Patents Issued in November 28, 2000
  • Patent number: 6151799
    Abstract: A system and method is described for processing waste citrus peel to remove oil from the peel in a highly efficient manner for subsequent processing, where the temperature of the peel is elevated, the peel is then finely fragmented to create a slurry, the solid particles are removed from the slurry and dried, and the oil is separated from the water in the slurry. The temperature of the peel is elevated by exposing the peel to steam so that minimal water is added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Allen Jones
  • Patent number: 6151800
    Abstract: A stretch-on elastic removable cover for a tap dance shoe enables the shoe to be decoratively transformed in appearance. The cover, when snugly fitted on the shoe, conforms to the shape of the shoe and conceals the shoe's upper. The cover is constructed to include an integral band which stretchably wraps under the shoe's arch, and an endless loop retaining wire partially contained within a curved sleeve integral to the forward or toe end of the cover and which encircles the perimeter of the shoe's toe tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: Karen Kathleen Kerr, Judy Gradwohl Bingler
  • Patent number: 6151801
    Abstract: A sandal including a sole portion having a front end and a rear end and a pair of sides. The sole portion is comprised of a plurality of layers of elastomeric material including a planar lower layer, an angling intermediate portion, and an upper layer adapted to receive the foot of a wearer thereon. The sole portion includes a plurality of intermediate layers. The upper layer is provided with a pair of longitudinal slits adjacent to the rear thereof and four circular holes adjacent to the front thereof. A top strap has an upper section positionable over the instep of a wearer's foot and a lower section positioned through the slits and extending there beneath. The strap has four apertures adjacent to the forward edge thereof in the upper portion. Two cords with four central extents each have two upper extents extending through associated apertures of the strap and two lower extents looped around the holes in the upper layer. Four cylindrical sleeves encompass the cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: Ben G. Frederiksen, Gayle Trenberth
  • Patent number: 6151802
    Abstract: A boot or shoe for protecting the wearer from injury from a chain saw, is provided. The invention comprises a boot or shoe, extending to or above the ankle of the wearer; and a flexible, lightweight, chain saw protective liner disposed within the boot or shoe. The liner comprises a plurality of layers of chain saw protective material, which preferably includes polyester and polypropylene fibers. The liner is attached to the inside of the boot or shoe only at the top ankle portion and bottom sole portion of the liner, so that the liner hangs relatively loosely inside the boot or shoe and easily breaks away when struck by a moving chain saw. A removable bootie which is similar to the liner is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Robert R. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6151803
    Abstract: An insole is capable of withstanding penetration of nails and other foreign objects. The insole is constructed of a substantially flexible, substantially puncture resistant material, such as a polymer fiber. The perimeter of the insole is curved upward, and includes a plurality of substantially v-shaped notches therein to enhance flexibility of the insole. A downwardly curved portion is embedded in a sole of an article of footwear. The downwardly curved portion substantially mirrors the portion of the perimeter of the insole which is curved upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Nathaniel O. Charles
  • Patent number: 6151804
    Abstract: A sports shoe, in particular a soccer shoe, with an upper (1) comprising an instep region (8), with a sole (2) connected to the upper and with tension strips (3, 4, 5) for stiffening. The sole is stiffened by a front tension strip (3) connecting the front end (6) of the sole to the upper (1) and by two rear tension strips (4, 5) connecting the heel area (7) of the sole (2) to the upper (1) in such a manner that although it is still possible to bend the sole up completely, it is impossible to bend it down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Puma AG Rudolf Dassler Sport
    Inventor: Rudolf Hieblinger
  • Patent number: 6151805
    Abstract: A removably attachable traction gear for the underside of footwear having two primary components: a retaining member and a receptacle. These two components respectively replace the common screw and threaded receptacle systems found in for affixing traction gear to the underside of shoes. A partial turn of the traction gear securely locks the gear into the receptacle. The retaining member has a three-extension design so as to make the traction gear resistant to lateral forces applied to the ground-engaging end of the cleat. Locking is achieved through use of cantilevered fingers which press in during installation of the retaining member, and which spring back out to lock with mated indentations in the extensions. During installation a dome containing insole material is compressed. Unlocking is achieved through reverse turning the retaining member to force the springs back in, and removal is aided through re-expansion of the dome. In a preferred form, the invention is utilized to attach a golf cleat to a shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: MacNeill Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Armand J. Savoie
  • Patent number: 6151806
    Abstract: A grinding shoe apparatus for both normal running and walking activity and including a sole cavity for mounting a complementary plate configured with a plurality of bearing surfaces for sliding along rigid support surfaces and braking surfaces to control speed developed while sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Artemis Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher H. Morris, David G. Inman, Brent James
  • Patent number: 6151807
    Abstract: A health care shoe, which can continuously provide adequate magnetic field arranged to penetrate through the wearer's foot for improving the wearer's blood circulation and metabolism, includes a sole having a plurality of magnet cavities specifically indented and distributed on an inner surface thereof, a shoe body which includes a vamp and sides rigidly attached on top of the sole to define a foot chamber between the shoe body and the sole; an insole placed on the sole inside the foot chamber; a plurality of base magnet elements fittingly received in the magnet cavities respectively; and a plurality of upper magnet elements embedded inside the shoe body with respect to the positions of the base magnet elements, wherein the upper magnet elements are arranged to enable magnetic fields flowing between the base magnet elements and the upper magnet elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: Yi-Ming Qui, David Liu, Joanne Yang
  • Patent number: 6151808
    Abstract: Jack for raising and lowering a lift assembly for hydraulically driven snow blades or other utilitarian accessories. Actuation of the jack allows for proper vertical alignment of the lift assembly for engagement to a vehicle chassis. Once engaged, the jack can be actuated into an inoperative position until the lift assembly is to be removed from the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6151809
    Abstract: The snowplow of the present invention is adapted to mount to the bed of a pickup truck. The snowplow includes a mounting base and a frame which is rotatably coupled to the base. The snowplow blade is coupled to the frame so that it moves with the frame. By attaching a hydraulic system to the frame and base, the blade can be raised and lowered over a very wide range. The frame and blade are adjustable so that the same snowplow can be used on trucks with differing heights or with lift kits.An alternative embodiment, the frame of the snowplow is mounted to the ends of the cross bar of the vehicle hitch. Hydraulic cylinders move the frame assembly and blade between raised and lowered positions. A conventional spreader may be mounted to the central receiver of the hitch so as to be positioned between the spaced apart arms of the frame assembly. In both embodiments, trip action springs are provided such that the blade is normally biased to an upright snow removing position but will pivot to override obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Edward Altheide
  • Patent number: 6151810
    Abstract: A connecting device of a soil removing member for an excavator is used for connecting two soil removing members, wherein a helical ejecting blade is attached on an outer periphery of a rotational shaft. The rotational shaft in one soil removing member is connected to another rotational shaft of another soil removing member in accordance with excavation. The connecting member is basically formed of an inserting member disposed at one end of the rotational shaft, and a receiving member provided at the other end of the rotational shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Toshio Mukai
  • Patent number: 6151811
    Abstract: The present invention is a walk-behind power unit stabilizing system for use on portable trenchers and other equipment. The preferred application comprises a retractable wheel assembly mounted at the rear of a trencher where the invented device is allowed to be maneuvered by the user from a lower, stabilization position to an upper, transport position. The device has a handle that allows the user to move the device from the upper, transport position to the lower, stabilized position, and vice versa, easily by raising and lowering the handle, either by hand or by moving the handle up or down using the user's foot. Some of the main benefits of the invented device include: ease of use; a reduction in the physical labor required to operate a trencher; stability; the ability to more consistently control the depth at which the trench is dug; an increased ability to traverse perpendicular trenches; increased force exerted on the boom when inserting the boom into the ground; and trench straightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Greg Barreto
  • Patent number: 6151812
    Abstract: An excavation bucket assembly for an excavation apparatus such as a front-end loader includes a plurality of shrouds and tooth assemblies mounted along a lip of the bucket body. The shrouds are connected via reusable connection pins that are biased within aligned connection-holes with a plunger assembly mounted within the connection pin. The connection-holes are defined by two overlapping ovals, with the proximal oval having a larger radius as compared to the distal oval. Additionally, an improved attachment pin is utilized to connect a tooth portion to a tooth body portion of the tooth assemblies that provides for a secure and reliable attachment and easy exchange of worn tooth portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Robert S. Bierwith
  • Patent number: 6151813
    Abstract: A manually actuated heat press machine for applying a heat transfer to a substrate. The machine comprises a housing having a lower platen attached thereto. Pivotally connected to the housing is an actuation handle which is selectively moveable between a press position and a release position relative thereto. Attached to the actuation handle is an upper platen which is reciprocally movable toward and away from the lower platen thereby. The upper platen is attached to the actuation handle so as to be in substantial alignment with and in spaced relation to the lower platen. Cooperatively engaged to the actuation handle is an adjustment mechanism for selectively increasing or decreasing the spacing between the upper and lower platens when the actuation handle is in the press position. A decrease in the spacing between the upper and lower platens effectively increases the level of compressive pressure applied to the substrate and heat transfer therebetween when the actuation handle is moved to the press position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Insta Graphic Systems
    Inventors: Steven M. Raio, John J. Boyer
  • Patent number: 6151814
    Abstract: A manually actuated heat press machine for applying a heat transfer to a substrate. The machine comprises a housing having a lower platen attached thereto. Pivotally connected to the housing is an actuation handle which is selectively moveable between a press position and a release position relative thereto. Attached to the actuation handle is an upper platen which is reciprocally movable toward and away from the lower platen thereby. The upper platen is attached to the actuation handle so as to be in substantial alignment with and in spaced relation to the lower platen. Cooperatively engaged to the housing and to the upper platen is a linkage mechanism for maintaining the upper platen in substantial alignment with the lower platen when the actuation handle is moved between its press and release positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Insta Grahic Systems
    Inventors: Steven M. Raio, John J. Boyer, Jesus Mendoza, Harry Springer, III
  • Patent number: 6151815
    Abstract: A pressing iron reservoir composed of a lower half-shell having at least one annular conformation and an upper half-shell having at least one annular conformation provided to interengage in and/or above the corresponding annular conformation of the lower half-shell. At least one of the conformations is formed with a covering attached in an irreversible manner and serving as a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Cuzel, Pierre Blanchon
  • Patent number: 6151816
    Abstract: A quilting frame which is comprised of two complementary support structures each of which includes a base member, an elevation member, and a fulcrum member. The two complementary support structures are coupled by a cross member which spans the distance between the two complementary support structures. The cross member is coupled to each of the elevation members at a location near where the elevation member is coupled to the fulcrum member. Coupled to each of the fulcrum members at a fulcrum end is a rail assembly. The rail assembly is comprised of two complementary rail brace members which generally hold at least three rails upon which components of a project are disposed. The at least three rails consist of a take-up rail disposed at the fulcrum end, and at least two supply rails disposed at a supplying end of the rail assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Jim Bagley
  • Patent number: 6151817
    Abstract: An ironing table having an ironing board which possesses at one end two sections extending side by side, approximately in one plane, specifically a clothes ironing section and a sleeve ironing section narrower than the latter, the two sections being separated from one another by a gap. The gap extends approximately to the height of the center of the ironing board, the clothes ironing section admittedly having the width of a conventional ironing board, so that the overall width of the ironing board in the region of the clothes ironing section and sleeve ironing section is greater than the width of a conventional ironing board. In addition, the longitudinal side of the ironing board assigned to the sleeve ironing section extends from approximately the center of the ironing board to the other end of the ironing board, so that the width of this end of the ironing board approximately corresponds to the width of the clothes ironing section, in other words to a conventional ironing board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Joachim Eiben
  • Patent number: 6151818
    Abstract: An extensible and retractable display device for wheeled luggage comprises a plurality of panels which extend and retract upon extension and retraction, respectively, of the display device. The display device is attached to a telescoping handle for the luggage and retracts and extends along with the retraction and extension, respectively, of the telescoping handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Outrigger, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard David Sadow
  • Patent number: 6151819
    Abstract: A reading item supporting system is provided including a reading item support for supporting a book thereon. Also included is at least one ruler assembly positioned on the reading item support with the book therebetween. The ruler assembly includes a ruler strip adapted to move downwardly an incremental distance upon the actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Ignacio V. Gorospe
  • Patent number: 6151820
    Abstract: A stamped base plate (16) for a signage assembly (10) that includes elongated slots (20, 40) and canted flanges (18, 38) that engage a back channel of an elongated sign plate (12). The base plate has protrusions (34) that engage hook (30) of an end cap (14). The base plate can be cut to length at score lines (44) aligned with the slots (20, 40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Infonorm, Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Kubli
  • Patent number: 6151821
    Abstract: A road sign includes an installation portion provided with a lighting window, a sign display portion that includes a sign member that uses light to display a prescribed sign, and a light-guide structure that guides light entering the lighting window to the sign member to display the sign by reflecting or transmitting the light. The road sign configuration renders the sign clearly visible even when the light comes from car headlights on a low-beam setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Kenichi Nakajima
  • Patent number: 6151822
    Abstract: A plastic T card holder formed from molded plastic pieces permanently united face to face and defining between them a pocket which will snugly receive a thin rectangular card. The pocket has a long upper opening through which a card may be introduced and a narrow lower opening through which a knife blade, a stiff card or the like can be inserted to dislodge the card upwardly. The card holder has considerable advantages of economy of manufacture and provides improved protection of the card and is resistant to breakage as compared with the conventional card holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Richard E. H. Kenney
  • Patent number: 6151823
    Abstract: A protective tag holder for receiving, protecting and retaining a tag in its original condition. The protective tag holder includes a first piece of material having an edge extending therearound, the edge forming a shape substantially matching a shape of the tag to be protected and a second piece of material having an edge extending therearound, the edge forming a shape substantially similar to the shape of the first piece of material. The second piece of material also includes a tab extending from at least a portion of the edge. A seal is formed between at least a portion of the edge of the first piece of material and the edge of the second piece of material forming a pocket therebetween. The seal extends around a portion of the edge of the second piece of material opposite the tab to thereby form an entrance to the pocket, the entrance having a size large enough to insert the tag therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Anita Gregory-Gillman
  • Patent number: 6151824
    Abstract: A gun projects matter from a discharge port, such as a barrel or nozzle, that is movably carried, so that the direction of discharge is variable with respect to the body of the gun. A manual direction controlling mechanism may be implemented for the movable discharge port, whereby the variable direction of discharge is directly controlled by a user, or an automatic direction controlling mechanism may be implemented such that the direction of the movable discharge port is automatically varied in response to the operation of a discharge actuating mechanism of the gun. Multiple discharge ports, capable of aiming in multiple directions simultaneously, may be incorporated to facilitate the projection of liquid or solid projectiles toward multiple or moving targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Richard A. Clayton
  • Patent number: 6151826
    Abstract: A lockable reel seat system includes a reel seat body exhibiting: (a) a handle section having a rear reel seat cavity, a male threaded length with a circular cross sectional shape and a longitudinally extended central axis, and a pair of aligned grooves extending longitudinally within said threaded portion; (b) a foregrip or other form of forward member with a female threaded cavity that engages the threaded portion of the handle to allow the cavity to advance toward or retract from the rear reel seat cavity, a pair of holes aligned with the grooved in the threaded section; and (c) a curved saddle clip that fits over the foregrip or forward member and which has a pair of inwardly projecting pins that extend through the holes and engage the grooves.When the saddle clip is engaged, the foregrip or forward member cannot be turned. This clip acts as a lock to secure the reel in the reel seat of a particular rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Berkley Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Grice
  • Patent number: 6151827
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an insecticide delivery system for delivering an insecticide to an ambient environment. The insecticide delivery system includes a can having an open end and an interior. A thermally activated insecticide is disposed within the can interior. An electrical heater assembly is disposed adjacent to the can. The heater assembly is configured for increasing a temperature of the can to a temperature whereby the thermally activated insecticide is delivered to the ambient environment. The heater assembly includes a resistance heater wire connected in series with a thermal cut-off device. The resistance heater wire may include a parallel shunt at one or both ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Heaters Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Edgar S. Haffner
  • Patent number: 6151828
    Abstract: An insect feeding station (10) for administering a fluent substance such as a poisonous liquid bait to ants and other insects. The feeding station (10) comprises a housing (11) having an interior region (21) adapted to contain the fluent substance. The housing (10) has an opening (27) through which insects can enter and leave the interior region (21), and an internal structure (43) within the interior region (21) for facilitating access by the insects to the substance. The internal structure (43) may take various forms but typically is of a construction which is adapted to at least be partially covered by the substance when the latter is first introduced into the interior region (21) and which is progressively exposed as the substance is consumed. With this arrangement, the portion of the internal structure which is exposed provides a zone away from the liquid bait for supporting the bodies of dead insects. Thus the bodies are "dry-docked" on the internal structure from where they can be retrieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: Claude Paul Genero, Gail Ann Genero
  • Patent number: 6151829
    Abstract: A method for providing a decorative cover for a floral grouping wherein the decorative cover is provided with a design indicia bearing portion which extends above the remainder of the decorative cover and thereby enhances the visual aesthetic effect of the decorative cover. The decorative cover is formed from a sheet of material having a design indicia and an opening extending therethrough wherein the opening is offset from a central portion of the sheet of material in a direction generally away from the indicia bearing portion of the sheet of material. A lower portion of a stem end of a floral grouping is inserted through the opening in the sheet of material and the sheet of material is wrapped about the floral grouping to provide a decorative cover having a design indicia bearing portion which extends above the remainder of the decorative cover and thereby enhances the visual aesthetic effect of the decorative cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6151830
    Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion and skirt portion. The sleeve may have an upper protective sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed thereby allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base portion. The sleeve has a plurality of folds comprising expansion elements for allowing portions of the base portion to expand, and portions of the skirt portion to extend angularly, when a pot is disposed within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6151831
    Abstract: A sheet of material having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an outer periphery, a plurality of indentations in the outer periphery, portions of the sheet of material surrounding the indentations overlapping to form an article having a substantially smooth outer peripheral surface. Methods of forming and using an article, such as a flower pot cover article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Lisa A. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6151832
    Abstract: A window balance cam housing has a body generally in the form of a rectangular prism having a generally cylindrical bore therethrough. The body has a bottom side, a top side, a right side, a left side, a near side, and a far side. The generally cylindrical bore extends between the near side and the far side and has a portion of more narrow diameter between the right side and the left side respectively. The top side has a gap defined therein, permitting flexing to change the separation between the right side and the left side. Brake shoes are provided on each of the right side and the left side. A first pair of vertical ridges extends symmetrically outward from the near side and the far side. A second pair of vertical ridges extends symmetrically outward from the near side and the far side, the second pair of vertical ridges being higher than the first pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Brian C. Opielski, Jeffrey B. Hersh, Dennis Westphal
  • Patent number: 6151833
    Abstract: A radially adjustable guide for a flexible line, a cable or tape, of an automotive regulator assembly is presented. The guide has a longitudinal channel disposed therein for receiving and guiding the flexible line, wherein the guide slidably captures the flexible line within the channel. The guide may be tubular. Alternatively, the guide may include a base portion; a pair of resilient arms extending upwardly from the base portion, defining the channel; and extensions extending inwardly from upper ends of the resilient arms for slidably capturing the flexible line in the channel. Additionally, the base portion of the guide may include a planar outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Waldemar Wawrzyniec Gmurowski, Jayprakash Uttamchand Raisoni, Zinovy Tyves
  • Patent number: 6151834
    Abstract: A window device for use in a motor vehicle, has at least one pair of mutually threadingly engageable male member and female member, one of which is fixed into a boss formed integrally with a resin window panel, the other of which is threaded to the above one member through a hole formed in the reinforcing member, so that a reinforcing member is interposed between two engaging faces of the male and female members. Further, a shoulder portion is formed on either the male member or the female member for maintaining a constant interval between the two engaging faces of the male and female members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kotaro Oami, Akiteru Nishio
  • Patent number: 6151835
    Abstract: A cover for an elongated and relatively narrow tank or channel is formed from a series of panels arranged in parallel, edge-to-edge fashion, each panel spanning across the channel and resting on rims of the channel. Each panel is formed of a large plurality of side-by-side, preferably edge-connected deck slats having lengths extending in the longitudinal direction of the channel. At junctions between adjacent panels, structural transverse members have deck slat receiving channels for engaging with and supporting ends of the deck slats. In preferred embodiments the transverse structural members are generally L-shaped, with the L-shaped structural member of one channel nesting into the L-shaped structural channel of an adjacent panel, providing for removal of alternate panels by lifting. Deck slats include special handle slats for inclusion near the two transverse ends of the removable panels to enable lifting of the panels for access to the tank or channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Hallsten Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hallsten
  • Patent number: 6151836
    Abstract: The present invention discloses in certain aspects a gutter system for connection to a structure, the structure having a top, the gutter system for receiving water flowing from the top of the structure, the gutter system having a hollow body member having a length, the hollow body member having a rear member having an upper end and a lower end, at least one step member projecting out and away from the rear member, the at least one step member extending along the length of the hollow body member, the at least one step member having an outer edge and a top surface, a front side connected at a top thereof to the outer edge of the at least one step member and at a bottom thereof to the lower end of the rear member, at least one drain hole through the front side for exit of water from within the hollow body member, and a plurality of fluid flow slots through the hollow body to permit fluid to flow into the hollow body at a lower end of the at least one step member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: W. Neal McGlothlin, Carlice M. McGlothlin
  • Patent number: 6151837
    Abstract: A gutter screen for covering a gutter and preventing debris from falling into the gutter. The gutter screen has an elongate sheet metal member sized and shaped to engage a portion of the gutter and to cover the gutter. The sheet metal member has a generally smooth top surface and a plurality of channels and slots. The channels extend transverse to an axis of the member and the slots extend parallel to the axis. Each channel extends downward and away from the top surface and has a lower end that defines a lower portion of the periphery of one of the slots. The channels are aligned in rows extending parallel to the axis. An unbroken portion of the smooth top surface extends between upper ends of the channels of one row and the slots in an adjacent row. The channels are formed from the material of the sheet metal member. Each channel and slot is sized so that water is directed into the channel, through the slot and into the gutter and so that debris is not trapped in the channel and the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: James Edward Ealer, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6151838
    Abstract: Disclosed is a simple, easy and efficient metal roof curb system and method for attachment which includes a generally rectangular curb assembly, the edges of which have inwardly facing upper and lower flanges to facilitate secure and waterproof attachment to the roof panels. One end of the curb assembly is designed for attachment at the low or downwardly facing side of the roof, and the opposite end is designed to be attached to the high or upwardly facing side of the roof. The low end of the assembly includes a set of recesses designed for alignment with and attachment to the ribs of the metal roof. The high end includes no such recesses, but is instead designed for direct attachment to the flattened roof panels, the ribs of which are cut and plugged. A pre-attached Z-shaped water diverter is included on the high side, the assembly calling for a water diverting cricket to be installed on the high side in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Golden Eagle Building Products Inc.
    Inventor: King Husein
  • Patent number: 6151839
    Abstract: A cover for a vehicle has a base at ground level and a rigid cover member having a downwardly facing mouth and movable between a lowered position and a raised position. A support is connected to and extend upwardly from the base and are arranged to support the cover member in its raised position. A resilient device is provided for urging the cover member to its raised position. In the lowered position, the mouth of the cover lies at ground level and defines with the base an enclosed storage area. In the raised position, both ends of the cover are raised above the base and access is permitted to the storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Stanley Millward
  • Patent number: 6151840
    Abstract: An enclosed structure for housing large telescopes and other scientific equipment. The enclosed structure includes a circular base and a dome-shaped cover. The sides of the structure are provided by overlapping cylindrical sections which are vertically movable in telescope fashion with respect to one another. The cylindrical sections are supported by vertical posts disposed around the perimeter of the structure and can be vertically displaced by electric motors operating drive shafts disposed within the vertical posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Eric Simison
  • Patent number: 6151841
    Abstract: An inexpensive, prefabricated portable tornado shelter is disclosed. The shelter is assembled from four equilateral triangular sides, a base frame, and a floor, to form a square pyramid-shaped enclosure with latched doors and PLEXIGLAS windows. The shelter allows constant air pressure equalization between its interior and exterior. The shelter is held firmly to the ground with four auger bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas H. Green
  • Patent number: 6151842
    Abstract: Structural elements for the production of self-supporting structures are composed of a composition containing mineral and organic components and molded in modular structural shapes including a cube of side length L having vertical and horizontal holes traversed by threaded rods, a fork-shaped element, a Z-shaped element and a lintel element with projections of a width equal to L/3. The entire structure is held together by interfitting the projections and gaps between projections and with the threaded rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Andrei Hododi
  • Patent number: 6151843
    Abstract: A connecting system for prefabricated panels for forming walls and roofs of buildings which includes a non-structural concrete corner piece for attachment between abutted prefabricated wall panels. The wall panels having geometrically configured channels for securing roof truss members with complimentary geometrically configured straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: We-Mar, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Weaver, Robert G. Martin, Jan L. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6151844
    Abstract: A construction modification and associated method used in pre-stressed building structures is designed to enhance resistance to extreme high wind environments, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, and in earthquake prone regions is most useful for structures built of lightweight materials such as wood or aluminum but is also applicable to structures built of heavy materials such as brick, stone, concrete, reinforced concrete and steel. Modifications include increased spacing of the wall frame elements, namely wall studs or columns, symmetrical sheeting at both sides of the frame when wood is used to build wall panels or symmetrical building of walls inside the frame when heavy material as brick, concrete block, stone, cast concrete etc. are used to build panels, a new incorporated into structures is complement system of strings and balance beams and modification of the effective weight or gravity of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Lazar's Engineering
    Inventor: Lazar S Kovachevich
  • Patent number: 6151845
    Abstract: A ridge assembly for a conservatory roof comprises a ridge body (10) having a base (36), side walls (20) extending upwardly from the base, flanges (40) extending downwardly from the base and means (42) for receiving ridge capping support elements (150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Ultraframe (UK) Limited
    Inventor: John Edward Lancaster
  • Patent number: 6151846
    Abstract: Method to install and affix all kinds of building cladding to both new and existing building structures and to any free-standing structure. The method covers the mounting and securing in place of window and door surrounds and panels made from pre-cast stone or other material. The cladding elements to be mounted and affixed have protruding pins that align with openings to channels or slides located on a support frame which has been secured to the inner periphery of the building reveal, aperture or recessed area to be covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Anthony David Marks
  • Patent number: 6151847
    Abstract: A window glass spacer is provided which includes a base. The base has a tapered recess for locating and centering the base on a frame of a vehicle. The base has, on opposite sides, clip-type clamps for connecting the base with a frame of an automotive vehicle adjacent a bottom end of a window glass opening. A cantilever support arm is connected with the base and a compliant pad is connected on the arm to support the window glass in a direction generally perpendicular to a major plane of the window glass. A plurality of cantilever spring fingers extend from the base. Each finger has a window glass support member provided on the end of the cantilever spring finger. The cantilever fingers having a serially decreasing length so that the position of the window glass with respect to a top end of the window glass opening can remain constant despite variations in window glass opening dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Okuniewicz, Robert R. Stieg
  • Patent number: 6151848
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing an access door assembly for providing entry to a crawl space or other storage area within a building is disclosed. The present access door assembly is constructed from a single blank of material by accurately cutting a door panel from the blank and simultaneously creating a peripheral frame wherein the door panel is mounted. The kerf resulting from the cutting process provides a predetermined clearance between the door panel and peripheral frame to permit installation of hinges and latching hardware to ensure proper functioning of the completed door assembly. The method of the present invention significantly reduces the labor costs involved in installing an access door by the conventional process, which requires sizing of a door to a preexisting opening, mortising hinges, and mitering and fitting a finished molding about the access door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Al Hunter
  • Patent number: 6151849
    Abstract: A composite door with a lite utilizes panels with aligned cutouts and a foam retainer member which extends about the cutouts between the panels to effect a seal. The retainer has a mounting portion extending inwardly from the cutout periphery. The lite is disposed in the cutout and it is secured by an external frame which has portions overlying the outer surface of the panel and its marginal portion. A clamp secured to the foam retainer and external frame and clamps the lite to the external frame, and an internal frame has portions overlying the outer surface of the other panel and the marginal portion of the other surface of the lite and conceals the clamp and fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Patricia Twigg, John J. Jurcak, Jr., John Martini