Patents Issued in July 23, 2002
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Patent number: 6421947Abstract: A axis alignment device has been provided which permits a laser beam to be precisely aligned with a gun bore whose axis is being projected, for the purpose of aligning an optical sight. The axis alignment tool's onepiece body inherently improves the accuracy of the design, while being adaptable to mate with a large variety of gun bore sizes. The alignment device includes a universal seating mechanism for mounting in a muzzle. A bore adapter fits over one end of the one-piece body and is adjusted to snugly fit inside the bore. The alignment devices is designed to operate with an array of bore adapters, that fit a corresponding array of bore diameters. The alignment device also includes a rotary switch which acts as a battery housing, so that batteries can be changed without the disassembly of the alignment device.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Lyte Optronics, Inc.Inventor: Jerome Keith Fuller
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Patent number: 6421948Abstract: A rod holder and signaling device for holding a fishing pole and signaling when a fish strikes a bait or lure is compact and is adaptable to secure the fishing rod to various structures. The fishing rod may then be temporarily abandoned or remotely monitored by the angler. The rod holder includes a clamping device, which is adapted to clamp over a variety of support structures to securely mount the fishing pole at a targeted fishing location. Preferably, the rod holder is pivotable relative to the clamping device to adjust an angle of the rod with respect to the clamping device and the support structure. The signaling device includes a flexible member, a signaling member, and a release mechanism rotatably mounted on the flexible member. The release mechanism is rotatable about the flexible member in response to tension being detected in the fishing line and rotates to disengage the release mechanism and thus the flexible member from a connector along the rod holder.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Jeffrey L. Craig
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Patent number: 6421949Abstract: A fish reviver for reviving deep water fish brought up from depth by reintroducing them to deep water. The fish reviver is attached to a deep sea fishing rod, and an appropriate weight, depending upon the fish's size, is attached to the reviver. A hook member on the reviver is then inserted through the fish's gills and out of the mouth and then secured in place by a clasp. The fish is then lowered over the side of the boat into the water and then the weight is lowered into the water at which point the weight pulls the fish on the fish reviver down while also opening the clasp. The fish remains attached to the hook member due to the force of the water and friction caused by the downward pull of the weight and the inverted positioning of the hook member as well as owing to the fish's incapacitation caused by the exposure to the life threatening environment, e.g. pressure differential from depth to surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Walter S. Schytte
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Patent number: 6421950Abstract: A fly fishing line with a plurality of spaced apart bands along a section of the line visible to an angler. The bands and the spacing between the bands is such that they can be discerned in use by the angler. The bands do not interfere with casting of the line or with a leader attached to the line but can be watched by the angler to see when the line stops drifting or changes direction, indicating a fish strike, the bands and the spacing between the bands serving as a strike indicator.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1997Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Thomas W. Constantin
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Patent number: 6421951Abstract: A bait container has a housing, a top and bottom which at least partially surround the bait. A nozzle having a funnel portion and a bait-dispensing exit end extends from the top. A flow-inducement chamber permits a flow stream to be created which carries the bait into the bait-restraining exit end of the nozzle when the container is tipped. The fluid will drain through primary flow passages into the flow-inducement chamber and out of the chamber back into the housing through a secondary flow passage. A strap on the bait container permits the container to be suspended from a shoulder or waist of the fisherman. A stopper keeps the bait in the bait-dispensing portion until the fisherman is ready to dispense the bait into her/his hand. An insert for the exit end of the nozzle can permit different size bait to be dispensed one at a time.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Ronald R. Kuhl
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Patent number: 6421952Abstract: An insect attracting and exterminating apparatus includes a body having an upper housing, a lower housing, and a rim which hangs over the lower housing a sufficient amount to shelter the lower housing from the weather. An inner electrical wire mesh and an outer electrical wire mesh are mounted in a spaced apart relationship in the lower housing. The inner and outer wire meshes are electrically connected to an AC power source and are spaced apart by electrical insulators, such as plastic, porcelain, etc., for killing insects in that area when activated. The upper housing is made out of firm material, such as metal, and is removably attached to a security light source by clamps or other known devices. The upper housing includes an AC-DC converter for converting AC voltage into DC voltage, and providing DC power to the inner electrical wire mesh and outer electrical wire mesh.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Keith D. Vascocu
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Patent number: 6421953Abstract: A system for modifying the surface temperature and/or relative humidity of golf greens or other grass playing fields by applying temperature controlled air and/or a water mist through pop-up nozzles. The nozzles are controlled by a central control panel which activates the nozzles based on input from temperature sensitive probes in the greens.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: James Schumacher
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Patent number: 6421954Abstract: A sunshade includes an intermediate net portion having mono filament circular weft yarns interlaced with flat warp yarns, two stringing sections which are formed on two sides of the intermediate net portion and each of which has a limit portion which is interposed between two weft-free portions and which is folded to lay the weft-free portions one over the other, two opposite drape portions extending from the stringing sections, respectively, and a pair of strings threading through and fastening together the weft-free portions.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Ming-Hsien Ko
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Patent number: 6421955Abstract: A rock arrangement having a plurality of foliage. The arrangement includes a rock and a plurality of foliage. The foliage may include flowers, plants, and feathers. Each of the plurality of foliage includes a stem. A rigid polystyrene material is formed and affixed to a portion of the rock. In addition, a segment of moss material is affixed to a top portion of the rigid polystyrene material. Each stem of the foliage is embedded into the polystyrene material. The moss is used to conceal the polystyrene material, thereby providing an appearance of the plurality of foliage growing from the rock.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Ellen A. Wilson
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Patent number: 6421956Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating seed (5) with a fluid, in particular water, involving the use of a fluid-containing gas, whereby seed is brought into contact with a gas having a controlled fluid content and the seed is kept in contact with the gas over a defined period whilst direct contact between the seed and the fluid in liquid form is substantially precluded.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventors: Marcel Adrianus Nicolaas Boukens, Jan de Boer, Ijsbrand van Dok
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Patent number: 6421957Abstract: A pulp mold is prepared by suction molding from pulp slurry, preferably pulp slurry containing a heat-fusible resin, antifungal agent and water repellant or waterproofing agent, and then by hot pressing to form a tray for growing plants composed of the pulp mold, which exhibits excellent dimensional accuracy, maintains mechanical strength in use over a long period of time, and applies little load on the environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.Inventors: Osamu Hasegawa, Yojiro Ohno
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Patent number: 6421958Abstract: A floral sleeve having an upper portion, a lower portion and a medial portion. The floral sleeve can be placed about a plant container such as a potted plant such that the lower portion contains the pot, and the upper portion surrounds the plant. When desired, the upper portion and lower portion can be detached, leaving the medial portion which can be attached to the pot forming a skirt extending from the upper end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.Inventor: Donald E. Weder
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Patent number: 6421959Abstract: A flower pot assembly for keeping at least one plant temporarily alive without having to water it, includes a pot permeable to water in which the plant is potted with the required amount of soil, and a container impermeable to water in which the pot is received, so that a space is formed between the pot and the container. A gel formed of a water-absorbing polymer and water at least partially fills the space between the pot and the container. The container and gel are used as a packaging for the potted plant in order to keep this plant alive without having to water it during transport and when put on display for sale.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1996Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Guy Victor Van Laere
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Patent number: 6421960Abstract: A safety-lock mechanism for use with a multi-position window having a stationary window frame, a sash window frame positioned within the stationary window frame and selectively pivotable out of the stationary window frame about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, and a drive train positioned between the sash window frame and the stationary window frame, the drive train being moveable between at least a first position which enables the sash window frame to be pivoted about the horizontal axis and a second position which enables the sash window frame to be pivoted about the vertical axis. The safety-lock mechanism includes a spring-biased pin provided on the sash window frame. The pin has a proximal end, a distal end, a locked position and an unlocked position, and is normally biased into the locked position. An aperture is provided within the drive train and is configured to receive the proximal end of the pin.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Francis Manzella
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Patent number: 6421961Abstract: A panel, paneling system and method of installing the paneling system. The panel includes a tongue and groove for engaging adjacent panels, a profile having cross members for reinforcement and the ability to attach the panel or paneling system to a wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Ernesto Mallozzi
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Patent number: 6421962Abstract: A swimming pool cover is provided for a swimming pool which can be lowered to cover portion of the room floor and can be then raised to a position above the pool and adjacent the ceiling. The cover is suspended from the ceiling by various wire ropes and associated winches.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Bernard McNamara
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Patent number: 6421963Abstract: A toy igloo device is disclosed for resting on the ground. The device includes a dome shaped housing which defines an enclosure and an entrance. The housing includes a plurality of selectively interlocking sections with each section of the plurality of sections having an edge which rests on the ground. A first section of the plurality of sections defines a first opening and a second section of the plurality of sections is disposed adjacent to the first section. The second section defines a second opening so that the first and the second openings cooperate with each other to define the entrance. Each of the sections has an external surface which defines at least two pockets for the reception therein of snow. The arrangement is such that when the sections are interlocked, with the edges of the sections resting on the ground, snow is received and gathered within the pockets such that the toy igloo takes on an appearance of an Eskimo dwelling.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Anthony M Pratola
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Patent number: 6421964Abstract: A molding assembly having a hanger member fixedly securable to an inner or outer wall of a building and a decorative molding insert member releasably engageable with the hanger member. The molding insert member is supported at a lower edge portion by a lower J-channel of the hanger member. An upper L-shaped portion of the insert member is supported by a depending lip portion of the hanger member which forms a second channel such that no external fastening elements are required to secure the molding insert member to the hanger member. The insert member can be quickly and easily releasably engaged within the J-channel and the second channel without the need for special tools. In an alternative preferred embodiment the insert member includes a lip portion which is adapted to slidably engage an under surface of an adjacently positioned insert member to provide an even more continuous appearance for adjacently positioned insert members.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Tapco InternationalInventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Aundrea Nurenberg, Richard J. MacLeod, Michael C. Clark, J. Richard Logan
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Patent number: 6421965Abstract: A seismic brace for fastening to a support rod at one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end. The brace is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it. The brace arm part is bent at an angle of 45° to form a base bracket that connects to the support rod. A locking bracket is hinged to the brace arm to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle, the slots are arranged so that they form an aperture when the locking bracket overlays the base bracket part of the brace arm to completely enclose the support rod.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Tomarco Contractor Specialties, Inc.Inventors: William J. Thompson, Keith L. Watkins
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Patent number: 6421966Abstract: A sunshade for shading window exteriors includes at least one connecting bracket for attachment to a window mullion, a blade support strut attached to the connecting bracket at a first joint, and a plurality of louvered blades supported by the blade support strut at a second joint. The pivot angle at the first joint may be varied to extend the louvered blades a desired distance from the window mullion. The louvered blades are positioned at a preselected fixed profile angle on the second joint in order to optimize shading at the latitude where the sunshade is installed. In a preferred embodiment, the louvered blades have top walls supporting photovoltaic cells and the sunshade includes electric cables for connecting the photovoltaic cells to an electric circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Kawneer Company Inc.Inventors: Richard Braunstein, Gregory B. McKenna, David W. Hewitt, Randolph S. Harper
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Patent number: 6421967Abstract: A space enclosure having hangers and pans for enclosing the open spaces between each pair of adjacent joists. Hangers are attached on each side of the joist space and a pan is placed therebetween providing a continuous top over the area below the deck which allows the storage of water sensitive items in this area. The space enclosure may include a two part hanger with one part securable to the joist and the second part securable to the pan. The first hanger part is selectively securable to the second hanger part. The first hanger part may include mechanism for selectively detaching the first and second hanger parts. The second hanger part may include mechanism for stabilizing the system in high winds. The pan may include mechanism for cutting the pan for width adjustment and mechanism for fine tuned width adjustment. The enclosure may further include a bonnet for precipitation control.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: John D. Wlaker
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Patent number: 6421968Abstract: Firewall that is used in an area of a fire compartment to prevent fire from skipping to other areas, whereby the fire wall is comprised of modularly constructed sub-elements which are essentially composed of profiles assembled to form a surrounding frame that simultaneously separate two glass panes, whereby the glass panes extend to the outer edge of the profiles, and the frame is covered by a partial enameling of the glass panes, and the sub-elements can be connected to each other by connecting elements with the interposition of fireproof laminates.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: DORMA GmbH + Co. KGInventor: Walter Degelsegger
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Patent number: 6421969Abstract: The invention relates to a device by a constructional part (1) preferably extending between supporting parts (10, 11, 12) of a building or plant constructions, and preferably forming a partition between storeys, such as a floor or a deck. The constructional part (1) is self-supported, preferably of light-weight material and comprises a channel system for air, so that the constructional part (1) may provide heating and/or cooling of rooms in the building or plant construction, or may thaw snow and ice lying on the constructional part, respectively. The constructional part (1) is made up of at least three interconnected layers (2, 3, 4) of corrugated sheet material. The layers (2, 3, 4) are arranged at angles in relation to each other, in such a way that corrugations form a preferably right angle between themselves, so that the corrugations of the layers (2, 3, 4) form a channel system in the constructional part (1). A number of holes (6) are made in the intermediate layer (3).Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Vølstad Energy ASInventor: Ove C. Vølstad
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Patent number: 6421970Abstract: A building panel, such as a flooring panel or wall panel and a method of assembling the same into a floor, wall cladding, etc. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water resistant material and formed with a snap-together joint.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Perstorp Flooring ABInventors: Goran Martensson, Magnus Kulik
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Patent number: 6421971Abstract: An integral, pre-formed edge closure fabricated from a non-corrosive, durable material includes an anchoring flange for attachment to a roof structure, an upper flange, an intermediate panel spanning between the anchoring flange and the upper flange, a cant panel positioned at an acute angle relative to the upper flange to define a cant strip along a length of the edge closure, and a mounting strip above the cant panel for securing the edge closure to a concrete parapet or other adjoining vertical wall on a roof structure. The anchoring flange and upper flange are spaced apart for receiving a thickness of insulation of lightweight concrete therebetween. The intermediate panel is provided with vent holes for venting gasses and moisture which accumulate within the roof structure, thereby reducing the likelihood of premature roof failure.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Henry Gembala
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Patent number: 6421972Abstract: A modular wall component with an insulative thermal break for preventing the creation of a continuous thermal path across the modular wall component. The modular wall component may be formed with an insulated frame structure that is fixed to an open frame structure with an insulative thermal break interposed therebetween. The insulated frame structure may be formed with a plurality of vertical track members coupled to an upper track member and a lower track member. At least one sheet of insulative material is interposed into the insulated frame structure. The open frame structure may have a plurality of vertical framing studs coupled to an upper framing track and a lower framing track.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: I Mozaic TrustInventors: Raymond F. Dalphond, Richard R. Dalphond
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Patent number: 6421973Abstract: A wallboard sheet includes a core having opposing first and second major surfaces, at least one face layer on at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the core, and wherein the core includes aerated concrete. The provision of aerated concrete for the core provides many key advantages over conventional wallboard sheets, such as gypsum wallboard, for example. The at least one face layer may include first and second face layers on respective first and second major surfaces of the core. The one or more face layers may include paper. The core may have a generally rectangular shape defining a pair of opposing side edges and a pair of opposing end edges. The first major surface may have beveled portions adjacent respective opposing side edges in some embodiments. The at least one face layer may extend around the opposing side edges. In addition, the opposing end edges of the core may be exposed.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Consolidated Minerals, Inc.Inventors: Frederick Browne Gregg, Leslie G. Bromwell
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Patent number: 6421974Abstract: A clad structure and method of cladding a structure with horizontally extending, elongate supports, each support having an upper flange with a downwardly extending lip defining an open-bottomed groove and a lower flange with a tile retention protrusion along its upper surface. The tiles have upper flanges extending upwardly from their upper edge and ribs extending horizontally along a lower region of their rear surfaces. The upper flanges are positioned into the support groove during assembly and the ribs are retained behind the retention protrusions following assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Terrapin International LimitedInventors: Nicholas A. Whitehouse, David N. Varley, Philip J. Smith
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Patent number: 6421975Abstract: A molded plastic panel for covering an exterior building wall includes a laterally directed lead fin, a laterally extending groove below the lead fin, and a rearwardly directed middle wall between rows of simulated shingles, all for joining laterally adjacent panels. A side flange extending outwardly of the panel may also be included. The molded plastic panel preferably also includes at least one row of simulated shingles separated by a plurality of gaps each having a randomly varying width in order to camouflage spacings between adjacent panels that change because of thermal contraction and expansion. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the panel body includes a locking tab and a folding flange. The folding flange includes a locking lip for engaging a locking tab on an adjacent panel and a flexible hinge connecting the locking lip to the panel body. The flexible hinge allows the folding flange to be disconnected from the locking tab when replacing a single panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: David A. Bryant, Daniel J. Ernst, George A. Griman
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Patent number: 6421976Abstract: A laminated shingle simulates a tiled roof when placed with other similar shingles on a roof deck. The laminated shingle includes an overlay member and an underlay member fixedly attached to each other. The overlay member includes an upper or headlap portion and a lower or exposed butt portion with one or more substantially identically shaped tabs with a cutout between each tab. The lower edge of the tabs may have a curving or negative contour. The tabs may taper in width from the butt edge to the lower edge of the headlap portion. The upper edge of the cutouts may have a generally straight contour or a generally curved contour. The lower edge of the underlay member may have a generally straight contour or a portion of the lower edge may have a generally curving contour. The overlay member and/or underlay member may include a darker shading area to enhance the tile simulating aspect of the shingle.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.Inventors: Bert Whitmore Elliott, John David Phillips, Frank Joseph Macdonald
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Patent number: 6421977Abstract: Reinforcement stirrup for use in masonry includes a support section and a flat stirrup leg extending vertically relative to it. The stirrup leg is inserted in a joint between constructional elements. A positioner positions an essentially horizontally extending main reinforcement. The stirrup leg is positioned in relative to the support section so that the support section of the stirrup leg inserted into a joint between two constructional elements contacts them. The positioner for a main reinforcement may be a hook. A further positioner positions of the reinforcement stirrup relative to a constructional element with which it cooperates, so that an in line positioning of the reinforcement stirrups in relation to one another can easily be achieved. Masonry construction may be provided with a main reinforcement running essentially horizontally and that is positioned with the aid of the reinforcement stirrups.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: N.V. Bekaert S.A.Inventors: Pol Timperman, Harry Steller
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Patent number: 6421979Abstract: A process for producing a composite constructional element from a basic body made of plastic which is provided with ribs and is partially or completely connected to a reinforcing element made of metal or reinforced plastic. In this process, the connection of the basic body and reinforcing element to form the composite constructional element for the transfer of shearing, torsional, flexural and tensile/compressive stresses takes place at a subsequent time in a separate work step.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: BASF AktiengesellschaftInventors: Klaus Fischer, Willi Bartholomeyzik
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Patent number: 6421980Abstract: A method of providing a roof structure having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement includes the first step of providing a carriage carrying a supply of netting. The carriage is then moved along the length of the purlins in a first direction from a first portion of the roof structure to a second portion of the roof structure, such as for example, one end of the roof structure to the other end. Movement of the carriage dispenses the netting between the first and second portions. A supply of support sheet is then provided. A first section of the roof structure is constructed which includes purlins, the netting, and the support sheet. The carriage is then moved along the length of the purlins in a second direction opposite the first direction and towards the first portion of the roof structure. Movement of the carriage dispenses the support sheet above the netting.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventors: Robert J. Alderman, James E. Taylor
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Patent number: 6421981Abstract: A vertical pillow type form-fill-seal packaging machine with transverse sealers incorporates a timing controller for adjusting the timing for clamping a tubularly formed film with the sealers such that articles being dropping in to be packaged will not be caught in between. A display device displays a time axis or parallel axes along which markers indicate the times of arrival of the falling articles to be packaged and the sealers at the clamping position for the sealers. As the user moves the marker for indicating the arrival time of the sealers, the timing controller adjusts the operating mode of the sealers such that the sealers will clamp the film at the time specified by the user according to the displayed time of arrival of the articles.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Nakagawa, Masashi Kondo
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Patent number: 6421982Abstract: A container filling apparatus for filling containers with discrete articles is disclosed. The apparatus has a container conveyor for transporting containers to and from the apparatus and a rotatable filling head adjacent the conveyor. The head has a plurality of circumferentially spaced metering stations for metering and dispensing a stream of a predetermined number of articles into a container. A container carousel with a plurality of container receiving zones is mounted for rotation with the head and the containers are filled as the head and the carousel rotate in synchronism.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Bosspak PTY LTDInventor: Martin Eichenberger
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Patent number: 6421983Abstract: A method and an apparatus for shrinking a foil (2) onto an object (1) are in particular used for packaging a stack of goods with a foil hood. Herein, a heating means (4) is moved with a distance to the foil (2) for shrinking said foil (2) onto the object (1) under the influence of heat. In accordance with the invention, at least sectionally the temperature of the foil (2) is measured in order to optimally regulating the heat emission of the heating means (4) to the foil (2). For this purpose, the apparatus is provided with a means (6) for measuring the temperature of the foil (2) and with a means for regulating the temperature of the foil (2). This provides the advantage that the apparatus can be used for different objects independently from their contour, size and position.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: KL-Lachenmeier A/SInventors: Kurt Lachenmeier, Flemming Thomsen
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Patent number: 6421984Abstract: A high speed linear bagging machine and method of bagging a product with such machine is described. The machine has a reciprocating linear bagger assembly which has a straight drive member with a carriage connected thereto. A drive having a pair of coils is used to drive the straight drive member to displace the carriage. A stroke controller is used to control the coils dependent on a desired forward and rearward displacement stroke of a carriage along the drive member. A product receptacle is secured to the carriage and displaceable to a bagging station. A bag engaging member is connected to the carriage and a product arresting member is displaceable for abutting relationship with an end of a product at the bagging station.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Glopak, Inc.Inventors: John Murgatroyd, W. A. Whitehill, Rick Savoury
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Patent number: 6421985Abstract: A pad production (supply) and packaging system, and method, for automatically producing dunnage pads and inserting one or more of the produced dunnage pads into a container for packaging of an article in the container. The invention is characterized by a pad discharge assembly and/or pad insertion assembly to provide an automatic pad production and packaging system, and method, that afford advantages over existing pad production and packaging arrangements. The discharge assembly, which provides for controlled discharge of dunnage pads produced by a pad producing machine, includes a gating device for effecting passage of the pad out of the holding zone in a direction transverse to the pad length. A controller causes the discharge assembly to release a pad held in the holding zone for passage onto a working surface and preferably a conveyor in synchronous relation to movement of the conveyor for controlled deposition of pads onto the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1998Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Ranpak Corp.Inventors: James A. Simmons, Jr., Richard O. Ratzel, Joseph J. Harding
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Patent number: 6421986Abstract: A method for distributing promotional material is disclosed. The method, which may be practiced as a fully-automated process, calls for the use of packages of bread as unique vehicles through which selected segments of the consumer population may be targeted for advertising and other promotional activity while, at the same time, providing retailers with the ability to plan, and stock for, national and/or local promotions. The invention achieves its objectives by generating packets that contain one or more items from a multiplicity of categories of promotional materials, wherein the specific items are selected as a function of the targeted segment of the consumer population, the type of bread that is to be packaged, and the retail chain store to which the packaged bread is to be delivered.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: DSD Communications, Inc.Inventor: Fatehali T. Dharssi
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Patent number: 6421987Abstract: A latitudinal seal mechanism includes seal jaws 78, fixed cams 75, cam followers 76, a pair of partial cams 88, partial cam followers 78a, rotational shafts 80, coupling members 79, and shaft support portions. The seal jaws 78 are heated, and move circularly such that the seal jaws 78 abut on and move away from tubular film. The fixed cams 75 have shapes that correspond to locuses of movement of the seal jaws 78. The cam followers 76 support the seal jaws 78, and move along the fixed cams 75. The rotational shafts 80 move the cam followers 76 relatively about rotational centers of the rotational shafts 80. The coupling members 79 couple the rotational shafts 80 and the cam followers 76. The shaft support portions rotatably support the rotational shafts 80. The partial cams 88 have a shape that corresponds to a locus of movement of the pair of seal jaws 78 when the pair of seal jaws 78 holds the tubular packaging films.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masao Fukuda
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Patent number: 6421988Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing, sealing and cutting machine for plastic film comprising a film-delivery device mounted with a film tension adjusting button and a rolling needle delivery shaft such that the film is provided with a plurality of holes during the delivering of the film. A separation rod and an electrostatic elimination rod are provided along the path of the delivering of the film so that the delivery of the film is smooth. The front delivery seat is positioned by a teethed rack to adjust the movement of the packed object. The sealing and cutting knife driving device drive the vertical and horizontal knife to seal and to cut the film after an object is packed.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Shao-Yi Chiu
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Patent number: 6421989Abstract: A saddle pad having a first panel with a plurality of channels extending transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first panel, a second panel having a plurality of channels extending transverse to a longitudinal axis of the second panel, and a connector strip secured on one side to the first panel and on an opposite side to the second panel. Each of the first and second panels includes a first layer of a thermoformed polymeric material and a second layer of a leather-like material affixed to the first layer. The thermoformed polymeric material is ethylene vinyl acetate. The channels open to respective edges of the first and second panel and to the connector strip.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Donn Leson
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Patent number: 6421990Abstract: A self-propelled crop harvester or one of the train of towing vehicle and towed implement for processing harvested crop are equipped with a measuring device for the measurement of components in and/or properties of harvested crop that is conveyed along a path and/or along which the measuring device is moved. The measuring device is an optical spectroscope which operates in the visible wavelength range and/or in the near infrared wavelength range. Measurements made are used to determine the amount of particular organic components contained in the harvested crop, such as carbohydrates, organic substances that can be dissolved in enzymes, oil and raw protein; and to determine the amount of non-organic components contained in the harvested crop, such as minerals, for example sodium and magnesium or water. Further parameters of the harvested crop are also measured including solid matter and raw fiber content, length of fibers, caloric or energy content, digestibility and color.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Heinrich Ohlemeyer, Georg Kormann
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Patent number: 6421991Abstract: A doffer assembly for doffing cotton from the saw drum of a cotton cleaner includes a plurality of brushes supported by channels and clamps in a drum configuration. A first nut on an easily accessible radial retaining bolt tightened against a special clamp secure the brush in place, and the same bolt and a second nut hold the corresponding doffer channel. The special clamp has a first leg positioned over a corner of the channel so the brush is held securely. A second brush-protecting leg extending up in front of the brush removes foreign matter that lodges on the saw drum. The channels are protected by the clamp, and the clamp is easily replaceable if damaged.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Kevin Jacob Goering, Jeffrey Scott Wigdahl
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Patent number: 6421992Abstract: An on-board cotton harvester baling system includes first and second balers mounted side-by-side on the frame of a cotton harvester adjacent a single accumulator that extends generally the width of the balers. One of two sets of metering rollers located at the bottom of the accumulator is selectively activated to feed cotton to the first baler. A reversible auger extending the width of the accumulator moves cotton withing the accumulator towards the activated set of metering rolls to assure a continued supply of material for the operating baler. When the first bale is fully formed, the opposite set of metering rolls and the second baler are activated, and the auger is reversed. The completed bale can be easily unloaded while the second baler operates so that cotton harvester operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Kevin Jacob Goering, Virgil Dean Haverdink
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Patent number: 6421993Abstract: A two-piece retainer for securing a pivot tube of a combine feederhouse to a combine frame, having a first piece made of a polymer material and a second piece made of a metal material.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Ryan Patrick Mackin, Andrew James Foerderer, Richard C. Remley, Todd Neil Signer, Thomas Bernard Haar, Mark Alan Melton
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Patent number: 6421994Abstract: A mower-conditioner includes a conditioning device which is mounted for being selectively shifted transverse the direction of travel so as to be offset relative to the longitudinal centerline of the mowing device. Associated with the conditioning device is a crop guide device which may be selectively adjusted to cause a narrowed stream of conditioned crop to be deposited to opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline of the conditioning device.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Jean Francois Boucher, Roger Franet, Larry Neil Smith, Matthew Jay Mentzer
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Patent number: 6421995Abstract: Machine for harvesting tree fruit comprising two parallel, vertical gantries joined at the bottom of their vertical side arms by longitudinal frames extending inward from the insides of the arms and joining the two arms on one side. A duct receives fruit conveyed by a screw container, to an end of the duct with a peeler. A rear storage container for peeled fruit is placed after the peeler. The two frames are separated by a distance slightly greater than the width of the trunk of the trees to be harvested. A longitudinally movably clamp for clamping a tree to be shaken is movable along a longitudinal guide on one of the frames. A feeler supported on one frame contacts the tree and activates the clamp to shake the tree.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Tenias, S.A.Inventor: Javier Tenias Sancho
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Patent number: 6421996Abstract: A harvester includes an integral two-section baling device with the section movement designed to provide both a bale discharge function and a transport height reduction function. In one embodiment, one section of the device includes rollers which follow a downwardly sloped ramp as the sections are opened relative to each other. The sloped ramped additionally serves as a portion of a finished bale handler and bale support. In a second embodiment, an additional hydraulic cylinder system controls the downward movement of the opened sections towards the transport position. Existing baler functions are advantageously utilized to provide transport height reduction with a minimal amount of additional hardware, and the operator can switch between transport and operational modes quickly and easily.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Timothy Arthur Deutsch, Michael Lee Pearson, Virgil Dean Haverdink
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Patent number: 6421997Abstract: A straw buncher is provided for collecting straw in bunches when towed across a field and for releasing the straw at desired locations into large piles. The straw buncher includes a hitch for connecting to a towing implement and a frame extending generally upward and rearward therefrom for maximizing ground clearance. The frame is supported on a pair of wheels. A basket is pivotally mounted on a rear end of the frame. The basket includes a pair of side collecting members and a rear collecting member extending therebetween. The collecting members are in the form of mesh sheets extending generally upright from the ground. The rear collecting member is spaced upward from the ground and includes a plurality of ground engaging tines extending downward from a bottom end for turning up the straw from the soil such that it may be collected by the collecting members. Hydraulics are provided for raising the basket relative to the frame for releasing the collected straw.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Derrick Mann