Patents Issued in January 9, 2001
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Patent number: 6170836Abstract: The invention concerns a clamping device for securing a draw-in nipple (12) to a clamping plate, having a receptacle (11) into which the draw-in nipple (12) is insertable, and having a clamping mechanism in order to immobilize the draw-in nipple (12) in the receptacle (11), and is characterized in that at least one air delivery conduit (23), connectable to a compressed air source, opens into the receptacle (11).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Vischer & Bolli AGInventor: Ernst Etter
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Patent number: 6170837Abstract: An assembly for wheels which are mountable on objects, such as in-line skates and wheel chairs, which have a frame for receiving the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Charles Ross
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Patent number: 6170838Abstract: The vehicle includes a suspended running chassis (1) making it possible to define a longitudinal and vertical plane forming a reference on the chassis (1), the preferred running direction being parallel to the longitudinal plane, and at least two wheel connecting systems, the wheels (2) of which are not aligned relative to the longitudinal plane, the wheel connecting systems being mounted on the chassis (1) on either side of the latter in the transverse direction, each of the wheel connecting systems including a wheel (2) mounted on a support (5) by means of a suspension device allowing vertical deflection of the wheel (2) relative to the support (5), the suspensions being independent of one another. Each support (5) is mounted on the chassis (1) by means of a camber mechanism which includes a camber lever (4) and an actuating lever (40) making it possible to vary the camber angle of the corresponding wheel (2).Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Conception et Developpement Michelin S.A.Inventors: Daniel Laurent, Marc Sebe
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Patent number: 6170839Abstract: A tool cart includes a tool chest, a convertible hand truck, a tool box, at least one extension cord reel, netting structure, and at least one side storage bag. The tool chest has a plurality of drawers and is securely fastened to the convertible hand truck. The tool box is securely fastened to a top of the tool chest. One extension cord reel is attached to each side of the tool box. The tool chest and tool box may be locked for security reasons. The netting structure may be fastened around projections extending from each side of the tool chest for retaining spools of wire and the like. At least one side storage bag is attached to a side of the tool chest to act as a cover for power tools. The tool cart is preferably transported by pushing thereof in a horizontal position. The tool cart is preferably placed in a vertical position during use.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Chris L. Kizewski
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Patent number: 6170840Abstract: A safety stand for helping keep a user stable and upright while in-line skating. The safety stand includes an upper ring defining a center space. A plurality of support legs downwardly extend from the upper ring to support the upper ring above a ground surface. The lower end of each of the support legs has a ground engaging swivel wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Jeri Mathias
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Patent number: 6170841Abstract: A steering system for a straddle type four-wheeled all terrain vehicle comprises a steering shaft, a first stopping mechanism combined with a lower end part of the steering shaft, and a second stopping mechanism combined with an upper end of the steering shaft. The first stopping mechanism comprises a first shaft-side stopper including a base plate welded to a part of the steering shaft near the lower end of the steering shaft so that the opposite side parts thereof project on the right and the left side of the steering shaft, and adjusting bolts fixed to the opposite side parts of the base plate, and a first frame-side stopper attached to a body frame of the vehicle and provided with a stopping projection. The second stopping mechanism comprises a second shaft-side stopper similar to the first and a second frame-side stopper including an upper bracket fixed to the frame of the all-terrain vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Fumio Mizuta
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Patent number: 6170842Abstract: A step assembly in combination with a vehicle having a frame and a rear bumper, with an upper surface and a generally vertical outer face, attached to the vehicle frame has an attachment leg with a generally perpendicularly extending step portion. A step bracket supported on the outer face of the bumper mounts the step for swinging movement from a first operative position in which one side of the attachment leg is disposed generally vertically adjacent the bumper face and the step portion extends generally perpendicularly to a retracted second position in which the opposite side of the attachment leg lies vertically adjacent the bumper and the step portion is inversely disposed and extends along the upper surface of the bumper. A lock device is automatically operative between the mount and step under the influence of gravity for releasably locking the step in both positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Bad River, Inc.Inventor: Gerald E. Mueller
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Patent number: 6170843Abstract: A step holding member has a first end which is insertable into a receiver-type trailer hitch and a second end which is adapted for holding a step member for stepping onto the tailgate of a pickup truck. In another embodiment of the invention the step holding member telescopes in and out towards a side of a pickup truck allowing for easy storage when telescoped in. In a third embodiment the step holding member folds inwards from the pickup towards the trailer hitch for storage. A fourth embodiment is adapted for mounting directly onto a trailer hitch drawbar so that the hitch may be used for towing with the step in place for use.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventors: Bobby Maxwell, Robert Maxwell
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Patent number: 6170844Abstract: A novel dual bicycle connecting kit for connecting two bicycles in a side-by-side relationship. The kit may comprise a fixed handle bar coupling assembly attached to the first bicycle; one or more frame coupling assemblies attached at one end to the first bicycle and attached at the other end to the second bicycle. Also, one or more steering coupling assemblies may be attached at one end to the first bicycle and attached at the other end to the second bicycle. Another feature of the kit is that a canopy assembly may be provided having a canopy support frame and a canopy where the canopy support frame is attached to the first bicycle and the second bicycle and the canopy is attached to the canopy support frame. Alternate embodiments may provide a seat assembly having a seat support frame and seat wherein the seat support frame is attached to the first bicycle and the second bicycle and the seat is attached to the seat support frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Paul Sasi
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Patent number: 6170845Abstract: A bicycle frame that provides a damping capability includes a downtube having a first end and a second end, a seat tube integrally extending from the downtube, a pair of chain stays pivotally connected to the downtube between the ends, a pair of linking rods each having a first arm pivotally connected to the second end of the downtube, a second arm and a third arm, a first damper having a cylinder body pivotally connected to the pair of chain stays and a first piston rod pivotally connected to the pair of linking rods between the first arms, a second damper having a second cylinder body pivotally connected to the seat tube, a second piston rod pivotally connected to the pair of linking rods between the second arms, and a spring disposed between the second cylinder and the second piston rod.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Merida Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Diing-Huang Tseng
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Patent number: 6170846Abstract: A vehicle support system for maintaining a vehicle in an upright position. The support system includes a base plate attached to a side surface and first and second mounting blocks attached to the base plate. Pivotably mounted between the first and second mounting blocks is a shaft to which a support leg and ratchet gear are fixedly mounted. A slot is formed in an upper body portion of the second mounting block which laterally extends over the ratchet gear. Mounted in the slot is a plunger and a biasing spring which downwardly biases the plunger such that a lower side surface thereof rides along an exterior side surface of the ratchet gear to allow the support leg to pivot, from an initial position, in a first direction along a first plane generally orthogonal to the side surface of the vehicle. Outwardly projecting faces formed along the exterior side surface of the ratchet gear engage the plunger to prevent the support leg from pivoting in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, along the plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Jeffrey W. Holter
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Patent number: 6170847Abstract: A two-seat center-tracking motor vehicle with a narrow body completely enclosing the occupants designed for maximum compactness, energy efficiency, high performance in term of acceleration, speed and maneuverability, and maximum protection of the occupants. The vehicle has two primary road wheels arranged in tandem, and is stabilized at low speeds by a pair of ski-rollers attached to a pair of outrigger struts which are tucked within the width of the body during normal operation. The outrigger struts may be swung outward to widen the base of support when necessary in adverse condition, and they are also capable of lifting the vehicle upright should it fall flat on its side. Suspension and actuation of the outrigger mechanism is by oleo-pneumatic principle.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Roger N. C. Pham
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Patent number: 6170848Abstract: An articulated train such as a coal haulage system includes first, second, third and fourth vehicles pivotally pinned to one another in end-to-end relationship. In the improvement, the train includes a steering system having first mechanism for selectively securing the second and third vehicles in aligned relationship and second mechanism for selectively securing the third and fourth vehicles in aligned relationship. Turn control mechanism unlocks the first mechanism when the first vehicle turns through a predetermined angle. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second mechanism includes an actuator and a hydraulic valve which coacts with such actuator. The steering system locks those vehicles following the first vehicle in an aligned (i.e.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.Inventor: Edward Wechner
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Patent number: 6170849Abstract: An articulated air suspended hydraulic-dampened fifth wheel hitch coupling device for isolating the front of a fifth wheel or goose neck trailer hitch from the shock of bumps in the road and the inertia of movement of the trailer. Two inflatable air springs operatively connected to the pressurized air system of the tow vehicle eliminates vertical fifth wheel load from being transferred from the trailer to the tow vehicle. Additionally, an oscillating rocker connected transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle allows the fifth wheel hitch to pivot in a transverse motion to eliminate load from being transferred from the trailer to the tow vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Eugene L. McCall
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Patent number: 6170850Abstract: A fifth wheel type hitch adapted for engaging a king pin of a trailer comprises a hitch head with downwardly opening pivot saddles which are pivotally supported on pivot bearings on a hitch base such that the hitch head pivots fore and aft relative to the hitch base. Outer portions of the pivot bearings are preferably formed from polyurethane. Latches, secured to the hitch head adjacent each pivot saddle, biasingly engage the pivot bearings when the hitch head is supported on the hitch base to prevent the hitch head from being separated therefrom. Lift handles connected to each latch are graspable by a user and pivotal to advance the latches to an unlatching position such that the hitch head can be separated from the hitch base and such that further lifting on the lift handles lifts the hitch head off of the hitch base. The hitch head comprises an intermediate pivot frame, in which the pivot saddles are formed and a coupler assembly which is adapted to releasably engage the king pin.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: B & W Custom Truck Beds, Inc.Inventor: Joseph W. Works
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Patent number: 6170851Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch (10) has a skid plate (28) pivotally mounted to a housing (18) for lateral pivotable movement. The hitch is closed with a sliding jaw plate and has a lock block (54) that optionally can affix the skid plate to the housing during towing of a trailer. Both the jaw plate (36) and lock block (54) are operated and set by a handle (20) that extends out of the side of the housing. The handle has a crank (21) that can both be rotated and pulled by the operator from the side of a pickup truck for convenience in operation to control both opening and closing the hitch and selectively setting the lock block.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Reese Products, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Lindenman, Rick McCoy
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Patent number: 6170852Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for allowing a user to simultaneously extend and pivot the distal end of the trailer hitch to position the hitch ball in a desired position. The inventive device includes a support frame attachable to a vehicle, a telescoping structure pivotally attached within the support frame, and a spring-loaded locking pin attached to the support frame for selectively engaging the telescoping structure for preventing extension and pivoting movement. The telescoping structure comprises a receiver member pivotally attached within the support frame, an extending member slidably positioned within the receiver member for supporting a conventional hitch ball, a lock aperture within the extending member for catchably receiving the locking pin, at least one guide slot within the receiver member, and at least one guide pin for sliding within the at least one guide slot.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Alan M. Kimbrough
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Patent number: 6170853Abstract: A removable front wheel assembly for a stroller is provided that is able to be disassembled from the stroller frame for shipment and assembled by the consumer upon receipt for use. The invention has applicability to any stroller configuration where, in the stroller's folded configuration, the front wheel assembly comprises the outer-most structure of the stroller which defines at least one dimension for the shipping cube of the stroller. The front wheel assembly, which is comprised of the stroller's wheels, lower front leg tubes, framing support structure, and a footrest, if provided, is joined to the stroller frame at a location external to an outer-most frame structure hinge point so as to reduce the complexity of the task of assembling the stroller for the consumer. A swaged joint and connector is utilized to connect the lower front leg tubes of the front wheel assembly to the upper front leg tubes of the stroller's frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventors: Bryan M. Brown, Brian L. Badger
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Patent number: 6170854Abstract: A convertible stroller and shopping vehicle having a stroller portion and a shopping vehicle portion. The stroller portion includes a seat which is movable from a deployed position to a stowed position. In the deployed position, the invention is used as a stroller. The shopping vehicle portion includes a collapsible receptacle that can be oriented in one of two orientations. In an open orientation, the receptacle creates a shopping cart while in a collapsed orientation the invention can be used to transport bulk materials.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Nelson Whittaker, Ltd.Inventors: Susan H. Maher, Jay A. Maher
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Patent number: 6170855Abstract: A web roll cart for loading, unloading, and transporting rolls of web material wherein a handle may be pivoted between two different orientations, regardless of the presence of a roll of web material thereon. The two handle orientations permit the cart to be steered from either of two sides, and further permits a roll of web material to be presented to a web handling device in either of two orientations. A locking mechanism is provided so that the handle may be locked securely in either orientation while the cart is being steered. In a preferred embodiment, the web roll cart further includes four wheels, with two of the four wheels on casters for steering, and a v-shaped bed for receiving a roll of web material.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Roll Systems, Inc.Inventor: Peter E. Bianchetto
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Patent number: 6170856Abstract: An extension for trailer for increasing the cargo-carrying capacity of a trailer. The extension for trailer includes a generally A-shaped frame with a pair of straight arm members oriented in a generally V-shaped configuration and a cross member extending between the arm members. Inner ends of the arm members is coupled to a bottom of a trailer. Outer ends of the arm members come together at a coupler. The coupler is adapted for mounting on a ball hitch of a towing vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Arthur C. Pena
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Patent number: 6170857Abstract: An airbag system for a front passenger's seat of the top-mount type according to the invention is arranged in an instrument panel below a windshield. The front passenger's seat airbag system is constructed to include a door, a case and an airbag. The door is arranged on the upper face of the instrument panel. The case houses and holds the airbag in a folded state. The airbag, as housed in the case, is expanded by injecting an inflating gas into a gas inlet port so that the airbag protrudes to open the door and inflate towards the rear side of a vehicle along the windshield. The airbag is equipped with a commutator cloth arranged to cover the gas inlet port. This commutator cloth is arranged to close the two sides in the transverse direction of the vehicle and to open the two sides in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This front passenger's seat airbag system reduces the expansion rate of the airbag towards the rear of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Okada, Kazumasa Suzuki, Yuji Kuriyama, Hiroshi Ogawa
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Patent number: 6170858Abstract: A fastener means for a vehicle occupant restraint system equipped with a gas bag comprises a holder part, a stud non-rotatably connected to the holder part and a nut screwable on the stud. One of the stud and the nut comprises one of a self-tapping and thread-forming thread, the other one of both parts which has no thread defines a counterpart. The thread deforms a thread in the counterpart in one of a tapping, forming and elastically deforming manner so that the nut after being screwed on is locked against turning out of place.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbHInventor: J{umlaut over (u)}rgen Berger
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Patent number: 6170859Abstract: A cover for a gas bag restraint system, with a limiting strap (7) fastened thereto and embedded in the gas bag cover (1) is characterized in that the embedding of the limiting strap (7) into the cover (1) takes place such that the cover (1), when it is held back by the limiting strap (1) in the case of restraint, tears open in a defined manner in the region around the exit place (9) of the limiting strap (7) and remains attached to the limiting strap (7) by a region which is not torn open.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Armin Kausch
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Patent number: 6170860Abstract: A gas bag for a vehicular occupant restraint system comprises two plies of fabric partially interwoven along their outer edges. To offer protection over a lengthy period in time amounting to several seconds but nevertheless dissipate the energy of impact to the required degree on impact and cushioning of the occupant, the plies of fabric are substantially air-tight, and the volume of the gas bag is divided by partial interweaving of the plies of fabric within the outer edges into several chambers. Further, the chambers are interconnected by at least one choked port remaining between the portions of the interwoven plies of fabric. Only part of the chambers is directly inflated by an inflator, the remaining part of the chambers being indirectly inflated via the choked port.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stefan Denz, Norbert Lang
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Patent number: 6170861Abstract: A head side gas bag restraint system for occupants of a vehicle having a vehicle compartment includes a gas bag, a receiving container for the gas bag, which container is to be secured to the vehicle, and an ejection channel for gas bag unfolding in the case of restraint. The receiving container has an outer wall, an inner wall facing the passenger compartment in an installed state of the system, and at least one flap which closes the container in a non-activated state of the system and which swings open in the case of restraint. The channel is formed between the outer and inner walls, the flap having structures arranged thereon. The structures have recesses or cavities and are plastically deformed by the impact of the head of the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Hans-Joachim Tietze
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Patent number: 6170862Abstract: A steering column safety device for use in a motor vehicle having a steering wheel for communicating steering torque to a steering mechanism, and having a collision sensing assembly for sensing a collision, includes a hollow cylinder having a top end and a bottom end, the top end being sized and configured for fixed, torque-transmitting connection to a steering wheel; a piston residing within the cylinder for sliding, telescopic reciprocation between an extended position and a collapsed position; an elongated rod with first and second ends, the first end being secured to the piston and the second end being sized and configured for fixed, torque-transmitting connection to the steering mechanism; structure for transmitting torque between the cylinder and the rod; a sealing assembly for sealing the hollow cylinder to define a fluid-tight cavity within the hollow cylinder between the piston and the top end of the cylinder, the fluid-tight cavity containing prior-to-collision pressurized gas; and, a mechanism to rType: GrantFiled: August 5, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Unique Technologies, L.P.Inventors: Larry D. Hoagland, William V. Hoagland
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Patent number: 6170863Abstract: An air belt device which, after an air belt is deployed in a collision, can gradually discharge gas outside, thereby reducing the impact applied to the body of the occupant which is pushed against the air belt. Once an inflator 58 is actuated in the state that a tongue 14 is engaged with a buckle 16, seal members 61, 41 are opened by gas pressure so that gas is supplied through a first gas path 51 of the buckle 16 and a first guide path 21 of the tongue 14 to an air belt 2B so as to inflate the air belt 2B. After that, the gas pressure is applied to seal members 42, 62 so as to open the seal member 42, 62 so that the gas in the air belt 2B is discharged through a second gas path 52.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Takeuchi, Yoji Suyama
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Patent number: 6170864Abstract: A floor sensor 32 measures a deceleration G applied to the length of a vehicle and outputs the deceleration as the measurement G. An arithmetic unit 58 carries out a predetermined arithmetic operation on the measurement G output from the floor sensor 32, so as to determine a function f(G). A conditional activation unit 60 has a variation pattern of a threshold value T that varies with a variation in velocity v of a non-stationary object. The conditional activation unit 60 reads a threshold value T corresponding to an input velocity v from the variation pattern and compares the threshold value T with the value of the function f(G). In case that the value of the function f(G) exceeds the threshold value T, an activation signal A is input to a driving circuit 34. A satellite sensor 30 outputs an ON signal when a deceleration of not less than a predetermined reference value is applied to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koichi Fujita, Takao Akatsuka, Motomi Iyoda, Koichi Sugiyama, Hiromichi Fujishima, Tomokazu Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 6170865Abstract: The present invention 18 discloses a device which will release a vehicular seal 12 in the event tile vehicle air bag 25 is deployed, for example, in the event of an accident. The apparatus discloses an electromagnetic lock assembly 24 attached to the vehicle seat 12 wherein the lock assembly 24 is releasably attached to a track 22 and wheel assembly 26 which it fixedly mounted to the vehicle in such a manner that the electromagnetic lock assembly 24 can slide back and forth upon the track 22 and wheel assembly 26. The electromagnetic lock assembly 24 of the present invention, normally keeps the lock assembly 24 in a closed position so that the seat 12 will not move.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Martin Barron
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Patent number: 6170866Abstract: A control apparatus for a restraint device in a motor vehicle has a detector for detecting a child seat disposed on a vehicle seat, a pickup for determining the position of the vehicle seat, and an evaluation device. The evaluation device furnishes a control signal for the restraint device as a function of the vehicle seat position and as a function of a status signal of the detector for detecting a child seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Popp, G{umlaut over (u)}nter Heitzer, Ralf-Johannes Lenninger
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Patent number: 6170867Abstract: An inflator and method of gas generation are provided using a linear ignition source to initiate reaction of a decomposing material.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Karl K. Rink, David J. Green
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Patent number: 6170868Abstract: A hybrid inflator that includes a solid propellant and a pressurized medium comprising oxygen and at least one inert gas is provided. The solid propellant can be fuel-rich in that without excess oxygen it generates significant amounts of CO and H2. The at least one inert gas is contained in an inflator housing and the amount thereof is greater, on a molar basis, than the oxygen. The propellant has acceptable long-term stability in that such propellant does not ignite when exposed to a temperature of 107° C. for a period of 400 hours.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Autoliv ASP Inc.Inventors: Ron J. Butt, Brent A. Parks, Dean W. Grages, James L. Baglini, Robert N. Renz, Brian K. Hamilton
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Patent number: 6170869Abstract: An inflator showing stable operating capability is provided wherein an opening of a gas generator for an air bag which communicates with the atmosphere is closed by a moisture-proof seal tape that is able to prevent a gas generating agent in the gas generator from absorbing moisture or water vapors. The opening of the gas generator which communicates with the atmosphere is closed by the moisture-proof seal tape comprising a substrate and an adhesive. The water vapor permeability of the seal tape is such that the rate of increase in the weight due to moisture absorption of the gas generating agent stored in the gas generator is 2.0% or smaller when the gas generator is left for 20 days in a constant-temperature, constant-humidity chamber kept at a temperature of 80° C. and humidity of 90%.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Shogo Tomiyama
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Patent number: 6170870Abstract: The invention concerns a gas bag for an airbag module, the gas bag being concertinaed in the region of a gas generator in the rest state. According to the invention, the gas bag stack formed by the concertina folds is additionally curved at least once in a plane extending perpendicular to the fold surfaces and parallel to the fold edges. A gas bag folded in this way can easily unfold since no section thereof is folded over the other.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Petri AGInventor: Thomas Marotzke
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Patent number: 6170871Abstract: An inflatable trim panel assembly (20) operable to provide a gas-filled cushion for protecting the vehicle occupant in an accident situation. The trim panel assembly (20) includes a support member (22), an elastic skin (24) attached to the periphery of the support member (22), and tethers (28) that are secured between the elastic skin (24) and the support member (22). The trim panel assembly (20) also includes an inflator (26) which, upon activation, supplies gas to the sealed area (30) between the elastic skin (24) and the support member (22) causing expansion of the elastic skin (24) and formation of an energy absorbing safety restraint cushion. The tethers (28) shape the elastic skin (24) so that the body of the vehicle occupant may be properly directed into the location for optimum safety restraint.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gregory N. Goestenkors, Philip A. Shishmian
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Patent number: 6170872Abstract: A deformation element in a motor vehicle, especially for a dashboard, comprises at least one deformation body with a honeycomb cross section and encloses a cavity which is open on both sides. The wall of the cross section is closed all the way around, and is deformable to absorb energy and is subjected to an impact in the vicinity of one honeycomb side of the cross section for that purpose. The wall of the deformation body is formed from at least two partial sections connected with one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Juergen Bair, Georg Bauer, Alban Bossenmaier, Bernhard Holzapfel, Friedrich Reiter
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Patent number: 6170873Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a steering column of an automotive vehicle includes a mounting bracket secured to the steering column. Upper fasteners rigidly secured to vehicle support structure extend through longitudinally extending upper slots in the mounting bracket. Lower fasteners rigidly secured to the vehicle support structure extend through longitudinally extending lower slots in the mounting bracket. The connection of the fasteners in the slots of the mounting bracket releases in response to longitudinal collapse of the steering column in a frontal impact. The vehicle support structure overlies the mounting bracket to resist upward displacement of the mounting bracket when the steering column collapses. Pull loop assemblies are associated with the lower fasteners. Each pull loop assembly includes a generally U-shaped strap of flexible, bendable material having a first leg connected to one of the lower fasteners. Each strap has a second leg which is unattached.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Mirjana Jurik, Rodney L. Eaton, Kurt E. Hofmeister, Scott D. Laney, David S. Miller
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Patent number: 6170874Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting the occupant of a motor vehicle including a seat belt for restraining the occupant and a stress-bearing structure are disclosed. The apparatus includes a steering shaft, a steering column supporting the steering shaft, the steering column displaceably mounted with respect to the stress-bearing structure, a first energy absorber for absorbing energy upon displacement of the steering column with respect to the stress-bearing structure by the occupant, a sensor for detecting a condition in which the occupant is restrained by the seat belt, a second energy absorber for absorbing energy upon displacement of the steering column with respect to the stress-bearing structure by the occupant, and a lock for permitting absorption of energy by the second energy-absorbing unit by displacement of the steering column with respect to the stress-bearing structure by the occupant when the condition is detected by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: AB VolvoInventor: Tore Fosse
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Patent number: 6170875Abstract: A wheel suspension attachment assembly for use in combination with a vehicle having several cooperating structural frame members 28, 30 and including several members 20-26 which selectively, respectively, and movably perforate and protrude from the members 28, 30 and which selectively and movably receive a unique one of the control arms 48, 49 of one of several wheel assemblies 50-56 and which cooperatively and stiffly attach the several wheel assemblies 50-56 to the structural frame members 28,30.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventors: Robert Allen Jones, Dave Watts
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Patent number: 6170876Abstract: A safety belt arrangement comprising a holder which can be pivotally connected to a vehicle part about an axis which has a guide roller between two bearings. In the fastened state at least a band part of the belt band which partially wraps around the guide roller extends at an inclination to the axis of rotation of the guide roller. At increased brake forces the guide roller enters into engagement with a projection.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Takata (Europe) Vehicle Safety Technology GmbHInventors: J{umlaut over (u)}rgen Mautsch, Horst Krammel
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Patent number: 6170877Abstract: A page holder adapted to hold opposing pages of a book in an open position while reading. The page holder includes first and second wings meeting at a junction point and disposed at an angle of about 150° with respect to each other. A thumb opening is spaced back from the leading surface of the first and second wings and offset slightly from the junction point toward the first wing. In use, the reader's thumb is inserted into the thumb opening and the junction point is placed between two adjoining pages of an open book near the bottom of the pages. One wing extends over and holds down the page on the right while the other wing holds down the page on the left. One embodiment of the invention is formed of clear plastic material using injection molding, while another embodiment is made of metal wire using wireform manufacturing techniques.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Jack H. Zurn
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Patent number: 6170878Abstract: This invention relates to a novel tennis scoring system (“The NOSAVA Tennis Scoring System”). The present invention provides a method by which a permanent record may be maintained of the points scored in a tennis match by each player, the means by which such score was made and the results of each game, set and match. This information provides a detailed permanent record of the match for the benefit of the tennis player, coach or parent. The scoring system consists of a matrix of boxes in rows on each page. Each box, bisected by a diagonal line, represents a point scored for either player or team. Each row of boxes represents a game. Each page represents a set. A scoring key appears at the top of the page with various codes indicating the manner by which the point was scored.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Joel Franklin Cassman
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Patent number: 6170879Abstract: A shipping laminate includes a label for printing a recipient first address, with a release liner disposed thereunder. The label is releasably bonded to the liner and is removable therefrom. The liner contains a recipient second address hidden behind the label, and is viewable upon removal thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Timothy W. Rawlings
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Patent number: 6170880Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier (1) with a data carrier structure (2) in which a module (9) with a plate-shaped component carrier (10) and a component (13) attached to the inside of the component carrier (10) is used, and with a plate-shaped hologram carrier (30) provided on the data carrier (1) and showing a hologram (33) by way of the main surface (31) visible from outside the data carrier (1). The invention provides that the plate-shaped hologram carrier (30) be provided on the data carrier to be covering the plate-shaped component carrier (10), and covers at least substantially the component carrier (10).Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Austria Card Plastikkarten und Aussweissysteme Gesellschaft m.b.H.Inventor: Markus Prancz
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Patent number: 6170881Abstract: A textured pattern including raised lines, bumps, etc. is formed of ink on a front surface of a base sheet. A layer of reflective monochrome or holographic roll leafing is formed over the textured pattern such that the surface of the leafing follows that of the pattern to simulate embossing. An ink image is formed over the front surface of the sheet in an area not occupied by the roll leafing, and an additional ink image can be formed over at least part of the roll leafing. A protective transparent layer is formed over the leafing and ink image. The base sheet can be transparent, and a reflective layer can be formed on a rear surface of the sheet to reflect light back through the sheet and transparent portions of the ink image. Alternatively, the base sheet can be opaque, and an additional ink image can be formed on the rear surface of the sheet.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1997Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Serigraph, Inc.Inventors: Joseph P. Salmon, Eugene M. Dukatz, Rashelle L. Ponchaud
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Patent number: 6170882Abstract: A coupling interconnects either of two conventional types of waste water outlets used to discharge waste water from a waste water holding tank of a recreational vehicle with a discharge hose to convey the waste water to a remote location. A sleeve of the coupling penetrably engages an internal cylindrical surface in either outlet and is of a common diameter to concentrically locate the coupling irrespective of differences in the external size of the outlets. A pair of hooks extend from the coupling to engage dogs extending radially from either engaged outlet to retain the coupling in place. A seal seals the junction between the coupling and the outlet to prevent leakage of waste water therebetween. The discharge hose is connectable in fluid communication with the sleeve to convey the waste water from the coupling.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: J. David Prest
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Patent number: 6170883Abstract: A tubular element has a sealing ring mounted at an end of the tubular element. The sealing ring has a base clamped against the outer surface of the tubular element. Further, the sealing ring has a sealing lip adapted to seal against an inner surface of an outer tube, in which the tubular element is inserted. The base is disposed in a groove that is formed in the wall of the tubular element. The sealing ring has a further lip that is positioned adjacent to the end of the tubular element and that is bent down and clamped against the base by means of the end portion, thereby providing secure fastening of the sealing ring. The sealing ring is fastened by a method involving bending of the end portion of the tubular element together with the further lip.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Lindab ABInventors: Lars-Åke Mattssön, Pontus Andersson, Kenneth Lennartsson, Tomas Persson
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Patent number: 6170884Abstract: A segmented coupling for use in coupling lengths of plain ended pipe employs cutter members of high strength steel to perform the required interconnection of the pipes, the cutter members being immovably held in the respective coupling segments and, upon tightening down of the coupling being operative to bite into the exterior surface of the associated pipes.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Victaulic Company of AmericaInventors: William Ross McLennan, Dennis R. Brown, Douglas R. Dole
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Patent number: 6170885Abstract: The invention is a device for providing a clamping force about a connection end of elastomeric hose or tubing. The device includes an at-least-twice-oriented polymer having a shrinkage response to each of at least two diameter reducing release temperatures, which is sized and formed into a band. The clamp is self-adjusting over a substantial working life. The band may be installed onto connection ends of hose or tubing and fixtures such as couplings, inserts or stems without the external application of heat, preferably preselecting the first diameter reducing release temperature to be at roughly room temperature. The clamp displays improved constrictive forces over prior art polymer clamps.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1996Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventor: Robert E. Stuemky