Patents Issued in September 26, 2000
  • Patent number: PP11526
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named `Ruivi`, characterized by its large and numerous double inflorescences that are about 8.6 cm in diameter; light yellow ray florets; mostly upright, mounded and uniform growth habit; dark green leaves; and strong peduncles that hold inflorescences above the foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Frank N. G. Ruigrok
  • Patent number: PP11527
    Abstract: A new rose cultivar of the Hybrid Tea class characterized by having Camelia like pink flowers with light sweet perfume. Very uniform bush 100 to 150 cm in height with early and continous blooming. This plant has been designated as `Twoat`.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Jerry Twomey
  • Patent number: PP11528
    Abstract: A new rose cultivar of the Hybrid Tea class characterized by having deep, pure non-fading yellow flowers with a strong persistent spicy fragrance on a very upright plant. This plant has been designated as `TVOYEL`. It is being marketed in the USA under the tradename of `Dream Yellow`.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Jerry F. Twomey
  • Patent number: PP11529
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Hybrid Tea rose plant is provided which abundantly forms attractive blossoms which are stable light pink in coloration and very clean in appearance. The buds are large, and are borne on straight erect stems. Attractive semi-glossy medium green foliage is formed. The new variety is particularly well suited for forming cut flowers on a highly productive basis under greenhouse growing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: CP (Delaware), Inc.
    Inventor: Matilde Ferrer
  • Patent number: PP11530
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of sweet cherry tree named `Jork 57/201` characterized by: excellent tolerance to rain-induced fruit splitting; blooms 3-4 days later than `Bing` (one of the latest blooming among late-blooming varieties); one of the best of late-blooming varieties in terms of fruit size and quality; the color of the stem and of the unfolded and partially unfolded leaves are different than `Bing`; flowers open later than most other cultivars; and pedicels are shorter and a darker shade of yellow-green than `Bing`.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Jork Fruit Research Station
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Tiemann
  • Patent number: PP11531
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant characterized by a profusion of blooms of lavender changing to several shades of lavender and red as the blooms age. The exhibition form blooms are held on long stems on a strong upright plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis A. Bridges
  • Patent number: PP11532
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Impatiens plant, and named `Didi Pink` is provided. `Didi Pink` is distinct in its pink colored fully double flowers, its early and free flowering, and its basal branched, compact growth habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Goldsmith Plants, Inc.
    Inventor: J. B. (Hanneke) Jonkers
  • Patent number: PP11533
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Impatiens plant, and named `Didi Salmon` is provided. `Didi Salmon` is distinct in its salmon colored fully double flowers, its early and free flowering, and its basal branched, compact growth habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Goldsmith Plants, Inc.
    Inventor: J. B. (Hanneke) Jonkers
  • Patent number: RE36879
    Abstract: A planing hull having a conical contour extending from the bow portion to a stern portion having a flat surface on each side of the keel, a wide lip chine having a lip portion, and a transom separating the bow portion and the stern portion creating a step between the bow portion and the stern portion. A flat keel portion extends from the stern to the mid hull transom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Harry L. Schoell
  • Patent number: RE36880
    Abstract: A coiled tubing completion system is provided with a plurality of completion apparatus, all of which is designed flush with the diameter of the coiled tubing outside diameter for avoiding upsets and are flexible, spoolable on a coiled tubing reel and having through bores large enough to pass wireline tools for performing other operations. The spoolable coiled tubing system may use standard coiled tubing well control equipment and can be used in live wells. The flush, flexible, spoolable and through bore completion equipment may include a tubing retrievable safety valve, an annular control valve, concentric gas lift valves, a zone packer, a landing nipple, a sliding sleeve, and may include at the end a non-flexible but flush and open bore production packer and pump out plug. The completion system may be retrieved through a retrieval system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Pringle
  • Patent number: RE36881
    Abstract: A gradient system for a nuclear spin resonance (NMR) tomograph with a main magnet system producing a homogeneous magnetic field directed along a z-axis inside a measuring volume, wherein the main magnet system provides access to the measuring volume along the z-axis and transversely to the z-axis, and wherein the gradient system comprises two first partial gradient systems which are located at opposite sides of a central plane perpendicular to the z-axis, across the measuring volume. At least one of the two partial gradient systems is movable between at least two positions along the z-axis. In this way, with a small constructional size and with a simple manufacturing procedure, a gradient system is obtained with high performance capability with respect to generated gradient strength for given ampere turns, high linearity of the generated gradient fields, minimum inductance and minimum electrical resistance of the conductor segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Brucker Analytische Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Muller
  • Patent number: RE36882
    Abstract: Eyeglasses including lens and frame portions with a holder in holding engagement with the lens. The frame portions are shaped of a wire material with the holder including looped bent wire portions projecting forwardly of the frame portions. The lens include a mounting hole or recess for receiving the loop bent wire portions, with the hole or recess being of an oblong shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the loop bent wire portions so as to be operable to receive the respective loop bent wire portions with the loop bent wire portions resiliently squeezed between opposed narrow end portions of the oblong holes or recesses thereby insuring a firm yet releasable fixation between the lens and the frame portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Poul J. Lindberg
    Inventors: Poul J.o slashed.rn Lindberg, Hans Dissing
  • Patent number: RE36883
    Abstract: This invention provides an elongated flexible member that is capable of being formed into a plurality of differing shapes so that it can be supported at a variety of locations and has retaining means for retaining it in a desired shape so that a holder connected to one end thereof can hold a flashlight at any desired position relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald L. Krenzel
  • Patent number: RE36884
    Abstract: Mannich (alk)acrylamide microparticles are produced at high solids contents without a significant increase in bulk viscosity by inverse microemulsion polymerization and provide superior dewatering characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Kozakiewicz, Sun-Yi Huang
  • Patent number: RE36885
    Abstract: A safety needle and blood collection and sampling system precluding needlstick injury by contaminated needles wherein a used needle is captured immediately within its carrier upon retraction of the needle flush with the carrier. Blood sampling is effected without reverse flow through the system and without reuse or exposure of a contaminated needle. Simplified means of assembling the needle are also set forth to minimize cost with maximum reliability notwithstanding withstanding a minimum of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: MBO Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob B. Blecher, Miles C. O'Donnell, William McCormick
  • Patent number: 6122768
    Abstract: A joint protector for protecting a human user's knee or elbow from injury. The protector is comprised of a cushion pad which is shaped to fit about portions of the user's knee or elbow. A cap is fitted about the outer surface of the cushion pad and a flexible cover overlies the outer face of the cap. In one embodiment a support carries a cup-shaped cap that is formed of an elastic, compliant material. The cap elastically deforms, responsive to forces impacting on a small area, in an amount sufficient to spread the forces over a flat area as the forces are transferred into and absorbed by the cushion pad. The cap returns to its initial shape when the impact forces are removed. A mechanism is provided for removably attaching the joint protector to the user's knee or elbow joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: David P. McCrane
  • Patent number: 6122769
    Abstract: A glove for use in playing hockey is provided with ventilation holes extending through the glove to allow air to circulate directly to the skin of the hand in the glove. Segmented foam pads of the glove have cutaway sides substantially conforming to the shape of the holes. Preferably, the glove includes a floating cuff at the wrist for free yet protected movement of the wrist. Also preferably, the thumb, fingers, and palm have additional layers for reinforcement and enhanced gripping of a hockey stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Mission Hockey Company
    Inventors: Thomas Vaughn Wilder, Alexander Parker Reynolds, Jon Garfield Wong
  • Patent number: 6122770
    Abstract: A retractable/extensible spike normally mounted in retractable disposition for slidable advance motion from within a protective sleeve-like retainer and held within a glove or other hand-engaging arrangement so that the tip of the spike may be extended outwardly to enable the user to obtain a grip on a slippery surface. The device is particularly useful as protection for individuals who may be engaging in wintertime activities on a frozen lake surface or frozen slope, particularly when there is a risk or danger of either falling through the ice into the frigid water, or falling from a slippery slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventors: Matthew B. Mathison, Michael D. Trost
  • Patent number: 6122771
    Abstract: An interchangeable bib having a triangularly shaped neck engaging section, a body encompassing section and a variety of ways for securing the body encompassing section to the neck engaging section. The two upper ends of a downwardly pointing isosceles triangle are joinable about the neck of the wearer to hold the bib in place, and the body encompassing section can be frequently changed to provide a clean section or a differently decorated section as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventors: Marjorie Cook, Kimberly Babcock
  • Patent number: 6122772
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for reducing or minimizing the particulates and other contaminants which may be brought into a restricted or clean room area. The apparatus and methods include a gown having positioning elements for keeping portions of the gown in place to permit inflation of the gown, for example during an airwash, and the apparatus and methods may also include gown inflation apparatus to remove the particulates and contaminants. Apparatus and methods of the present inventions also inflate the gown not only to eject particulates and contaminants that may be entrained or caught in the gown fabric, but also can be used to inflate the gown while the operator is in an air shower. Methods and apparatus of the present inventions also provide for an improved glove to gown seal, in addition to a reduced possibility of contamination from particulates or moisture from the operator's hands and an enhanced comfort level in the use of latex or rubber gloves with the gown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Micronova Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Joselito De Guzman
  • Patent number: 6122773
    Abstract: A ventilated hardhat for helping keep the head of a wearer cool and ventilated. The ventilated hardhat includes a hardhat with an interior cavity and a bottom opening into the interior cavity for receiving a head of a user therein. The hardhat has a plurality of vent holes therethrough. A fan is mounted to the hardhat in the interior cavity. A motor is also mounted to the hardhat in the interior cavity for rotating the fan to draw air through the vent holes into the interior cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Marc Katz
  • Patent number: 6122774
    Abstract: A free-size cap is capable of fitting wearers having a range of head sizes. The free-size cap structure is further provided with inwardly folded portion at the crown edge, and with a flexible material therein. The cap has a number of axially stretchable gores to enhance the comfort of the cap and to avoid a tight-fitting structure. The structure permits free-size cap to be fabricated which are comfortable for the wearer, and with a single size of cap being adaptable for use by all persons with heads within a number of normal sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: DADA Corp.
    Inventor: Boo Yl Park
  • Patent number: 6122775
    Abstract: A drain valve assembly for use with an air bath including an air distribution system and a method of cleansing channels of an air distribution system for a bath vessel. The drain valve assembly is located within an opening in the bath vessel to control the flow of water from the bath vessel to an effluent drain, to control the flow of air and water from the air distribution system to an effluent drain and to maintain a fluid pressure within the air distribution system. The drain valve assembly includes a valve housing for extending between the bath vessel and a fluid waste pipe connected to the effluent drain. The valve housing has an upper opening for positioning proximate the bath vessel and a lower opening for receiving fluid from the air bath distribution system. The drain valve assembly also includes a stopper having first and second vertically aligned plungers. The stopper is secured within the valve housing and is capable of moving relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Jason International, Inc.
    Inventors: Remo C. Jacuzzi, Jeffrey L. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 6122776
    Abstract: A bathing chair, comprising: a seat; a frame, further comprising a front bar and a rear bar, shaped like the letter U turned upside down and mounted on the lower side of the seat, being rotatable around a horizontal axis; a right support bar and a left support bar, mounted between the ends of the front bar and the rear bar and having connecting ends; and a plurality of connecting devices, each having a tube for inserting one of the ends of the right and left support bars, so as to connect the right and left support bars with the front and rear bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Yu Wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 6122777
    Abstract: An apparatus for coupling fluid flow lines to a mobile sink unit or appliance. The apparatus includes a first part (2) for mounting on the mobile sink unit or appliance and a second part (4) for mounting on a wall. The first and second parts being separable by relative movement in a first direction that is substantially horizontal. The first part (2) including a plurality of first connector elements (6) mounted on a first support member (10). Each first connector element (6) has a longitudinal axis that is substantially vertical. The first support member (10) is mounted for vertical reciprocating movement. The second part (4) includes a plurality of second connector elements (20) mounted on a second support member (22), each second connector element (20) having a longitudinal axis that is substantially vertical. Each second connector element (20) is connectable to one of the first connector elements (6) to make a fluid flow connection by axial movement relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Peter Sage-Passant
  • Patent number: 6122778
    Abstract: A lift vest to enable a caregiver to assist a patient in moving from one position to another includes a base garment having an exterior surface that is shaped to cover at least a substantial portion of the upper torso of a patient, a horizontal waist belt supported to the exterior surface of the garment and dimensioned to surround the torso of the patient, a horizontal chest belt supported to the exterior surface of the garment and dimensioned to surround the upper torso of the patient, a left shoulder strap supported on the exterior surface of the garluent and configured to extend over the left shoulder of the patient is secured at opposed end portions to the horizontal waist and chest belts and a right shoulder strap is supported on the exterior surface of the garment and is configured to extend over the right shotulder of the patient and is secured at opposed end portions to the horizontal waist and chest belts, the belts and straps providing hand holds for use by the caregiver when assisting the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Cynthia Price Cohen
  • Patent number: 6122779
    Abstract: A base of a bed having two parallel elastic longitudinal bars arranged at a distance from each other, and several grate-shaped cross slats. The ends of the cross slats are pushed into pockets which are fitted on the longitudinal bars, perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. Each longitudinal bar has at least one fastening band which is fastened perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and in the direction of the other longitudinal bar. The neighboring cross slat has a button for attaching the fastening band to the cross slat. This structure guarantees stable and non-aging fastening of the cross slats to the longitudinal bars with minimal means and the structure is also easy to assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Peter Meili
    Inventors: Peter Meili, Adolf Pfister
  • Patent number: 6122780
    Abstract: A functional beach towel for unmarried people is described. The towel is divided into two sections, each section having one or more inscriptions printed thereon which encourage unmarried people to sit and converse. The inscriptions may include, but are not limited to, phrases such as "room for one more", or "I'm single", and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Michael J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6122781
    Abstract: Fire Fighters Bedding with: an integrated folded cloth construction of a top side, a bottom side and skirt surround, each side being comprised of an upper cloth piece and a lower cloth piece and an amount of insulating material trapped within the upper and lower cloth pieces by means of sewing the perimeter of the cloth pieces. One the side has thin insulation and the other the side has thick insulation. A removable, cleanable sheet is held removably in place in the inside cavity formed by the folded top side and bottom side. A slit at both ends of the folded portion of said top side and said bottom side and well as the folded portion of the sheet allows for folding the end portion of the bedding when in use. A preferred embodiment includes the sheet being held in place by a fastener such as snaps or velcro.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: James R. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 6122782
    Abstract: A fitted sheet includes a sheet body portion made of a flexible sheet material. The body is generally rectangular in shape, defining a first end, two sides and a second end opposite to the first end. A pair of generally triangular slots is formed in the first end. The triangular slots being disposed substantially symmetrically either side of a longitudinal axis (12) passing through the center of the first end and the center of the second end, and they are spaced apart a distance X. The triangular slots define an open end and two opposite sides, each side having an approximate length Y wherein the length Y is the same order of magnitude as length X. The opposed sides of each triangular slot (28A, 28B), (30A, 30B) are stitched to provide an engagement with the end of a suitably sized mattress. The area of sheet adjacent the engaged mattress end is not held against the upper surface of the mattress, so that the sheet can pivot away from the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Katie Chedid
  • Patent number: 6122783
    Abstract: A bedding apparatus includes a top cover for a mattress that is removably securable to a mattress band. The mattress band is, in turn, removably securable to the mattress without physical connection. The connections between the top cover and the mattress band may be zippers that allow them to be connected along three sides. The zipper portions on the mattress band and the top cover are complementary, allowing the two components to be zipped together. The two zipper portions on the top cover are also complementary with each other, allowing the top cover to be zipped together into a self-contained sleeping enclosure. The mattress band may encircle the mattress, and can be mounted over an underlying mattress covering, such as a sheet. When the top cover is secured to the mattress band, and there is no person located between the top cover and the mattress, the top cover drapes over the sides of the mattress to a vertical position lower than that of the securing connections between the top cover and the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventors: Tyrone Herndon, Mark Fortes
  • Patent number: 6122784
    Abstract: A travel headrest, having first and second head cushions each having a top portion, a bottom portion and opposite sides and being elongate from the top portion to the bottom portion. The second head cushion portion includes an intermediate portion between its top and bottom portions and a flexible connecting portion interconnects the first head cushion and the intermediate portion, the top and bottom portions of the second head cushion projecting upwardly and downwardly, respectively, from the intermediate portion and from the connecting portion. The cushions may be stuffed or inflatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Stanley Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 6122785
    Abstract: An air pad having a plurality of foam filled air chambers interconnected by at least one air passage connecting at least two of the air chambers to one another. The air passages are also filled with foam whereby the flow of air from one air chamber to another due to impact is restricted. The pad is manufactured by radio frequency welding of two layers of plastic film to one another about a foam body to join the plastic film in the area surrounding each of the air chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: AirSports Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Philip Bondie, William Gallmeyer, Judith Bondie, Thomas Limperis
  • Patent number: 6122786
    Abstract: An inflatable mattress for supporting patients comprises two inflatable longitudinal tubes extending along the respective longitudinal edges of the mattress and a plurality of inflatable transverse tubes. Each transverse tube has adjacent its end an aperture, with the longitudinal tube extending through the aligned apertures at one side of the mattress and the longitudinal tube extending through the aligned apertures at the other side of the mattress. The transverse tubes are selectively inflatable in various modes under microprocessor control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Rober Limited
    Inventor: Graham Ball
  • Patent number: 6122787
    Abstract: A sectioned ergonomic bed mattress is disclosed. The mattress includes at least two sub-mattresses each with a top and a bottom cover. Each cover may have a color or pattern unlike any other of the covers such that a user can vary the appearance of the bed mattress by assembling the sub-mattresses in a number of permutations. A plurality of clamps is used to combine the sub-mattresses, and at least one clamp extends between two adjacent sub-mattresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Pei-Chin Kao
  • Patent number: 6122788
    Abstract: A hammer with accessories having a head, a handle, and a measuring tape. The head has a poll, a striking surface, and a claw to remove old nails and other embedded objects. The head also has a flattened top so that it may be used with a level embedded in the head parallel to the top of the head, the level being used and read by placing the top of the hammer head along a horizontal surface to be leveled. The handle is formed so that most of its volume is used for one or more storage compartments which are accessible via a slot in each of the compartment walls, the slot being opened or closed by moving an interior part of the compartment so that a matching slot is in or out or registration with the access slot. The measuring tape, which can be several feet in length is attached or incorporated into the bottom of the handle so that it unrolls perpendicular to the length of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Bruce Jefferson Bulcock
  • Patent number: 6122789
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger boarding bridge includes a cab portion which can slide laterally and includes retractable floor members to allow a single bridge system to be used for both commuter aircraft and jet airplanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignees: Johnnie C. Telford, Richard Lamont Telford
    Inventors: Jon Stephenson, Richard Telford
  • Patent number: 6122790
    Abstract: A tube and fitting preparation tool is provided including a base and at least one shaft rotatably coupled to the base. A motor is in communication with the shaft for rotating the same. Mounted on a first end of the shaft is a male brush while a female brush is mounted on a second end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: James R. Wambeke
  • Patent number: 6122791
    Abstract: A pig for pumping thru pipelines for the cleaning of the pipelines which provides for fishing neck type profiles for remote attachment and removal in case of pipeline blockages, provides for the fishing neck type profiles to include valving which will allow communication between the ends of the pig to prevent hydraulic locking in the high pressure ambient condition of subsea pipelines, and provides for interconnection and operation of valving on each end of the pig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventors: Benton F. Baugh, Jim Bob Crawford
  • Patent number: 6122792
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a tool that may be used for cleaning the interior of tubing or hoses. The tool comprises a brush or similar cleaning device attached to an end of a length a semi-rigid tube. In use, the cleaning tool is inserted into a a tube or hose opening and the interior surface of the hose is then cleaned of dust and other entrapped particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Roy
  • Patent number: 6122793
    Abstract: An overshoe is comprised of a plate with a plurality of straps attached to its edges. A cushion is removably attached to a bottom of the plate with hook-and-loop fasteners. The cushion is preferably comprised of loose absorbent fibers attached all across the bottom surface of a fabric substrate. A soft boot preferably made of a thick absorbent fabric is arranged for wrapping around the plate and the cushion. A conventional shoe is preferably worn on the foot prior to wearing the overshoe. To use, the cushion is attached to the bottom of the plate, which is strapped onto the shoe. The cushion is preferably much wider than the shoe, so that it projects substantially beyond the sides of the shoe. The boot is worn over the shoe, the plate, and the cushion. A small amount of cleaning fluid is applied to a floor, which is cleaned by moving the overshoe across it with a skating motion. Heavy pressure is automatically exerted on the overshoe by the user's weight for effective cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Edward Pao
  • Patent number: 6122794
    Abstract: An integrally-moulded foot (3) and disc (2) for a swimming pool cleaner is disclosed. The disc (2) optionally may include tapering holes (17) at spaced intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.
    Inventor: David Seagrave Atkins
  • Patent number: 6122795
    Abstract: A wiper device including a drive shaft which reciprocates pivotally, a wiper arm fixed to the drive shaft and reciprocating pivotally together with the drive shaft, and a wiper blade connected to the wiper arm at a connecting portion and moving with the reciprocating pivotal movement of the wiper arm to wipe a surface to be wiped, at least one portion of the wiper arm being positioned above the wiper blade in overlapping manner in plan view, the wiper device comprising vibration limiting means which is provided at any one of the wiper blade and the wiper arm at a position other than the portion where the wiper blade and the wiper arm are connected in a range where the wiper blade and the wiper arm overlap with each other and which limits relative vibration of the wiper arm and the wiper blade during the reciprocating pivotal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Nakatsukasa
  • Patent number: 6122796
    Abstract: A suction cleaner comprises a primary cleaner (1) and an auxiliary cleaner (2). The primary cleaner 1 includes a fan (11) for sucking in air, and an air channel (6,7,9) disposed upstream of the fan for directing sucked air through the primary cleaner. The auxiliary cleaner (2) includes a dust collection chamber (20) and is attachable to the primary cleaner (1) with the dust collection chamber connected to the air channel (6,7,9) such that, in use, dust within the dust collection chamber is drawn into the air channel for collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Electrolux Household Appliances Limited
    Inventors: David Downham, John Michael Ord, Thomas Jankevics, Goran Sjoberg
  • Patent number: 6122797
    Abstract: A debris suctioning and separating apparatus for use in a surface cleaning vehicle has a recirculating type debris suctioning system, including a debris suction head, a debris receiving and retaining hopper, and a main fan. A debris separator's mounted on the surface cleaning vehicle and having an air inlet for receiving debris-laden air into the debris separator, an air outlet for exhausting separated air from the debris separator, and a debris release outlet for selectively releasing separated debris from the debris separator. The air inlet of the debris separator is connected in fluid communication with the debris receiving and retaining hopper and the air outlet of the debris separator is connected in fluid communication with the main fan, to thereby draw debris-laden air, through the hopper, through the air inlet, and into the debris separator, and to exhaust separated air from the debris separator to the main fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Roger P. Vanderlinden
  • Patent number: 6122798
    Abstract: A dust suction head for use in an electric vacuum cleaner, having an air suction port at the bottom of the head. The head has a brush chamber which accommodates therein a freely rotatable brush having blades that extend along the shaft of the rotational brush. The head additionally has an opening and an air passage connected with the opening for taking in and leading fresh air into the vacuum chamber of the cleaner through the brush chamber such that the fresh air passing through the brush chamber impinges on the blades to accelerate the rotational motion of the blades. Thus, the head can obtain a necessary amount of air to rotate the brush at all times, especially when it is brushing a carpet, and maintain its smooth motion on the floor while dusting it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinari Kobayashi, Kenji Aida, Kazuo Saito, Akihiko Zako, Sadaki Kodera, Keiichi Sato, Toshiyuki Fujiyoshi, Yoshihiro Mori
  • Patent number: 6122799
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a nozzle for picking up dirt and debris, and a vacuum generator. The vacuum generator includes a motor and drive shaft, a first fan connected to the drive shaft, a shield including a recess that functions as an air induction chamber for receiving the fan, and an air inlet port formed in the shield. A pathway provides fluid communication between the nozzle and the vacuum generator. A dirt and debris collector in the form of a dust bag is provided in the pathway between the nozzle and the vacuum generator. The vacuum cleaner also includes an infuser that is carried on the shield about the air inlet port. The infuser directs air into the induction chamber in a more efficient manner to improve vacuum cleaner performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
    Inventors: Yuichi Shimizu, William R. Tracy
  • Patent number: 6122800
    Abstract: A luggage pull rod has a hand grip which is provided with an adjustment device capable of actuating a locating device fastened with the bottom end of an inner tube. The inner tube is received extractably and retractably in an outer tube and is provided at the bottom end thereof with a locating hole which is engageable with a second locating portion of the locating device. The outer tube is provided therein with a locating element having a plurality of first locating holes engageable with the second locating portion of the locating device. The locating element is provided with a smooth portion devoid of the first locating portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Tu Cherng Le Enterprise
    Inventor: Lee Tung Cheng
  • Patent number: 6122801
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism in provided with a first hinge portion, a second hinge portion, and a third hinge portion coupled to said first hinge portion. The third hinge portion includes a first end and a second end. A first axle is coupled to the first end of the third hinge portion. A second axle is coupled and locked to the second end of the third hinge portion. A compressible resilient device is abutted to the second axle. The second hinge portion is coupled to the third hinge portion via the first axle and the second axle. The second axle comprises an engaging member and the third hinge portion comprises a groove, wherein the engaging member mates with the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Armin Reichert, Karl-Heinz Rademacher
  • Patent number: 6122802
    Abstract: A tool handle includes a number of blocks attached to a handle member, and a cover sleeve engaged on the handle member and having a number of orifices for receiving the blocks and for retaining the blocks in place. The handle member and the blocks may be secured together by the engagement of projections and cavities. The user may adjust the blocks into various kinds of shapes and patterns. The blocks may each include one or more openings for receiving the materials of the cover sleeve and for stably securing the blocks to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Chi Yu Lo