leader portion of the film is further rewound to the film cartridge beyond the specific position; means for selecting one of first and second conditions; and control means. The control means is used for de-energizing the motor when the first condition is selected by the selecting means and if the control means receives the output signal from the first sensing means and for de-energizing the motor when the second condition is selected by the selecting means and if the control means receives the output signal from the second sensing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nakano, Mikio Takemae
  • Patent number: RE36247
    Abstract: A method of hormonally treating menopausal (including perimenopausal and post-menopausal) disorders in women, a composition, and a multi-preparation pack therefor. The administrative regimen to which the pack is particularly adapted comprises continuously and uninterruptedly administering a progestogen to a woman while cyclically administering an estrogen by using a repetitive dosage regimen. This regimen calls for administering the estrogen continuously for a period of time between about 20 and about 120 days, followed by terminating administering the estrogen for a period of time between about 3 and about 7 days. Alternatively, both the progestogen and estrogen may be administered for the full treatment period without interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignees: WOCO Investments, Ltd., Pre JAY Holdings, Limited
    Inventors: Earl E. Plunkett, Bernard M. J. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 5918309
    Abstract: A protective garment of multi-component construction for covering and protecting vital portions of a body of a wearer. The protective garment has a layer of body armor material which has at least one of ballistic resistant and puncture resistant capabilities. Additionally, the protective garment includes a flexible sheet formed of a plurality of resilient honeycomb cellular structures which are constructed of thermoplastic polyurethane. The flexible sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane honeycomb structures is positioned to overlie the layer of body armor material and to face outwardly from the body of the wearer. The layer of body armor material is positioned between the flexible sheet of resilient honeycomb cellular structures and the body of the wearer upon which the protective garment is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Second Chance Body Armor, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Bachner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5918310
    Abstract: A body protective garment is adapted for covering a hip region of a wearer to protect the wearer against femoral fracture resulting from a sudden impact. The body protective garment includes an elastic girdle having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. A plurality of pad-receiving pockets are attached to the girdle and adapted for overlying the hip region on opposing anterior sides and a rear thereof. A plurality of removable body protective pads are carried in the pockets. Each of the pads includes a multi-layer foam composite capable of reducing a 5800 N impact force to less than 1200 N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Amir H. Farahany
  • Patent number: 5918311
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bib having improved pocket opening. The pocket is formed by a pocket panel disposed adjacent a body panel. A pocket opening mechanism in combination with a predetermined hinge line sustain pocket opening. The pocket opening mechanism can comprise an elastic member, and the predetermined hinge can be provided by a crease formed by folding. In one embodiment, the bib includes an apron panel for facilitating gravitational opening of the pocket. The apron can comprise a longitudinally extending crease. The creases in each panel can extend generally parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the bib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventors: Patricia Lee Lampson, Amit Gupta
  • Patent number: 5918312
    Abstract: A vest/jacket for painters. It includes detachable sleeves, pockets and loops to hold various types of tools and supplies used by painters. It also includes a detachable drop cloth attached to the inside of the vest/jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Kyle C. Craren
  • Patent number: 5918313
    Abstract: A sled suit for sliding comprises a torso portion having a head opening, a pair of sleeves coupled to the torso portion, a leg portion coupled to the torso portion. The torso portion, the pair of sleeves and the leg portion are made of durable waterproof material with a low coefficient of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: Jenny Trujillo, Gina Reilly
  • Patent number: 5918314
    Abstract: A body suit liner is removably attachable to an outer body suit. Glove liners are removably attachable to outer gloves. Foot cover liners are removably attachable to outer foot covers. A hood liner is removably attachable to an outer hood. The outer gloves are removably attachable to distal ends of outer body suit sleeves. The outer glove can be attached to the outer body suit sleeve whether or not the glove liner has been attached to the outer glove. The outer foot covers are removably attachable to distal ends of outer body suit legs. The outer foot cover can be attached to the outer body suit leg whether or not the foot cover liner has been attached to the outer foot cover. The outer hood is removably attachable to the outer body suit. The outer hood can be attached to the outer body suit whether or not the hood liner has been attached to the outer hood. The body suit liner, glove liner, foot cover liner and hood liner are constructed of material which is insulative and absorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Melodie A. Moses
  • Patent number: 5918315
    Abstract: A fashion sleeve to be worn by a person, the fashion sleeve comprising a hollow tubular cloth or woven member having a wider upper opening and a narrower wrist opening, with the sleeve being tapered from the upper arm opening to the wrist opening and the upper opening having means to engage snugly the arm of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Steven Trachtenberg
  • Patent number: 5918316
    Abstract: A promotional clip-on accessory which is adapted to fold around a cap strap to carry a display panel thereon for displaying promotional material. The clip-on accessory is die cut from a vinyl plastic or cardstock sheet and is pre-scored to include two bi-fold hinges defining a central display panel and two opposite folding panels that are folded around the cap strap. A locking tab configuration is also disclosed for securing the accessory on the cap strap. A push-out outlocking tab is cut into one panel and, once the lower and upper panels have been folded around the back of the cap strap, may be pushed through a second tab in the opposing panel to lock the accessory in position around the cap strap. The accessory may also be cut to form a customized pop-out section which remains erect and coplanar with the front display panel after the accessory is applied to a cap strap, which gives the image of a front display panel custom cut in the shape of a design indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: Theodore Nathanson, Peter H. Jeffer
  • Patent number: 5918317
    Abstract: A device and method for reducing the creation of contact sores on the body caused by the body's contact with an external object. The present invention includes a garment having an internal surface and an external surface. The garment is preferably fabricated from a fabric material having at least one first thread made from a conventional garment material and a second thread made from a fluoropolymer material. The thread pattern is designed to cause the conventional garment material to be predominant on the interior surface of the garment while the fluoropolymer material is predominant on the exterior surface of the garment. The presence of the fluoropolymer material on the exterior surface of the garment causes the exterior of the garment to have a lower coefficient of friction than does the interior of the garment. As a result, the exterior of the garment moves across contacted objects with a minimum of chaffing while the skin remains padded by the static interior of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Frederick S. Bernhardt
  • Patent number: 5918318
    Abstract: An attachment device for releasably securing first and second clothing items comprises a first tab and a second tab each including mating hook and loop fastening elements which are mounted to respective clothing items in an orientation wherein the hook and loop fastening elements of the first tab engage and releasably connect to the hook and loop fastening elements of the second tab such that forces tending to separate the first and second clothing items during laundering result in the application of a shear force to the connected tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Viable Products, LLC
    Inventor: Hanns Franklin Jones
  • Patent number: 5918319
    Abstract: A protective garment includes an abrasion-resistant fabric attached to an inside of the garment, and having a face side residing adjacent the garment and a back side for residing nearest the wearer. The fabric includes a body yarn, and an elastic yarn incorporated with the body yarn. A high performance yarn is incorporated with the body yarn and the elastic yarn, and terried to form loops extending from the face side of the fabric adjacent the garment. The high performance yarn has a tensile strength of at least 7 grams per denier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Hal Thomas Baxter
  • Patent number: 5918320
    Abstract: A housing for a conventional sanitizing disk for attachment in series between a toilet's fill tube and an overflow tube. The housing generally includes a body portion (or container) having a planar, bottom wall, a contiguous sidewall extending upwardly therefrom, a lid hinged to the sidewall, and a rigid conduit extending tangentially outwardly from the sidewall and in fluid communication with the interior of the body portion. An opening is formed centrally through the bottom wall, and a tubular neck portion extends concentrically downwardly from the bottom wall and into the overflow tube, thereby positioning the housing atop the overflow tube. A flexible conduit extends in fluid communication between the fill tube and the rigid conduit, and consequently, the body portion. A cup for containing the sanitizing disk sits loosely within the body portion, and includes an opening formed centrally through the bottom thereof, and a gear fixedly and concentrically attached to the bottom thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Reals
  • Patent number: 5918321
    Abstract: A device for fastening a toilet seat and cover to the rim of a toilet bowl, including a plate having a slot extending laterally across the plate and a screw passing through the slot. The plate is selectively adjustable along the length of the slot with respect to the screw and around the screw for positioning the plate. A stud standing up from the plate receives a hollow sleeve shaped toilet seat support over the stud. The stud is expanded by a tightening screw to secure the stud inside the support and thereby to fix the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Estoli, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Estape Olle
  • Patent number: 5918322
    Abstract: A toilet seat 40 and a toilet lid 50 are pivotably attached to an attachment base 20 of a western-style toilet bowl 10 with a hinge mechanism 30. The hinge mechanism 30 includes first and second rotational resistance mechanisms 60R and 60L which are respectively mounted on opposing sides of the attachment base 20. First right and left hinge parts 42R and 42L are respectively integrally formed at opposite ends of the toilet seat 40. Second right and left hinge parts 52R and 52L are respectively integrally formed at opposite end part of the toilet lid 50, the first and second support pins 36R and 36L and the caps 38R and 38L. The first rotational resistance mechanism 60R applies rotational resistant force in the lowering of the toilet seat 40 via the first support pin 36R. The second rotational resistance mechanism 60L applies rotational resistant force in the lowering of the toilet lid 50 via the second support pin 36L.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Yamamoto, Toshihiro Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5918323
    Abstract: Mobile hospital liquid sanitation cart for convenient and safe collection and ready transport and disposal of liquid waste from patients. A cuplike receptor on flexible tubing is extended to receive waste liquid and convey it to temporary storage in the cart. Rinse liquid is provided to the receptor to wash down the waste liquid and also is available to wash down the waste storage when at a suitable discharge location, as over a toilet bowl or other drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 5918324
    Abstract: A two-stage toilet is composed of a handle switching device, a locating and fastening device, a water adjusting device, and a water stopping valve device. The handle switching device consists of a camshaft on which the locating and fastening device and the water adjusting device are mounted. The water adjusting device comprises a cord pulling rod for actuating a transmission cord of the water stopping valve device. The water adjusting device is composed of a retaining slot and a retaining block which is retained in the retaining slot at the time when the flush handle of the toilet is pressed to cause the water stopping valve of the water stopping valve device to remain open to permit the flushing until such time when the water adjusting block of the water adjusting device is so actuated by a float ball as to bring about the disengagement of the retaining block with the retaining slot, thereby resulting in an interruption of the flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: Ming-Chang Hwang, Sheng-Lung Ma
  • Patent number: 5918325
    Abstract: A flush toilet bowl comprises a bowl part (1) and a discharge trap (2) formed continuously at the bottom of the bowl part. The discharge trap (2) further comprises a rising channel (22) extending in the obliquely upward direction from the bottom of the bowl part, a first weir (27) formed at the upper end of the rising channel, a descending channel (23) extending downwardly from the first weir, and a cross-laid channel (24) extending substantially in the horizontal direction from the lower end of the descending channel and having a discharge opening (25) at the end. The cross-laid channel (24) is provided with an upwardly bent second weir (28) between the lower end of the descending channel and the discharge opening, and a gathered water part (29) is formed between the second weir (28) and the lower end of the descending channel. The descending channel is formed in the vicinity of the lower end thereof with a horizontal part (26) extending horizontally toward the cross-laid channel (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Toto, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinya Arita, Ryouichi Tsukada, Shinji Shibata, Hiroyuki Matsushita
  • Patent number: 5918326
    Abstract: A water jet massaging system is capable of applying water jet massage while a bather is taking a bath by producing a water jet at an appropriate pressure, and having enhanced operability by preventing sticking of a water intake and a nozzle to the body of the bather. More specifically, water is sucked in from a water source by a pump, and water jet at an appropriate pressure is injected through a nozzle so as to beat at the surface of the body of the bather, attaining massaging effects of water jet with ease. Further, the water intake is provided with passages for water flow to prevent blockage of water flow, and the nozzle is provided with an inclined surface on the side opposite the body to slow down velocity of water flow, preventing a sticking phenomenon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Takagi Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumi Takagi, Michihiro Shimizu, Kenji Takagi, Kenichi Ito, Masaru Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 5918327
    Abstract: A bathtub enclosure for providing a leak proof enclosure for bathtubs. The enclosure includes an outer frame having a generally open rectangular configuration with spaced apart elongate top and bottom bars, and a pair of spaced apart elongate side bars extending between the top and bottom bars. The bars of the outer frame define a central space therebetween. The bottom bar is designed for attachment to the top of a side wall of a bathtub. The top bar is designed for attachment to a ceiling structure above the side wall of the bathtub. A first of the side bars is designed for attachment to a wall structure adjacent one end of the bathtub. A second of the side bars is designed for attachment to a wall structure adjacent another end of the bathtub. A pair of panels are provided in the central space of the outer frame. Each of the panels is extended between the top and bottom bars. One of the panels is positioned adjacent one of the side bars. Another of the panels is positioned adjacent another of the side bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Omar D. Vance
  • Patent number: 5918328
    Abstract: A bedside swivel device is presently disclosed for assisting individuals with physical impairments to maneuver themselves in and out of bed. The bedside swivel device is a swivel socket attached to the side of the bed and is constructed to accommodate various other structures that may be utilized by a physically impaired individual, without the need to take up indispensable floor space that is needed by the wheelchair bound individuals. Such structures include a crane, tables, drawers, sinks, televisions, and the like. Further, the swivel socket and crane combination can be utilized without the need for electricity or any backup power source. Another feature utilizes the disabled individual's physical abilities to the maximum extent possible thereby increasing the individual's health and rate of rehabilitation. In another instance, a power backup source can be supplied with the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Nathan R. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 5918329
    Abstract: A foldable bed which can be detachably mounted onto a crib has a foldable main frame and a foldable secondary frame pivotally connected with the main frame. The main frame is able to be detachably mounted onto the crib and the secondary frame is able to be detachably and pivotally mounted on top of the main frame. The secondary frame has a fabric mat fitted thereto, onto which a baby can be placed at a height convenient for changing of a diaper. When the folded bed in not in use, it is convenient for the user to dismount the foldable bed from the crib and fold it for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Discover International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Chu Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 5918330
    Abstract: An improved ratchet mechanism for a surgical boot is not susceptible to spontaneous rotation when the center of gravity of the weight of the patient's leg, the boot, and the support arm for the boot passes the axis of rotation of the ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes a ratchet wheel which includes both ratcheting serrations which allow rotation of the support arm in only one direction and locking serrations which do not allow the support arm to rotate in either direction. A ratchet release allows such constraints on rotation to be removed by the surgeon or surgeon's assistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Navarro, Yury Keselman
  • Patent number: 5918331
    Abstract: A stretcher style mobile intensive care unit including an elongated hollow housing having an upper patient support table. The housing being adapted to hold at a location below the support table, a range of medical equipment. The range of medical equipment being customarily required for emergency care. The unit has four handles so that it is able to be carried like a stretcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Buchanan Aircraft Corporation Limited
    Inventors: David Hall, John Charles Grant-Thomson
  • Patent number: 5918332
    Abstract: A recreation pillow includes a resilient foam rubber pillow having an elliptical shape. A slit is formed in the pillow, and the slit extends inwardly from the surface. The slit defines opposed walls that are normally juxtaposed, with the pillow being deformable such that the walls are distanced from each other and small items such as room keys can be placed between the walls. When the pillow is released, the items are held between the walls. The pillow is enclosed in a waterproof sleeve, and is ideal for beach use for both lying on and for carrying small items. Alternatively, the pillow can be hollow and can be made of relatively hard plastic or rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Kent L. Dees
  • Patent number: 5918333
    Abstract: A deodorizing pillow has a core covered by a cover which has pockets formed both on its upper and lower sides. The pockets on one of the sides of the cover can removably contain charcoal or active carbon granule deodorizers, while the pockets on the other side of the cover are filled with chips of Japanese cypress. In an another embodiment, the core of the pillow is composed of an upper and a lower layer, and a deodorizer of active carbon granules or charcoal is tucked between the upper and lower layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Takashima Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshie Takashima