Patents Issued in January 30, 2001
  • Patent number: 6178647
    Abstract: A thin saw blade with four cutting surfaces of fixed lengths in line, each cutting surface rotated with respect to the preceding cutting surface to enable a user to change cutting directions of the blade without rotating the material to be cut. A preferred embodiment uses the blade in a coping saw with each rotation being 90 degrees enabling rapid smooth cuts of thin materials for handicraft projects. Rubber O-rings secure the blade in anchor bolt slots to secure the blade while cutting in different directions. The blade could also be used in electric saber saws or bench jig saws which would require adjustment of the work support surface to change cutting directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Norbert Kirk
  • Patent number: 6178648
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a fastening device for a muzzle mirror at one end of an artillery gun barrel, device comprising a mirror support incorporating at least two flanges encircling the gun barrel and connected to one another by a first linking means. In this device the flanges are housed in a groove made in the barrel and are linked in rotation to said barrel by means of an obstacle, such as a pin, such device also comprising a centering collar constituted by at least two jaws connected by a second linking means, such collar having a tapered support co-operating with a matching tapered support arranged on the flanges such that tightening the second linking means ensures both the axial and radial retention of the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Francis Ledys, R{acute over (e)}gis Dupuy
  • Patent number: 6178649
    Abstract: An optical calibrating apparatus includes: a laser illuminator (6) disposed in an eccentric adjusting sleeve (5), an inner inclined adjusting sleeve (4) within a jacket (3), an outer inclined adjusting sleeve (2) outside the jacket (3), and a cylindrical casing (1), in which a laser line is emitted by the illuminator (6) for checking levelling, plumbing and verticality and the laser line has been calibrated for a horizontality or a verticality by rotating the eccentric adjusting sleeve (4), the inner and outer inclined adjusting sleeves (4, 2) until the emitted laser line is aligned with a standard laser line emitted from a standard optical calibrator or aligned with a mark preset by a standard instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Chyi-Yiing Wu
  • Patent number: 6178650
    Abstract: A trailer hitch positioning system that provides a visual and an audible indication to a vehicle driver of the position of the trailer ball with respect to the tongue of the trailer. The trailer hitch positioning system includes a pinpoint light source assembly, a light beam sensing array assembly, and a passenger compartment display unit wherein a pinpoint beam from the pinpoint light source assembly strikes and activates light beam sensors within the light beam sensing array assembly, the activations of the light beam sensors being detected by a digital controller within the display unit which then provides a corresponding positional information output to the vehicle driver through an LED display and an audible alerting buzzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph I. Thibodeaux
  • Patent number: 6178651
    Abstract: A reusable support for a batter board member is provided comprising at least one sleeve for receiving a batter board member attached to an elongate spike such that a batter board member received within the sleeve is supported in a substantially vertical orientation when the spike is driven into the ground. Elongate legs may be attached to the sleeve for better stability in the ground and multiple sleeves may be used for better support of the batter board member. A batter board assembly is provided wherein at least two reusable supports are driven into the ground and two batter board members are received in the supports such that the members extend substantially vertically from the ground. A horizontal batter board member is then secured between the two vertical batter board members and a control string is attached to the horizontal member. When the batter boards are no longer required, the horizontal members may be detached from the vertical member and the vertical members removed from the reusable supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Steven Mark Yancey
  • Patent number: 6178652
    Abstract: Apparatus 10 for measuring the head of a horse 12 incorporates various components, such as cheek straps 14, each of which is movable (slidable) relative to another component in order to produce an overall desired fit of the apparatus 10, which is generally in the form of a bridle, to the head 12. Once the desired fit has been achieved, windows 16 and numerals 18 allow measurements to be taken, indicating the relative positions of the slidable components. These measurements may give direct measurements of the lengths required of various components of the bridle to be made, or may be other measurements from which strap lengths can be deduced. The apparatus 10 generally resembles the bridle which will be constructed, and thus allows the user to ensure a good fit to a particular head (which is partly an aesthetic judgement, and partly based on measurement and experience), so that a bridle can then be made with reasonable confidence that it will be a good fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew John Foster
  • Patent number: 6178653
    Abstract: A probe tip locator for use in determining the x-axis location and y-axis location of a probe tip of a microscope relative to the locator, the locator comprising a plurality of first reference lines parallel in a first direction, each of the first reference lines representing a predetermined x-axis location of the probe tip; a plurality of sets of parallel encoded bit fields, each one of the sets corresponding to one of the first reference lines; and a plurality of second reference lines parallel in a second direction, each one of the second reference lines intersecting at least one of the first reference lines at an acute angle, such that a scan of a portion of the locator is used to determine the x-axis location and y-axis location of the probe tip relative to the probe tip locator by movement of the probe tip relative to the probe tip locator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Griffith, Charles E. Bryson, III, Jeffrey Bruce Bindell
  • Patent number: 6178654
    Abstract: A system and method for holding and aligning spherical shaped devices is disclosed. The system aligns spherical shaped devices that have at least two hollows formed on an outer surface thereof. The system includes a first knob for aligning with the first hollow and a second knob for aligning with the second hollow. The first knob is relatively small, as compared with the first hollow, while the second knob is relatively large, as compared with the second hollow. The system may also include a third knob for securing the spherical shaped device with the first and second knobs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ball Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Kanatake
  • Patent number: 6178655
    Abstract: A marking attachment for attachment to a linear or angle-measuring system has a support, means for attaching the support to the measuring device, a marking element attached to the support for marking on a surface (the marking element having a predetermined height), and a resilient element whereby the marking element is maintained in a spaced-apart relationship to the surface until the support is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface to contact the surface with the marking material for marking the surface. The marking element preferably comprises a marking material including an oleate-based pigment ink for marking the surface. The resilient element for maintaining the marking element in a spaced-apart relationship to the surface preferably comprises a quantity of elastomeric material disposed adjacent to marking element, the quantity of elastomeric material having an uncompressed thickness greater than the height of marking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Michael D. Potter, Kathleen M. Dever
  • Patent number: 6178656
    Abstract: A device and a method for mechanically adjusting graduation-scale carrier members, which form a scale for a preferably incremental measuring system. The device and the method can be used both for angle measuring instruments as well as for length measuring instruments. A wedge-shaped form-locking between segments of the graduation-scale carrier members and fixing elements enables forces produced by setting screws orthogonally to the measuring direction and exerted on the fixing elements to be varied in their effective direction, so that they have a component that is parallel to the measuring direction and, thus, to the extension of the graduation-scale carrier member. As a result, the setting screws can be used to exert a compressive or tensile force on the graduation-scale carrier member to be used for the adjustment thereof. The gap width at the joint of two graduation-scale carrier members can be adjusted in the same way as is the graduation-scale carrier member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Jung
  • Patent number: 6178657
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the relative differential length of a sample of a web or sheet material. The apparatus includes a substantially flat surface adapted to support the sample. Air is removed between the sample and the substantially flat surface to position the sample in an unrestrained state. A translation member translates a plurality of non-contact sensors in a first direction along the length of the sample, whereby the plurality of non-contact sensors sense the distance from a reference plane to the sample and generate a signal representative of the distance sensed. A data collection system collects the generated signals and determines a relative differential length of the sample from the generated signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Ernest A. Graff
  • Patent number: 6178658
    Abstract: An inside of a U-shaped frame of a micrometer is made of a material having a smaller linear thermal expansion coefficient than an outside of the U-shaped configuration. Furthermore, a spindle can be made of a material having an extremely small linear thermal expansion coefficient. Accordingly, thermal deformation of the micrometer can be made smaller, and measurement accuracy is maintained even under a widely changing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Koga
  • Patent number: 6178659
    Abstract: A vacuum apparatus for industrial hide driers with multiple beds (2) includes a circuit with an open end (17) having arranged in a series: a vapor manifold (7) for each bed; a first condenser (8) inserted in each manifold; a first condensate separator (10) at the output of the various condensers (8); a main vacuum pump (16) to gradually reduce the absolute pressure in the circuit to a first upper value (Ps). A particular feature of the system consists of the fact that it has a secondary aspiration device (19) which is arranged upstream of the main vacuum pump (16) to operate in series to this pump when the first value of the absolute pressure (Ps) is reached, so as to further reduce the pressure of the circuit to a second lower value (Pi). The upper value (Ps) of the absolute pressure is 40 to 100 mbar; the second lower value (P1) of the absolute pressure is 15 to 1 mbar. The device (19) is a high-capacity, low-head blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Officine di Cartigliano S.p.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Corner
  • Patent number: 6178660
    Abstract: A pass-through, wafer-processing tool for treating a moving semiconductor wafer with a process gas. The tool comprises an open-ended, non-isolated processing module having a wafer path through the module, vacuum manifolds mounted adjacent the wafer entry to and wafer exit from the module, and a gas manifold between the vacuum manifolds adapted to direct process gas onto the moving wafer. The gas manifold may deliver plasma ions generated by a remote plasma unit outside the module. Instead, a plasma may be generated inside the pass-through, wafer processing tool and, if so, the tool further comprises a top electrode mounted above the wafer passage. A wafer handler, which may be a robotic handler, carries the wafer through the wafer passage and serves as a bottom electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Emmi, Byeongju Park
  • Patent number: 6178661
    Abstract: Steam blower box for the application of steam onto a paper or cardboard web, the steam blower box connected to a plurality of steam lines. The steam lines are routed to at least one support plate, where the steam lines are each to be attached to a supply line connected to the steam source. The supply lines are equipped with connecting nipples, each having a stop, and the support plate has openings into which the connecting nipples can be inserted from one side of the support plate. The supply lines are locked down to the support plate by at least one retaining strip which works in conjunction with the stops and is movable behind the stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter M{umlaut over (u)}ller, Erich Grundler
  • Patent number: 6178662
    Abstract: For use in a sole, insole, or heel portion of a footwear article, a footpad is described, having an upper surface on which are disposed a plurality of resilient lugs. The top surfaces of the lugs define a foot supporting surface wherein mutually parallel, spaced-apart edges of adjacent lugs define a complementary arrangement of top surfaces. The side surfaces of adjacent lugs define therebetween a void which extends lattice-like over the footpad. With gentle compression and release, the side surfaces of adjacent lugs expand into the void, and retreat therefrom, cyclically expelling and ingesting air beneath the foot. With heavy compression, the top surfaces of adjacent lugs are approximated to one another to provide a substantially continuous and substantially uniformly supportive foot-supporting surface. Structures selectively providing for preferred combinations of ventilation, cushioning, and stable and comfortable support for bearing heavy loads are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: David K. Legatzke
  • Patent number: 6178663
    Abstract: A fluid filled insole comprises a fluid tight bladder having upper and lower layers and a generally foot-shaped, planar configuration, with proximal forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions; a heavy, viscous, sterile liquid substantially filling the bladder; at least one metatarsal pad in the proximal forefoot region of the bladder; flow passages between the metatarsal pad and the medial and lateral and peripheral margins of the bladder; a flow controller bridging the proximal forefoot and midfoot regions of the bladder and matched to the border between the lateral and medial longitudinal arch; and flow restrictors in the distal hindfoot defining a central longitudinal flow channel between the hindfoot and midfoot regions. The metatarsal pads and fluid flow are matched to the anatomical structure of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Henning R. Schoesler
  • Patent number: 6178664
    Abstract: A puncture proof insole insert formed of multiple layers of flexible metal sheets, the insert being capable of stopping penetration by a sharp object at forces up to 60 foot pounds in the ball area of the foot and up to 80 foot pounds in the heel area of the foot, there being a greater number of metal sheets in the heel area than in the ball area. The device may further incorporate cushioning or fabric layers, and may be formed with a raised arch or other orthotic shape. The device is preferably constructed of layers of 17-7 stainless steel with each layer having a thickness of 0.015 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Robert D. Yant, Richard I. Polisner
  • Patent number: 6178665
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a forefoot/midfoot compression member for a footwear device. The compression member comprises an instep counter and an arm mechanism for rigidly supporting the instep counter. The arm mechanism is disposed along only one of the medial or lateral aspects of the footwear device. The arm mechanism is adjustable to move the instep counter to a desired position and a retention mechanism is provided to retain the arm mechanism in the desired position. In another aspect, the invention relates to a retention member for a liner for a footwear device. The retention member includes a plate that mounts to the liner. A post extends from the plate through a bore defined in a wall for the footwear device where it is secured with a fastener. In another aspect, the invention relates to a retention member for an article of footwear within a footwear device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Macpod Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: David M. MacPhail, Blaine Hoshizaki, Steve Podborski
  • Patent number: 6178666
    Abstract: A snowshoe has an integral deck and frame molded from a high impact, plastic material, the frame having integral molded hubs for accepting a unique binding pivot system which includes a molded two piece axle with integral bearings journalled in the molded hubs of the frame, the axle being located in close proximity to the operating plane between the snowshoe and the snow, a non-slip, easy-to-adjust binding, and a steel crampon having teeth with rounded edges which diminishes the risk of children being cut by sharp, pointed teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Tubbs Snowshoe Company, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel P. Kiniry, Francis E. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 6178667
    Abstract: A sole of a baseball spiked shoe has a toe portion projection, a first metatarsal head projection, a stepping portion projection, and a fifth metatarsal head projection provided at a fore foot portion at the bottom plane of the shoe sole, and a heel medial projection, a heel anterior projection, a heel posterior projection, and a heel lateral projection provided at the heel portion. Each projection is provided at an appropriate angle with respect to the longitudinal line of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Mizuno Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Kaneko, Makoto Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 6178668
    Abstract: A modular implement apparatus and method of use for securing a snowblower to an all terrain vehicle (ATV) comprises an implement mounted to a first end of the ATV and an engine mounted at a second end. A longitudinal support structure extends between the two ends and supports a drive shaft assembly. The engine provides power to the implement, thus eliminating the need for a PTO shaft. The apparatus is further adapted to permit placement of the apparatus in either a ground-engaging position or a raised, transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Erskine Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Gustafson, Timothy K. Radniecki
  • Patent number: 6178669
    Abstract: A hitch assembly provides removable connection of a plow assembly to a push beam assembly installed on a vehicle. The hitch assembly includes a draw latch assembly which engages the push beam assembly and pulls the plow assembly into position for pivotal attachment of the plow assembly to the vehicle. The draw latch assembly is activated by a power source, such as an hydraulic cylinder, and is further interconnected with a lift arm assembly such that further extension or activation of the hydraulic cylinder results in a raising or lowering of the plow blade. Also included is an easy connection and release mechanism for inserting and retracting pivot pins through corresponding brackets on the lift arm assembly and push beam assembly. A light tower assembly is removably attached to the push beam assembly such that when the plow is not in use, only the push beam assembly and its mounting brackets remain on the vehicle in a position below and rearward of a front bumper of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Blizzard Corporation
    Inventors: Philip J. Quenzi, Cal G. Niemela
  • Patent number: 6178670
    Abstract: There is provided an improved apparatus for recovery of sea-bed material. Known apparatus suffer from problems such as low recovery rate and capital cost. The invention, therefore, provides a recovery apparatus comprising a vehicle upon which are mounted a duct permitting communication between the sea-bed and a location remote therefrom, structure to introduce sea-bed material into the duct and structure to advance sea-bed material through the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Rotech Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Hector Fillipus Alexander Van Drentham Susman, Kenneth Roderick Stewart
  • Patent number: 6178671
    Abstract: A steam iron with an indicator for indicating calcification is provided in which the iron is provided with a timer for measuring an accumulated time of use of the steam iron, and an actuator for activating the indicator when the accumulated time exceeds a predetermined threshold level. The timer measures the time of use of the steam iron, the accumulated time of use being indicative of the amount of scale deposited in the steam chamber and steam vents. When the accumulated time of use exceeds a threshold the calcification indicator is activated to warn the user that a self-clean action is to be performed. The time of use measurement may be obtained by accumulating the time of use only during steam generation, or it may be obtained by correcting the accumulated time of use with a weighting factor which depends on the steaming rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Godwin D. Zwanenburg, Heng S. Neo, Kok K. Yap, Singh Kaldip
  • Patent number: 6178672
    Abstract: A method for viewing transparencies comprising backlighting a transparency with polarized light and viewing the transparency through a polarizer. Preferably, the polarization axis of the backlighting and the polarization axis of the polarizer are oriented at about 90 degrees to each other. The transparency is oriented so that a substantial amount of polarized backlighting passes through the transparency and the polarizer. Also disclosed are apparatus for viewing a transparency using polarized backlighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Smartlight Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Inbar, Giora Teltsch, Hanan Wolf, Eran Shaffir
  • Patent number: 6178673
    Abstract: A wind responsive sign or placard for displaying advertising or other visual indicia includes a rotatable member that is attached to a stationary mounting member by a rod extending between the two members. Both the rotatable or spinning member and the stationary mounting member are formed of fluted or corrugated panels, and the axle rod extends into aligned flutes or channels in the two principal components. These panels are fabricated from extruded plastic panels of the type suitable for exterior use. The panel forming the mounting member is folded to form a three dimensional structure that is more rigid than the flat rotatable panel. The sign formed in this manner is relatively light in weight and can be assembled on site and can be mounted to a pole or post in an elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Imageworks Display & Marketing Group
    Inventors: Kenneth Blackford, David Rogers
  • Patent number: 6178674
    Abstract: Display panel including several displays each having a surface area of at least 2 m2 and an automatic display changing device adapted to show these displays successively to the public. Each display comprises an optically transparent window (7) which is placed in front of an image display device which displays successive images corresponding to the display shown to the public.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Jean-François Decaux, Jean-Charles Decaux, Jean-S{acute over (e)}bastien Decaux
  • Patent number: 6178675
    Abstract: A pictorial image viewing device for use on a desk top, shelf or the like in home or office, wherein a plurality of triangular image holders are pivotally mounted on a support, wherein the holders are unobstructed at their tops for easy entry onto and removal of various images from the holders, and wherein transmission structure is provided for synchronously pivoting the holders to selectively present different images to a viewing front or plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Louis L. Strother
  • Patent number: 6178676
    Abstract: A warning device includes three components of an orange fluorescent material that carry reflectors of a red reflex reflective material. The components are pivotally connected to be operable to a compact folded condition. In an unfolded operative condition, an attachment structure secures a lower end portion of a first component to the upper edge of a vehicle window. The first component then extends outwardly at a sixty degree angle, a second component then extends horizontally outwardly from the lower end of the first component and the third component then extends inwardly and upwardly and at a sixty degree angle from the outer end of the second component to the upper end of the first component. The device then presents a triangularly shaped area having an outer border defined by the reflectors and an inner border defined by portions of the components. The attachment structure is sturdy and provides a reliable support of the device while being of a small size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Cortina Tool & Molding Co.
    Inventor: John Iver Lund
  • Patent number: 6178677
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted, rear-directed message display apparatus includes a housing which includes a transparent rear wall, a front wall, side walls, a bottom wall, and a cover. Support assemblies are connected to the side walls and extend downward. Illumination lamps are supported inside the housing near the front wall. A display sign is supported inside the housing between the illumination lamps and the transparent rear wall. The display sign includes an opaque background and transparent message lettering. An illumination control switch is electrically connected to the illumination lamps. With the invention installed in a front vehicle, when the driver of the front vehicle thinks that a following vehicle is following too closely, the driver of the front vehicle can operate the illumination control switch to light the illumination lamps to illuminate the display sign to warn the driver of the following vehicle that the following vehicle is following too closely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Frederick A. Williams
  • Patent number: 6178678
    Abstract: A menu board offering quick and easy changes thereto by a user is disclosed. The menu board comprises plural channels defined by T-shaped flanges, and which are sized to slidably receive and retain a plurality of inserts in the channels thereof in an operative or display position. The inserts are sized to be readily removed and replaced on the menu board by being lifted within the respective channels and to be freed therefrom, such that the user can selectively replace an insert with new or updated sales information graphics, as desired, without disturbing an adjacent insert or inserts in the menu board. The sales information graphic is not limited to the size of the channels on the menu board, but may transversely span any desired number of channels, and be of various lengths to provide relatively large non-linear graphic display areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Miller/Zell, Inc.
    Inventor: David C F Stoddard
  • Patent number: 6178679
    Abstract: A weather-proof changeable-type readerboard signage system comprising a signboard having a substantially planar surface, and supportable above the Earth's surface at a predetermined viewing height. A pair of upper and lower character holding tracks are attached to the substantially planar surface of the signboard and extend in a parallel manner relative to each other by a predetermined distance. A plurality of character substrates of rectangular geometry, bearing a graphical character, and having a height dimension slightly less than the predetermined distance, are front loadable into the pair of upper and lower character holding tracks, and releasably retained therewithin so as to form a string of characters displaying a readable message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: David M. Dundorf
  • Patent number: 6178680
    Abstract: An applique and method for making it are described wherein inner and outer vinyl sheets are welded together to form a decorative applique and wherein a pair of fastener are employed each having a flat segment that is embedded between the inner and outer vinyl sheets and has a stem that extends through the inner sheet, its outer located adhesive layer and overlying release liner. Caps are used to enable the applique to be affixed to a carrier card for shipment to an end user, who can then remove the caps and use the fasteners to affix the applique to apparel using the adhesive and re-use the fasteners. The combination of the adhesive and the fasteners enable a firm and sustaining attachment of the applique to surfaces having a low affinity to the adhesive employed on the inner layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Printmark Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Sloot
  • Patent number: 6178681
    Abstract: A merchandising tag for use on displayed electrical devices is disclosed. The tag includes an aperture which may accept an existing screw of the electrical device, to trap the tag between the screw head and the device. The aperture may be preformed or may be a die-cut perforation. The tag includes identification indicia usable for merchandising the displayed device. The tag may be a single stiff layer, or may include a first paper layer attached to a second stiff plastic layer. The first paper layer would include the indicia and may advantageously be an attention grabbing color such as a fluorescent color. In either embodiment, the tag is preferably stiff and bend-resistant enough to extend from the device in a secure manner, without sagging or folding over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Cookie Caloia, Timothy Kiggins, Frederick Kandel
  • Patent number: 6178682
    Abstract: A repeating rifle having a bolt action comprises a breech housing (1), a breech body (3) which can be moved and can be rotated in this breech housing (1) and has a movable plug (4) and a firing pin (6) which is loaded by a firing pin spring (7) and has a cocking piece (8), in which case the breech body (3) has in its interior a cocking guide which interacts with the cocking piece (8). In order to achieve maximum safety and maximum operating convenience with as little physical complexity as possible, a cocking cam bush (33) is guided such that it can be moved in the longitudinal direction in the breech body (3) as the cocking guide, on which cocking cam bush the firing pin spring (7) is supported, and the plug (4) has a guide sleeve (36) which interacts with the cocking cam bush (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Zedrosser, Hubert Kefer
  • Patent number: 6178683
    Abstract: A reloader for a magazine having a generally L-shaped grip with a plurality of pairs of bores in the opposite end walls. The pairs of bores are selectively spaced so as to removably receive the pins on a plunger assembly. The magazine to be reloaded is held against the interior of the grip and the plunger may be manually depressed to depress the follower in the magazine allowing the user to insert cartridges with his or her free hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6178684
    Abstract: A collapsible fishing net device comprising a handle having a first end and second end, and fastening block disposed within said handle and adjacent to said first end; collapsible net frame comprising a hinge means comprising a first hinge arm, and second hinge arm first net frame arm and second net frame arm associated with said first and second hinge arms respectively wherein each of said first and second net frame arms presents a first end which is proximal to said hinge means and second end which is distal to said hinge means; coupler adjacent to said distal end of said first and second net frame arms, said coupler being engageable to couple said first and second net frame arms, fastener operably associated with said hinge means and fastening block to fasten said collapsible net frame to said handle assembly; and net associated with said collapsible net frame wherein said fastening block receives said fastener and said first and second net frame arms are coupled by said coupling means to present a substan
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Andras Nyakas, Jenö Feh{acute over (e)}r
  • Patent number: 6178685
    Abstract: A fishing rod having an integrally formed receptacle for receiving a remote portion of the fishing rod, when the fishing rod is in a disassembled state. The receptacle is positioned adjacent the handle member of the rod, and is used to receive one end of a remote portion of a fishing rod. The remote portion of the rod is then secured in parallel relation with the base portion of the rod, to facilitate transport and storage. In an alternate embodiment, a detachable rod holder may be mounted onto the base portion of the fishing rod, to accomplish the same task. The detachable rod holder may be attached in one of several places, including attachment underneath the set screw that holds the rod and reel together, or it may be attached by sandwiching the attachment tab between the rod and reel. A stay clip may be used near an upper end of the base portion of the rod, to secure that end of the base portion to the outer end of the remote portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: David Broadway
  • Patent number: 6178686
    Abstract: A live animal trap (20), having a trap wall (22), a closure mechanism (24), and a trip mechanism (26) is utilized to trap animals. The closure mechanism (24) includes a slicing closure door (56) which closes in a slicing direction (65) substantially perpendicular to an entry direction (67) into an internal chamber (28) defined by the trap wall (22). The trap wall (22) and the door (56) are substantially continuous to limit a trapped animals view thereby reducing agitation when the trap (20) is approached. The trap wall (22) is sized to inhibit a skunk from lifting its tail to spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Darren Batman
  • Patent number: 6178687
    Abstract: A trap for airborne insects is provided including a scroll tube with left and right caps on respective ends of the bar, a support wire connecting the left and right ends, a flexible web rolled around the scroll tube and coated with a tacky adhesive, and a cylinder of sufficient size to allow storage therein of the scroll tube. Upon assembly, the scroll tube is removed from within the cylinder. A portion of the web is unravelled from the scroll tube and wound around the cylinder exposing therebetween an area of web for catching flies and other insects. Periodically, the web can be refreshed by winding a previously exposed web section around the take-up cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Atlantic Paste & Glue Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Frisch
  • Patent number: 6178688
    Abstract: A container system for a floral arrangement, comprising a waterproof container having a base portion which can act as a water reservoir, and a separate insert locatable from above into a lower part of the container, the insert acting to confine from above water within the reservoir, the insert carrying a porous water-retaining material lying within the reservoir, the porous material extending upwardly through the insert so that an upper portion of the material is exposed to receive the stems of cut flowers and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Betty McDowell (Aust.) Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin Keating
  • Patent number: 6178689
    Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a bonding material disposed upon an inner or outer portion of the sleeve for attaching the sleeve to the pot or item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Southpac Trust Int'l, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6178690
    Abstract: This invention is to provide a plant cultivation mat which can be applied to those existing buildings, and which does not require large amount of time, labor and cost for its laying and removing works, and a method for laying such plant cultivation mat, as well. According to the invention, there is provided a plant cultivation mat, comprising one or a plurality of cells with water-passage ports being perforated in the vicinity of the bottom part thereof, said one or a plurality of cells constituting a mat frame disposed in a depressed form to permit the top part thereof to open, and an inwardly recessed part being formed at the lower required part of the side wall of said cell. When this plant cultivation mat is to be laid, arrangement is made as to forming a space having a required route at the inwardly recessed part of the cell so as to form a space having a required routein the inwardly recessed part of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kyodo Ky-Tec Corp.
    Inventors: Minoru Yoshida, Kazuo Kumura, Takaharu Yoshioka, Shinji Uchida
  • Patent number: 6178691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capillary carpet irrigation system which includes a water bearing capillary carpet disposed on a supporting surface and a plurality of water permeable pots resting upon and in hydraulic connection with the carpet. The pots contain growing medium and roots of plants. Conventional irrigation equipment supplies water to the carpet. A four layer capillary carpet includes: a water impermeable base membrane of polyethylene; and a water permeable microperforated dark coloured top membrane. Between the top and base membranes two water bearing capillary mats are supplied with water from the irrigation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Universit{acute over (e)} Laval
    Inventors: Jean Caron, Pierre Tardif
  • Patent number: 6178692
    Abstract: A lighting system for use with a vertical growing column (10) for optimally growing a plurality of plants in an indoor environment and enhancing the tonnage per unit area or per unit volume of product harvestable from plants positioned in these columns (10). The lighting system for use with a vertical growing column (10) includes a vertical growing column (11) having a plurality of modular planting units (12), a lighting system (104) and an apparatus (108) for carrying the lighting system (104). Each of the modular planting units (12) includes a center column (14) having a pair of lateral receptacles (16) projecting from opposed sides of the center column (14) and a mounting flange (18) extending downwardly from a lowermost portion of the center column (14) for being received within an uppermost portion of a center column (14) of another planting unit (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Agri-Grow Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Graven
  • Patent number: 6178693
    Abstract: An adjustable gate including a frame having opposing vertical stiles each with a vertical groove therein, an upper gate section and a lower gate section. The upper gate section can be lowered such that only an adult dog may pass through the gate while preventing the passage of puppies. The upper gate section includes an upper crossbar with ends which slide within the vertical grooves of the stiles. Both the upper gate section and the lower gate section have a plurality of evenly spaced vertical slats. The slats of the upper gate section telescopingly or slidingly engage the slats of the lower gate section when the upper gate section is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Susan R. Hunt
  • Patent number: 6178694
    Abstract: A two section gate assembly restricts access through a wall opening. The two gate sections overlap as determined by the wall opening size. A vertical hinge rail in one gate section forms a hinge side, and a vertical latch rail in the other gate section forms a latch side. A concealed vertical edge of the hinge rail includes two horizontally spaced swing bolts that are adjusted to compensate for a hinge wall that is not perpendicular. The two swing bolts and two wall mounted hinge pin brackets are covered by decorative hinge covers. A concealed vertical edge of the latch rail includes two horizontally spaced latch tabs that are spring biased downward. Upon swinging the gate assembly to a closed position, the latch tabs encounter wall mounted latch receivers having an upward extending ramp, whereupon the latch tabs are forced to move upward against their spring bias. When the gate assembly is fully closed, the latch tabs drop vertically downward into latch recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt P. Wagnitz
  • Patent number: 6178695
    Abstract: A convertible window system having two window sashes, a weatherstripping, and a tilt pivot assembly. The window system can be readily switched between single-hung and double-hung configuration. The weatherstripping assembly, which is operatively connected to each of the two sashes, has a number of regions. Each of these regions has different attributes which determine the types of translations and rotations that can be performed on a sash with a predetermined force. In a preferred embodiment, an upper sash can be removed from a window frame by the application of a predetermined force on the top of the sash while the sash is within a predetermined range of the weatherstripping assembly without the need for withdrawing guide pins from the channel of the weatherstripping assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Carolina Builders, Inc.
    Inventors: David Leslie Kornegay, Charles Lee Allen, James Edward Jordan, Alex Stephen Long, Karl Joseph Meyer, Jr., Barry Ray Williams
  • Patent number: 6178696
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved window sash latch for use in a pivotal window sash adapted for installation in a master frame of a double-hung sash window assembly. The latch has a housing having a top wall having an access opening therethrough, a pair of opposing side walls and a single end wall extending between the side walls. Each of said side walls and the end wall extend from said top wall and have a free end opposite the top wall. There is a latch bolt slidably received in the housing and having a top wall, two opposing side walls and two opposing end walls. Each of the side walls and each of the end walls extend from said top wall and have a free end opposite said top wall. The first end wall is generally perpendicular to each of the side walls. The second end wall forms a beveled end arranged to be engaged in a guide rail for locking the window sash against pivotal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Kun Liang