Patents Issued in February 26, 2002
  • Patent number: 6349475
    Abstract: An implement for trimming grass and weeds, and for blowing clippings and debris. The implement consists of a rotatable housing having an outer wall; at least two fan blades, each of the fan blades having an inner end and a outer end; and at least two slide channels interconnecting each of the fan blades with the rotatable housing. The slide channels allow the outer ends of the fan blades to alternately extend from the outer wall of the rotatable housing to a fully extended position, and retract toward said outer wall to a fully retracted position. A weed trimming line is fixedly attached to and extends outwardly from the rotatable housing for performing weed trimming as a function in addition to debris blowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Buck
  • Patent number: 6349476
    Abstract: A self-adjusting knife assembly for scoring tenders from chickens, the assembly having a pair of generally parallel handle halves in spaced relation and positively connected by a connector pin, to permit a pair of generally parallel knives, which are mounted on the forward ends of the handle halves, to move toward and away from each other. The connector pin is mounted so that the two handle halves are positively connected to permit relative rocking movement therebetween about a transverse axis disposed in a vertical plane, to thereby permit the pair of knives to self-adjust and follow the opposite sides of the keel bone of the chicken throughout its length, and thereby separate the tenders cleanly from that bone. Spring extends between the forward portions of the two handle halves and constantly gently urges the knives apart. The knives follow the contour of the keel bone, despite its irregularities of shape, as the knives are moved downwardly throughout the length of the keel bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: John R. Juranitch
  • Patent number: 6349477
    Abstract: An inclinometer utilizing synchronous demodulation for high resolution and electronic offset adjustment provides a wide dynamic range without any moving components. A device encompassing a tiltmeter and accompanying electronic circuitry provides quasi-leveled tilt sensors that detect highly resolved tilt change without signal saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Steven L. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6349478
    Abstract: A window measuring device measures the distance between a target feature and a datum feature on a window. In another aspect of the present invention, a window measuring device is flexibly conformable to a curved window. Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a window measuring device having a pair of legs with incremental marking and a target feature alignment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: AP Technoglass Corporation
    Inventors: Glen Ray Ramsey, Jr., James Wayne Haley
  • Patent number: 6349479
    Abstract: A ruler that guides a blade and provides shielding protection from the blade for the hand of a user not holding the blade, not only when the blade is drawn along the ruler and cuts a sheet of material, but also if the blade should be lifted and accidentally dropped during use. The ruler includes a base a shield, and successive numerical indicia. The base has an uppermost surface with a first recess therein that extends a substantial amount thereof and which is completely filled with a first pad of anti-skip material that provides cushioned comfort for, and prevents the hand of the user not holding the blade from skipping along the base when stabilizing and holding the ruler down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Philip M. Bottega
  • Patent number: 6349480
    Abstract: A tool which facilitates the alignment of a closure striker with a latch on an automotive panel in which the automotive panel includes at least one alignment opening. The tool includes a plate having an outwardly projecting alignment pin(s) which is positioned within the alignment opening(s) on the automotive panel. A pair of spaced supports are secured to and extend outwardly from the other side of the plate and thus away from the automotive panel. An elongated guide rod is secured to and extends between the supports so that the guide rod is substantially parallel to the side of the plate abutting the automotive panel. A slide is longitudinally movably mounted on the guide rod and carries a striker to be secured to the automotive panel. A centering pin aligned with the striker is mounted to the slide. The latch on the automotive panel abuts against the centering pin when the panel is moved to a preset partially closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Valiant Machine & Tool, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominique Baulier, Doru Baluta
  • Patent number: 6349481
    Abstract: A device for the attachment of a scale component of a length measuring system to a mounting surface of a first body, wherein a second body is arranged to be displaceable in relation to the first body in a measuring direction, wherein an adhesive layer is provided between the scale component and the mounting surface. The device includes at least one spacer that holds the scale component and supports the scale component at a distance from the mounting surface and is displaceably mounted on the mounting surface for alignment; and wherein the at least one spacer is actuated to remove the support and to make the holding force of the adhesive layer between the scale component and the mounting surface effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Günther Nelle
  • Patent number: 6349482
    Abstract: A retractable tape measure having a flexible tape biased in a coiled position, and a housing sized to contain the flexible tape. The housing includes an opening through which a first end of the flexible tape extends, and a slot for positioning a locking mechanism. A tape biasing member operatively connects to the flexible tape to bias it in a retracted position. The locking mechanism controls the extension and retraction of the flexible tape from the housing. The mechanism includes a locking lever having a grip arm extending through the slot and a lock arm for contacting the flexible tape. A pin extends through the locking lever making the locking lever pivotable between an open position in which the flexible tape can move freely through the opening, a maintain position in which the flexible tape only exits freely through the opening, and a locked position to prevent the tape from moving relative to the opening. A lock biasing member biases the locking lever towards the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Cooper Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Edgar Thomas Gilliam
  • Patent number: 6349483
    Abstract: A measuring tape hook (16) snugly fits within a slot (26) formed between first and second sidewalls (22, 24), at one end of a guide attachment (18). The guide portion (28) has a concave side (30) facing in the same direction as the open end of the slot (26) and a convex side (32) facing in the same direction as the end wall (24). The hook (16) at an end of a measuring tape (14) is set into the slot (26) and the measuring tape is extended across an uneven surface (34) with the convex side (32) contacting the uneven surface and guiding itself and the hook end (16) of the measuring tape (14) forwardly over th uneven surface (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Dennis M. Dodge, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6349484
    Abstract: A body dryer is provided including a housing having an elongated height. Also included is a mirror mounted on the housing. A heating mechanism is situated along the height of the housing for expelling heated air therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Sol Cohen
  • Patent number: 6349485
    Abstract: A high capacity grain aeration apparatus (10) is provided which includes opposed, upright, tubular, ported inlet and outlet ducts (24,26) positioned within a grain bin (12) and having inlet and outlet fans (28, 30) adjacent the upper ends of the ducts (24, 26). The ducts (24, 26) preferably present smooth, uncorrugated walls (40, 44). In use, aeration air is directed through the inlet duct (24) and then transversely through the ports (42) to the interior (20) of grain bin (12). Such air flows transversely through the grain within bin (12) and is pulled upwardly through outlet duct (26) by means of outlet fan (30). Additional aeration air enters through vents (50) or the grain inlet port (47) and enters the outlet duct ports (46) by passing through the grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventor: Carl Reed
  • Patent number: 6349486
    Abstract: A type of consumer-modifiable sandal or slipper, chiefly including: A sole into which are inserted two straps. Several assembly bases are embedded in the sole, and serve to hold the strap clips on the straps. The outer edges of the assembly bases are exposed on the surface of the sole. The assembly bases contain insertion holes with upward-facing openings. Window holes pierce the rim of the outer edge of the insertion holes. An insertion plate extends from the bottom of each strap's insertion clip and can be inserted into the insertion hole of an assembly base. The aforementioned strap clips employ spring clips on the insertion plates to catch against the window holes on insertion holes, forming a shoe that is easy to assemble, can be quickly manufactured and assembled, can be produced in large quantities, and can increase profits. Moreover, pressing the spring clip causes it to spring out of the window hole of the insertion hole, easily separating the strap from the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Gnan-Jang Plastics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ghing-Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 6349487
    Abstract: An adjustable dynamic, removable, mechanical foot leverage orthotic system is disclosed having a plate member positioned on top of one or more fulcrum member that are placed inside of a shoe. The plate is free to move within the shoe about the fulcrum to provide the wearer with mechanical improvement of abnormal, functional and associated foot pathology and can directly and indirectly effect the entire gait cycle. The foot leverage system can be integrated into the shoe design or can be inserted within a conventional shoe to create a foot leverage system. Methods of use and treatment are disclosed for the treatment of pes planus, pes cavus and tendonitis. The foot leverage system may also be used with the disclosed foot mapping system and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Pivotal Image, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilbert Alan Hice
  • Patent number: 6349488
    Abstract: A trencher mountable on a vehicle such as a tractor, includes a substantially horizontal hollow stationary member positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle, an extension member which is slidably receivable within the stationary member and a member for extending and retracting the extension member with respect to the stationary member. The trencher further includes a swiveling member pivotably attached to one end of the extension member with the swiveling member being horizontally pivotable with respect to the extension member. The trencher further includes a trenching head attached to the other end of the swiveling member, the trenching head including a trenching wheel and a device for pivotably raising and lowering the trenching head with respect to the swiveling member, and a frame for mounting the trencher to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Michael J. Mason
  • Patent number: 6349489
    Abstract: An arm body of a working machine has a hollow and triangular cross-section. A bucket-connection bracket is jointed to one longitudinal end of an arm body, and an arm cylinder bracket is jointed to another longitudinal end of the arm body, thereby forming an arm. With the triangular cross-sectional structure, the arm body is less prone to deformation under the stress of a load. The improved triangular cross-sectional structure permits the plate thickness of the arm body to be reduced, and the rigidity of the arm body to be increased without mounting a cross-section restraint material in the arm body. The cross-section of the boom will not deform even though the plate thickness is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the weight of the boom and still prevent deformation of the boom under heavy load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Sasaki, Toshio Tanaka, Tatsushi Itoh, Nobuyoshi Masumoto
  • Patent number: 6349490
    Abstract: An ironing board cover set includes an ironing board outer cover member 7 and a pad 5 beneath it. To improve the ironing performance, a vapor barrier 6 is provided between the ironing board outer cover member 7 and the pad 5. The ironing board top 2 may be made of a plate-like member or from a sandwich plate 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Leifheit AG
    Inventors: Christian Gross, Stephan Gerster
  • Patent number: 6349491
    Abstract: A poster sized card display apparatus. The apparatus has a plurality of pockets for displaying a plurality of cards. The apparatus is transparent such that both the front and back sides of the cards are viewable. The apparatus is flexible and can be folded for shipping along portions between rows of cards without disturbing the rows of cards. The apparatus includes vertically oriented pockets for vertically oriented cards and horizontally oriented pockets for horizontally oriented cards. The apparatus includes a header that is at least semi-rigid for providing support to the cards when the apparatus is in a folded form and for providing a degree of rigidity to the flexible apparatus when the apparatus is folded out for display. The apparatus includes pocket seals that terminate short of fold lines so that the apparatus can be easily folded. The apparatus includes double seals about portions of the periphery to protect the outer edges of outermost cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Roy Eugene Able
  • Patent number: 6349492
    Abstract: A liquid ornament having means for creating continuous liquid flow is provided. The liquid ornament includes a display chamber for containing liquids, such as water and oil, and a control chamber for accommodating the means for creating liquid flow. The means for creating liquid flow mainly include an elastically flexible material that forms a partition between the display chamber and the control chamber, a push member having a free end contacting with the flexible material, a magnet attached to the free end of the push member, and a coil mounted within a magnetic field of the magnet. When the coil is continuously supplied with an electric current, it alternately magnetically repulses or attracts the magnet and accordingly causes the free end of the push member to intermittently push or strike the flexible material, producing continuous liquid flow in the display chamber when the whole liquid ornament is in a still state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent K. Lee
  • Patent number: 6349493
    Abstract: A wristband is specifically constructed for use in amusement parks having amusement rides or exhibits on or at which human patrons are likely to have the exteriors of their bodies come into contact with chemically treated water, to facilitate purchase of goods or services. The wristband includes a strip of waterproof paper which is tear resistant but will tear completely if subjected to a force which would jeopardize the safety of the wearer in an amusement park environment. Bar coding (e.g. base thirty-six) indicia is imaged on a first face of the strip, and a protective coating (e.g. clear varnish and a transparent matte laminate) is provided over the bar code indicia protecting it from chemically treated water. Aggressive permanent pressure sensitive adhesive is provided at a slitted first end of the strip for securely attaching the ends together so that if they are detached they are not effectively reattachable, and the detachment is clearly visible to the naked human eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen Newman, Robert A. Praechter
  • Patent number: 6349494
    Abstract: A display apparatus for a display has first member with four sides. The display apparatus includes a transparent restraining member mounted centrally within the four sides of the first member. A second member having four sides and a back is rotatably interconnected with the first member such that the first member can articulate between a first position and a second position. The display apparatus includes holding devices for holding the display as the first member moves from the first to the second position and back to the first position. At least one biasing device exerts an urging pressure for urging the display against the transparent restraining member when the first member is in the first position. The biasing device is preferably a compressible material with memory. The material lies adjacent to the display, distributing the urging pressure along a continuous portion of the display, substantially from one edge to an opposing edge, while the first member is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Donna J. Haggarty-Robbins
  • Patent number: 6349495
    Abstract: A firing pin control device for a small arm is disclosed. The small arm includes a hammer, a housing including a fixed part, a slide disposed in the housing, with the slide being moveable between an open position and a closed position, and a firing pin mounted to the slide and being moveable relative to the slide along a linear path between a first position in which contact between the firing pin and the hammer is prevented and a second position in which contact between the firing pin and the hammer is permitted. The firing pin control assembly includes a pair of sleeves mounted in the slide, with the firing pin being slidable relative to the sleeves. A forward one of the sleeves engages the firing pin and is moveable between a forward position in which the firing pin is disposed in the first position and a rearward position in which the firing pin is disposed in the second position. The firing pin control assembly includes a counterspring arranged to bias the forward sleeve toward the forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Fluhr
  • Patent number: 6349496
    Abstract: A safety locking device for engaging the trigger guard assembly of a firearm. A preferred embodiment includes a housing having a slot formed therein and configured to receive the trigger and trigger guard portion of a firearm, and a locking mechanism to prevent removal of the firearm from the device. The locking mechanism further comprises a locking assembly operably attached to a locking rod which can be moved into or out of a channel containing a ball that when held in place by the rod causes the slot that contains the trigger guard to narrow sufficiently to prevent the removal of the trigger guard and thus the firearm. The lock may comprise a conventional key-operated lock or an electronic lock. The locking device is designed primarily to be incorporated into a holster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: George Joseph Neely
  • Patent number: 6349497
    Abstract: A collapsible support bar comprising an inner bar provided with collapsible buttons which retain two outer portions in place in either the collapsed or extended portions. Both the inner bar and the outer portions are provided with drilled holes into which dowels can be inserted. The inner bar is also provided with a hole which fits over a vertical pole. The collapsible support bar can be used to make an apparatus to lure wild birds by placing the collapsible support bar onto a telescopic vertical pole with an attached stake at the bottom to place the pole firmly in the ground, with decoys inserted into the drilled holes. In other embodiments the top section can include a plurality of arms radiating from a central hub, evocative of the branches if a tree. In yet another embodiment a plurality of poles can be used with collapsible support bars located between each pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Edward J. Roddenbery
  • Patent number: 6349498
    Abstract: A fishing lure capable of effective use in both casting/trolling and jigging. The fishing lure has connection sites for connecting a fishing line or a hook not only at each of its ends, but also at a location between its ends (preferably, at its top center). Where the lure is used for jigging, the fishing line is connected at the top center connection site and the hook(s) can be connected at either the bottom center connection site or the two end connection sites. By incorporating into the lure different sites along the lure at which lines can be connected to the lure, the lure is adaptable for use in different types of fishing. In addition to this adaptability, the main body of the lure can be selected so as to cause the lure to exhibit desirable patterns of movement through water in order to attract more fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Gary Garratt
  • Patent number: 6349499
    Abstract: Flaked mulch products having a density similar to that of seed which is to be established, comprise an agglomerated and compacted natural raw material whose density is adjusted to within 50% of the seed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Profile Products LLC
    Inventor: Kevin S. Spittle
  • Patent number: 6349500
    Abstract: A mound-like tree skirt has a generally dome-shaped body and is designed for placement around a tree. The body has an apex with an approximately centered opening to accommodate the tree's trunk. It also has a peripheral edge with a substantially horizontal anchor lip extending circumferentially therefrom. A radial slit extending from the approximately centered opening to the peripheral edge allows the mound-like tree skirt to be slipped around a tree until the tree's trunk is in the centered opening. At least one hole in the anchor lip and a corresponding number of anchor stakes hold the tree skirt in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Peggy L. Popham
  • Patent number: 6349501
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flower stem supporter which comprises a clasping mechanism that is integral with a long vertical portion. The long vertical portion is integral with a blossom supporter. The blossom supporter is integral with a short vertical portion. The short vertical portion is inserted in the base of the flower blossom for additional support of the blossom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Ephorm Freeman
  • Patent number: 6349502
    Abstract: A plant support for supporting plants that can be inserted into the soil without deforming. The support comprises a plurality of vertical members with opposite top and bottom ends. The bottom ends are adapted to engage with and penetrate into the earth to anchor the plant support to the earth. There are at least two horizontal members having differing vertical cross-sectional diameters. The horizontal members are vertically spaced apart and attached to the vertical members along the length of the vertical members. The horizontal member attached to the vertical members closest to the bottom ends is a bottom horizontal member and has a vertical cross-sectional diameter that is larger than the other horizontal members. The horizontal members have a central opening dimensioned to allow a plant to grow through the central opening and be supported by the horizontal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent O. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 6349503
    Abstract: A flexible barrier system is described that can be lowered or raised from a remote location using an accompanying remote control device which is either lockable or not lockable. The motor and mechanics used to raise and lower the chain are modular for easy repair and replacement, and enclosed in a protective covering in order to protect them from damage or tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: IJOT Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Gompertz, Klaus Silbermann, Arthur B. Dawson
  • Patent number: 6349504
    Abstract: A window lift bracket for attachment to a mounting edge of a movable window and which is connectable to a window lifting mechanism. The window lift bracket includes a base which is attachable to the window lifting mechanism and spaced apart portions extending from the base being positionable on either side of the movable window. The spaced apart portions define a channel therebetween. The window lift bracket includes at least one member, such as a flexible beam member, which is disposed generally in the channel for engaging the window when the window is disposed therein. Preferably, the engagement between the member and the window provides a reduced stress area at the bottom of the channel. Opposing surfaces of the spaced apart portions may provide convoluted surfaces, such as protrusions and depressions, which effectively increase the surface area to which the adhesive adheres, thereby improving the adhesion of the adhesive to the window bracket and the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: ELCO Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl R. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6349505
    Abstract: Apparatus for protecting an occupant of a building from flying debris from a frangible structure such as a window or the like, in the event of an explosion or other blast. The apparatus comprises a protective louver system disposed adjacent the building structure. The louver system comprises a plurality of louvers that are movable from an open position to a closed position wherein they form a protective barrier covering the building structure. A louver closing device is operatively connected to the louvers and is operable to move them to the closed position in the event of an explosion or other blast. The louvers are provided with locking portions so that they are interlocked when in the closed position and displaced inwardly by an explosion or other blast. Reinforcing cables may be positioned adjacent the inner surface of the louver system to support the louvers in the closed position when they are displaced inwardly by the explosion or other blast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Atlantic Research Corporation
    Inventors: Ward Figge, John Crawford
  • Patent number: 6349506
    Abstract: A gutter guard is provided which is constructed from a modified portion of roofing material. A bottom edge of the roofing material extends over the gutter and defines an upper series of openings and a lower series of openings. Beneath the upper and lower series of openings, a wire mesh is secured to the lower surface of the roofing material. The openings permit rain water to drain into the adjacent gutter while the mesh prevents unwanted debris from entering the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Artistic View, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Eugene Pace, Joshua Michael Runion
  • Patent number: 6349507
    Abstract: A slat wall structure including a substantially vertical support portion and at least one substantially horizontal web extending from the support portion. An end of the web includes a downwardly depending portion extending longitudinally along the end of the web, with the downwardly depending portion defining an upwardly extending recess. The recess is located below each of the webs, whereby both hook-like engagement brackets and upwardly extending mounting flange brackets can be supported by the slat wall. The web can also include a downwardly extending portion that defines at least one screw boss, wherein screws are receivable to mount the slat wall from its end. A pair of oppositely disposed and mutually spaced vertical end walls having a slat wall located between and attached to the end walls by screws placed through the vertical end walls and into the screw boss to thereby secure a side of the web to the vertical end walls and form an integral upright assembly which may be self-supporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Spectra Products Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel J. Muellerleile
  • Patent number: 6349508
    Abstract: A small type of seismic shelter case, including an external layer of case of high strength, devised with a main entrance/exit opening and at least one secondary life escape exit, providing the space of containing human body inside; inside the case is fitted with a permeable inner layer of pad of strong seismic absorption and resistant to high temperature, and one safety belt to stabilize human body; and also devised with a storage box with various types of first aid item and rescue item; during occurrence of a strong earthquake, a shelter solicitor may enter the shelter case through the main entrance/exit and self stabilize by the safety belt. The said case can also prevent large rocks from directly falling inside, to reduce seismic hazard and extend the time of protecting the person inside it to wait for external rescue by upgrading the survival rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventors: Chien-Ping Ju, Jiin-Huey Chern Lin, Truan-Sheng Lui
  • Patent number: 6349509
    Abstract: A prefabricated wall and roof unit for easy and cost efficient home construction. The wall unit of the present invention is formed of a steel frame, a molded external panel formed into the shape of traditional building materials and features, and a layer of insulation material. The wall unit may be assembled in a quality controlled off-site factory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Nathan W. Pingel
  • Patent number: 6349510
    Abstract: A single transportable oversized or extended support base is provided for a conventional equipment shelter and the associated power source. The shelter and power source are separately affixed to the base while at the place of manufacturing to form a transportable unitary shelter facility that is easily and efficiently installed at the use site. Such combination avoids the additional labor and expense associated with installing equipment such as a generator in a separate room within the building because it eliminates the need for the extra door, and larger wall, roof, and floor panels, ventilation systems, environmental controls and related items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: GFRC Shelters
    Inventors: Harold Robert Haas, Scott Craig Leggett, Sr., Randall Cade Goodman, John Irving Mathis
  • Patent number: 6349511
    Abstract: A gazebo is fabricated utilizing a novel construction system wherein lightweight aluminum framing components are employed. A preferred structure has eight sides wherein each side includes a pair of vertical posts, a pair of header members, a rail and foot member, columns disposed between the rail and foot member and the pair of header members, and an insulated composite roof panel. An entrance way is void of the rail and foot member, but can be employed with the necessary framing components to attach a door. As each side unit is attached by self mating beam and vertical post members to an adjacent side unit, the gazebo structure is formed. A crown portion can be attached upon an apex of the gazebo. Shingles or tiles can be attached upon the roof panels. Spline grooves formed along the vertical posts permit the gazebo to be “screened in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventors: Patrick K. McAlpin, Manuel F. McAlpin
  • Patent number: 6349512
    Abstract: A support post for use in construction mounted to the floor with a base collar which is provided with spacer rings for height adjustment. The spacer rings are inserted into the base collar before the support post is in order to provide additional height for the support post as needed in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Steel Floors, LLC
    Inventors: John William Berkey, Kenneth G. Joern
  • Patent number: 6349513
    Abstract: A raised floor system constructed of octagonal panels for use in a semiconductor clean room facility is disclosed. In the raised floor system, a plurality of pedestals each having a top portion and a base portion threadingly engaged together for adjusting a height of the pedestal is first provided. The top portion of the pedestal has a square top surface and four recessed peripheral slots surrounding the top surface. Each of the four recessed peripheral slots being adapted for engaging an octagonal panel. The raised floor system further includes a plurality of octagonal panels each has a flat top surface and a convex bottom surface equipped with a raised peripheral ridge for engaging one of the recessed slots on the top portion of the pedestal such that the flat top surface of the octagonal panel is coplanar with the square top surface of the pedestal when the octagonal panel is mounted to the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Wei Tran Chen, Hwa-Ching Hsu
  • Patent number: 6349514
    Abstract: A ground stake is disclosed having a plurality of blades extending outwardly from a longitudinal axis. The blades are connected along the length of the axis by at least one conical rib to promote retention of the stake within the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Patent number: 6349515
    Abstract: A parking device for two-wheelers, the device having at least a series of parking elements with mutually adjacent parking elements. Each parking element has an enclosed space for receiving individually a single two-wheeler, so as to form individual parking cells for two-wheelers isolated from one another. Each cell can be closed for enclosing the space taken up by the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick Naudts
  • Patent number: 6349516
    Abstract: A frame arrangement for use with an interior space-dividing wall system including portable upright panel assemblies. The frame arrangement includes upright post assemblies in supportive engagement with the floor and a cross members which extend laterally between adjacent pairs of the post assemblies. The cross member mounts thereon a cable trough which may be utilized to carry cabling and to support a power distribution assembly including electrical receptacles for providing the panel assemblies with electrical power. The cross member and cable trough are adapted to prevent rotation of the cable trough during insertion and removal of plugs or jacks from the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Powell, Peter J. Beyer, Richard G. Haworth
  • Patent number: 6349517
    Abstract: A fixed barrier module includes a support post for supporting two adjacent panels each of which are hingeable. A cut-away portion in a base portion of the support post accepts two cable-carrying swivel joints that are utilized as cable conduits through the support post. The swivel joints rotate with the panels, and allow cables to follow the fixed barrier contour. Cable carrier extrusions attach to the swivel joints to extend the cable conduit below a panel section and to an adjacent support post. The swivel joints and hingeable panels allow the fixed barrier to change direction to follow any desired contour using a single-type of a support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Manley, Mike Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6349518
    Abstract: A method of insulating an attic cavity includes assembling a plurality of trusses to define an attic cavity, the trusses having sloped top beams so that the attic cavity has a reduced height end portion at least one end of the trusses. A screen material is applied to the attic cavity at the reduced height end portion of the attic cavity. Loosefil insulation material is blown into the end portion of the attic cavity to insulate the end portion of the attic cavity. The remaining portion of the attic cavity is insulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob T. Chacko
  • Patent number: 6349519
    Abstract: A batten for securing sheeting to a substrate is comprised of a lengthwise strip having fastening surfaces thereon. The fastening surfaces are spacially related along the length of the strip to coincide with the spacial relationship present between structural members of a standard wall structure. The fastening surfaces thus serve as indicators of the locations of such structural members. Each fastening surface includes a moisture barrier that forms a moisture-tight seal around a fastener when driven through the fastening surface and sheeting and into the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Brad F. Beller
  • Patent number: 6349520
    Abstract: An insulated concrete wall structure having a concrete wall with opposing wall surfaces. The concrete wall has several vertically and horizontally spaced wall ties imbedded within the concrete wall and extending between the wall surfaces. Positioned between the vertically spaced wall ties are a series of elongated retaining strips such that the retaining strips are substantially parallel to the wall surface. Insulating panels such as polystyrene foam boards are located between the horizontally spaced wall ties and retained in position by the retaining strips. In one aspect of the invention, each insulating panel has a groove formed along its vertical edge for receiving and engaging the elongated edge of the retaining strips. The present wall system is advantageous in that an insulated concrete wall can be readily formed using conventional wall forms in approximately the same amount of time as conventional uninsulated poured concrete walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: K-Wall Poured Walls, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Kubica
  • Patent number: 6349521
    Abstract: A method includes rollforming and sweeping a tubular beam with a constant longitudinal cross section, and then reforming the tubular beam 10 to form a tubular beam having a non-constant cross section. The non-constant cross sections have specific shapes chosen to provide particular structural properties and surfaces along the reshaped beam, and also to provide a stylized appearance, such that the reformed beam is useful as a vehicle bumper. In particular, the reshaped beam includes integrally formed vehicle mounting structure, angled end sections forming aerodynamic but impact-resistant bumper ends, and a high-energy absorbing but flexible center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Shape Corporation
    Inventors: R. Clayton McKeon, Peter Sturrus, Mark D. Weissenborn
  • Patent number: 6349522
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for the manufacture of brick block, i.e. a concrete chimney or wall block, with an impressed brick grout pattern on the face thereof, comprises a mold adapted to fit a known concrete block manufacturing machine. The mold has grout bars to impress a simulated laid brick pattern onto at least one vertical face of the block, the grout bar moveable in and out from a wall of the mold by hydraulic components. The hydraulic components utilize a unique multi-piston hydraulic block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Craig A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 6349523
    Abstract: A web (20) of sequentially disposed package blanks (26) are supplied to an apparatus for opening and closing the package blanks at a filling station. The web has a first wall (21 a) opposite a second wall (21b). Transverse slits (27) are disposed between the side closures of the package blanks. Each respective wall is provided with retainers at its upper edges which guide the edges when the web is displaced along the apparatus. The wall (21a, b) of each package blank is provided with a longitudinal slit (29a). The slit (29a) of the first wall extends from the transverse slit (27) at one side closure of the package blank, and the longitudinal slit of the second wall extends from the transverse slit at the second side closure of the package blank. The apparatus includes mechanical retainer devices which are disposed in transversely spaced relation from one another in that part of the apparatus where the package blanks are displaced in the opened state so that the blanks can be filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Joker System Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Jan Jostler, Ingemar Broden
  • Patent number: 6349524
    Abstract: An embossed seal is formed in a cavity in the neck of a corked bottle over a cork using a die having a die surface with a die image. A first molten seal material is introduced into a die cavity. The die cavity is formed in part with the die surface. The introduction of the first molten seal material deposits an embossed seal portion with an embossed surface. The embossed seal portion is allowed to cool. A second molten seal material is introduced into the cavity of the neck of the corked bottle. The embossed seal portion is brought into contact with the molten seal material in the bottle cavity with the embossed surface disposed on top facing away from the molten seal material. The molten seal material partially melts the embossed seal portion to form a single seal upon cooling. The embossed seal portion is sufficiently cooled and solidified to prevent melting and damage of the embossed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Patented Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: David Paul Zurlinden, David Marc Zurlinden, Malcolm Yuill-Thornton