Patents Issued in November 14, 2000
  • Patent number: 6145137
    Abstract: Dual chambers are suspended from a toilet tank rim with selective height adjustment. The first chamber contains a liquid, water-soluble dye and a plunger pump and or eye dropper to dispense dye into the tank water to test the toilet flapper valve. The second chamber contains a solid, water-soluble dye and a perforated floor to admit water in the event the tank water level rises due to toilet fill valve leakage, whereupon the dye will be evident. Optional first and second baskets hold various chemical products such as disinfecting cleaners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: John J. Tomaini
  • Patent number: 6145138
    Abstract: The flush toilet has a waste receipt surface section (10) of a bowl section (1) formed continuously integrally with an inner rim wall surface section (15) of the rim portion disposed at a peripheral edge of an upper opening (13) of the bowl section (1) as a curved surface; and the inner rim wall surface section (15) of the rim portion acts as a flush water passage (16) of the bowl section. The flush water passage (16) of the bowl section is further configured such that the inner rim wall surface section (15) of the rim portion is shaped in an overhanging form inclining so as to hang over inside of the bowl section (1). The flush toilet of this configuration can be cleaned with ease and kept clean in sanitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Nakamura, Toshifumi Yoneda
  • Patent number: 6145139
    Abstract: An improved swimming pool/spa water heating system whereby a portion of the water flow into the main heater unit (3), is preheated, thereby decreasing the time of operation of the main heater unit (3), to raise the pool water temperature to the desired temperature. The system improvement includes an arrangement wherein pool water is drawn from the pool by the water pump (22), and a portion of the water is diverted through a supplementary heater unit (27), which is located in the combustion exhaust stream of the main heating unit (3). The diverted water is thus preheated in the supplementary heater unit (27), by the residual heat in the main heater unit exhaust and is then directed back into the water system, at a point prior to the inlet of the main heater unit (3), and mixes with the remaining water in the system, thereby increasing the temperature of water into the main heater unit (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen P. Bonn
  • Patent number: 6145140
    Abstract: A bathtub for the elderly or physically infirm includes several important innovations, namely a narrow front wall at one end of the bathtub permitting easy access to the bathtub, a wide front platform at the other end of the bathtub, and a plurality of sockets in the top wall of the bathtub for mounting accessories on the bathtub. The accessories include a railing extending around the ends and rear of the bathtub, with a headrest at one end of the railing, an inverted U-tube for mounting proximate the center of the bathtub for use when entering or exiting the bathtub, a seat assembly which can be fixed in one position extending transversely of the bathtub or rotated outwardly to a non-use position, and a backrest for releasable mounting on the seat assembly, so that the seat assembly and the backrest can form a compact unit for storage under the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Showerwall Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Roy Fernie, Brian Peter Doyle
  • Patent number: 6145141
    Abstract: A portable mosquito net apparatus is formed of a frame, adapted to be sandwiched between a bed mattress and a mattress support surface, typically a mattress spring, and is held in place by the weight of the mattress. The frame mounts a mosquito net support to which a mosquito net is attached in a position over the mattress. The mosquito net is draped down about the edges of the mattress to form an enclosed space. The frame, mosquito net support, and mosquito net can be easily disassembled for storage or transport in a small luggage bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Tropical Safety Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Whittington, Bryan W. Laffitte, Aly Khalifa
  • Patent number: 6145142
    Abstract: The present invention details a pressurizable mattress. The mattress has at least one inflatable cushion having a pair of sides, and at least one set of an electromagnetic energy emitting device and an electromagnetic energy receiving device. The electromagnetic energy emitting device, when operating, illuminates the interior of the inflatable cushion. The electromagnetic energy receiving device collects the illuminating energy. The operation of the mattress requires a means for measuring the optical aperture of the inflatable cushion. The measuring means determines the optical aperture of the inflatable cushion by measuring the quantity of illuminating energy collected by the electromagnetic energy receiving device when the electromagnetic energy emitting device illuminates the interior of the inflatable cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Rechin, John K. Whitney, deceased
  • Patent number: 6145143
    Abstract: A patient support system having multiple patient support layers for reducing and preventing the development of bed sores in bedridden patients. A top patient support surface is provided by an anti-shear cover layer. The anti-shear cover layer being operable to reduce lateral shear forces experienced by a patient moving across the patient support surface. One or more fluid pouches or bladders are provided to form a fluid bladder layer for reducing normal pressures and forces experienced by the patient. The fluid bladder layer being releasably or integrally secured to the top surface of an inflatable air mattress. Means are provided operable to secure the anti-shear cover layer and fluid bladder layer in overlapping relation to the inflatable air mattress. Also provided is a means for adjusting the temperature of the fluid contained within the fluid bladder layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Hicks, John H. Vrzalik
  • Patent number: 6145144
    Abstract: A multi-function tool includes two channel-shaped handles having a first side wall and a second side wall forming a channel therebetween. An interlocking mechanism includes a first plate extending from the first side wall, and a second plate extending from the second side wall. At least one of the first plates has a periphery with a notch formed therein. At least one of the second side walls has a post extending therefrom. Each handle is releasably engageable by alignment of at least one post of one of the handles with at least one notch of the other handle. The multi-function tool also includes an interchangeable implement including a pair of handles with implement engaging means. An axle assembly extends transversely through the openings formed in the first and second plates and includes a first end member, a second end member, a pair of buttons and a spring. The spring is disposed between each of the buttons to bias the buttons into engagement with the end members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Poehlmann, Phillip A. Montague
  • Patent number: 6145145
    Abstract: Apparatus for agitating a cleaning agent into a carpet comprises a housing within which a first and a second roller are each mounted for rotation in a first angular direction. A platen is mounted intermediate the rollers. A belt agitator comprising a fabric substrate having a pile surface is trained about the first and second rollers and extends under the platen. The rollers the platen support rectilinear movement of the belt agitator in the first direction to bring a portion of its surface sequentially from a first position within the housing to a contacting position in which the portion of the surface is in agitating contact with a carpet and, thereafter, to a second position within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Arlen Dale Besel
  • Patent number: 6145146
    Abstract: In this method for washing motor vehicles in a gantry-type washing installation with two movable gantries, washing is performed with a single pair of vertical brushes which wash between two horizontal brushes and are located on one of the two gantries. During a forward movement of the gantries, the washing process is commenced with the first horizontal brush in the front third of the vehicle, while the nose is washed with the two vertical brushes. Then the nose and the top of the vehicle approximately up to the rear third of the vehicle are washed with the second horizontal brush. The direction of travel of the gantries is reversed as soon as the tail wash has been executed with the two vertical brushes and before the second horizontal brush has reached the tail of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Wesumat Fahrzeugwaschanlagen GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Decker
  • Patent number: 6145147
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for cleaning a longitudinally extending member with a cleaning fluid. The apparatus comprises a reservoir for holding the cleaning fluid. A first and a second cleaning component are mounted for rotation with at least a portion of the first and second cleaning components extending into the reservoir for contacting the fluid cleaner therein. The first and second rotating cleaning components clean the longitudinally extending member upon the insertion of the longitudinally extending member between the first and second cleaning components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Tamas S. Frecska
  • Patent number: 6145148
    Abstract: A cleaning method and apparatus using very dilute hydrofluoric acid (BF) for cleaning silicon wafers and semiconductor substrates. The HF is delivered to the core of a brush where the solution is absorbed by the brush and then applied by the brush onto the substrate. This delivery system applies the chemical solutions uniformly to the semiconductor substrate and reduces the volumes of chemical solutions used in a scrubbing process. The process of the present invention uses very dilute HF and allows a thin oxide to be etched but not completely removed so as to maintain a hydrophilic surface state. Thus, this invention presents a chemical mechanical cleaning process with in-situ etching with the use of PVA brushes on a brush scrubber. Very accurate control of etch rate is obtained and, therefore, makes this process suitable to multiple cleaning applications of silicon wafers and semiconductor substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Diane J. Hymes, Michael Ravkin, Xiuhua Zhang, Wilbur C. Krusell
  • Patent number: 6145149
    Abstract: An automatic floor washing apparatus that washes and polishes the floor at one time with the provision of through holes or apertures for the nonwoven disc pad fixed to a pad base, which is driven by means of a motor at high speeds. With the structure thus arranged, it is possible to reduce the working steps significantly unlike the conventional cleaning operation where the floor washing and polishing is carried out by separate machines, a floor washing apparatus and a high-speed polisher, individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Azumi
  • Patent number: 6145150
    Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth a pipeline pig which is formed of two primary dimensions and two primary components. It is made with a set of N disks where N is preferably 6, 7, or 8 and the disks are all provided with a common thickness and common diameter. The thickness is about 10% of the pipe ID while the diameter is about 105% to about 110% of pipe ID. The excess size enables wiping of the inside surface of the pipeline. Importantly, when the disks are folded back, they are spaced sufficiently along the pig so that folded back disks each individually flatten and do not overlap so that folded disks are doubled; this avoids building up the diameter excessively during transition through a small ID opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Knapp
  • Patent number: 6145151
    Abstract: A brush handle that provides an ergonomic grip to improve the manipulation and reduce the fatigue of the use of the brush. The brush handle provides a series of fitted control surfaces that allow a user to grip the brush handle in a comfortable and precise manner. These control surfaces are integrally formed on the brush handle on opposing surfaces for use by both right-handed and left-handed users. In one preferred embodiment, the brush handle is used for paint brushes. The brush handle also includes a protective mechanism to prevent paint from dripping or flowing onto the brush handle during use. The brush also provides a dip line to indicate the appropriate level of dipping the brush into a paint source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventors: Harold F. Herron, Jon T. Cox
  • Patent number: 6145152
    Abstract: A replaceable head toothbrush construction 10 including an elongated handle member 20 having a hollow upper portion 24 provided with a contoured central bore 25 having an intermediate portion which defines a peripheral recess 28 and further including a head unit 12 which includes a plurality of head members 50. Each head member 50 comprises a different dental implement 60 such as a toothbrush element 61, a mirror element 62, a flossing element 63, etc. Each dental implement 60 is provided with a downwardly depending shaft 54 having a base segment 55 adapted to be captively engaged in the central bore 25 and the head members 50 and the handle member 20 is further provided with registration means 31, 53.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Peter Martin Ward
  • Patent number: 6145153
    Abstract: In the case of a dental care device e.g. a toothbrush, having a handle, a head and a care part insertable in locking manner in a depression thereof, said care part can be ejected by means of a resilient pressure piece located on the back of the head and which acts when pressure is exerted on the back of the care part. In order to provide a sealed termination on the back and an e.g. handling, the head has on the back an opening closed by the pressure piece and in which engages the care part and said pressure piece is constructed as a resilient plastic disk and is sealingly fixed with its circumferential edge on the wall of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Coronet-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Weihrauch
  • Patent number: 6145154
    Abstract: A personal hygiene device for holding tissue or cloth for wiping and washing parts of the body that may be hard or impossible to reach due to a physical disabiliity. The personal hygiene device includes a first tube, a second tube telescopically extending from the first tube, and a clamping portion coupled to a free end of the second tube. The clamping portion is adapted for holding a tissue or cloth for wiping a body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Josephine Blair
  • Patent number: 6145155
    Abstract: A flexible cleaning and drying mitt has a pouch compartment formed therein which is proportioned for receiving the hand of a user. The mitt has a pair of removable cover faces and a flat moisture-proof perimeter, which perimeter extends outward from a pair of work surfaces and in coextensive contact with each respective work surface of the pair of work surfaces. The pair of work surfaces includes a wetting face and a drying face, with respective wetting and drying pads thereon. The wetting pad is pre-soaked with a cleaning fluid for wipe-on application to a surface to be cleaned. The drying face has a drying pad mounted on an opposite side of the mitt from the wetting pad. The covers are releasably secured to the pouch compartment of the mitt. The pouch compartment includes a pair of separate moisture-sealed compartments, which are arranged to cooperate with the respective wetting and drying faces to form separate respective moisture proof enclosures about the respective wetting and drying pads of the mitt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventors: Glenn P. James, Teresa James
  • Patent number: 6145156
    Abstract: A foot mop includes a cover member configured and contoured to receive and overlay a substantial portion of a user's shoe sole. The cover member has an interior surface, an exterior surface and a continuous free edge that defines an opening. On the interior surface of the cover member are a plurality of peripherally disposed snaps adjacent the free edge for matably engaging snaps on an adhesive strip peripherally mounted about the shoe. The exterior surface of the cover member includes a sponge layer with a plurality of mop like fibers mounted thereover for absorbing liquids. The device also includes a wall mounted storage device for draining and collecting fluids adhering to the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventors: Johnny J. Pullara, Jr., Michael A. Solomon
  • Patent number: 6145157
    Abstract: A windshield wiper arrangement includes a mounting for a drive containing a wiper motor, a gear unit and a lever arm and two bearing brackets, spaced from the drive, containing wiper arm drive shafts each carrying an oscillating lever connected by a link rod to the lever arm. The mounting is an integral tubular structure shaped by high pressure forming of a tubular blank placed in a two-part mold having recesses extending essentially perpendicularly to the axis of the tubular part. Bushings for the drive shafts and a mount for the drive are forced into projections which are formed in the recesses when the tubular blank is shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ostrowski
  • Patent number: 6145158
    Abstract: A paint apparatus is disclosed having a plurality of trays for use with a paint roller. A paint reservoir within each tray retains the paint. A grid portion is integrally formed in a lower surface of the paint apparatus, and has a plurality of channels and/or projections. The channels are curved, thereby providing increased surface area for the paint roller. The paint apparatus is also included in a kit containing paint application devices, practice paper, and instructional materials. The paint apparatus is further provided with a metering system which includes a plurality of grids and a mesh structure. The stackable grids are placed within the paint reservoir and permit the paint to wick up to a top surface of the stackable grids. During use of the apparatus, a user fills the paint reservoir with paint to a point below the top surface of the stackable grids. The user the rolls the rolling device over the grids, thereby loading the nap portion with paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventors: George H. Wakat, James A. Thole
  • Patent number: 6145159
    Abstract: An upright carpet extractor for solution cleaning of floor and above floor surfaces has a low profile base assembly (A) including a base housing (10) and a recovery tank and nozzle assembly (18) removably mounted on the housing. The recovery tank and nozzle assembly includes a recovery tank (120, 552) for collecting recovered cleaning solution and a nozzle cover (134) which is attached to a forward portion of the recovery tank exterior to define a nozzle flowpath (138) therebetween. Working air and recovered cleaning solution are drawn through the nozzle flowpath and into the recovery tank by a motor and fan assembly (20,534) mounted to the base housing, rearward of the recovery tank. The nozzle flowpath is removed from the base together with the recovery tank when the recovery tank is to be emptied, allowing the nozzle flowpath to be rinsed conveniently to remove trapped dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Terry L. Zahuranec, Robert A. Salo, Paul D. Stephens
  • Patent number: 6145160
    Abstract: A tank-type vacuum cleaner which utilizes cyclonic action includes a recessed power cord storage channel, integrally formed in a lower surface of vacuum cleaner housing, to store a power cord for the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner further includes an exhaust baffle to diffuse discharged air, muffle acoustic noise output, and protect an internalized outlet filter. The vacuum cleaner further includes both an improved motor mount system and an electrified inlet with an obstructing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Primus Holdings, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Buss, Maureen E. Carroll, David Scott Rowley, John A. McMillan, Kirk Charles
  • Patent number: 6145161
    Abstract: A multifunctional dust-abating gun includes a main coupler for coupling with a dust-abating fitting, an inflation needle for inflating balls, or an inflation fitting for inflating rubber life rings, thereby performing the functions of dust abatement or inflation of tires or balls. The main coupler may be coupled with a quick coupler which, in turn, is coupled with a sprayer fitting, dust-suction fitting, or dust-abating fitting, thereby performing the functions of water spraying, dust suction, or dust abatement. The quick coupler includes a U-shaped groove to allow easy and quick engagement/disengagement with/from a dust-abating barrel, a sprayer fitting, or a dust-section fitting. Alternatively, the main coupler may be coupled with an inflation device that includes a freely rotatable main body to prevent a pressure gauge on the main body from being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Wuu-Cheau Jou
  • Patent number: 6145162
    Abstract: A suction head for a suction device including an annular support member (1), an annular guide member (2) releasably connectable with the support member (1), a suction nipple (51) connected with the support member (1), and an annular seal (6) projecting beyond a first free end of the support member (1) in an axial direction, with the guide member having a first end region (22) projecting beyond the first free end of the support member (1) in the axial direction by a length which at most corresponds to a length by which the seal projects beyond the first free end of the support member (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Paul Deutschenbaur, Goran Golubovic
  • Patent number: 6145163
    Abstract: A check strap arrangement for a motor vehicle door includes a dust cover which is easily and rapidly assembled without the use of separate fastening operations, tools or fasteners. The check strap housing is provided with spherical recesses and the dust cover is provided with cooperating detents. The cover detents are adapted to be snap fitted into the recesses of the check strap housing so as to securely retain the cover on the check strap housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Mitchell, Angelo DeSimone
  • Patent number: 6145164
    Abstract: A hinge for furniture having a base (10) comprising a first element (41) which at the upper part thereof has coupling surfaces for a hinge wing and at the lower part thereof has a groove (20) receiving a second element (30) intended for being fastened to a piece of furniture. The first and second elements are mutually slidable in a direction transverse to the hinge extension by means of a rotary cam (27). The second element (30) is received in the groove in a drawer-like slidable manner in said transverse direction and the first element (41) comprises a through hole (25) disposed between the groove and the upper part. The cam (27) has a pivot pin (28) for rotation control which is fitted in said through hole (25) to be rotated therethrough, and the second element (30) has a face thereof turned towards the groove from which teeth (33, 35) forming reaction surfaces for the cam project, which teeth are disposed on opposite sides of the cam in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Franco Ferrari
    Inventors: Franco Ferrari, Carlo Migli
  • Patent number: 6145165
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism is disclosed which allows for pivotal attachment of a moveable member to a fixed frame member defining a linear edge of an opening. Such pivotal attachment allows for movement of the moveable member relative to the fixed frame member between a closed position, in which the moveable member is positioned substantially within the opening, and an open position, about a pivot axis aligned parallel and adjacent to the linear edge and positioned in offstanding spaced relation thereto. The hinge mechanism comprises a fixed hinge component and a moveable hinge component. The fixed hinge component comprises a base portion, mountable upon the fixed frame member, a longitudinally extending pin portion and a support arm extending between the portions in connecting relation. The pin portion has a substantially cylindrical outer surface and is terminally positioned on the support arm, a portion of the outer surface defining a first bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Alwind Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Torcato
  • Patent number: 6145166
    Abstract: In a fiber processing machine with a separating edge in which fibers as well as air are guided in a substantially predetermined transporting direction past the edge, trash particles are selectively removed from the fiber/air stream with the help of the edge. The adjustment of a separating element, in particular, the setting of the angular position of a separating surface and/or the penetration depth upstream from the separating surface is linked with an adaptation of the width of the eliminating gap. Also, at least one measure can be taken for eliminating, as far as possible, a pressure drop and/or air turbulences downstream (in the transporting direction) from the edge. Downstream from the edge, a flow pattern as laminar as possible is generated or maintained, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Rieter AG
    Inventors: Rene Waeber, Walter Schlepfer, Beat Naf, Christian Sauter, Jurg Faas
  • Patent number: 6145167
    Abstract: A label which can be attached to a commercial article for the emission of an alarm signal, includes a body of the label containing a device which can be perceived by suitable detection equipment for emission of an alarm signal, a band for attachment to the article for connecting the body of the label to the article, and a structure for restraining the band and the body of the label firmly one to the other. The label body includes a housing suitable for being entered by the band. The band has an end band section and an intermediate section which oppose each other and are compressed one in relation to the other in the housing. The band has, along at least part of one longitudinal face, securing teeth so that the portions of securing teeth on the parts of the band in contact in the housing are compressed against each other in such a way as to block relative sliding of the portions of the band in the housing during an attempt to disengage the article from the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Attilio Brentini
  • Patent number: 6145168
    Abstract: A lever which is used in particular in the field of sports shoes and includes a lever arm 5 which is rotatably associated, at one end, with a support 3 which is rigidly coupled to a flap of the shoe. An auxiliary grip lever 11 for the user is associated with the lever arm at the free end and allows to increase the working length of the lever arm, thus ensuring easier closure thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: HTM Sport SpA
    Inventors: Giorgio Baggio, Luca Marconato, Dino Giusti
  • Patent number: 6145169
    Abstract: A belt clip for supporting an object on a user's belt includes an inward portion for insertion between the user's belt and body, having a first hinge portion on one edge thereof and including a pair of spaced-apart, flexible wings located at the other edge thereof, wherein each wing has a first locking structure thereon; an outward portion for attaching an object thereto, having a second hinge portion thereon and having a second locking structure thereon; and a hinge pin for joining said first hinge portion and said second hinge portion together in a moveable condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Wegner Design and Development, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Terzuola, Timothy B. Wegner
  • Patent number: 6145170
    Abstract: A fastener bead removably affixed to a flexible tension element of a cargo holder and used by removably inserting the bead in the wider portion of a keyhole-type slot in a support structure. The bead in use is trapped and held by the margin of the narrow portion of the keyhole slot. The bead has a through-passageway with axially opposite loop-entrance and loop-exit ends thereof located respectively at first and second opposite end surfaces of the bead. In one bead embodiment an external groove in a bead first side surface is sized for retaining a portion of each two runs of a free-end loop of the tension element disposed in side-by-side contacting relationship after exiting the passageway and lead in the groove toward engagement with trailing portions of the runs that trail back out the entrance end of the passageway as they extend back toward cargo holder attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Bernard Mould
    Inventors: Edward Helmut Bernard, Gordon Alan Bernard
  • Patent number: 6145171
    Abstract: A clasp device for accessories includes: a locking element provided with an locking hole or locking groove; and a clasp for the engagement with the locking element. The clasp comprises: a receiving member into which the locking element is inserted; a stopper member comprising a U-shaped plate and a push button and having an open space for receiving the receiving member; a coil spring for urging the inner lower end of the U-shaped plate into the inner region of the receiving member; and a positioning casing and a cover lid forming a clasp body. The receiving member is provided with an engaging opening through which the inner lower end of the U-shaped plate protrudes into the inner region of the receiving member. The push button of the stopper member is in the form of a hollow cylinder accommodating therein the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Masahiro Hoshino
  • Patent number: 6145172
    Abstract: A locking device for a buckle including a male member and a female member having coupling apertures formed in opposing sides. The male member includes a pair of resilient arms having coupling tabs for cooperating with the coupling apertures of the female member. The female member has guide means for receiving a guide member on the male member during insertion of the male member into the female member. The female member is provided with a locking device in the form of a locking member slidable in a slot to a position where it prevents depression of one of the resilient arms to release the coupling tabs from the coupling apertures. The lock is released by sliding the locking member along the slot in a direction away from the resilient arm. Accidental or unauthorised release of the buckle can therefore be prevented by providing the locking device on a side of the female member next to the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Ted Bourdon
  • Patent number: 6145173
    Abstract: An article attaching device is used for attaching, for example, a rear seat to an under panel of an automobile. The article attaching device is inserted into an attaching hole of the under panel to be fixed thereto, and then a hook fixed to the rear seat is inserted into the box portion to engage engaging portions provided on opposed inner sides of the box portion. The engaging portions opposing each other are shifted in the horizontal direction not to overlap each other. Thus, an article, i.e. hook, can be easily inserted into the article attaching device while providing a high extracting force of the article, which results in good workability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Suzuki, Yasuhiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 6145174
    Abstract: A stretcher roller for spreading out moving flexible strip material such as for example plastics film, paper or textiles, has a cylindrical outer surface of elastomeric material, with inclined incisions which are separated from one another by webs. The transition from the surface into an incision which makes an included angle of less than 90.degree. is of rounded or chamfered form. In this way a sharp-edged transition from the surface into the incision in question is avoided. Such sharp edges can damage the strip material if it enters the incision, which is particularly likely at the ends of the roller. The rounded transition avoids this damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventors: Michael Podlesny, Karl-Heinz Schneiders
  • Patent number: 6145175
    Abstract: A cardboard material casket including a cardboard material inner box having a bottom, two opposed sides and two opposed ends. A cardboard material outer wrap has an outer directed side with a finish different from a finish of the cardboard material inner box. The outer wrap has a bottom located below the bottom of the inner box. Side and end walls of the outer wrap extend from the bottom of the outer wrap up and over outer surfaces of the side and end walls of the inner box and then down and over inner surfaces of the side and end walls of the inner box. The outer directed surfaces of the bottom and side and end walls of the casket box and inner surfaces of the side and end walls of the casket box present the finish of the outer directed side of the outer wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Batesville Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Enneking, Daniel J. McAtee, David J. Wellman
  • Patent number: 6145176
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for attaching in a needling apparatus, such as a needle loom, tacker and the like, a plurality of needle boards to a plurality of needle beams in alignment therewith. A plurality of needle boards having upwardly extending attachment members are supported on a plurality of needle board carts which are movable into the needling apparatus to a position underling one of the needle beams for attachment thereto. The carts are supported by the stripper plate as they move through the needle zone. Each of the carts includes a locator member for alignment of the needle board therewith when supported on the cart. The carts and support needle boards are raised for engagement with the needle beam by operation of the stripper plate. The needle beams include a support plate having a plurality of openings for receiving therethrough the attachment members of a corresponding needle board, thereby aligning the needle board at a predetermined position to the needle beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Morrison Berkshire, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Egnaczak, Edward C. Kirchner, Robert P. Langdon
  • Patent number: 6145177
    Abstract: A vibrating gyro which includes a vibrator formed by joining two piezoelectric substrates, which are polarized in opposite directions, by a metal layer. Electrodes are formed on the main outer surfaces of the piezoelectric substrates. One of the electrode is split into six electrode portions. As the metal layer, a material having a melting point lower than the Curie point of the piezoelectric substrates is used. Cut portions are formed on the joining sides of the piezoelectric substrates, and high-temperature metal wires or the like are passed through the cut portions, thereby forming support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsumi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 6145178
    Abstract: A machine tool comprises a base with an upstanding column, a vertical spindle axis tool driving unit symmetrically located and vertically movable on the front of the column, a frontwards oriented horizontal spindle axis tool driving unit symmetrically located and vertically movable extending through the column, and a pair of guiding rails to extend vertically thereon and horizontally spaced apart from each other for guiding the upward and downward movement of the tool driving units. Symmetrically disposed counterbalance weights for both tool driving units are located within the column. Independent leadscrew driving means provide vertical upward and downward movement of the tool driving units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Green Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve C. Green
  • Patent number: 6145179
    Abstract: A removal device for a front shock absorber of a vehicle and method of using the same. The device comprises a first portion having first and second ends and a second portion connected to the first end of the first portion. The second portion includes a substantially rounded head and interacts with inboard and outboard surfaces of the front shock absorber to pry the absorber from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Smith, Darren Mauldin
  • Patent number: 6145180
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly line has a first line for a first mobile conveyor and a second line for a second mobile conveyor and the first line is connected to the second line with two hanger conveyor lines. Two working robots are disposed to the first mobile conveyor, one being positioned within a cabin of an upper body section and the other being positioned in front of the upper body section. The second mobile conveyor has a mechanism for altering a posture of the upper body section and a height position thereof. To the upper body section are mounted various small parts such as grommets with the first working robot during the course of running the first mobile conveyor in the first line. The second line has plural stations for mounting larger parts such as bumpers to the upper body section which is loaded on the second mobile conveyor and whose posture and position are aligned with the working robots disposed in the plural stations before entering the stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Masamiti Kogai, Nobuo Kihara, Masahiro Osumi, Masakatsu Ohsugi, Yoshikazu Fujioka, Seikichi Yamamoto, Naoyuki Ikemizu
  • Patent number: 6145181
    Abstract: A ball joint, which is composed of a ball pin, a retainer connected with the ball pin and an elastic joint seal having first and second apertures for covering the ball pin and the retainer. The ball joint is assembled very easily by pressing the ball pin against the second aperture of the joint seal which has been previously set on the retainer, at a predetermined relative speed higher than 20 cm/s after applying lubricant on the inner peripheral face of the second aperture of the joint seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Jidosha Denki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukiho Murata, Takashi Ishii
  • Patent number: 6145182
    Abstract: Bolted mounting assemblies for use between two mounted components wherein one of the components experiences vibration typically use rubber shock absorbers to dampen the vibration transfer between the components. The rubber shock absorbers are expensive and complicated to manufacture and are limited in flexibility control. The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing an adhesive with damping capabilities between washers in a bolt assembly. The bolt assembly is used to mount first and second components with the washers therebetween. The adhesive is spaced a predetermined distance from a longitudinal axis of a bolt and has a non-uniform thickness which increases as the distance from the longitudinal axis increases to provide protection from bending loads about the axis. The washers with adhesive form a washer assembly with damping and flexibility characteristics controlled through variations in the design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Stephane L. Mandon
  • Patent number: 6145183
    Abstract: A belt providing continuous lining up of plastics components held in a plastics web whereby components successively presented to an assembly position are then separated and utilized, having at least one guide element provided on each component whereby the component is located and positioned at the assembly position prior to separation of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Dieter Mauer
  • Patent number: 6145184
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a hollow bicycle crank arm, a sand mold core is positioned into a casting mold so that a melt space is formed around the sand mold core, molten metal is poured into the casting mold, and the molten metal is solidified to form a crank billet. Sand is preferably removed through an opening in the crank billet. This may be accomplished by drilling the crank billet to form the pedal attachment hole in a location that communicates with the sand mold and then removing sand through the pedal attachment hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Masahiro Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 6145185
    Abstract: A method for forming a pipe includes providing a tubular workpiece having an upper portion and a lower portion; forming a tapered hole in the inner wall of the upper portion of the workpiece and forming an annular shoulder on the outer wall of the upper portion of the workpiece synchronously by cold forging operation; forming a plurality of teeth on the outer wall of the lower portion of the workpiece by a turning-machining operation, thereby forming the pipe which includes the tapered hole, the annular shoulder, and the teeth; and finally reinforcing the pipe by carburizing treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Jeng-Yih Hwang
  • Patent number: 6145186
    Abstract: A method of producing a capacitive electroacoustic transducer comprising the initial step forming a substrate having top and bottom surfaces each having a periphery thereof. A first electrode of the transducer is formed upon a portion of the top surface of the substrate. A diaphragm mounting ring of a conductive material is disposed about the periphery of the top surface and separated from the first electrode, and is sized to be thicker than the first electrode by a desired electrode separation distance. The diaphragm mounting ring is characterized by physical dimensions thereof. A compensation ring is aligned with the diaphragm mounting ring upon the bottom surface, and is formed of the same conductive material as the diaphragm mounting ring. The compensation ring is sized to have the same physical dimensions as the diaphragm mounting ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Bob Ray Beavers