Patents Issued in June 18, 2002
  • Patent number: 6405476
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus to fabricate a pliable fishing lure whereby a bait fish, or similarly intended likeness can be imprinted upon a fishing lure contour via coordinated utilization of the invention's print processing mold and a four color pad printing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: James L. Wiseman, Donald W. Frey
  • Patent number: 6405477
    Abstract: A molded plastic keeper having an elongated stem and from which a series of 3-dimensional projections radiate. The projections can exhibit different shapes and offsets from the stem. In various constructions, a keeper with conical ribs is molded to the shank of a bare or wire at a jig or lure to support live bait or an artificial dressing. In another construction, the keeper is molded over a wire core that can be formed and mounted to a hook eye or cast into the body of a lure. In another construction, a hollow bore extends through the keeper and permits a threaded fitting over a fish line. A longitudinal slot can be included at a hollow bore keeper and/or the keeper can be constructed of a material that shrinks. A buoyant, weighted and/or hollow headpiece having a longitudinal bore can cooperate with the keeper and may support a rattle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Mikel Huppert
  • Patent number: 6405478
    Abstract: A buoyant fishing apparatus for supporting fishing rods and accessories above a water level. The buoyant fishing apparatus includes a buoyant platform with an area for placing fishing accessories, a frame member coupled to the top surface, and a plurality of fishing rod holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Jesse Westley
  • Patent number: 6405479
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting trellis wires on a typical metal post includes a wire clip having opposed trellis wire support arms, each comprised of a portion of the wire extending laterally and including a distal portion bent back over the lateral portion to define an acute angle therewith. A medial portion joining the two wire support arms consists of a V-shaped configuration extending in a lateral plane. The apex of the V shape impinges on one edge of the cross-web of the post, and one leg of the V extends between two fence post spines. A cam over wire lock secures the wire clip to the post, and is comprised of a web having tapered opposed ends. A hole is disposed in one end of the web, and an R-shaped camming slot is formed in a second, opposed end of the wire lock. One end of the trellis wire support clip is passed through the hole in the cam over wire lock, and the wire lock is positioned to extend between the opposed wire support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Volk Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6405480
    Abstract: A fluid injection apparatus and associated method for supplying a pressurized fluid to a permeable portion of a tree. A fluid injection apparatus comprising a receptacle engageable with the tree forms a chamber around the permeable portion of the tree. A reservoir supplies fluid to a pump which selectively transfers the fluid from the reservoir to the chamber, pressurizing the fluid in the chamber. A tree stand comprising a tree clamp and supporting legs can comprise the fluid injection apparatus. The apparatus enables the method of supplying a pressurized fluid to the permeable portion of a tree comprising: providing a fluid-retaining chamber around a permeable portion of the tree; providing a reservoir containing a supply of the fluid; and selectively pumping the fluid from the reservoir to pressurize the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Le Martin
  • Patent number: 6405481
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transplanting a seedling and/or plant from a container that substantially reduces damage to the seedling and/or plant. The container includes at least one upstanding side wall and an outwardly extending flange at an upper portion thereof. The upper portion includes slots therein which define a tab therebetween. A stress riser proximate an end of the slot is formed when the tab is manually forced downward, resulting in a portion of the side wall stripping away to expose the contents of the container. The contents of the container can thereby be easily and quickly removed without substantially damaging the seedling and/or the plant therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Bautner
  • Patent number: 6405482
    Abstract: A growing system includes an outer pot of net material and an inner pot holding water and nutrients fed through a tube extending to the top of the outer pot. Peat growing medium is provided in both pots including the space between the inner and outer pots. An outer watering saucer may be provided for plant growth in a first warm climate while a stabilizing pot may be used in a second climate for securing the outer pot to a substrate of ground soil. The plant roots grow into both the inner and outer pots and through the bottom wall of the outer pot into the ground soil. Additional plants may be positioned to grow through the side openings in the outer pot. The heat growing medium may be dehydrated to 15% of its normal moisture for transport between the first climate to a second climate with hydration occurring at the second climate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: The Vivian A. Skaife Trust
    Inventor: William A. Skaife
  • Patent number: 6405483
    Abstract: In an apparatus for opening and closing a working area of a machine tool (1) which comprises a front door (6) for opening and closing an operation opening (5a) formed in a cover (5) serving as a partition between the working area A and an operator, and a ceiling shutter (8) covering an upper part of the above working area A so as to be opened and closed, there is provided a detection switch for detecting a closed condition of the front door (6), and an interlocking mechanism (9) for blocking a closing operation of the front door (6) while the ceiling shutter is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoya Tamada, Shiro Okubo
  • Patent number: 6405484
    Abstract: A sealing system includes a gate (2) which is pivotably mounted to a crank (3) which is mounted for rotation with shaft (1). A spring (5) is disposed between gate (2) and crank (3). The gate (2) includes an O-ring (6) which compresses and slides during closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Lintek Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven Butler
  • Patent number: 6405485
    Abstract: A door control device is adapted to smoothly shift the mode of operation to the door closer operation at the time the door is being moved by pushing in the door closing condition, without requiring a large size motor and without the need for increasing the strength of the drive medium. The door control device includes a closer for shifting a slide door from the half door condition to the fully closed condition, and a clutch mechanism which is interposed in a power transmission system between the slide door and a motor for driving the slide door. If the slide door is electrically driven, a clutch of the clutch mechanism is rendered operational to move the slide door and the closer operation is started after the sliding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Itami, Ryoichi Fukumoto, Katsuhisa Yamada, Masao Ohhashi, Shintaro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6405486
    Abstract: A power operating system for opening and closing a vehicle liftgate has a pair of drive units supported on the vehicle roof and connected to the liftgate for opening and closing the liftgate. Each drive unit includes a bracket that is secured to the vehicle body for supporting several parts including a reversible electric motor, a gear unit and a track. The electric motor drives a segmented drive linkage inside the track via a gear reduction unit and a sprocket. The segmented drive linkage includes an elongated arcuate link arm that slides in an arcuate track portion of the track and a power roller chain that is stored in a storage track portion when the liftgate is closed. The outboard end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the liftgate to open and close the liftgate as the link arm is extended and retracted by the power roller chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd Walker Rogers, Jr., David Joseph Chapman, Brian Norman Orr, Joseph Michael Johnson
  • Patent number: 6405487
    Abstract: A driving arrangement for moving at least one object, which is positioned movably inside a runner rail, in particular a sliding door, a sliding window, or a partitioning wall, comprising an electric motor (1) that drives a traction element (4) by way of a drive pulley (3) that is arranged at one end of the runner rail, which traction element circulates around a reversing device arranged at the other end of the runner rail and moves the object, characterized in that the rotor shaft for the electric motor (1) drives a driven shaft (6) by way of a gear (5). The axis (14) of the driven shaft extends at a right angle to the axis (13) of the rotor shaft and drives the drive pulley (3) by way of a transmission arrangement (9, 10, 11), wherein the gear (5) is positioned such that it can pivot elastically and at a specific angle around the axis (14) of driven shaft (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Heinrich Reisinger
  • Patent number: 6405488
    Abstract: A uniquely constructed window insulator (10) that effectively seals the gap (17) between the upper sash (15) and the lower sash (16) of a double-hung window against drafts and other thermal loss. The device has an elongated, tubular shape and a sash lock opening (11), located on its bottom surface and sized to accommodate the sash lock (18) of a double-hung window. A thermally insulating layer (13), constructed of open or closed-cell foam or any suitable insulating material, is surrounded by a decorative cover (12), and itself surrounds an inner core of particulate weighting material (14). When installed, the sash lock (18) on the window projects into the sash lock opening (11) of the device, allowing the device to lie completely flat against the top of the lower sash (16) and the front of the upper sash (15), thereby completely sealing the opening between the two sashes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Toni L. Brown
  • Patent number: 6405489
    Abstract: In the mounting base section of a door weather strip, first and second mounting faces extend in the longitudinal direction while making a right angle with respect to each other. Between these mounting faces, there is provided a twisted face which continues from the first mounting face to the second mounting face. One piece of double-sided adhesive tape is continuously attached to the door weather strip from the first mounting face to the second mounting face via the twisted face, and these mounting faces and the twisted face are bonded to the door by the double-sided adhesive tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Miura
  • Patent number: 6405490
    Abstract: Each of the hinges 30, 30 is positioned at upper and lower positions of the hinge-side vertical member 20 correspondingly, wherein each position is symmetrical relative to the horizontal plane which divides the hinge-side vertical member 20 in halves. A latch hole 52 of the latch receiver 50 is provided at a position of the latch-side vertical member 25 where the member 25 is divided in halves. A latch 40 is positioned higher than a door handle 90 capable of reversing. Each hinge is attached through one touch operation in order for use in a double hinged door system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Juken Sangyo
    Inventors: Yusho Nakamoto, Katsunori Sako, Kiminori Kubo
  • Patent number: 6405491
    Abstract: A modular patient room includes a plurality of wall panels having various configurations and one or more plumbing units. The wall panels and plumbing units are connectable to each other to form the patient room. Each plumbing unit includes a water conduit and a water-using device that is connected to the water conduit. In some embodiments, the modular patient room includes modular patient service equipment that couples to the wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Gallant
  • Patent number: 6405492
    Abstract: In order to be able to shift a leader (18), which is disposed on a travelling chassis (10) via a carrying mechanism (16), both towards the front and also towards the rear into a substantially horizontal position, the carrying mechanism (16) has at least one guide arm (24) which is adjustable in length and which comprises a double-acting hydraulic working cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Delmag Maschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Winfried Scheid, Nikodemus Heinz
  • Patent number: 6405493
    Abstract: A motion-magnifying seismic shock-absorbing construction for placement in the frame of an extremely stiff building structure wherein there is a relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the building in response to a seismic event including a first link connected to the structure and having a shock-absorbing member therein, a plurality of additional links connected between the structure and the first link to transmit to the first link and to the shock-absorbing member therein the relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the structure due to the seismic event, and the plurality of links including a motion-magnifying linkage for magnifying the aforementioned relatively small relative movement so that a magnified movement is applied to the shock-absorbing member. A building structure containing a plurality of the above motion-magnifying shock-absorbing constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Tayco Developments, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6405494
    Abstract: A solar module assembly comprising a solar module, at least one locating part in the form of a profiled rail with a longitudinally extending slot therein and a clip with a hook for fixing the solar module to the profiled rail when the clip is inserted in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Wolfgang Wismeth
  • Patent number: 6405495
    Abstract: A thin flexible floor mat system is configured to resist penetration by high heeled shoes and be capable of being easily rolled up in long segments. The floor mat is constituted by a series of small square sections and are connected together with connectors that permit easy deployment and removal of the mat system by detaching segments of the mat from each other. The mat is flexible but resists penetration from high heels and other forms of traffic by virtue maintaining of a predetermined volume in the areas formed by adjacent cross pieces of the mat. Longitudinal connectors are configured so that the matting connected to half the connector comes away relatively easily while the matting connected to the other half of the connector is held tightly to the connector. Ramp structures are arranged on all outside edges of the mat system. Different connection arrangements between the mat and the ramps are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald Kessler, Myron Ullman
  • Patent number: 6405496
    Abstract: A multi-story apartment or condominium building complex includes one or more vehicle parking levels above or below grade and one or more dwelling unit levels vertically stacked above the vehicle parking levels. At least one of the parking levels includes private garages for at least selected ones of the dwelling units and occupants of the selected dwelling units may move between their garage and their dwelling unit through an interior corridor at the parking level and an elevator extending directly to the individual dwelling units on each level. The elevators may serve one, two or several dwelling units on each dwelling unit level. A service corridor is provided on each dwelling unit level which may be accessed by a service elevator or spaced apart stairways to provide secondary access between each dwelling unit level and street level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: Jerry W. Stewart, W. Bryan Thruston
  • Patent number: 6405497
    Abstract: A gate for sliding windows or doors in a frame is provided. The gate provides two gate elements. The first element is attached to the window frame. The second element is attached to the sliding window. The two elements are coupled together to allow each element to slide across the other. The elements are positioned in the frame to create a barrier in a space created when a window is slid to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: George Christopolous
  • Patent number: 6405498
    Abstract: A cutout is made on the front wall of a substantially straight portion of spacer frame channel, having an apex at the axis of bend of the channel for making a corner of the frame, the edges of the cutout being angled so that they close down to a slot of at least 4 degrees opening when the channel bent on the axis to make the corner, sealant is applied on the front wall of the straight portion across the cutout before bending into a corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Harry M. Riegelman
  • Patent number: 6405499
    Abstract: A panel is attached to a panel frame such that the panel is movable relative to the panel frame. A weather strip is attached to the frame to seal the periphery of the panel. A gap is defined between the end of the panel and an adjacent inner wall of the weather strip. Cohesive elastic material is located in the gap. The panel end face is inclined by an acute angle relative to the upper surface of the panel such that the gap widens in the downward direction. When compressed and deformed between the end of the panel and the inner wall of the weather strip, the elastic material is pressed downward, which prevents the elastic material from bulging upward and spoiling the appearance of the weather strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yasushi Iimori, Akira Kose
  • Patent number: 6405500
    Abstract: A seal for a fixed window in a motor vehicle, including a pane-holding channel to receive and grip the opposite faces of a margin of a window pane. A sealing lip extending parallel with the pane-holding channel has a root located a small distance apart from the top edge of the pane-holding channel, and an outer margin of the lip extends to and presses sealingly against an outer surface of the window pane. In a preferred embodiment of the invention an outer margin of the main member of the seal defines a channel to receive and grip the opposite faces of a margin of the structure defining a window opening in the motor vehicle. A locking strip engaged in a locking strip groove keeps the seal in place after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Northwest RubbersExtruders, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Lucas, Jr., Thomas M. English
  • Patent number: 6405501
    Abstract: The shimless-shim employed with an edge member of a rough opening in a structure helps true up a jamb in the rough opening comprising a first member disposed parallel to the edge member having a length equal to the width of the edge member and the thickness of the wall boards attached to both edges of the edge member; a pair of a second members attached to the first member in a perpendicular relationship thereto, the pair of second members being disposed in a spaced relationship with respect to each other to enable each of the pair of second members to be disposed between a different one of the edges of the edge member and an adjacent one of the wall boards, the pair of the second members being adjustable in and out to assist in truing up the jamb in the rough opening; a first fastener is associated with the first member to enable fastening the jamb thereto; and a second fastener is associated with each of the pair of the second members and the edge member to secure the pair of second members to the edge memb
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Jaime M. Cerrato
  • Patent number: 6405502
    Abstract: A firestop coupling assembly for allowing the passage of utility members through a hole in a partition while preventing the transmission of fire and smoke through the hole. The coupling assembly includes a coupling and a firestop extension. The firestop extension has a housing with an inner passageway. Intumescent material is mounted in the inner passageway of the housing. The firestop extension is mounted on the coupling such that the intumescent material extends downward beyond a second end of the coupling. When the coupling assembly is exposed to heat, the intumescent material expands into the inner passageway of the housing of the firestop extension and blocks the second end of the housing of the coupling which prevents the transmission of smoke and fire through the coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Cornwall
  • Patent number: 6405503
    Abstract: The present invention includes several new embodiments of corner trim for use with vinyl or aluminum siding, which provide an appearance similar to that provided by the use of cast concrete corner stones at a fraction of the cost. The new corner trim is essentially a shell formed to have the appearance of a corner stone. Like the cast concrete stones it emulates, it is designed to fit over the corner of a structure. It may be manufactured from polymeric vinyl material via either injection molding or sheet forming process, or it may be formed by stamping sheet aluminum sheet. If aluminum is used, some welding may be required at the corners of the trim. A first embodiment of the corner trim incorporates a laminar, perimetric rim at the edges of the shell. When mounted on the building corner, the rim is perpendicular to the walls. A separate perimetric mounting strip is stapled to the wall sheathing on both sides of the building corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Ronnie E. Reed
  • Patent number: 6405504
    Abstract: A structural frame member that has two parts connected by at least one collapsible part, whereby the two parts can be drawn towards each other to trap an item between spaced formations extending from sides of said parts. The collapsible part is formed as a collapsible web connected to respective ends of the sidewalls of the two parts. Cover strips are pressed into place at the end of each part to cover the juncture between the parts and the item trapped between the spaced formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Ultraframe (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Richardson
  • Patent number: 6405505
    Abstract: A modular interlock wall form for providing a sturdy wall structure that is easily assembled and disassembled. The modular interlock wall form includes a base frame for resting on a surface, and which includes a pair of elongate base rails extending in the longitudinal direction of the base frame. The base rails are laterally spaced, and at least one lateral member extends laterally across the base rails. The lateral member has a fascia support portion extending substantially perpendicular to an axis of a central portion of the lateral member, A face panel is provided for forming a face of the modular interlock wall form. The face panel has opposite surfaces and a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge comprises opposite end edges and opposite first and second edges. The first edge is adapted for being oriented downwardly and the second edge is adapted for being oriented upwardly. The second edge has a tongue extending along the length of the second edge with at least one pocket recessed in the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Carlo Alberti
  • Patent number: 6405506
    Abstract: A pre-hung door and door frame in combination with nesting door posts. Preferably, the door posts have a central channel extending into contact with a door jamb soffit and one of the door jamb stops. The header includes a header tab extending from a nailing flange into a area defined by the door jamb rabbet, face and back bends to provide a more rigid connection between the header and the door jamb. The header also includes a pair of door jamb tabs integral with the header for securing the header relative to the door jambs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Robert O. Ruff
  • Patent number: 6405507
    Abstract: A channel member includes an elongated backboard having a front face and an opposing back face each extending between a first side face and an opposing second side face. An elongated first rail has a front face extending between a first side face and an opposing second side face. The first side face of the first rail is secured against the front face of the backboard so as to orthogonally project adjacent to the first side face of the backboard. An elongated second rail has a front face extending between a first side face and an opposing second side face. The first side face of the second rail is secured against the front face of the backboard so as to orthogonally project therefrom adjacent to the second side face of the backboard. The backboard, first rail, and second rail are comprised of wafer board. In an alternative embodiment, the channel member is integrally molded as a discrete unit from a composition of organic non-wood fibers and resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: Edward “L” Milton, Floyd Nelson Milton
  • Patent number: 6405508
    Abstract: A method for repairing and concealing a crack in the interior surface of a basement wall, and for draining water admitted through the crack into a drain at the base of the wall. The method involves the steps of covering the crack, along the length thereof and down to the drain, with a thin, narrow strip of a water-absorbing, water-wicking fabric such as a layer of plastic foam or woven cotton. Thereafter a thin barrier layer of an elastomeric caulk composition is spread thereover and beyond the edges thereof onto the surface of the basement wall to channel the flow of water from the wall crack, through the layer of wicking fabric, and down into the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Janesky
  • Patent number: 6405509
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light weight structural element, in particular in the shape of a panel, especially for building construction, containing a support structure. The light weight structural element contains at least two supporting rods, which at their ends are interconnected by cross-bars. Between the supporting rods and the cross-bars may be a core; wherein the surfaces of the supporting rods are interconnected by an adhesive skin made from a material of a thickness between 0.5 and 5 mm. The invention also relates to the construction technique of constructing buildings using the light weight structural elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Ivan Razl
  • Patent number: 6405510
    Abstract: A bale wrapping implement includes a main frame supported on a caster wheel mounted at the center of gravity of the device. The main frame is coupled to the axle of a large round baler for vertical pivotal movement so that the bale wrapping implement is able to follow the contour of the ground. An auxiliary support wheel is mounted to the main frame so that it engages the ground only when the bale wrapping implement is supporting a bale to be wrapped. The main frame includes first and second components which are pivotally coupled to each other and a linkage including an extensible and retractable hydraulic actuator is coupled so that a pair of parallel rolls carried by the second component are disposed in a location close to the discharge gate of the baler for receiving a bale when the actuator is extended and are located remote from the gate in a position for wrapping the bale, when the actuator is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jean Viaud
  • Patent number: 6405511
    Abstract: Chocolates are wrapped individually by a method that involves feeding single wrapping sheets along a first path in a first direction spaced at a selected pitch, in such a way that the trailing edge of one wrapping sheet and the leading edge of the next are distanced one from another, and at the same time feeding a continuous ribbon in a second direction along a second path that merges with the first path at an assembling station where the ribbon is stably united with the sheets; ribbon and sheet then advance together in a third direction, along which the ribbon is divided into discrete slivers by repeated cuts, each made between the trailing edge of one sheet and the leading edge of the next and at a distance such that each sliver will present a portion projecting from the trailing edge of the wrapping sheet to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Hershey Foods Corporation
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 6405512
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for manufacturing metal powder from a molten mass. The process occurs in an apparatus that includes at least one metallurgical vessel adapted to at least one of treat and prepare a batch of the molten mass, and an atomizing chamber including a nozzle part adapted to sputter a portion of the molten mass, a feed side coupled to the metallurgical vessel, and a discharge side. The atomizing chamber has a longitudinal axis arranged inclined downwardly from the feed side to the discharge side. The apparatus also includes a separator adapted for classifying the metal powder, and an encapsulating facility including at least one container. The metal powder is to be inserted and enclosed within the at least one container. A conveyance unit for powder transport includes an ascending pipe oriented to guide the metal powder upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Böhler Edelstahl GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Claes Tornberg
  • Patent number: 6405513
    Abstract: A lockout feature for preventing a lawn mower from going into reverse unless the lawn mower blade is first disengaged, while allowing the lawn mower cutting blade to be reengaged upon being placed in reverse, the latch nevertheless allowing the lawn mower to be moved out of reverse without disengaging said lawn mower blade. An override feature is also allowed by use of a separate override control to allow the user to override the reverse lock out latch in order to go from forward or neutral into reverse without disengaging the cutting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Snapper, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank H. Hancock, Steven D. Smyly, Lucius Levon Cole, Fielder Fields Glass, James R. Powers, Stephen C. Price
  • Patent number: 6405514
    Abstract: A turf maintenance equipment unit, such as a riding mower having two side cutting units and a front cutting unit operatively connected to a traction frame. A hydraulic traction system is provided for propelling the traction frame in forward and reverse. This traction system includes a pair of front drive motors and a rear drive motor connected in parallel to a pump. A pressure reducing device limits fluid pressure to the rear drive motor when the traction frame is moving in reverse to increase the climbing ability of the traction frame in reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Richard J. Guertin
  • Patent number: 6405515
    Abstract: A zero-turning-radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing-occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing-occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero-radius-turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned at this turning point so that the standing-occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero-radius-turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wright, James D. Velke
  • Patent number: 6405516
    Abstract: A vibratory shaker for mounting on a crop harvester framework for removing crops from vines, bushes, and trees has a crop foliage engaging brush that is driven directly about a brush rotation axis by a brush driving motor. The crop foliage engaging brush and the brush driving motor are supported for rotation on the crop harvester framework. The power for driving the brush driving motor is controlled to provide oscillatory motion subject to operator controlled frequency, amplitude and oscillatory wave shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Franklin P. Orlando
  • Patent number: 6405517
    Abstract: An economical wheeled towable folding wheel rake of robust, largely welded construction utilizing a single hydraulic cylinder to fold two opposed wheel rake assemblies via a four bar linkage. The folding mechanism folds the opposed rake assemblies to a compact, symmetrical, easily locked, vertical orientation for shipping transit and storage. The folding mechanism is simple and utilizes few wearing pivots yet enables flotation of the opposed rake assemblies independent of one another and of the main frame of the wheel rake. The opposed wheel rake assemblies are independently adjustable in raking angle, raking width and raking down pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: H&S Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Peeters, Gregory L. Landon
  • Patent number: 6405518
    Abstract: An optical fiber pay-out system utilizes over-the-end pay-out from a storage spool (34) into a module (38) adjacent the pay-out end of the spool. The module has a freely rotatable capstan (47) affixed thereto over a portion of the surface of which are endless belt (63) is in contact. A nozzle member (42) directs the paid out fiber into the region of belt and surface contact. Height adjusting members (72) are provided for imparting a twist to the fiber in the region by directing the fiber to an off-center position relative to the centerline of contact of the belt and surface of the capstan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Clyde Jefferson Lever
  • Patent number: 6405519
    Abstract: A composite, break-resistant sewing thread having a core of continuous multi-filament, non-stretch high-tenacity synthetic yarn and a cover of drafted staple fibers air-jet twisted around and covering the core for protecting the core from heat and friction during a sewing operation. The yarn is plied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Burke Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Humayan N. Shaikh, Robert W. Downs, Charles Rex Childers
  • Patent number: 6405520
    Abstract: A gas and steam-turbine plant includes a waste-heat steam generator connected downstream of a gas turbine on the flue-gas side. The waste-heat steam generator has heating areas connected in a water/steam circuit of a steam turbine. A heat exchanger is provided for cooling a coolant of the gas turbine in order to ensure reliable cooling of the gas turbine even under varied operating conditions. The heat exchanger has a secondary side connected in a second water/steam circuit. The second water/steam circuit is connected to the water/steam circuit of the steam turbine in such a way that it can be shut off. A method is also provided for cooling a coolant of a gas turbine of a gas and steam-turbine plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Thiel, Klaus Gebke, Thomas Greis, Alfred Reichard
  • Patent number: 6405521
    Abstract: A method of augmenting power in a gas turbine plant that includes a compressor, at least one combustor, a turbine component and an output shaft, comprising a) supplying air and water to a heat recovery boiler; b) providing a turbine controller that controls supply of air, steam or a mixture of air and steam to the combustor; c) storing data in the turbine controller including properties of air, steam and equations for determining properties of any mixture of air and steam; d) measuring a differential pressure of the air, steam or mixture of air and steam across a metering tube located upstream of the combustor; e) determining instantaneously the mass flow rate of the air, steam or mixture of air and steam as a function of said differential pressure and desired power output; and f) supplying the air, steam or mixture of air and steam to the combustor at the flow rate determined in step e); wherein step f) is carried out with a control valve downstream of the metering tube, the control valve operatively connect
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jatila Ranasinghe, Walter Phillip Jones
  • Patent number: 6405522
    Abstract: A system and method for modular control of a multi-fuel turbogenerator include separate controllers for controlling fuel supplied to the combustor and power output from the generator. The power controller generates a fuel command based on the required turbine exhaust temperature, where the fuel command is independent of the particular fuel being used. Fuels may include natural gas, diesel, propane, waste gas, or gasoline, for example. The power controller communicates the fuel command and the airflow or calculated air/fuel ratio to the fuel controller which selects an appropriate mode of operation for the injectors. Injector operating modes include one or more pilot modes where fuel is not mixed with air prior to combustion, and one or more premix modes where fuel is highly mixed with air prior to combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Capstone Turbine Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo Pont, James Brian Dickey, Ed Edelman, Mark G. Gilbreth, Jeffrey W. Willis
  • Patent number: 6405523
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine operates with low nitrous oxide emissions during engine operations. The combustor includes a center mixer assembly and a second mixer assembly radially outward from the center mixer assembly. The center mixer assembly includes a pilot fuel injector, a swirler, and an air splitter, and the second mixer assembly includes a plurality of mixers that include a swirler, an atomizer, and a venturi. A combustor fuel delivery system includes a pilot fuel circuit to supply fuel to the center mixer assembly and a main fuel circuit to supply fuel to the second mixer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Jerome Foust, Hukam Chand Mongia
  • Patent number: 6405524
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine includes a fuel delivery system that uses circumferential fuel staging. The fuel delivery system includes a plurality of fuel supply rings and a backpurge sub-system. The fuel supply rings are arranged concentrically at various radial distances to supply fuel to a combustor through a plurality of combustor manifolds and pigtails. The backpurge system uses high temperature and high pressure combustor air to purge fuel from non-flowing fuel supply rings, combustor pigtails, and combustor manifolds. Additionally, the fuel delivery system includes at least two orifices to minimize pressure decays during filling stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jagdish Dullabhbhai Mistry, James William Stegmaier
  • Patent number: 6405525
    Abstract: A combination power plant comprises at least one gas turbine system, a steam turbine, as well as a waste heat steam generator, where the hot waste gases of the gas turbine system flow through said waste heat steam generator and said waste heat steam generator generates steam within a water/steam cycle for operating the steam turbine, and said waste heat steam generator comprises at least one evaporator and a superheater that follows the evaporator, where said superheater delivers live steam via a live steam line to the steam turbine, whereby a first injection device for injecting water into the live steam is located in the live steam line, and where said injection device is supplied via a first supply line with injection water from a removal point in the water/steam cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventors: Francois Droux, Jurgen Reinhard, Ursula Froehlich, Peter Mueller, Hansueli Krieg