Patents Issued in August 15, 2002
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Publication number: 20020108261Abstract: A self-aligning plumb apparatus has an elongated housing with a laser beam module in the housing. The end of the housing is pointed and is magnetized for suspending the apparatus from metallic beams and the like. The switch is mounted on the housing in a position where it is activated by a slidable plumb bob weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Stephen Miller
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Publication number: 20020108262Abstract: A gauge block, which has excellent abrasion and corrosion resistances without time-dependent changes in dimension and which can be produced inexpensively; created using a raw steel material, heat treating at least one reference surface, then finish polishing it, and ion plating a super thin DLC film over its surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: Mitutoyo CorporationInventor: Keishi Tano
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Publication number: 20020108263Abstract: Thermally controlled apparatus 1 for actuating a valve opening 2, in particular a fluid valve, in particular a drip-stop valve in a steam iron, the apparatus having a bimetallic spring disc 3 fastened to a carrier element 4, the edge 5 or edge region of which disc opens or closes the valve opening depending on the curvature position of the bimetallic spring disc 3. The valve opening is formed through a cross-sectionally variable segment 6 of a tube- or pipe-like flow-through element 7, and the edge 5 or edge region of the bimetallic spring disc 3 acts directly on the cross-sectionally variable segment 6.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: INTER CONTROL Hermann Kohler Elektrik GmbHInventors: Lutz Pahlke, Stefan Trapp
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Publication number: 20020108264Abstract: The invention relates to a portable, cordless, hair dryer/blower that has an elongated hollow body portion with a mass center line and including therein a blower motor and a heating element and having a posterior end and an anterior end. A handle portion has a longitudinal axis extending substantially transversally from and along the mass center line of the elongated body portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Louis Perez, Walter Evanyk
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Publication number: 20020108265Abstract: A clothes dryer adapter. The adapter includes (a) a first cylindrical portion with a generally cylindrical tubular segment having a first longitudinal axis, a inlet portion, an inlet end cap located at an effective inlet end, and an outlet end, and (b) a second cylindrical portion interfittingly engaging the first cylindrical portion for rotatable adjustment with respect thereto. the second cylindrical portion is similar to the first cylindrical portion, and has an inlet end, an outlet end cap located at an effective outlet end, and an outlet portion for discharge of hot dryer exhaust air therefrom. The two portions are rotatably adjustable, before assembly, but sized and shaped for interfitting mating engagement to form a sturdy, sealable dryer vent when fully assembled, having an inlet portion and an outlet portion with parallel but offset longitudinal axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Gene Seeley
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Publication number: 20020108266Abstract: A duct system includes an upper duct that supplies heated air to an upper plenum and a lower duct that supplies heated air to a lower plenum, and the upper and lower plenums provide the heated air to a kiln chamber. An intermediate plenum is between the upper and lower plenums and has outlets through which heated air supplied to the upper and lower plenums is discharged. A plurality of circulation passages extend generally laterally through the intermediate plenum. Fans positioned in the circulation passages circulate heated air that is external to the plenums. The outlets are nozzles defining discharge axes that are respectively directed generally parallel to, yet slightly toward, the rotational axes of the fans. Tips of the fans' blades extend into boundary layers adjacent the interior surfaces of the circulation passages. The fans operate in first and second modes to respectively force flow in opposite first and second directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2000Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Robert T. Nagel, John Craig Holbert
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Publication number: 20020108267Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transporting substrates in all organic light emitting diode (OLED) process is disclosed, which has a transferring chamber provided for transporting substrates between processing modules and the atmosphere condition therein is able to be adjusted to be the same as the processing module by an atmosphere conditioner unit. According to the present invention, the substrates are not contaminated by moisture and the process operation and the factory layout are more flexible. Moreover, the OLED yield is improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: Ritek Display Technology Co.Inventors: Yih Chang, Jung-Lung Liu, Chih-Jen Yang, Chih-Ming Kuo, Jih-Yi Wang, Tien-Rong Lu
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Publication number: 20020108268Abstract: A reusable device, and alternative methods of manufacture, for fast, efficient, fingernail preserving, and unfragmented removal of accumulated lint from clothes dryer filters. Each embodiment comprises a mitt and an attached storage pouch having upper and lower ends that can be independently manipulated for the addition and removal of lint. It also comprises magnetic means for attachment of the pouch to a dryer so that it remains conveniently accessible for use. The mitt preferably has two thumbs for interchangeable right-handed and left-handed use.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Lisa Dawn Helmer
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Publication number: 20020108269Abstract: A shoe toe or heel end stiffener consisting of a net, at least some strands of which are of hot melt adhesive material having an activation temperature of between 50° C. and 80° C. Suitable adhesive materials include polycaprolactone and certain polyesters. The stiffeners are of improved stiffness per unit weight, in comparison with previously known stiffeners.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Roger Alan Chapman
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Publication number: 20020108270Abstract: A toe cap is a reinforcement member made of thermoset structural composite material with a tensile strength of 30,000 psi, a tensile modulus of 2.5×106 psi, a compression strength of 35,800 psi, a specific gravity of 1.85, and a Barcol hardness of 65. More preferably, the material has a tensile strength of at least 50,000 psi, a tensile modulus of at least 3.8×106 psi, a compression strength of at least 42,000 psi, a specific gravity of at least 1.90, and a Barcol hardness of at least 70. A suitable family of materials is a thermoset vinyl ester based sheet molding compound reinforced with glass fiber and/or carbon fiber. The sheet molding compound has fiber content of about 63% and a typical fiber length of one inch. The maximum wall thickness of the upper portion of the toe cap is in the range of between 0.100 inch and 0.250 inch.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Jason L. Williams
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Publication number: 20020108271Abstract: A shell, particularly for sports shoes, such as for example skates, has a size, preselected during production, that is obtained by selectively connecting a separate front toe portion and a separate rear heel portion to a central body for supporting the sole of the foot.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: BENETTON GROUP S.p.A.Inventor: Andrea Brait
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Publication number: 20020108272Abstract: A ski boot, in particular a telemark boot, having a shell made of plastic material and in turn having a bottom wall, two lateral walls, a toe portion, and a flexible portion extending crosswise with respect to the shell, from one side to the other of the bottom wall at the metatarsus; and a frame embedded in the shell and having, integrally, two longitudinal elements extending along respective lateral walls from a rear portion of the shell to an intermediate portion of the bottom wall adjacent to respective lateral ends of the flexible portion, and a transverse structure connected integrally to respective front ends of the longitudinal elements and defined by a flat bottom portion embedded in the bottom wall, and by a top portion extending along the connecting portion between the toe portion and the flexible portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Davide Parisotto
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Publication number: 20020108273Abstract: An outsole and nameplate arrangement includes an outsole, the outsole having a backwardly extended sliding slot in the heel thereof, a nameplate moved in and out of the sliding slot of the outsole, and an elastic rubber band wound round two locating pins inside the sliding slot of the outsole and fastened to a rear hook of the nameplate and adapted to hold the nameplate in the sliding slot of the outsole.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Jyh Yuan Yuan
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Publication number: 20020108274Abstract: A control platform for directing the operation of a snowblower is provided. The platform includes a bail which is pivotably moveable within the platform. Attached to and moveable with the bail are levers for controlling the engagement or disengagement of the drives that power the snowblower's wheels and auger. Also attached with the bail are controls which permit the operator to change the speed and/or direction of the snowblower as well as the orientation of the discharge chute. Through their attachment to the bail and proximity relative to one another, an operator can use each of the levers and controls simultaneously. Accordingly, the platform permits an operator to engage or disengage the drives which power the snowblower's wheels and auger while, simultaneously, enabling a change in speed or direction as well as the direction towards which snow is directed during the removal process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: James Thomas Dowe, Rodney Allen Fritz, Robert James Loehr
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Publication number: 20020108275Abstract: A tool assembly using a fluid-powered actuator and including first and second tool members. The first tool member is pivotably connectable to a boom arm of a vehicle or stationary support platform for rotation about a first axis. The first tool member is also attached to a body of the actuator and the second tool members is attached to a shaft of the actuator so that operation of the actuator rotates the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis and independent of rotation of the first tool member about the first axis. The second tool member is positioned to cooperatively engage the first tool member to assist in collection operations. The actuator has a generally cylindrical body with an output shaft rotatably disposed therein for rotation about the second axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: 1994 Weyer Family Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean R. Weyer, Michael Kevin Kehler
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Publication number: 20020108276Abstract: A bucket tooth capable of preventing a bolt from being loosened during operation is provided. In order to allow the bucket tooth to generate a resilient return force after attachment, a warp is caused by resilient deformation so that a face on the bucket lip side becomes a concave face. As another means, a spot facing portion is formed around a bolt hole into which a fastening bolt is inserted, on the side facing the bucket lip.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Masaharu Amano, Kazuhide Okawa
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Publication number: 20020108277Abstract: A bucket tooth capable of preventing a bolt from being loosened during operation is provided. In order to allow the bucket tooth to generate a resilient return force after attachment, a warp is caused by resilient deformation so that a face on the bucket lip side becomes a concave face. As another means, a spot facing portion is formed around a bolt hole into which a fastening bolt is inserted, on the side facing the bucket lip.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Masaharu Amano, Kazuhide Okawa
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Publication number: 20020108278Abstract: A livestock tag locking system device, comprising a male component (1) and a female component (8), wherein the male component (1) has a face (3) onto which indicia may be applied and a stem (4) equipped with a tip (5). The stem (4) is made of a relatively soft plastic material and the tip (5) is made of a relatively hard plastic material. The female component has a cup portion (11) equipped with a retaining ring (14). The cup portion (11) is made of a relatively soft plastic material and the retaining ring (14) is made of a relatively hard plastic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: Os Husdyrmerkefabrikk A/SInventor: Egil Wikan
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Publication number: 20020108279Abstract: Advertising cover for insulated beverage box with the: a rectangular box structure having an open bottom portion and a partially open rear portion, the box sides and top each having a cut out portion, the cut out portions capable of accepting clear plastic windows for the purposes of displaying an advertising graphic, the rectangular box made of eighth inch thick die cut corrugated plastic and riveted together, the plastic windows made of vacuum formed clear plastic such as PET or vinyl so that the top surface of said clear plastic is flush with the top surface of said corrugated plastic, a plurality of removable replaceable advertising graphic cards that reside under said clear plastic windows, and said advertising graphic cards held in place by a removable replaceable flange that is held to the inside perimeter of said cutout portions of said advertising cover by standard hook and loop type fastening material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Frazier Q. Hubbard, Andrea M. Blake
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Publication number: 20020108280Abstract: A display unit is specially designed to mount metal coins or the like for display purpose. The unit includes a transparent plate having holes made to fit the coins or the like and hold them in place securely. Electric powered light sources are positioned around the periphery of the transparent plate. The light sources are covered, except allowing light to enter the transparent edges of the plate. The light illuminates the surface of the coins after passing through the surfaces around the coin holes in the plate. The housing of the unit can be configured with a base to allow it to rest on a level surface such as on a table top. The housing can also be configured to allow it to be hung on the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Juan Fernandez
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Publication number: 20020108281Abstract: A display device for simulating motion from a two-dimensional image is provided. The image may be in two-point or three-point perspective. A first planar surface and a second planar surface with a single image imposed thereon are angularly disposed to each other. The vertical intersection of the first and second planar surfaces is coincident with the foreground of the image.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2000Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Andrew Mauck
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Publication number: 20020108282Abstract: A coin-op bulletin board includes a box with a transparent front panel, a static electricity conveyer, a paper entrance with a pair of rollers as paper feeder, a paper guiding board, a bottom hole beneath the paper guiding board, a thin plate close to the top of the conveyer, a motor to drive the conveyer, a coin machine. A user can drop coins then put the advertisement or message into the paper entrance; the pair of rollers feeds the paper to the static electricity conveyer; the paper can stick to the static electricity conveyer and display for a preset period of time. After a period of time, the conveyer rolls and sends the paper to the thin plate and to the paper guiding board; the paper is finally dropped to the recycle box through the bottom hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Min-Kuei Kao
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Publication number: 20020108283Abstract: A photoluminescent evacuation route kit includes a U-shaped base frame for mounting on a wall surface or door panel by screws, the base frame defining a mounting groove, a mylar transparency of custom graphics sandwiched in between a photoluminescent back drop and a clear protective lens and inserted with the photoluminescent back drop and the clear protective lens into the mounting groove of the base frame, and a top frame detachably fastened to the base frame by screws to hold the mylar transparency, the photoluminescent back drop and the clear protective lens in the mounting groove of the base frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Peter H.K. Suen
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Publication number: 20020108284Abstract: An identification tag includes a holder having a pair of rigid, transparent polymeric panels joined at a lower region by a flexible resilient hinge. The top edge of the rear panel is configured to abuttingly contact the front panel to thereby securely hold an indicia-carrying panel therebetween. Preferably, the front panel and rear panel are of differing height, while the front panel is configured to carry a neckband to enable the identification tag to be worn about the neck of a person. The front panel, rear panel, and hinge are preferably monolithically formed to thereby provide a low-cost, durable, and reusable identification tag.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Valerie J. Wallin
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Publication number: 20020108285Abstract: Picture frame with framing bars connected to a base frame and with a device for mounting a picture which can be fitted within the base frame with lateral and rearward clearance to its framing bars on the base frame by means of retaining/spacer devices. The device for mounting a picture has a first profiled frame for holding a glass plate or transparent plastic plate and/or a passe-partout and/or a picture, a second profiled frame, whose external dimensions are smaller than the external dimensions of the first profiled frame, connected to and arranged beneath the first profiled frame, and a pressure plate pressing against the glass plate or transparent plastic plate and/or the passe-partout and/or the picture. The retaining/spacer devices can be inserted into the second profiled frame and connected to the framing bars of the base frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Herbert Wohlleb
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Publication number: 20020108286Abstract: A sports commemorator includes a support with a forward portion having an open interior for displaying a picture (e.g., a photograph) on a layer and an object superimposed with a cover. The picture and the object are desirably related to sports. A first transparent portion of the cover serves to buttress the layer. A second transparent portion of the cover serves to receive the object. Forward and rearward interfaces serve to secure the cover and the layer for displaying the picture and the object in the open interior. In one example, the support can include a frame and/or a backing, and the forward and/or rearward interfaces can comprise a stop and/or a fastener. The forward and/or rearward interfaces can be formed integrally with the support. The cover can comprise a transparent member having an expanse with a hollow protuberance. A section of the expanse can be formed substantially flat, for buttressing the layer. The hollow protuberance preferably has sufficient space to substantially cup the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Thomas E. Brockley, James L. Brockley
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Publication number: 20020108287Abstract: A shallow box display frame is provided for a three-dimensional ornamental object. The display frame is formed with a surrounding border having inner and outer surfaces. A hollow bubble projects from the outer surface of the border. The bubble is closed at the inner surface of the border by a flat closure member that is thinner than the border and which seats in a seating recess that surrounds the bubble on the inner surface of the border. The flat closure member resides in the seating recess so that its exposed surface is in coplanar relationship with the surrounding portion of the inner surface of the border. A hollow enclosed cavity is defined within the bubble and a three-dimensional display object is loosely entrapped within the hollow cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Lam H. Tran
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Publication number: 20020108288Abstract: A bracket for securing the barrel of a flare launcher to the body of the flare launcher.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: Skyblazer, Inc.Inventor: William F. Brice
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Publication number: 20020108289Abstract: A decoy system includes an inflatable decoy including an outer wall forming a sealed inner chamber and an inflation valve extending from the outer wall. The decoy system further includes a mounting rod system rotatably supporting the decoy. The decoy is supported by the mounting rod system such that the decoy can freely rotate without contacting a mounting surface. The decoy system also includes a motor and a moveable section extending from the outer wall and connected to the motor. The motor moves the moveable section upon actuation of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Mark Sides
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Publication number: 20020108290Abstract: An ice hole fishing plug comprising an elongated cylindrical member which is constructed of a closed cell compressible foam material. An upper plate is positioned on the upper end of the cylindrical member and a lower plate is positioned on the lower end of the cylindrical member. An elongated rod extends downwardly through the upper plate, the cylindrical member and the lower plate with the lower end of the elongated rod being secured to the lower plate. A nut is threadably secured to the upper end of the elongated rod above the upper plate. When the nut is threaded down on the rod, the cylindrical member 16 is compressed between the upper and lower plates to cause the cylindrical member 16 to expand radially outwardly into engagement with the side walls of the ice fishing hole. An actuator is also provided for conveniently threading and unthreading the nut at the upper end of the elongated rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Kerry B. Moore
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Publication number: 20020108291Abstract: A conical shaped, protective fishing reel cover including a circular end, elliptical end and a lateral closure with a resealing fastener system adjacent to a small lateral opening that can encompass the fishing reel and associated fishing reel crank congruently whether the fishing reel is mounted to a fishing rod or separated from the fishing rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Monti Kay Ladd
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Publication number: 20020108292Abstract: A fishing lure for game fish angling has a body structure with hooks attached thereto. The lure contains a gear box with a coil spring for storing the energy of an angler's arm motion during the lure retrieve, and a gear train for transferring the stored energy to an external appendage. A metal shaft extends through the gear box and is attached to a spool and line arrangement for winding the coil spring. The lure can be repeatedly and selectively activated by the angler to impart a sustained oscillating motion to the external appendage. A rustproof metal cam pin and a resin impregnated low stretch line provide improved durability. The lure may be fitted with a translucent concave mouth to resist forward movement while providing the necessary water resistance to wind the coil spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Frank Gerald Pearce
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Publication number: 20020108293Abstract: A dough bait retention fishing lure is described, in which a dough bait receptacle is provided with an outer surface. The dough bait receptacle defines at least one outwardly open dough bait retention opening along the outer surface. The dough bait retention opening changes in size inwardly from the outer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: John A. Bambacigno
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Publication number: 20020108294Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and securing an end segment of a line, the end segment having an outer diameter, the apparatus comprising a receptacle including a chamber bound by a substantially continuous sidewall defining an inner diameter that is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the end segment and extensions extending into the chamber for impinging against the end segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2000Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Michael L. Denby
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Publication number: 20020108295Abstract: An insect lure or bait container for attracting insects for treatment with a pesticide has an opening therein for the subterranean ingress and egress of insects and, preferably, contains a cellulose fiber lure of a coherent deformable compressible mass of randomly oriented, entangled, softwood fibers that is held together by entanglement of the fibers. Preferably, for treating termite colonies, the pesticide is a non-repellent termiticide, which is lethal to termites through matrix contact as well as through ingestion and/or transferal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Harold W. Aesch, Kenneth R. Chitwood
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Publication number: 20020108296Abstract: A pest control apparatus is provided including a vacuum adapted to suction air from an inlet upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a mechanical housing with attractor means for luring pests to a position where the pests may be suctioned. A trigger means is provided for actuating the vacuum either based on a sensor detecting a pest or intermittently based on expiration of a timer. A one way valve prevents the pests from escaping.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Charles Kleinhenz
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Publication number: 20020108297Abstract: A candle composition in creamy liquid form spreads evenly to assume the shape and size of any candle-safe container. The composition hardens after being heated by a wick and subsequently cooled after the wick is extinguished.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Johna L. Rasmussen, Leslie Ann Johns
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Publication number: 20020108298Abstract: This invention relates to a diesel fuel composition comprising a major amount of a base fuel and a relatively minor amount of at least one chemical component other than that generated in a refinery process stream which component is miscible with the base fuel in such proportions that the T30 temperature of the resultant composition is in the range from 205-240° C. The control of the T30 temperature within the specified range by blending with the minor component results in a significant reduction in particulate emissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2000Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Lisa I-Ching Yeh
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Publication number: 20020108299Abstract: This invention is a method of reducing particulate matter emission from internal combustion engines which use a diesel fuel composition comprising a major amount of a diesel fuel having a base fuel which contains no more than 10% by weight of olefins and no more than 10% by weight of esters, by admixing said fuel with greater than 5% by weight based on the total composition of a saturated, aliphatic monohydric alcohol having on an average from 4 to 20 carbon atoms, one or more ketones having on an average 5 to 25 carbons and mixture of said alcohol(s) and ketone(s). The amount of the oxygenate in the fuel composition is sufficient to provide the fuel with at least 0.5% by weight of oxygen. The oxygenate significantly reduce particulate emissions from the exhausts of diesel powered engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2000Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Lisa I-Ching Yeh, Richard Henry Schlosberg, Richard C. Miller, Raf F. Caers
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Publication number: 20020108300Abstract: A wick applicator for applying agricultural liquid chemicals to crops, weeds and other vegetation. The wick applicator includes an elongated tube for holding and dispensing liquid chemicals. An air inlet extends from the tube and is communicatively open to the internal chamber of the tube. To meter or regulate the flow of liquid chemicals from the elongated tube, a non-variable fixed size orifice is disposed in the air inlet tube. In use, the wick applicator is useful in applying a growth regulating composition to the upper portion of a cotton crop. This is achieved by setting the wick applicator at a selected height and then moving it through a cotton field at that height and in the process, engaging and mopping the portion of any cotton crop in its path.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Louie H. Johnson
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Publication number: 20020108301Abstract: A self-filling Christmas tree stand includes a supporting base with receptacle for vertically mounting a tree, set screws or other securing means for securing the Christmas tree in a vertical position, and an integral reservoir built into the base for keeping the tree watered. A remote reservoir is provided and this includes a watertight box with cover to allow replenishment with water. A hose is connected between the remote reservoir and the integral reservoir in the base of the tree stand to transfer water to the latter. This maintains the reservoir in the base of the tree stand substantially full of water. The remote reservoir is inconspicuous because is adorned to look like a wrapped Christmas present. Moreover, the remote reservoir can be easily detached for convenient filling and cleaning.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Roy Tasker
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Publication number: 20020108302Abstract: A decorative flower holder including a cylindrical section with one closed end and a resilient cap that fits over the open end of the cylinder. A small hole in the cap allows the placement of a flower stem through it. In addition, this decorative flower holder includes a means by which the flower vial assembly can be suspended or supported so that the item in the vial can be displayed in an ornamental fashion. With this supporting means, flowers or other plant material can be displayed in many different situations such as on a Christmas tree as an ornament, on a window, on a car rear view mirror, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Christian T. Gregory
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Publication number: 20020108303Abstract: A support for a branched plant includes an upper perimeter spaced apart by two or more spacers from a lower perimeter. The lower perimeter compression fits into a flower pot, resting on the ledge on the interior surface of the pot so that the upper perimeter extends above the top edge of the poet. the upper perimeter provides support for the branches of a mature branched flower, holding them in such a way as to display them without either bunching them too tightly or allowing them to spread out too much. The display is achieved by the right combination of spacing of the upper perimeter above the flower pot and diameter of the upper perimeter for a given size of plant. The support may be molded as a flat price and then formed into a cylinder when its ends are snap fitted together. When the plant is immature, the support is applied so that, by the time the plant blooms, the support is there to provide support for its stems.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Charles E. Layton
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Publication number: 20020108304Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The protective upper portion can be detached from the lower portion of the package system once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed. The sleeve may be provided without a detachable upper portion. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Donald E. Weder
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Publication number: 20020108305Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Robert Bautner
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Publication number: 20020108306Abstract: A method of controlling temperature at a fuel reformer comprises sensing the temperature at the fuel reformer and adding air to the fuel reformer. A dual air actuator system for use with a fuel reformer comprises air control valves in fluid communication with the fuel reformer and a temperature sensor in electrical communication with the air control valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Malcolm James Grieve, David R. Schumann, Karl J. Haltiner
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Publication number: 20020108307Abstract: A method to produce hydrogen, substantially devoid of carbon monoxide, by way of reforming is disclosed. Vaporized solvent, containing carbon monoxide and water vapor, is conveyed to a reformer. Steam shifting of carbon monoxide, formed in addition to hydrogen formed by reforming, is employed to shift some of the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen to produce a gaseous hydrogen mixture. Remaining carbon monoxide within the gaseous hydrogen is scrubbed with a solvent capable of dissolving carbon monoxide to dissolve carbon monoxide contained within the gaseous hydrogen mixture. Following separation of the solvent containing dissolved carbon monoxide from a gas containing hydrogen substantially devoid of carbon monoxide is produced. The solvent containing dissolved carbon monoxide is subjected to vaporization to form vaporized solvent containing carbon monoxide for utilization in the reformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Gene Lightner
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Publication number: 20020108308Abstract: A temperature/reaction management system comprises a reformer system and a mat material fluidly coupled to a portion of the inlet of the reforming zone of the reformer system. An inert material and/or flame arrestor can optionally be positioned before the mat material to filter particulate matter, and lower the temperature of the fuel, respectively. A method for managing the temperature and reaction of fuel in an energy conversion device comprises dispensing an air/fuel mixture through a mat material disposed against an inlet of a reformer system. The air/fuel mixture is dispensed through a reflective surface of the mat material to maintain a first temperature that is less than a second temperature necessary for a gas phase reaction to occur. The mat material inhibits the propagation of a flame into the reformer system, and allows fuel to enter the reformer system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Malcolm James Grieve
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Publication number: 20020108309Abstract: A method of main reformer startup is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a first supply of fuel and a first supply of air into a micro-reformer. The first supply of fuel is increased to produce a heated reformate in the micro-reformer. The heated reformate is directed through a main reformer in order to heat the main reformer. At least a portion of the heated reformate is burned in the main reformer. A second supply of fuel and a second supply of air is introduced into the main reformer to produce a main supply of reformate. A method for maintaining a vehicle device in standby condition is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: M. James Grieve, Karl Haltiner, Peter Hendler, John Noetzel
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Publication number: 20020108310Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle door for a convertible having a door handle (2) with a handle part (5) which can be pivoted from its inoperative position into an actuating position in order to open the vehicle door (1), and having a window (13) which can be displaced by means of an electric window-opening motor (12) and when closed is sealed by a seal on the vehicle roof.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Clemens Schroer