Patents Issued in December 11, 2001
  • Chrysanthemum plant named ‘GEDI WO’
    Patent number: PP12259
    Abstract: A new chrysanthemum plant variety producing white daisy-type flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Dirk Pieters
  • Begonia plant named ‘Denver Lace’
    Patent number: PP12260
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Rex Begonia plant named ‘Denver Lace’, characterized by its uniform growth habit; moderate plant vigor; no requirement for winter dormancy; and interesting and attractive leaf coloration and pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: James Lawrence Booman
  • Osteospermum plant named ‘Aksinto’
    Patent number: PP12261
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Aksinto’, characterized by its compact and mounding growth habit; very uniform plant habit; freely flowering habit with numerous inflorescences per plant; light lavender ray florets and blue purple disc florets; short peduncles, flowers held just above and beyond the foliage; and good high temperature tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Carl Aksel Kragh Sorensen
  • Osteospermum plant named ‘Aksullo’
    Patent number: PP12262
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Aksullo’, characterized by its compact and mounding growth habit; very freely branching; freely flowering habit with numerous inflorescences per plant; large, dark purple, spoon-shaped ray florets and purple disc florets; and good post-production longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Carl Aksel Kragh Sorensen
  • Osteospermum plant named ‘Aksillo’
    Patent number: PP12263
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Aksillo’, characterized by its compact, mounding and spreading plant habit; freely flowering habit with numerous inflorescences per plant; spoon-shaped white ray florets with blue purple lower surfaces and blue purple disc florets; and good high temperature tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Carl Aksel Kragh Sorensen
  • Persian walnut tree named ‘Robert Livermore’
    Patent number: PP12264
    Abstract: A new and distinct Persian Walnut Tree (i.e., Juglans regia) is provided. Jumbo walnuts are produced having thick well-filled hulls. There is little walnut size variation in a given harvest. The kernels are easy to remove and display a distinctive atypical red-purple pellicle. The resulting walnut crop commonly can be harvested from a young tree prior to that of the ‘Chandler’ cultivar U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,388) at Davis, Calif. The walnut kernels in view of their distinctive naturally-occurring festive red-purple pellicle are particularly suited for consumption at parties, holidays, or other special occasions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Gale McGranahan, Charles Leslie, Herbert A. Phillips
  • Tibouchina plant named ‘Angyo White’
    Patent number: PP12265
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Tibouchina plant named ‘Angyo White’, characterized by its upright, somewhat outwardly spreading and open plant habit; large white flowers; and dark green leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Hines Nurseries, Inc.
    Inventor: Tamotsu Masuda
  • Lantana camara plant named ‘Robpathot’
    Patent number: PP12266
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct Lantana camara cultivar which is outstanding because of its: 1) bright fuschia colored floret clusters; 2) its reduced tendence to set seed; 3) its rapid growth rate (approximate mature size mound of 36″×36″ in one growing season in USDA Zone 5); and 4) its mint-like aromatic foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Robert J. Roberson
  • Shrub rose variety ‘POULninga’
    Patent number: PP12267
    Abstract: A new garden rose plant which has abundant, soft yellow and red-purple striped flowers and attractive, disease resistant foliage. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Poulsen Roser APS
    Inventors: L. Pernille Olesen, Mogens N. Olesen
  • Hybrid tea rose variety ‘POULen002’
    Patent number: PP12268
    Abstract: A new hybrid tea rose plant which has abundant, large, fragrant amber-yellow flowers and attractive foliage. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Poulsen Roser APS
    Inventors: L. Pernille Olesen, Mogens N. Olesen
  • Variety of geranium plant named ‘Regal Ballet’
    Patent number: PP12269
    Abstract: A new and distinct regal geranium plant with bright watermelon colored petals having deep burgundy eyes above medium green foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Oglevee, Ltd.
    Inventor: David Lemon
  • Miniature rose plant named ‘TUCkamy’
    Patent number: PP12270
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant primarily identified by its light pink buds and flowers, hybrid tea form and glossy dark green foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Robert T. Tucker
  • Verbena plant named ‘Balazpima’
    Patent number: PP12271
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named ‘Balazpima’ characterized by its pink-colored flowers; mounded, low-growing, decumbent plant habit; and freely basal-branching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Ball Floraplant, A Divison of Ball Horicultural Co.
    Inventor: Scott C. Trees
  • Garlic plant named ‘Angelique’
    Patent number: PP12272
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of garlic plant named ‘Angelique’, characterized by the presence of flower scape, bigger-sized bulbs, vigorous foliage that develops quicker and has more volume than comparative cultivars, arrangement and size of the cloves, earlier harvesting period and greater plant height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: De Groot & Slot Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Henk de Groot
  • Variety of geranium plant named ‘Natalie’
    Patent number: PP12273
    Abstract: A new and distinct zonal geranium plant with pink-lavender colored flowers above medium green foliage with a dark reddish-brown zone. The plant flowers continuously throughout the year and is suitable for planting in containers or in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Oglevee, Ltd.
    Inventor: David Lemon
  • Geranium plant named ‘Fistangoli’
    Patent number: PP12274
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of geranium plant named ‘Fistangoli’, as described and illustrated, and particularly characterized by the combined features of bright-purple flower color; huge umbels on strong, dark-red peduncles borne well above the foliage; dark green foliage with weak zonation; and low, compact plant habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Florfis AG
    Inventor: Angelika Utecht
  • Dieffenbachia plant named ‘Camouflage’
    Patent number: PP12275
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Dieffenbachia plant named ‘Camouflage’, characterized by its large leaves with attractive and unique variegation pattern; upright and outwardly arching growth habit; and freely clumping habit, full and dense plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Lee Goode, Jr.
  • Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Raspberry Yolompoc’
    Patent number: PP12276
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Raspberry Yolompoc’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and uniformly mounded plant habit; freely branching, dense and full plants; dark green foliage; uniform flowering; early flowering, eight-week response time; very freely flowering with about nine inflorescences per lateral stem; daisy-type inflorescences that are about 6.3 cm in diameter; rich reddish purple-colored ray florets and bright yellow disc florets; and excellent postproduction longevity with inflorescences and leaves maintaining good substance and color for at least three weeks in an interior environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Yoder Brothers, Inc.
    Inventor: Cornelis P. Vandenberg
  • Portulaca plant named ‘Summer Joy Pink’
    Patent number: PP12277
    Abstract: Portulaca ‘Summer Joy Pink’ is a new variety of Portulaca oleracea. This plant has a vigorous, spreading plant growth which produces large, pink flowers having an orange-yellow center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Sakata Seed Corporation
    Inventor: Hiromi Matsukizono
  • New Guinea impatiens plant named ‘Ovation Lavender’
    Patent number: PP12278
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Impatiens plant named Ovation Lavender, characterized by its lavender flower color, large flower diameter, dark green leaves, early flowering, long-lasting flowering, self-branching and vigorous habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Oglevee, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lyndon W. Drewlow
  • Verbena plant named ‘Vilena’
    Patent number: PP12279
    Abstract: A new Verbena plant particularly distinguished by its violet blue flower, early flowering, feathered leaves, and spreading habit that becomes hanging as plant develops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Syngenta Seeds B.V.
    Inventor: Henricus G. W. Stemkens
  • Implantable device for penetrating and delivering agents to cardiac tissue
    Patent number: RE37463
    Abstract: An implantable devices for the effective elimination of an arrhythmogenic site from the myocardium is presented. By inserting small biocompatible conductors and/or insulators into the heart tissue at the arrhythmogenic site, it is possible to effectively eliminate a portion of the tissue from the electric field and current paths within the heart. The device would act as an alternative to the standard techniques for the removal of tissue from the effective contribution to the hearts electrical action which require the destruction of tissue via energy transfer (RF, microwave, cryogenic, etc.). This device is a significant improvement in the state of the art in that it does not require tissue necrosis. In one preferred embodiment the device is a non conductive helix that is permanently implanted into the heart wall around the arrhythmogenic site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Peter A. Altman
  • Desiccant assisted multi-use air pre-conditioner unit with system heat recovery capability
    Patent number: RE37464
    Abstract: A dehumidifier unit for pre-conditioning air delivered to a multiplicity of separate refrigeration air conditioner units and especially ductless systems where the compressor-condenser unit is separate from the fan-coil unit, and assisted by heat pipe transfer of heat from air dehumidified through a desiccant wheel and by heat of compression from the condenser of one compressor-condenser unit, and with a heater to maintain the temperature of regeneration air through the wheel, one dehumidifier unit pre-conditioning air for a multiplicity of refrigeration air conditioners or fan-coil units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Milton Meckler
  • Torque transmitting and torsion damping apparatus for use in motor vehicles
    Patent number: RE37465
    Abstract: A torsion damping apparatus between the crankshaft of the engine and the input shaft of the change-speed transmission of a motor vehicle has two flywheels one of which is driven by the crankshaft and the other of which drives the input shaft by way of a friction clutch which generates heat. In order to prevent the transfer of heat from the friction clutch to the antifriction bearing between the flywheels, which are rotatable relative to each other against the opposition of a damper, the bearing is at least partially surrounded by a thermal barrier of synthetic plastic, ceramic or metallic material which prolongs the useful life of the bearing and enhances the torsion damping action of the damper. The thermal barrier can constitute or form part of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Reik, Hans-Dieter Elison
  • Control system for vehicle occupant restraint devices
    Patent number: RE37466
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint device control system for use in a vehicle to selectively control the operation of safety devices such as one or more airbags includes a seat position sensor device which detects the position of a seat relative to a selected component of the vehicle, and a controller which receives signals from the seat position sensor device. A controller device processes the signals from the seat position sensor device and determines whether to activate, deactivate or modify the deployment of one or more vehicle occupant restraint devices, such as airbags or seat belt pretensioners, depending upon the position of the vehicle seat relative to a selected component of the vehicle structure, such as the steering wheel or instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Allen, Said Shafik Nakhla, Harald Snorre Husby, Michael P. Murray, Craig Robert Roble
  • Alert condition system usable for personnel monitoring
    Patent number: RE37467
    Abstract: To generate an alert signal indicating that an unauthorized subject is in a first region within seven feet of a passageway, a radio transmitter is worn by the subject and received by a receiver at the passageway. A second signal is generated upon satisfaction of a second condition, such as an open door at the passageway, which second signal indicates the likelihood of the subject passing through the passageway. A first display indicates if the first signal is present and a second signal if the second condition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Senior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Brasch, Alan W. Cross
  • Game ball with synthetic leather cover
    Patent number: RE37468
    Abstract: A game ball having a high end synthetic leather cover formed from a non-woven fiber mat impregnated with polyurethane. In one embodiment, the game ball is a football and the fibers in the backing of the cover material have a denier of about 0.1 or less. In another embodiment, the game ball cover has a dual layer coating to impart to the cover good pebble retention. The first layer has a Shore A hardness of at least about 65, and the second layer surrounding the first layer has a Shore A hardness lower than the hardness of the first layer. The game ball, which can be formed to meet association specifications, has properties of softness and durability comparable to those of a genuine full grain leather game ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Kennedy, Derrick K. Brantley
  • Continuously variable transmission control apparatus
    Patent number: RE37469
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a continuously variable transmission for use with an automotive vehicle. The transmission is operable at a variable speed ratio for transmitting a drive from its input shaft to its output shaft. A target value for the speed of rotation of the input shaft of the transmission is calculated based on the sensed vehicle operating conditions including vehicle acceleration and vehicle speed. The target input shaft speed value is corrected to bring the vehicle acceleration into a predetermined range in the presence of the released accelerator pedal indicative signal. The speed ratio is controlled to bring the input shaft speed into coincidence with the corrected target input shaft speed value. The corrected target input shaft speed value is restricted below an upper limit set based on the vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobusuke Toukura
  • Deflecting and protecting shield guard device
    Patent number: 6327710
    Abstract: A deflecting and protective shield guard device, system and method of manufacturing and use is disclosed for utilization on or interaction with the lower or distal and proximately middle areas of a user's limb, when a user is exposed to a work environment where equipment is being used, or where ground or airborne particles, substances or debris are being emitted. The device has a shield body having connecting pairs of positionally opposing, end sections and lateral portions; and outboard and inboard surfaces. One end section is arced in shape, the other is sinusoidal, or in the nature of a periodic function curve having maximum peak and minimum sulcate portions; and each of the lateral portions is provided with configurations which exhibit wave-curve segment, arced, and linear, areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Earl E. Dunn, Adam A. Dunn, Tim A. Manis
  • Strip for providing simplified type garments and method for providing garments
    Patent number: 6327711
    Abstract: A strip 10 for separating therefrom rain ponchos 1. The strip 10 has units 11 which is repeated along the length of the strip 10. The strip 10 has superimposed layers which are thermally welded along outlines of garments and has cut lines 2 which are adjacent to the respective outlines of the ponchos 1. For a supply to a customer, a unit 11 is separated from the strip along a notched line 3 between the units, and a separation of a poncho 1 is done by cutting along the cutting line 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Miyake Design Jimushon
    Inventor: Toshio Fujiwara
  • Combination nursing bib
    Patent number: 6327712
    Abstract: A protective covering is disclosed for safeguarding the clothing of a nursing mother from being soiled during nursing of an infant. The covering includes a first member having an upper portion for positioning about the upper torso of a wearer. A pair of flap members depend from the upper portion and are arranged for selective covering of the breasts of the wearer. A second member is sized and shaped for covering the lower torso and lap of the wearer and has an upper edge adapted for positioning proximate to and beneath the breasts of the wearer. The second member is attached to the first member such that the flap members extend over the second member below the upper edge and downwardly toward the waist area of the wearer to provide ease of access to the breasts of the wearer as well as modesty protection during the nursing of an infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Darci C. Armstrong, Vicki T. Armstrong
  • Pair of pajama pants with incorporated knee pillows
    Patent number: 6327713
    Abstract: A pair of pajama pants with incorporated knee pillows including pajama bottoms comprised of a pair of legs adapted for receiving legs of a person therein. The pair of legs have inner seams and outer seams. A pair of pockets are secured to the inner seams of the pair of legs of the pajama bottoms. The pair of pockets are positioned to be aligned with the knees of the legs of the person. A pair of pillows are dimensioned for being received within the pair of pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Frank Gomez
  • Clothing assembly
    Patent number: 6327714
    Abstract: A clothing assembly consisting of trousers, the trousers having a waist, the waist having a waistband, the waistband having a right side, a left side, a front side, and a back side; a plurality of upper belt loops, each belt loop among said plurality being fixedly attached to the waistband; a plurality of lower belt loops, each belt loop among said plurality being fixedly attached to the waistband; and a flexible belt positioned to form a figure eight, the figure eight comprising an upper loop, a lower loop, and a crossover, the upper loop of the figure eight extending through the upper belt loops, the lower loop of the figure eight extending through the lower belt loops, the crossover overlying the right side of the waistband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Gregory Alan Koerner
  • Buttocks pad
    Patent number: 6327715
    Abstract: A pad adapted to keep the buttocks of a user warm and dry when sitting on snow covered surfaces and the like. The pad includes an insulative layer formed of closed-cell foam. The insulative layer is substantially rectangular in outline and has an upper edge, a lower edge, and a pair of side edges. The lower edge has a slot at the midpoint thereof extending toward the upper edge. A protective layer covers one side of the insulative layer. At least one buttonhole penetrates the protective layer and the insulative layer adjacent the upper edge thereof. The buttonhole permits the pad to be suspended by a button from the waistband of trousers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Castiglione
  • Urinal cone and packaging therefor
    Patent number: 6327716
    Abstract: A urinal cone, particularly for persons of the female gender, is to be applied to the genital area of the person for the purpose of urinating is described. The urinal cone is designed to permit a hygienic urinating of persons under unhygienic conditions or unfavorable conditions and, in addition, should be easily available, easy to handle and disposable following use. For this, the urinal cone can be set up from an essentially triangular shape in the collapsed state to form a funnel-shaped body, comprising an envelope having an upper opening of large diameter and an opposite-arranged lower opening of small diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Reinhold Kaus
  • Toilet sealing ring adapter assembly
    Patent number: 6327717
    Abstract: A toilet sealing ring adapter assembly for use in association with a toilet and a sewer pipe, the toilet sealing ring adapter assembly comprising: a flexible seal formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture including coupling devices, the flexible seal adapted to be mounted within a sewer pipe; and a toilet ring formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture, the ring including an upper region and a lower region, the upper region including a planar ledge extending therefrom, the ledge including a plurality of apertures to permit coupling to a toilet and mounting surface with bolts, the lower region including coupling devices to permit secure coupling within the flexible seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Michael W. Johnson, Gregory L. Sesser
  • Bidet
    Patent number: 6327718
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing human privates including a water heater (12), which is connected with a water supply pipe (8) and a hot water pipe (15) such that wash water supplied from the water supply pipe (8) is heated to a proper temperature by the water heater (12) while proceeding to the hot water pipe (15) through the water heater (12). A water supply controlling device (9, 10) controls the supply of wash water to the water heater (12). A discharge device (17) is provided for discharging to the human privates the wash water heated to the proper temperature by the water heater (12), which is connected with the hot water pipe (15). An air mixing device (21) is employed for mixing air into the wash water, and a controller (32) selectively controls the amount of air mixed into the wash water by the air mixing device (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Ono, Hiroaki Yonekubo, Ryuta Kondo, Hideho Shinoda, Shinichi Maruyama
  • Portable restroom having molded base assembly with internal tank
    Patent number: 6327719
    Abstract: In order to provide additional flexibility in a portable restroom, a base assembly is specifically designed to include an internal tank capable of maintaining and carrying flushing fluid. Thus, when a flushing restroom is desired, an additional tank is not needed. In order to convert to a flushing model, the base assembly is simply filled with appropriate liquid, and a pump is added. In addition to providing additional capabilities, the additional fluid in the base unit provides for more weight, thus increasing the stability. Also, the base assembly has a support structure which can be snap fit to the tank member. By allowing the snap fitting feature, the support structure can be designed very rugged, however will very easily and completely attach to the tank member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Satellite Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Lobertmann, Daniel J. Koughan, Ronald J. Holmstadt, Richard E. Eliasen, Todd Hilde
  • Sauna made with illite surfaces
    Patent number: 6327720
    Abstract: A sauna made with illite surfaces is disclosed. The sauna comprises an internal enclosure member forming an internal cavity, an external enclosure member, and a means for heating the internal cavity. The internal enclosure member further comprises a bottom portion, a plurality of side portions and a ceiling portion. The internal enclosure member is attached to the external enclosure member, and the bottom portion, the side portions, and the ceiling portion of the internal member are respectively composed of about 10 to 90 percent illite by mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Il M. Kim
  • Transportable hydrotherapy equipment
    Patent number: 6327721
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy unit has a housing supporting a tub. The tub has sidewalls defining arm rests, end walls defining a foot rest and back rest, and a bottom defining a seat. The seat, arm rests, foot rest and back rest form a chair for the user. Jets are located strategically about the tub to circulate water to zone therapy areas of the body for hydrotherapy. The unit is mounted on wheels or skids for mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas Devereaux, Sherry Devereaux
  • Portable spa platform and method of using
    Patent number: 6327722
    Abstract: A planar support pad for a spa comprising at least two individual planar sections of rigid plastic foam, each of the sections defined by broad top and bottom surfaces in parallel, spaced-apart arrangement and bounded by at least two peripheral edges, a rounded or beveled surface formed on at least one of the edges of the section for spreading the force of incidental contact therewith from a solid object over a broad area to reduce damage to the foam from the contact, and tape used adjacent at least another edge of the section for permitting joining one the section to another the section in contiguous assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Noble
  • Backboard head stabilizer
    Patent number: 6327723
    Abstract: A head stabilizer for a patient support backboard comprising a pair of slotted retainers extending laterally across the top of the backboard, and a pair of hinged head restraint units with projections for reception in the retainer slots to selectively position these units apart from each other laterally of the backboard. The head restraint units are removable for cleaning and may be folded up for storage on the backboard between the retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Keith Knight
  • Inflatable positioning aids for operating room
    Patent number: 6327724
    Abstract: An inflatable positioning device is provided. The device includes a pump, a tube extending from the pump, a valve intermediate the length of the tube and non-rectangular inflatable pillow connected to the end of the tube remote from the pump. The non-rectangular inflatable pillow is dimensioned for positioning portions of a patient's body during surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: O.R. Comfort, LLC
    Inventors: Nigel E. Sharrock, William F. Urmey, L. Henri Marguet
  • Pillow with adjustable neck support
    Patent number: 6327725
    Abstract: An orthopaedic pillow, including an adjustable neck support. The body of the pillow is comprised of pre-formed visco-elastic foam, which has an interior cavity, longitudinally disposed near the edge of the pillow on which a user's neck is intended to rest. An inflatable airtight chamber is disposed within the cavity or slot, for providing adjustable support to the user's neck. The level of neck support can be quickly and easily adjusted using a hand-operated pump. The pump can be neatly stored within a contoured cavity at one end of the pillow. The pillow has a removable cloth cover with an opening on the end, which enables the user to access the pump, and a closure device for closing the opening. The pillow increases user comfort levels, and assists in reducing neck and back pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: S.V.M. Orthopedic Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Alain C. Veilleux, Judith J. Stanfield, Charles N. D. Martin
  • Baby diaper-changing pad for use in a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 6327726
    Abstract: A baby diaper-changing pad suitable for use in a passenger motor vehicle having at least two rows of seats has a roll-up mat of an elastic material which has at two opposite ends straps and/or loops by which the mat can be affixed to two head supports of two seats of the vehicle disposed one behind the other in the direction of travel. A soft baby pad is provided on the inner side between the ends with the straps and/or loops. The arrangement of the baby pad on the mat and the dimensions of the mat and of its straps and/or loops are chosen such that, when the mat is affixed to the head supports, it rests in that area with its exterior on a seat surface of the rear seat in the direction of travel in which the baby pad is disposed on the inner side of the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Norbert Weber
  • Pheumatic cradle
    Patent number: 6327727
    Abstract: A therapeutic treatment apparatus includes an air mattress overlaying a support structure. A remote control unit includes a switch and a timer, which in turn controls an air pump for the cyclic inflation and deflation of the air mattress. The remote control unit may be operated either automatically or manually. The air mattress is periodically inflated and deflated so that a person resting on the air mattress is raised and lowered at selected intervals to experience several passive movements, which induce deep relaxation and other parasympathetic responses. A special support member may be placed between the air mattress and the support structure to provide a desired pressure on a person's spinal joints. A biofeedback device may be used to provide feedback to an operator, or to the remote control unit, to optimize the inflation, dwell and deflation cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Viktor Bocharnikov
  • Painters tool improvement
    Patent number: 6327728
    Abstract: A painters tool comprising at least one aperture matching a spindle of a window cranking mechanism which permits the tool to be used as a wrench to rotate the spindle of a window cranking mechansims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy Gene Hart
  • Washer lid having fluid dispenser and method for using same
    Patent number: 6327729
    Abstract: A washing machine lid includes a fluid chamber on its lower surface. The fluid chamber has a fill opening and a dispensing opening. A removable valve is within the dispensing opening. The lid includes a lid frame and a housing detachably mounted to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel F. Wunderlich, Jeffrey L. Sears, Dennis L. Purtilo, Luann E. Langel, Kirk M. Dunsbergen
  • Adjustable liquid temperature control system for a washing machine
    Patent number: 6327730
    Abstract: An adjustable liquid temperature control system for a washing machine regulates the temperature of washing liquid established in a washing tub in an accurate and economical manner without the use of a dedicated temperature sensor. Preferably, numerous default mixing ratios for hot and cold fill water are preset in the washing machine. The system is designed to enable the washing machine operator to adjust one or more of the default mixing ratios in order to selectively fine tune the system. In accordance with one embodiment, the operator can directly input a desired mixing ratio. In another embodiment, the operator can indirectly establish a mixing ratio by entering a desired washing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Mitchell N. Corbett
  • Clothes washer and dryer system for recycling and reusing graywater
    Patent number: 6327731
    Abstract: A compact, portable clothes washer and dryer system requires no direct water connection or drain line and includes a feed reservoir for holding hot or cold water; a basket for receiving clothes and said water from said feed reservoir; a filtration membrane unit that generates permeate for rinsing said clothes and retentate; a motor for operating said basket; a pump for circulating water from said feed reservoir through said membrane unit and to said basket; and a heating assembly for drying said clothes in said basket. The system reduces water usage and gray water generation for washing clothes. The system is particularly useful in dormitories, small apartments, or other remote dwellings where water is scarce or where there are no water feed lines or drains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Mainstream Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Dwight D. Back, Robert P. Scaringe, Gregory S. Cole