Patents Issued in December 19, 2000
  • Patent number: 6161334
    Abstract: A child and pet security gate is disclosed for use in larger passageways. The security gate includes multiple (at least three) telescopically sliding panels that extend to close the passageway and retract to minimum width. The extension and retractive relative sliding movement is progressive; thus, only one panel moves relative to another until it reaches its fully extended or retracted position. The security gate also includes mounting hardware that permits the gate to either hingeably pivot or to be removed for storage. A latching member securely closes the gate and is operable only by an adult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: North States Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John Walter Goodin
  • Patent number: 6161335
    Abstract: A balance shoe for a pivotable window sash assembly includes a base unit at the lower end of the balance shoe. The base unit includes a fixed wall having a movable wall connected thereto by a connecting structure. A cam is disposed between the fixed wall and the movable wall for moving the movable wall with respect to the fixed wall while the connecting structure maintains the movable wall in a generally parallel relationship with the fixed wall. The cam extends beyond the upper edge of the fixed wall and the movable wall. This arrangement of elements permits a smaller window to be used while still providing the same egress area when the window is open as compared to conventional window assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: CSB Enterprise, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Beard, Scott Beard, Colin Slocomb
  • Patent number: 6161336
    Abstract: A hinged and sliding door assembly for vehicles includes a door surround defining an opening, a door configured for mating with the door surround, and a hinge-and-slide mechanism for supporting, and defining movement of, the door relative to the surround. The hinge-and-slide mechanism has an intermediate element connected to the door by a hinge structure which defines an axis of rotation about which the door rotates relative to the intermediate element. A slide mechanism, associated with the intermediate element and the surround, is configured to define a slide path of the intermediate element relative to the surround. The slide mechanism is further configured to support the intermediate element such that this axis maintains a substantially constant orientation relative to the surround, thereby supporting the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Amir Ziv-Av
  • Patent number: 6161337
    Abstract: A window-regulator module comprises at least one rail on which slides at least one slider supporting a window. Cables and a drive motor drive the slider. The slider includes a sliding part complementary to the at least one rail with a lower end of the slider including a supporting surface for the window. At the lower end of the stroke of the slider, a lower edge of the window projects by a specified distance beyond the lower edge of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Patrick Morando
  • Patent number: 6161338
    Abstract: A cover for a rain gutter that prevents the gutter from becoming clogged with leaves or other debris while facilitating water entry to the gutter is disclosed. Specifically, the cover comprises a flange which may be disposed beneath the shingles of a roof, an substantially vertical apertured front portion containing aperture which divert the rain water into the gutter, a trough for collecting the water which fails to enter the apertures, and a second flange for connection to the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Richard L. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 6161339
    Abstract: An arrangement for anchoring a roof of a building so that it can resist wind forces captures each roof truss, or other roof framing member, under a wire rope passed through a sequence of eyebolts protruding above a top plate of one of the walls of. Each of the eyes is the upper portion of one of a plurality of rod assemblies, each of which is connected to a respective one of a plurality of anchors disposed beneath the wall. A turnbuckle connecting each rod assembly to a respective eyebolt is used to draw the eyebolt down against the top plate and hence apply tension to the wire rope. A connecting nut at the bottom of each rod assembly attaches the rod assembly to a threaded upper end of an anchor set in the foundation of the building. Thus, tightening the turnbuckles firmly ties down the roof to the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Hurri-Bolt Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Cornett, Sr., Robert M. Cornett, Jr., Alan Woehlk, Norman Crumpler
  • Patent number: 6161340
    Abstract: The invention relates to a goods storage area such as for use in transporting goods which are compressible and which can be loaded with the roof of the area, or possibly the floor, side or end walls of the same, in an extended position to define an area greater than the goods storage area. The compressible goods are loaded into the greater area defined and the roof, side wall or floor is returned to the closed position to compress the goods into the goods storage area. In order to allow sufficient strength for compression the invention provides for at least one intermediate support frame between the end walls and with means to cause the required movement between extended and closed positions to allow improved use of the storage area and strength of the goods storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: William Mark Adams
  • Patent number: 6161341
    Abstract: A simulated time ship dining and entertainment arrangement includes a building structure shaped like a dome and having outer side walls hingedly connected to a roof, inner side walls spaced from the outer side walls and forming display chambers therebetween, a ceiling supported by a simulated engine which is a transparent column resting upon a floor and supporting a dining table; multiple seating members disposed about upon the floor; multiple overhead display modules suspended from the ceiling and floor display modules both of which having image/sound producing equipment, lighting members and memorabilia disposed therein for simulating travel through various time periods; feet members and wheels for supporting and moving the building structure; and communications system for operating the image/sound producing equipment and for communicating to the host and for selecting the time period desired for a unique dining and entertainment arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Kent G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6161342
    Abstract: A civil engineering structure having an arched wall including a plurality of curve shaped elements. Each element bears against one or more other similar elements and has a recess arranged in an outer face for casting a concrete assembly capping piece and reinforcements. Each element also includes at least one rigid bearing piece fastened to the element and has, at a free end of the rigid bearing piece, a surface with a non-planar profile. The rigid bearing piece comes to bear against a similar piece of another element located opposite it. The two rigid bearing pieces have complementary profiles making it possible for them to be wedged vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Samflo
    Inventors: Laurent Jean Barbier, Alberto Antonio Melo Ferreira
  • Patent number: 6161343
    Abstract: A moisture barrier assembly for the end grain at the lower end of a wood casing such as door jambs, molding for exterior building sidings and window frames is disclosed. The barrier includes a moisture impervious plate such as plastic attached to and covering the entire lower surface of the casing. As an additional protective measure, a layer of a wood end grain sealant such as paraffin or other olefin wax is applied to the lower surface of the casing prior to attachment of the plate to the casing. The plate may also include one or more grooves or flutes across an upper surface portion thereof to permit air circulation between the plate and casing for drying the casing end grain in the event moisture seeps into the end grain through cracks or disruptions in the sealant layer from around the upper edges of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Robert H. Young
  • Patent number: 6161344
    Abstract: A water-proof window flange is of an elongated, extruded shape. In an end view, it includes a vertical first member, a horizontal second member extending forwards orthogonally from an intermediate position on the vertical member, and a third member extending backwards from a forward end of the horizontal second member. An inner end of the third member is positioned below and forward of a lower end of the first member. The top end of the vertical first member is for being positioned between a siding and subsiding of a wall. The bottom end of the vertical first member is for being positioned on top of a window frame. The inner end of the third member is for being positioned in front of the window frame, and below a top edge of the window frame. The top of the vertical first member is positioned far above the lower edge of the siding to prevent rain water from seeping around the top of the window flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Paul T. Blanchett
  • Patent number: 6161345
    Abstract: A tornado shelter having a rectangular horizontal top, a rectangular horizontal bottom disposed below and parallel to the top, a vertical forward end connected transversely the top and bottom, a vertical rear end connected transversely to the top and bottom opposite from the forward end, a pair of vertical side members connecting the top and the bottom on opposite sides thereof and extending longitudinally from the rear end to the front end, a substantially rectangular door frame connected to the top adjacent the front end, an access opening in the top communicating with the interior of the door frame, longitudinally extending tracks mounted in the door frame, a flat horizontally extending door adapted to be mounted in the door frame, the door having rollers thereon adapted to engage the tracks on the ledge, the door being mounted in closed position over the opening in the top when the door is adjacent the front of the tornado shelter, a latch mechanism attached to the forward edge of the door for securing th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Ted C. Hope, Edward P. Michels
  • Patent number: 6161346
    Abstract: A glazed roof has a ridge and at least one free ridge end, a ventilation path being provided through a ridge end component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Ultraframe (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Richardson
  • Patent number: 6161347
    Abstract: A space-dividing wall panel system having a plurality of base panels which are serially connectable one with the other to define a vertically enlarged wall supported on a floor. Each base panel is defined by at least one horizontal box-beam rigidly connected to a pair of laterally spaced apart vertical uprights which are connected at the opposite ends of the box-beam and have a reduced thickness compared thereto. With this clearance between the faces of the box-beam and the uprights, the box-beam, cross rails at the ends of the uprights as well as additional extension panels are formed with longitudinally extending channels which are positioned free of interference with the vertical uprights and aligned with serially-adjacent channels of serially-adjacent wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: X. Shawn Yu, Bryan R. Gingrich, Robert L. Tuttle, Keith Foco
  • Patent number: 6161348
    Abstract: A drop-out fire vent for a building has a plastic dome that softens and loses structural integrity with increasing temperature. However, the dome is prevented from dropping out by an internal trap door controlled by a fusible link that will release at a precise temperature. This allows the vent to be used in combination with sprinkler systems such as ESFR systems that require opening of the vent at a precise temperature after the sprinklers have been triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: C/S Construction Specialties Limited
    Inventor: Richard P. Morris
  • Patent number: 6161349
    Abstract: A turndown pad (20) having a deck panel sub-assembly (22) that is connected to side-wall sub-assemblies (24) by corner pultrusion members (26) and that is supported by a mounting pultrusion member (98). The deck panel sub-assembly (22) and the side-wall sub-assemblies (24) are constructed of lateral arrays of panel members (34). Selected side-wall sub-assemblies (24) are constructed of parallel lateral arrays of panel members (34) and pad (20 can also further include a portal trim member (110). In alternative embodiments, pad (20) can cooperate with an extension (120) and a platform anchor (124).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Dynacom Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey N. Carr
  • Patent number: 6161350
    Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas M. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 6161351
    Abstract: A decorative barge board system 1 comprising at least two discrete decorative members 3,3' of different patterns which are secured to a gable end ladder 2 by fixing means 5,5' which comprise screws 8,8' passing through apertures 7,7' provided in extensions 6,6' of the decorative members 3,3'. The extension 6 of member 3 is of identical outline to the rear face of the adjacent decorative member 3' which is secured over the extension 6 to conceal the fixing means 5. The decorative members 3,3' are jointed one to another by joining means which comprises a male clip attachment located on one end of the decorative member and a female clip attachment located on the opposite end of the decorative member whereby the female clip attachment of one decorative member receives the male clip attachment of an adjacent decorative member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Newmond Building Products Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth Simpson
  • Patent number: 6161352
    Abstract: A shear reinforcement system for a slab floor has at least one elongate shear reinforcement member positioned transverse to the plane of the slab floor. At least one securing element for securing at least one of the elongate shear reinforcement members is provided. The at least one securing element extends transverse to the at least one elongate shear reinforcement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Halfen GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Klaus Frohlich
  • Patent number: 6161353
    Abstract: A rigid backerboard for replacement or substitution for a cementuous backerboard. The board is formed of a compression molded plastic material, preferably nylon which is relatively thin, yet rigid. The board is embossed on both of its principal (upper and lower) surfaces to maximize surface area for contact with adhesive materials. The embossment on at least one of the sides is rectilinear, facilitating the cutting of standard sized rectangular panels into smaller rectangles. The embossment on the opposite side is designed to maximize adhesive contact area, a diamond pattern being preferable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Edward Negola, Arthur D. Gaynor
  • Patent number: 6161354
    Abstract: Siding panels and intermediate articles of their manufacture are provided. The siding panels include a central portion including an aesthetic pattern and a pair of lateral edge portions which are formed while the polymeric material is still above its heat deflection temperature, and preferably, when the central portion has been hot-formed and cooled. This invention improves the art for vacuum-forming siding panels, dentil molding and other building products made by continuous vacuum forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Gilbert, David Jacobson, Rick Lappin
  • Patent number: 6161355
    Abstract: A system of tracks, brackets and containers, typically empty beverage cans, assembled and used for temporary storage, temporary emergency shelters, toys, or other uses involving inexpensive and light weight building materials. The system is implemented by releasably attaching the containers to the tracks, then releasably attaching the tracks to each other either horizontally, vertically, or both to form structural elements such as beams, columns, or panels. The rigid tracks are made from a material which allows for apertures in the tracks to be sized to resiliently snap onto portions of the containers. The track may be formed in a variety of different shapes, such as straight, angled, curved, T-shaped or cross-shaped. Additionally, the brackets may be formed in a variety of different shapes to attach the track assemblies to each other in various orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Gratt
  • Patent number: 6161356
    Abstract: A building structure, as for a conservatory roof, in which hollow building panels of a plastic material are connected side-by-side by upper and lower coupling members, between adjacent building panels. The coupling members receive aluminum reinforcing beams having longitudinal slots, in which the lower coupling members are held together. Each building panel has an integral cap, which covers the upper coupling members of two adjacent building panels for holding the adjacent building panels together while such a reinforcing beam is slid therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Ultraframe (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Richardson
  • Patent number: 6161357
    Abstract: A brick with, preferably, two or three cylindrical passageways running from top to bottom, a cylindrical passageway running from one end to the opposite end, two linear grooves at one end and two linear projections at the other end which are of identical shape, and annular projections centered around the bores at top and annular grooves centered around the bores at the other side which are of identical shape. These passageways intersect, the linear grooves are slightly larger than the linear projections, and the annular grooves are slightly larger than the annular projections. The linear projections and grooves are spaced apart from the end-to-end cylindrical passageway, run from top to bottom and are preferably designed with a break for ease of assembly. When a group of bricks of are assembled into a wall, they will interlock in two different planes and will include interconnecting passageways in two planes. The bricks of this invention can be reinforced with rods or posts or filled with concrete or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Armin J. Altemus
  • Patent number: 6161358
    Abstract: A modular mobile drilling system and method of use supports land-based drilling operations on remote sites. Plural support boxes fixedly deployed in first and second rows define a drilling zone. A plurality of platform support beams disposed from the first row to the second row support a platform for holding drilling equipment. An actuator associated with the platform and beams skids the support beams relative to the boxes to align the platform with predetermined positions in the drilling zone, allowing the drilling of multiple wells along the length of the support box rows. The drilling equipment can also skid laterally across the drilling platform to support drilling of multiple rows of wells in the drilling zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: David A. Mochizuki, Siegfried Meissner, Stevan D. Stronach
  • Patent number: 6161359
    Abstract: The shoring includes a pair of fixed frames opposed to each other and a pair of collapsible reinforcing frames disposed between both ends of the fixed frames, the reinforcing frames each having collapsible baluster struts whose base ends are pivotally connected between end portions of the fixed frames, a support rod whose base end is pivotally connected to an intermediate position of the baluster struts, and plural braces whose base ends are pivotally connected to end portions of the fixed frames and whose front ends are mounted vertically slidably to the support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Tatsuo Ono
    Inventor: Tatsuo Ono
  • Patent number: 6161360
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar comprises a support assembly including a first support and a second support. The first support has a ground-engaging portion. The second support is coupled to the first support so that the ground-engaging portion provides subjacent support for the second support. The second support is structured and dimensioned to support a reinforcement bar in a substantially upright position. A support member is coupled to the support assembly. The support member is provided for vertically supporting another reinforcement bar. A method for supporting reinforcement bar comprises the steps of providing a ditch having a bottom surface and apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar. The method next comprises the step of positioning apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar in the ditch with an end of apparatus protruding from the ditch and a ground-penetrating portion driven in the bottom surface of the ditch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Earl D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6161361
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a composite structural member having a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending parallel flanges and a plurality of thermally insulative conductive web connectors intermittently disposed between the flanges, the web connectors having a pair of opposing ends, each end being attached to a respective flange, wherein at least two of the web connectors are longitudinally spaced apart from each other, thereby forming at least one open cavity defined by at least some portion of the flanges and the at least two web connectors, whereby the web connectors and the open cavity minimize thermal conductance between the flanges. The present invention includes a method of producing the composite structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Ezra Ehrenkrantz
  • Patent number: 6161362
    Abstract: A roof-mounted shade assembly for reducing solar heat gain includes an array of fabric panels that are tightly stretched between upright support posts in an operative position overlying and spaced from the roof of a building structure. Several spray nozzles periodically discharge water spray in the form of mist or fog into the space between the fabric panels and the building roof. The fabric panels become saturated with water spray, and fog/mist water droplets are in heat transfer contact with the roof surface and with the wet fabric panels. Thermal energy from the building structure is transferred to the surrounding atmosphere by convection and evaporative cooling as wind currents sweep across the wet fabric panels and the wet roof surface. The water-absorbent fabric panels simultaneously screen direct solar radiation and function as a thermal wick for transferring heat energy from the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Jack R. Forbis, Sr., Ann R. Forbis
  • Patent number: 6161363
    Abstract: Disclosed is the utilization of two halves for a door with tops, bottoms, and sides defining circumambient outside portions and a window portion having tops, bottoms, and sides forming a window circumambient portion, in which the circumambient portion of the outside and the circumambient portion of the window opening constitute dams which will preclude the flow of a foaming material. When the two door halves are secured together, the interior voids are filled with an expanding foam such as a two part urethane. The foam can be inserted through ports in the bottom and/or the top. In the final form, the frame two halves are secured together adhesively by the foam which adheres to the entire inner skin of both halves. The foam also provides insulation. Additionally, the foam reinforced by the skins imparts substantial structural strength to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Walter B. Herbst
  • Patent number: 6161364
    Abstract: A production process for a prefilled, sterile syringe comprising providing a sterilized syringe barrel having sealable proximal and sealable distal ends. The proximal end being opened and the distal end being closed and adapted for coupling with a syringe outlet piece. In accordance with the process, the distal end of the barrel is closed and the barrel is then filled through the proximal end while the proximal end is opened with a fluid medium in the form of a liquid, a solution, a suspension or an emulsion wherein the barrel contains the fluid medium in a portion of the barrel and contains a gaseous medium in another portion of the barrel. After the barrel has been filled, a sterile plug is inserted through the proximal end of the barrel to close the proximal end. After pressing the plug into the barrel, the barrel is vented through a tube extending past the plug so that only the liquid medium is within the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Scherring Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Reiner Kolberg
  • Patent number: 6161365
    Abstract: The bagging apparatus comprises a frame defining an opening for receiving bundles to be sheathed, bag retaining hook members mounted to the frame and displaceable between a retracted position for receiving an expandable sheath and an extended position where the sheath is stretched for allowing bundles to be introduced into the sheath through the upstream open ended portion thereof. Advancement mechanisms are provided for displacing the bundles through the bagging apparatus. A sealing unit located on a downstream side of the frame is operational for wrapping bundles into individual hermetic bags taken from the sheath. A loading arm may also be provided for installing the sheath onto the bag retaining hook members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Denis Comact Inc.
    Inventors: Yves Girard, Claude Labonte
  • Patent number: 6161366
    Abstract: An apparatus for transversely sealing and severing a thermoplastic wrapper sleeve to obtain individual packages, includes a first welding and severing unit movable back and forth in a first direction and having a first holder; a heated rail and a first clamping mechanism, both supported by the first holder. The first clamping mechanism has first and second clamping components movable toward and away from one another in a second direction oriented transversely to the first direction. A second welding and severing unit is movable back and forth in the first direction and having a second holder; a spring-loaded counter holder mounted on the second holder for cooperating with the rail; and a second clamping mechanism supported by the second holder and having third and fourth clamping components movable toward and away from one another in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: SIG Pack Systems AG
    Inventors: Gunther Bausch, Thomas Strasser
  • Patent number: 6161367
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with a process of manufacturing filled drinking cups closed by cover foil blanks heat-sealed thereto and formed by deep-drawing from a thermoplastic packing material strip, comprising a beaded peripheral flange, with the cover foil blanks being provided with a pull flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Hassia Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Walter
  • Patent number: 6161368
    Abstract: A baler for forming rectangular bales from harvested crop and including a baling channel having an inlet opening, a pressure piston reciprocating in the baling channel and periodically closing and opening the inlet opening, a continuously driven rake conveyor for delivering the harvested crop through the inlet opening of the baling channel synchronously with reciprocating movement of the pressure piston, a switch mechanism for periodically turning off the rake conveyor, and a brake for retraining the rake conveyor for at least one delivery period in its undelivering position outside of a delivery channel, and a control unit for turning on the rake conveyor synchronously with the reciprocating movement of the pressure piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Welger GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Wilkens, Jurgen Rohrbein
  • Patent number: 6161369
    Abstract: A rotational raking device for coupling to a rotating device that rotates the raking device about a longitudinal axis for raking leaves and other loose debris of a lawn. The rotational raking device includes an elongate shaft with opposite ends and a longitudinal axis that extends between the ends. A pair of elongate first brackets each have an axis that extends between opposite ends thereof. Each of the brackets is coupled to the shaft. Each of the brackets has a plurality of spikes that extend outwardly from it. Also disclosed is a rotating device for rotating the raking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Guerdon M. Monk
  • Patent number: 6161370
    Abstract: An endless transport belt made of thermoresistant synthetic filaments for transporting yarn is described, which yarn is wound around a plurality of transport belts in the form of loops, said transport belts being arranged polygonal in cross section. In order to reduce stretching of the transport belt, at least one reinforced thread is included among the synthetic filaments, which reinforced thread is preferably a steel wire or cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignees: Seil-Baur GmbH, Michael Hoerauf GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Tilman Bertram
  • Patent number: 6161371
    Abstract: A Rope-like apparatus is provided which comprises a hook and loop type fabric oriented in a variety of geometric patterns and configurations which facilitate self attachment when the opposing hook and loop type material come in operable contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Spyderco, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis S. Glesser
  • Patent number: 6161372
    Abstract: To increase the self-supporting lengths and to achieve a higher load-bearing capacity for an energy guide chain, there is proposed a chain link which has two spaced-apart, mutually oppositely disposed, plate-shaped chain link portions (9) and at least one transverse portion connected to the chain link portions (9). At least one chain link portion (9) has a core (1). The core (1) is enclosed by a core sheathing (10). The core (1) is such that it has a higher level of strength than the core sheathing (10). It is proposed that the core (1) comprises a metallic material. The core sheathing comprises a plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Kabelschlepp GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Wehler
  • Patent number: 6161373
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a foldable protective element for, in particular movably laid, lines, which is cast or injection-moulded in one piece from plastic material substantially in an approximately level, flat configuration, and has segments (11, 12, 13, 14) which are connected together by bendable bridges (15), wherein the protective element has a bottom segment (11) with a top side (4) and an underside (5), and at least one wall segment (12), which can be shaped to form a closed passage portion (10) by bending and/or folding in the direction of the top side (4) of the bottom segment (11) and mechanical closure of a closing mechanism (16, 17), and wherein the protective element (1) is so connected or connectable to other similar protective elements (2) that the passage portions (10) form in a longitudinal direction (S) a passage for lines. A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which an entire series of protective elements is injection-moulded in one piece, with end portions (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Kabelschlepp GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Heidrich, Lorenz Klein, Herbert Wehler, Willibald Weber
  • Patent number: 6161374
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine (8) has a plurality of gas generators (28, 30, 32, 34) which generate and cool pressurized gas streams (38, 40) that are combined in a high efficiency topping cycle in a wave rotor convertor (36). The output of the wave rotor convertor (36) drives a single power turbine (24). Each gas generator may comprise an aircraft-type turbofan engine (28B, 30B). An electric generator (48) is selectively driven by each gas generator (28, 30, 32, 34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Anatoly Sverdlin
  • Patent number: 6161375
    Abstract: An air separation plant has a product nitrogen compressor arranged to be driven by a steam turbine adapted to be operated in a cycle in which steam is able to be raised in a steam generator by heat exchange of water with hot gaseous exhaust from a gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventor: Brian Anthony Keenan
  • Patent number: 6161376
    Abstract: The present invention aims at executing an air-fuel ratio feedback control making use of a wide range air-fuel ratio sensor, such that the purifying performance of an exhaust gas purification catalytic converter is exhibited to the utmost. To this end, fuel is injected from a fuel injection valve by establishing a fuel injection quantity, in consideration of a perturbation control constant for oscillating the air-fuel ratio at a predetermined period with a predetermined amplitude. Thus, even when the air-fuel ratio feedback control is executed making use of the detected result of the wide range air-fuel ratio sensor, it becomes possible to conduct a so-called perturbation control in which the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas at the inlet portion of the exhaust gas purification catalytic converter is oscillated at a predetermined period with a predetermined amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Uchikawa
  • Patent number: 6161377
    Abstract: An internal-combustion engine system includes an internal-combustion engine with a pertaining engine exhaust gas system, an emissions control device having an NO.sub.x storage catalyst arranged in the exhaust gas system, a lambda probe for detecting the engine air ratio and devices for the periodic desulfurization of the catalyst at a raised temperature and a rich air ratio of the latter, as well as to an operating process suitable for this system. The desulfurization devices comprise secondary air feeding devices for feeding secondary air into the NO.sub.x storage catalyst. During the desulfurization phases, the engine is operated at a rich air ratio and secondary air is metered into the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Walter Boegner, Guenter Karl, Bernd Krutzsch, Christof Schoen, Dirk Voigtlaender, Guenter Wenninger
  • Patent number: 6161378
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus for use in an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust gas duct connected to the engine through which exhaust gas containing NO.sub.x gas passes, and a catalyst disposed in the exhaust gas duct such that it contacts the exhaust gas. The catalyst chemically adsorbs NO.sub.x when a stoichiometric amount of a gaseous oxidizing agent present in the exhaust gas is larger than that of a gaseous reducing agent present in the exhaust gas for reducing NO.sub.x, adsorbed NO.sub.x is catalytically reduced in the presence of a reducing agent when the stoichiometric amount of the oxidizing agent is not larger that of the reducing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hanaoka, Osamu Kuroda, Ryouta Doi, Hidehiro Iizuka, Toshio Ogawa, Hisao Yamashita, Shigeru Azuhata, Yuichi Kitahara, Toshifumi Hiratsuka, Kojiro Okude, Norihiro Shinotsuka, Toshio Manaka
  • Patent number: 6161379
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for withstanding the high temperatures in the exhaust assembly of an internal combustion engine. A quilted insulating element is extended about a liner of a manifold or port liner. The liner in this invention is preferably ceramic. After assembling the insulating element about the liner, a metallic ring is installed for support during casting. A metallic housing, preferably cast iron, can then be cast around the liner, insulating element, and metallic ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Haselkorn, Michael C. Long
  • Patent number: 6161380
    Abstract: A booster 3 has a structure that a return valve 14 is formed into a two-step throttle incorporating a first throttle valve 36 and a second throttle valve 37 formed continuously from the first throttle valve 36. When a valve spool 28 has been moved forwards when the operation is performed, a gap of the first throttle valve 36 is reduced. Also a gap of the second throttle valve 37 is reduced. Therefore, hydraulic fluid discharged from a pump is passed through an inlet passage 12, and then introduced into the second annular groove 13. Then, the hydraulic fluid is throttled by the first throttle valve 36, and then throttled by the second throttle valve 37. That is, the hydraulic fluid is throttled in the two-step throttling manner. As a result of the two-step throttling structure, the overall velocity of the flow of the hydraulic fluid can smoothly be changed without rapid change. Therefore, fluid flow noise caused from the change in the velocity of the flow can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuraji Yamashita, Osamu Kanazawa, Hiroyuki Yamaga
  • Patent number: 6161381
    Abstract: In a Stirling engine with a cylinder head which can be heated, with a plurality of heating pipes bent in approximately U shape and with a cooler the the heat transfer to the heating pipes and the efficiency of the cooler are improved. This For this purpose the outwardly directed pipe sections (4c) of the heating pipes (4) through which the working medium flows are provided at least locally with a ceramic backing (11) for optimization of the flow (10) of the heating gas and the cooler is in the form of a light metal body (20) with radial ribs (23) within a pot-like housing (21), through which cooling water flows. The spacing of the radial ribs (23) from one another is greater than the gap (25) between the pot inner wall and the outer radial ribs bounding wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: SIPRA Patententwicklungs- u. Beteilgungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Tim Lohrmann
  • Patent number: 6161382
    Abstract: A three-layered metallic semiconductor strip in the form of a thermocouple with self-contained heating and cooling means when an electrical current is applied thereto to cause the controlled expansion and contraction of selected layers to move the strip to accomplish work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Gregory R. Brotz
  • Patent number: 6161383
    Abstract: A control system for the supercharging pressure of a supercharged internal combustion engine includes, for the purpose of using the dynamic properties of the turbocharger with adjustable turbine geometry of the internal combustion engine with respect to the supercharging pressure buildup, an open-loop control device in the operating path to the actuator; a turnoff regulating device for determining a regulation pulse duty factor which can be fed additively to the operating path; a changeover device arranged between the regulating device and the operating path; and a precontrol device for calculating a graduated precontrol pulse duty factor which can be fed to the operating path via an adder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Werner Aschner, Philipp Bukovsek