Patents Issued in September 14, 1999
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Patent number: 5950311Abstract: A knife includes two casings for slidably supporting a knife blade. The casings includes a structure that may be easily assembled together without additional tools. The casings each includes a latch formed on one end for engaging with each other and for securing one end of the casings together. A knob is slidably engaged on one of the casings and includes a hook for engaging with the other casing and for securing the casings together. A spring may bias the hook to engage with an engaging recess of the other casing.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Yin Han Huang
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Patent number: 5950312Abstract: A wallpaper scarifying device including a plate and at least one scarifying assembly coupled to the plate. The scarifying assembly includes a swivel fixture rotatably coupled to the plate about an axis of rotation and rotatably carrying a cutting disk at an angle of less than 45 degrees relative a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The cutting disk has a plurality of teeth extending from a periphery thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: William Zinsser & Co., IncorporatedInventors: Daniel L. Poole, Robert N. Poole
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Patent number: 5950313Abstract: A hand-held power-operated blade-actuating or other work member actuating device, especially useful as shears for processing comestible products such as fowl. A servo mechanism and linkage connected with a movable blade and a finger control causes controlled powered movement of the blade in coordination with the finger control. A fixed blade and a pivoted blade are insertable and removable as a unit from a hand-held frame in which the fixed blade is restrained against rotation relative to the frame. The blades and frame are constructed so the blades are insertable or removable only when closed. In a preferred embodiment the fixed blade is retained in part by two load bearing pins extending from the frame and located substantially diametrically opposite each other relative to the pivot axis of the movable blade.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1996Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Bettcher Industries, Inc.Inventors: Raymond J. Herrmann, Arthur W. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 5950314Abstract: A step-separating shearing tool includes a first handle and a second handle. A first blade portion is connected to the first handle, and a second blade portion, which includes an L-shaped slot, is hinge-connected to the first blade portion and to the first handle. A rocker arm connects the second handle and the first blade portion. The step-separating shearing tool also includes an automatic step-separating mechanism. This mechanism includes: a double-oscillating rod, which is hinge-connected to the rocker arm; a slider on the double oscillating rod, which is received in the L-shaped slot of the second blade portion; and a torsion spring connected between the rocker arm and the double oscillating rod. When the shearing tool is used in a cutting operation for cutting items having a relatively small diameter, the slider is located in a short slot portion of the L-shaped slot during the entire cutting operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Jung-Hsien Chang
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Patent number: 5950315Abstract: A lopper used to perform lopping, pruning and similar operations includes a lopping head provided with a spring-biased blade cooperating with a jaw, a drive mechanism, and an elongate housing. The drive mechanism includes first and second wheels rotatable relative thereto about a first axis. A head line couples the first wheel to the blade at a connecting point, and the second wheel is coupled to a driving line. The first wheel is eccentric relative to the second wheel so that a distance separating a region of a guiding surface of the first wheel from the first axis is smallest at a predetermined point of blade travel across the bight. The lopper also includes an intermediate handle and a lower handle selectively operable to actuate the blade relative to the jaw.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Fiskars Consumer OY ABInventor: Erkki Olavi Linden
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Patent number: 5950316Abstract: The two straight line segments respectively constituting the intersection of the holding plane, on the one hand, the cutting plane, on the other hand, and the plane containing the median axis of the members forming handles and perpendicular to the holding plane define between them a lateral inclination angle. Further, the projection of a median axis of the cutting edges onto the holding plane defines with the median axis of the members forming handles an angle of inclination in the holding plane.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Deville Sa Secateurs PradinesInventors: Arnaud Asselin, Alain Foucher
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Patent number: 5950317Abstract: A string trimmer includes a wire guard assembly which retains a wire guard and debris shield on a motor housing. The wire guard is retained in a pair of grooves in the motor housing to capture the debris shield between the wire guard and an upper portion of the motor housing. The wire guard is locked in place by locking members on the bottom of the shield, thereby substantially permanently connecting the shield to the motor housing without the necessity of additional parts.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: McCulloch CorporationInventors: Jan B. Yates, Michael Krull, James Lind, Gregory A. Trees
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Patent number: 5950318Abstract: A laser beam focus and alignment apparatus is provided for a focus engraving laser or the like and has a housing having an attaching portion for removably attaching to a laser apparatus over a laser beam output lens and a linear adjustable portion linearly adjustable relative to the attaching portion. A flexible plumb line has a predetermined length and is attached to the housing linear adjustable portion and has a plumb bob attached to the end thereof with a generally pointed end portion so that a laser beam focus and alignment apparatus can be attached to a laser beam apparatus and linearly adjusted until the plumb bob touches an item being focused upon to determine the focus and alignment of a laser beam. The housing attaching portion and linear adjustable portion can be threaded together so that rotating the linear adjustable portion moves it in a linear fashion to move the flexible bob line and bob.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: David M. Montes
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Patent number: 5950319Abstract: Construction materials such as 4-foot by 8-foot sheets of plywood, drywall, and similar materials have fiducial markings for quick visual reference of the user. Imprinted lines of equal spacings indicate to the user the location of wall studs at 16-inch or 24-inch spacings, and the sheet of material can also include oblique lines and one or more circles, for reference of the user in quickly determining the size of remnants. Similar markings may also be applied to roll-stored materials such as carpeting.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: David Neal Harris
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Patent number: 5950320Abstract: A medico-scientific measuring device of a substantially flat transparent material having a base edge and a half circle with an outer edge suitably marked for measuring angles; a horizontal plot line and a center point as a vertex adjacent to the base edge; a plurality of plot lines from the outer edge toward converging on the center point defining specific angles; a floating point indicia adjacent to, and in communication with, the center point; and a visible vertex gap axial from the floating point such that the horizontal plot lines and the converging plot lines are substantially interrupted to thereby facilitate a more accurate placement of the vertex and to provide a more accurate angle determination.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Thomas R. Dorsey
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Patent number: 5950321Abstract: An adhesive tape (20) includes a plurality of marks (30-36) that facilitate the installation of lap-siding members (120, 122, 128, 132, 134) on a building (100). The tape is adhered to a wall (104, 106) in a vertical orientation, and the lap siding members are nailed in place over the tape. The marks function as guides for the positioning of the lap-siding members. The tapes is essentially free of indicia that can be confused with the marks to generate measurement errors in during the installation process.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventors: Ramon Pena, Jesus A. Pena
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Patent number: 5950322Abstract: A drier for wood chips and other bulk materials includes an incinerator for indirectly heating a drying apparatus. The drier operates in a circulatory gas operation with a high water vapor load. All drier exhaust gases are fed to the incinerator and thermally post-combusted there. The drying apparatus includes two drier lines. The first line is heated with the heat of the inflowing vapor, the heat being removed from the exhaust gas flow in a gas-gas heat exchanger and supplied to the vapor feedback. The second drier line includes a heat register, whose heat is extracted from the exhaust gases in a heater, which is arranged directly after the incinerator and reduces the exhaust gas temperature to approximately 500.degree. to 600.degree.. The gas-gas heat exchanger can thus be embodied as a simple sheet metal structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Firma Starcosa-Tag, Division of Braunschweigische Maschinenbauanstalt AGInventor: Martin Knabe
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Patent number: 5950323Abstract: A desiccant accessory for shoes and the like is provided for the removal of moisture therefrom. The accessory includes an external pouch having an internal chamber with an opening at one end, a transparent packet made of permeable material detachably connected with the pouch adjacent the open end, a reusable desiccant arranged in the packet for adsorbing moisture from surrounding air, and an indicator combined with the desiccant for alerting a user when the desiccant has adsorbed a maximum amount of moisture.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventors: Elizabeth Wroth, Kathy Sheraw
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Patent number: 5950324Abstract: The assembly includes a plurality of flexible and inflatable bags 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 56 and 58, each having a rectangular cross section with an open end for receiving air from various ducts 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 62 and 66, and extending vertically to a nozzle end 52. A plurality of first starboard bags 43 overlap a plurality of second starboard bags 44 in the horizontal direction and a plurality of first port bags 46 overlap a plurality of second port bags 47 in the horizontal direction. Also, the second starboard 44 and port 47 bags are spaced downstream from the first 43 starboard and port 46 bags. The nozzles 52 of the first starboard bags 43 are disposed in a first horizontal V.sub.a.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Proto-Vest, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Patrick McElroy, Christopher Patrick McElroy, Lucian G. McElroy
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Patent number: 5950325Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for agitation-free, low temperature drying of fragile, temperature sensitive, granular materials at atmospheric pressure using Radio Frequency (RF) energy to provide the heat of evaporation. A relatively low velocity flow of purge air through either a continuously moving or stationary product bed provides means for removing moisture from the product at atmospheric pressure. The purge air is maintained at a controlled humidity, temperature and velocity, and the intensity of the RF field is controlled in response to temperature sensing means to control the temperature of the product. For the case of a continuously moving product bed the RF applicator is preferably divided into multiple zones, which may be independently controlled, to effect control of the moisture and temperature profile of the product as it passes through the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Mehrdad Mehdizadeh, Roy Quinn Freeman, III, William Lawrence Geigle, Earl Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 5950326Abstract: An apparatus for renewing a roof system of a building includes a blower having an intake port and an exhaust port in gaseous communication with the interior of the roof system to reduce the moisture content of the roof system. A method of renewing the roof system includes the steps of blowing air into the roof system until the roof system is dried to a predetermined level and applying a coating or second covering to the dried roof system.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1995Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: James Barry Scott
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Patent number: 5950327Abstract: The present invention relates to a wafer cleaning machine having an input station, a water track, a cleaning station, a rinsing station, a spin-dry station, and a load station. The input station includes two or more wafer supply areas for a continuous supply of wafers to the water track. After the wafers enter the water track from the input station, the wafers are transported down the track into the wafer cleaning station. The wafer cleaning station comprises a plurality of pairs of rollers which pull the wafers through the cleaning station and thereby clean the top and bottom flat surfaces of the wafers. A cleaning fluid manifold formed within the upper panel of the cleaning station facilitates effective distribution of the cleaning fluid to the rollers. From the cleaning station, the wafers are transported to a rinse station. From the rinsing station, the workpieces are transferred to a dual spin-dry station.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1996Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: SpeedFam-IPEC CorporationInventors: Glenn E. Peterson, Eric Shurtliff
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Patent number: 5950328Abstract: A drying equipment includes an equipment body including a vapor bath, carrier for carring a semiconductor wafer, receiver tray, inert gas supply unit, cooling pipe, exhaust unit, transportation unit, control unit, etc. An air supply opening of a blower is opposite to a top opening of the vapor bath. The vapor bath contains an organic solvent therein. A vapor is generated by heating the organic solvent. A vapor phase boundary surface is formed on the boundary between the vapor and air overlying the same. When the wafer at low temperature is put into the vapor bath by means of the transportation unit, the organic solvent vapor condenses on the surface of the wafer. The inert gas supply unit supplies an inert gas to the vapor in the vapor bath. The wafer is pulled up slowly from the vapor by means of the transportation unit, and passes the vapor phase boundary surface on the way.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Kimmon Quartz Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ikuhiro Ichiko, Kazutoshi Watanabe
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Patent number: 5950329Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for drying a fiber web, whereby the fiber web (5) is dried in a cylinder drying unit (12) and in a band drier unit (11). The cylinder drying unit (12) and the band drier unit (11) are arranged one above the other. A considerable space saving is then achieved and the building costs remain rather moderate. Simultaneously, a remarkable addition to the drying capacity is achievable by moderate investments by means of existing apparatuses, for instance. (FIG.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Valmet CorporationInventors: Jukka Lehtinen, Elias Retulainen
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Patent number: 5950330Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shigekazu Kato, Kouji Nishihata, Tsunehiko Tsubone, Atsushi Itou
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Patent number: 5950331Abstract: A vehicle drying system, hand held, pressurized air, completely independent vehicle drying system which includes a blower disposed within a housing. The housing has an activation mechanism disposed therein in communication with the blower. The activation mechanism receives coins to activate the blower. The system uses coins, currency, credit/debit cards, tokens, timers. Coins are accumulated within a coin box disposed interiorly of the housing. The activation mechanism is in communication with a timer disposed interiorly of the housing whereby the timer will deactivate the blower after a set period of time. The blower has a hose coupled therewith and extending outwardly of the housing. A plurality of attachments are provided that are adapted for coupling with a free end of the hose. A first attachment portion has a vented nozzle. A second attachment portion has an angled vented nozzle. A third attachment portion has an arcuate vented nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventors: Michael Coggins, Barry Kearney
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Patent number: 5950332Abstract: A fluid circulating cushioned insole for a shoe includes a base panel and a top panel. A series of three cavities are molded into the panels including a heel c, an arch cavity and a metatarsal c. Three channels connect the cavities for circulating flow from the heel cavity to the arch cavity to the metatarsal cavity and back to the heel c. Each channel is equipped with a one-way flow valve constraining the fluid within the cavities and channels to uni-directional circulating flow to massage the foot during each step. The foot is also ventilated during each step by providing an open-bottomed pump cavity in the bottom surface of the base panel, which cavity is connected by at least one open-bottomed channel extending forwardly into fluid communication with a series of vent holes through the base panel. A matrix of branched channels connect each of the vent holes to the longitudinal channels.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Cheng Kung Lain
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Patent number: 5950333Abstract: A water-proof jacket having a sole cover or retainer formed on a bottom of the jacket for sealably engaging a sole of a golf shoe and allowing a downward protruding of a plurality of spikes studded on the shoe sole, an upper cover secured on the sole cover having a pair of upper leaves disposed on a right and a left side of the upper cover for covering an upper of the golf shoe by at least a fastener, and a boot portion formed on a rear upper portion of the upper cover for fastening the wearer's ankle or leg portion, with the jacket covering the golf shoe for water-proof purpose for golfing on a wet course.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Chin-Yu Tsen
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Patent number: 5950334Abstract: Flexible spiked arrangements for placement onto footwear are provided. The spiked arrangement has a heel portion for engaging a heel part of the footwear, a toe portion for placement over a toe part of the footwear, and an intermediate bottom sole portion that interconnects the heel and toe portions and is provided with a plurality of spikes. Straps disposed on the heel portion hold the spiked arrangement on the footwear, for example by being strapped around the ankle of a person wearing the spiked arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Douglas S. Gerhardt
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Patent number: 5950335Abstract: A snowboard boot includes a sole region, an upper outer layer extending from the sole region to an instep region, and a foot support disposed inside the upper outer layer. The foot support includes a right foot support and a left foot support. The right foot support is disposed inside the upper outer layer of the boot on a right side thereof and extends from the sole region toward the instep region. The right foot support includes a right foot tightening structure disposed in close proximity to the instep region. The left foot support is disposed inside the upper outer layer of the boot on a left side thereof and extends from the sole region toward the instep region. The left foot support includes a left foot tightening structure disposed in close proximity to the instep region. If desired, an insulating layer may be disposed between the upper outer layer and the right and left foot supports.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1996Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Shinpei Okajima
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Patent number: 5950336Abstract: A removable V-plow system for a vehicle includes both a push bar and an idler bar that are positioned and sized so that the vertical orientation of the plow blades with respect to the vehicle chassis remains fixed as the plow blades are raised and lowered. Raising and lowering of the plow blades is accomplished automatically by an operator-controlled actuator mechanism accessible to the driver of the vehicle that provides power to an electric actuator to raise and lower the plow. By maintaining a fixed orientation for the plow blades with respect to the vehicle chassis, down pressure can be evenly distributed along the bottom cutting edge of the V-plow onto the ground surface even when the plow is in a forward V, reverse V, or diagonal configuration. The plow includes a simplified trip mechanism, and a mounting system that facilitates convenient mounting and dismounting of the plow from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Kenneth A. Liebl
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Patent number: 5950337Abstract: A hanging attachment for hanging an ironing board assembly from an upper edge of a door, the ironing board assembly includes an ironing table and a pair of collapsible legs, where each leg has a foot section for resting on a floor when the ironing board assembly is in a raised state. The ironing table extends generally longitudinally, and the foot section of each leg extends generally transversely with respect to the ironing table. The hanging attachment comprises a first hanger for being transversely arranged on the foot section of one of the legs. The hanger has an attaching portion securely attaching the hanger to the foot section, and a hooking portion secured to the attaching portion. The hooking portion is for being hooked over the upper edge of the door.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: David Lehrman
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Patent number: 5950338Abstract: A perpetual calendar assembly includes a transparent outer cylinder having a first end portion, a mediate portion and a second end portion. A first opaque ring-shaped piece is mounted on the first end portion of the outer cylinder and longitudinally defines a first viewing slot. A second opaque ring-shaped piece is mounted on the second end portion of the outer cylinder and longitudinally defines a second viewing slot. A first inner cylinder is rotatably mounted in the outer cylinder and includes a first portion received in the first end portion of the outer cylinder and a second portion received in the mediate portion of the outer cylinder. A second inner cylinder is rotatably mounted in the outer cylinder and includes a first portion received in the second end portion of the outer cylinder and a second portion received in the mediate portion of the outer cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Jong-Meei Lin
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Patent number: 5950339Abstract: An improved license plate protector comprises a one piece flexible cover made of relatively high impact strength polycarbonate resin, which remains substantially transparent and damage resistant even upon marring, scratching and weathering of the cover during use. The plate protector further comprises an improved structural technique for positioning and securing a one piece, light weight plate protector to a license plate and a motor vehicle, and protecting the license plate, through the combined use of a perimeter rib, retaining tabs, a plurality of positioning tabs, corresponding attachment locations and a plurality of attachment holes. A method of making a license plate protector as described comprises the steps of drying polycarbonate resin with a heater, and forming a license plate protector by application of heat and pressure to such resin in a molding device having mold surfaces comprising material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel and chrome plating.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1996Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: David F. Lucier
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Patent number: 5950340Abstract: A sign box includes a light permeable box body of V-shaped cross section, a locating block securely fastened to one side of the flat box body, a circuit board securely mounted on the locating block, the circuit board having a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) respectively inserted into respective through holes at the locating block, a control circuit mounted on the circuit board to control the operation of the LEDs, a cover covered on the control circuit, the circuit board and the locating block, and a mounting frame securely mounted on the cover for securing the sign box to a support.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1999Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Fay Kan-Kyone Woo
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Patent number: 5950341Abstract: A one-piece paperboard picture frame with self contained easels. The frame is fabricated from a single piece of paperboard divided into three foldable panels which are die-cut according to a predetermined pattern to create a display opening and easels for supporting the frame in a horizontal or vertical orientation. Cutouts for finger holes are provided for use of opening the easels. Mounting holes are provided to enable hanging of the frame in a horizontal or vertical orientation. The frame opening is provided with die-cut flaps which are folded inwardly and secured in die-cut slots to receive and securely hold the photo to be mounted therein in a rectangular opening. The cooperative interconnection of the frame flaps and slots space the front panel from the next adjacent panel and create a depth and a three dimensional aspect to the frame at the display opening in which a photo is to be mounted.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: James Allin Cross
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Patent number: 5950342Abstract: A system for framing decorative art or mirrors with narrow frames comprising a frame assembly, a polygonal shaped planar sheet of rigid or semi-rigid material, and lateral movement preventing elements strategically located between the front face of the planar sheet and the frame assembly. The lateral movement preventing elements are strips of resilient compressible foam tape with pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on opposite sides thereof for adherence to the planar sheet and to the frame assembly. The planar sheet is thereby attached to the frame assembly at the location of each of the lateral movement preventing elements, thus providing strength to the frame assembly and preventing the lateral movement or bowing of any of the frame parts with respect to the frame assembly. In bonding the planar surface to the strips, the weight of the planar surface is borne mostly by the strips instead of the mitered joints, greatly reducing the tendency for mitered joints to be separated.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1996Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Northeast Sales OrganizationInventor: Herbert Suesholtz
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Patent number: 5950343Abstract: A method of assembling a poster frame made from a plurality of frame sections, each frame section having a base member and cover member rotatably fastened together. One or more flat metal spring biasing members having a first opposed pair of smooth edges and a second opposed pair of sawtooth or irregular edges are positioned between the rotating cover and base members. The spring members are first positioned with the smooth edges in contact with the rotating members until they are aligned, and then with the sharp edges in contact with the members. The projections on the irregular edges of the spring members are preferably pointed and embed in the metal channels of the cover and base members and dig grooves therein, preventing the cover and base member from sliding longitudinally relative to one another. Various configurations of toothed and pointed members can be utilized on the opposed irregular edges of the spring biasing member.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Ralph W. Dingle
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Patent number: 5950344Abstract: A Quick-release Gun Lock is disclosed. The gun lock comprises a base that cooperates with the gun's extractor, a pliable and expandable portion attached to the base for expanding to create an interference fit with the gun's bore, and a compression shaft that, when rotated, will force the expandable portion outwardly to create the interference fit. The device may further include a cam hub that interacts with the compression shaft to provide the desired interference fit with less than one rotation.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Larry Ross
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Patent number: 5950345Abstract: A streamer device (10) is utilized as a fishing lure and includes a collar (12) secured to the trailing end of a fishing line by a swivel union (36) and a yoke (26). The yoke (26) is preferably formed by flaccid members (28) each including a connector (32) at their leading ends for receipt on a loop (38) of the swivel union (36) and each including a head (34) at their trailing ends which can be flexed in a direction parallel to their stems (30) for insertion into apertures (22) formed in the collar (12). Ribbons (42) are removably secured to the collar (12) by openings (44) formed in the ribbons (42) slideably received on tabs (24) formed on the trailing edge (16) of the collar (12), with the ribbons (42) extending around the leading edge (14) and past the trailing edge (16) of the collar (12) for acting as streamers in the water. The ribbons (42) include indicia (45) in the most preferred form of bait such as fish.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Holger Kilander
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Patent number: 5950346Abstract: A fishing rod assembly includes a multi-segment rod having first and second segments and a clip for securing the segments adjacent one another during storage and transportation. The first segment includes a tip while the second segment includes a handle portion having an end opposite the tip. The handle portion preferably contains a cavity axially extending from the end towards the tip. The handle portion also preferably includes a retainer projecting from the handle portion to retain the first segment proximate the handle portion. The clip includes a first portion configured for attachment to the first segment of the rod and a pair of resiliently flexible extensions projecting from the first portion configured to grasp the second segment of the rod. In the preferred embodiment, the cavity is configured to receive the clip. A ribbon is preferably attached within the cavity to facilitate removal of the clip.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Johnson Worldwide AssociatesInventor: Joaquim C. da Rosa
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Patent number: 5950347Abstract: In order to increase the ability to catch a fish, a self-setting fishing lure includes a body having a forward end and a rear end and having an opening in the rear end leading to a hollow interior region. The self-setting fishing lure includes a coil spring within the hollow interior region of the body extensible from an unloaded position to a loaded position wherein the coil spring has a forward end secured to the body and a rear end extending toward the rear of the body, and also includes a bridge member having a forward end secured to the rear end of the coil spring and a hook associated with the bridge member. Additionally, the self-setting fishing lure is formed to have a forwardly inclined catch for the purpose of engaging the rear end of the body when the coil spring is in the loaded position.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Thomas Patrick McQueeny
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Patent number: 5950348Abstract: A system for maintaining a fishing lure in a generally horizontal position is described. The fishing lure has an adapter on its nose that mates perpendicularly with a matching adapter on a mounting rod. The mounting rod is weighted at one end so that it maintains a generally vertical position while submersed in water.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Alfredo Gruel
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Patent number: 5950349Abstract: A safety fishing line release includes a first arm, a second arm, a spring, a first frictional pad, a second frictional pad, and a peg. The first arm has a tab opening at a first end which is sized to loosely receive a tab disposed at a first end of the second arm. The second arm has a pad opening at a second offset which is sized to facilitate insertion of the second end of the first arm therethrough. The first and second frictional pads are fastened to the second ends of the first and second arms, respectively. A peg extends outward perpendicularly from the second frictional pad. A peg opening is formed in the first frictional pad and second end of the first arm. A spring is inserted between the first and second arms, the spring forces the first frictional pad against the second frictional pad such that a fishing line maybe fictionally retained between the first and second frictional pads.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Jack A. Walker
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Patent number: 5950350Abstract: Fishhooks include a wire element which encircles the shank rearwardly of the fishhook's main barb. The wire element is preferably in the form of an elongate loop having a slide element capable of slidable movements therealong to allow for size adjustment of the wire element loop and thereby prevent it from becoming disengaged. The wire element thus retains its weed-guard position when being trolled through even relatively dense underwater vegetation. At the same time, however, the reduced-size wire element loop allows the wire element to pivot laterally in response to increased pressure thereagainst (e.g., as occurs when a fish strikes the hook) and thereby expose the point for penetration into the striking fish. Alternatively or optionally, the fishhooks include significantly longer and larger shank barbs than those capable of being obtained through conventional fabrication techniques.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: United Plastic Molders, Inc.Inventor: Don S. Norton
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Patent number: 5950351Abstract: An elongated wire shank has a first end and a second end. The first end has a first eyelet formed thereon, and the second end has a second eyelet formed thereon. The first eyelet is adapted for attachment to a fishing line. A spring is disposed longitudinally on the shank and surrounds the shank, such that the second end of the shank extends beyond the spring. A ring is connected to the second eyelet such that the ring hangs freely from the second eyelet. A treble hook having three legs is attached to the ring such that the treble hook hangs freely from the ring. The spring is fluorescently coated, and the three legs are devoid of fluorescent coating.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventors: Larry M. Walker, David M. Stucki
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Patent number: 5950352Abstract: A system and method for carrying fishing equipment to the field by a person. The system includes the use of at least one module that can accept at least one container for holding fishing equipment. The module further includes mating components that allow attachment of one module to another module. A case adapted for receiving at least one module is also used together with a wallet that has been adapted for removably accepting at least one tray for holding fishing equipment.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Jason R. Volmer
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Patent number: 5950353Abstract: A tray has sidewalls which extend upwardly from a base sheet. Rodent entrapping adhesive is disposed between the sidewalls on the base sheet. An aggressive mechanical surface, for example in the form of a plurality of closely spaced protruding ridges, are formed to extend upwardly from the base sheet. The adhesive is retained mechanically on the aggressive mechanical surface. A region of the base sheet in the middle of the tray between two regions of aggressive mechanical surface may be left free of ridges to define a reservoir of glue to aid in the rodent entrapping performance of the tray and adhesive assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Bell Labortories, Inc.Inventors: Daniel C. Johnson, Richard L. Leyerle
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Patent number: 5950354Abstract: The tunnel trap is for use on paths normally used by rats and has two trips operated sequentially. A rat entering either end of the tunnel activates one trip and advances into the tunnel, activating the other trip, releasing the spring driven striker. This procedure and specific proportioning of elements of the trap assures that regardless of which direction the rat is passing through the tunnel it will be trapped and killed. In a mechanical embodiment the striker is held and released by a latch which is activated by a plunger rod which is, in turn, held and released by two latches, one activated by one trip pad in the tunnel and the other by a second trip pad. Each pad extends from near one end of the tunnel toward its longitudinal center. The pad ends toward the center are a distance apart related to the size range and physiques of the rats to be trapped.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: James R. Carnwath
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Patent number: 5950355Abstract: A flying insect trap has a frame-like enclosure in which an insect-attracting light source and an adhesive surface are disposed. The front of the enclosure is covered by a front panel having a design formed therein which includes openings to provide access to the interior of the enclosure, so that insects attracted by the light source, which emits light through the openings in the front panel, will alight on the adhesive surface and become adhered thereto. A design panel is also disposed in the enclosure, which is closed at its rear by a rear panel. The design panel is visible through the openings in the front panel, and the design panel can have a design or an advertisement coordinated with the design or advertisement in the front panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Gilbert IndustriesInventor: David Gilbert
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Patent number: 5950356Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling termite infestation are described. The apparatus is comprised of a termite resistant housing having (1) a bottom, (2) sidewalls having an interior and exterior surface and (3) a top. The top includes means for accessing the interior of the housing to identify the presence of termites and to introduce toxic bait into the housing when the presence of termites is observed through the means for accessing the housing interior. The housing has at least one sidewall opening large enough to permit termites to pass through and nontoxic termite bait fixedly attached to the interior and/or exterior of one or more of the housing sidewalls. A number of alternative architectures are provided which have in common the feature of allowing termites to transition from nontoxic bait to toxic bait that is introduced in a manner that minimizes disturbance to the termite habitat at, without or within the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: David R. Nimocks
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Patent number: 5950357Abstract: A flower pot cover consisting of a base and a skirt. The base has an upper end, a lower end and a pot receiving space. The skirt is connected to the upper end of the base and the skirt extends a distance outwardly from the base. A bonding material is disposed on the skirt. A flower pot is disposed in the pot receiving space and the portion of the skirt having the bonding material thereon is crimped to provide a bonded crimped portion in the skirt.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, William F. Straeter
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Patent number: 5950358Abstract: A coaster having a tray member constructed of wrought iron which is supported by casters having ball bearings, and rubber wheels to assist in the smooth and easy movement of the potted plant. A hole in the center of the tray allows water draining through the plant to escape. A handle member assists the user in the movement of the tray.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Laura Katherine Commenator
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Patent number: 5950359Abstract: A staking assembly designed to support a tree in a substantially upright position and being specifically structured to allow operative installation or mounting of the assembly about a tree trunk by a single worker wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of support members movably positionable at spaced apart locations from one another about the circumference of a tree trunk along a length of an attachment assembly, and further including a plurality of brace members at least equal in number to the number of support members wherein each brace member includes a distal end engaging the ground substantially adjacent the tree trunk and a proximal end disposed in abutting, force exerting engagement with an outer surface of one of the plurality of support members so as to exert a supportive, bracing force on the tree trunk.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Ross Pivnik
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Patent number: 5950360Abstract: Disclosed are gel formulations, which are useful for dressing plant seed. The gel formulations comprise at least one active compound, at least one gel-forming agent, water, and an additive.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1996Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gunter Heinrich, Erhard Weber, Manfred Zimmermann