Patents Issued in January 16, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030009963
    Abstract: A modular building system and related methodology wherein extruded, elongate, plastic building components can quickly, and with no special tools or skills, be snapped and slidably fit together to form a wide variety of different building structures. The proposed system produces frameless buildings wherein surface closure structures, like walls, windows, doors and roof panels are bound into stability through building-wrapping banding structures that include upright, perimeter stabilizer bars, roof trusses, and in most instances, the underlying ground. Within a finished building, the closure structures effectively float and react with relative motion responses to different applied building loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: James H. Crowell
  • Publication number: 20030009964
    Abstract: A novel prefabricated shearwall is disclosed with improved structural characteristics in terms of its ability to 1) transfer lateral loads to the foundation, 2) resist bending moments normally arising in conventional shearwalls between hold-down hardware and end posts or vertical framing members, 3) effectively diffuse stresses known to result in nail fatigue, and 4) reduce slippage between the bottom of the end posts and base in response to cyclic loadings. These superior properties result partly from its geometry in lower, or shear force transfer region, accompanied by thrust block/anchor rod assemblies to provide stiffness and strength over the lower portion of the end posts. Furthermore, specialized wrap-around connector plates that cover a portion of the bottom surface of these end posts also contribute to the enhanced prefabricated shearwall design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Shear Force Wall Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Trarup, Thomas V. Leung, George Shahnazarian
  • Publication number: 20030009965
    Abstract: The invention is intended to reduce heat accumulation in the heat insulator provided around the periphery of the living room of a house structure, thereby achieving simplification of a construction work, energy-saving, and rationalization in maintaining the living environment, and by covering the external face of the heat insulators (2) disposed around the periphery of partition sheet members surrounding the living room, such as the roof, ceiling, wall, and so forth, with the heat shielding members (1) provided with the heat reflection foil, so that radiant heat which will otherwise heat up the heat insulators (2) can be blocked, and heat accumulation in the heat insulators (2) can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Setuya Matumoto, Takashi Satou, Sadahiro Inoue, Yuumi Akitaya
  • Publication number: 20030009966
    Abstract: A support panel for use in an air handling unit for both supporting equipment inside the unit and providing a thermal barrier to the flow of heat into and out of the unit. The panel includes a plastic frame that is enclosed by upper and lower covers to form an internal cavity. Support members are placed in the cavity between the covers to which equipment that is supported upon the panel can be secured. The support members are fabricated of a high strength composite material having a low thermal conductivity. A curable foam is then injected into the cavity to bond the panel components together in assembly. The frame, the support members and the curable foam all have a relatively low thermal conductivity and coact to create a thermal barrier to impede the flow of heat in or out of the unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Edward T. Rieke, Michael W. Austin
  • Publication number: 20030009967
    Abstract: A modular assembly for creating formwork for casting vertical concrete structures is characterized by elongated wall elements which are disposed in edge to edge relationship in two facing rows and which are simultaneously retained in edge to edge relationship and in facing relationship by connecting members. Retaining elements slidably engage connecting members and wall elements in diagonal relationship. Connecting members include engagement means for cooperating with notches in rigid panels which are disposed against the interior surfaces of flat walls formed by the formwork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Francesco Piccone
  • Publication number: 20030009968
    Abstract: Signature entryway units combine common non-circular elements to form an entryway unit that suggests a circle. The entryway unit can include a door and one or more sidelight panels. The non-circular elements can include glazing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: James Brian Libby, Casey L. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20030009969
    Abstract: A panel for use in an air handling unit that conducts air along an enclosed path of travel. The panel includes a rectangular shaped frame made of a plastic material having a low thermal conductivity. The frame is closed by top and bottom cover plates having skirts that are contained in top and bottom channels that encircle the inside of the frame and thus establish an enclosed cavity within the panel. A curable polyurethane foam is injected into the cavity to fill the cavity. The foam sets to bond the covers to the frame and to provide a thermal barrier that impedes the flow of heat through the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Christian C. Herbeck, Michael W. Austin
  • Publication number: 20030009970
    Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Publication number: 20030009971
    Abstract: The invention relates to a joining system and method for floorboards, e.g. for parquetry. The joining system comprises floor boards intended to be joined with each other, wherein a first board (A) has a protrusion fitting into a recess in a second board (B). The protrusion on the first board comprises hooks (1) with intermediate slots (2) or chamfers. The recess (11) in the second board (B) is delimited on the top side by a solid edge (3), and on the bottom side by an edge having heads (4) dimensioned to be inserted through the slots (2) of the first board (A). The invention will replace the traditional groove and tenon technique. By providing slots or chamfers in the protrusion corresponding to the tenon, and corresponding cuts in the lower limiting edge of the groove, the boards can be joined in a substantially vertical or transversal movement and then be locked by a horizontal movement in the longitudinal direction of the boards. At the same time, the protrusion is shaped like hooks engaging the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ulf Palmberg
  • Publication number: 20030009972
    Abstract: The invention relates to a strip for a building board (2), exhibiting a board body (S) which is formed with a gripping stud (24). The strip (10) extends from the body (S) and from which are formed gripping elements (26, 28), which are bent round the gripping stud (24) for mechanical fastening of the strip (10) to the body (S), as well as a locking element (12) for enabling mechanical joining of the board (2) to similar boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Tony Pervan
  • Publication number: 20030009973
    Abstract: A wood floor assembly includes wood floors, joint bases, soft pads, and U-shaped clips. The wood floor has a first elongated side protruded with an insertion flange, and a second elongated side recessed with an insertion groove. The insertion flange has a bottom edge recessed with a first insertion snap groove, and the insertion groove has a bottom edge recessed with a second insertion snap groove. The joint base has a first side protruded with an insertion block and a second side recessed with an insertion recess. The joint base has a top face protruded with a first locking plate and a second locking plate. The first locking plate is formed with a first locking hook portion and a second locking hook portion. The U-shaped clip is clamped and positioned two adjacent joint bases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Chiu-Ying Lee
  • Publication number: 20030009974
    Abstract: Tensegrity units may be used to form a tensegrity structure. Each tensegrity unit may include n face tension members, n continuous tension members, and n compression members. A bracket for the tensegrity unit may allow for adjustment of position of portions of the tension members when the tensegrity unit is not in a deployed state. The tension members may be coupled to the tensegrity unit so that there are no loose tension member ends. The unit may be deployed from a collapsed state by positioning the compression members and tension members in a proper orientation and adjusting the length of at least one compression member. Adjusting the length of at least the one compression member may allow tension to be applied to each tension member. A tensegrity structure may be formed from tensegrity units by joining a number of tensegrity units together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Katherine A. Liapi
  • Publication number: 20030009975
    Abstract: An improved bracket-like structural member designed to improve structures where a rigid space frame can fulfill a structural purpose. An exemplary structural member comprises two straight tubes that each comprise a graphite fiber wrapped foam cylinder, and a curved tube that comprises a graphite fiber wrapped foam arc segment whose distal ends abut an end of each straight tube. Graphite fiber cloth overlaps interfaces between the curved tubes and the straight tube. A strut interconnects adjacent ends of the straight tubes. The present invention is readily applicable to more than two elements terminating at a joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew R. Wallach
  • Publication number: 20030009976
    Abstract: A decorative structure having the aesthetic advantages of a wooden raised panel-style appearance, which can be efficiently and accurately produced, and which includes metal layers to increase durability, security, fire-resistance, sound and thermal insulation and to decrease warpage. The structure comprises an innermost layer of a rigid material, a metal layer, preferably of aluminum, fixedly attached to each side of the innermost layer, and an outer wooden layer fixedly attached to the outer surface of each metal layer. One or both of the metal layers are at least partially exposed by patterned cutting of channels in one or both of the outer wooden layers using a standard router having a cutting bit, according to a desired pattern. The channels may be in the form of straight lines, curves, numbers, letters or specific designs. In a preferred embodiment, the structure comprises a door. Alternative embodiments include wall panels, table tops and other furniture items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Maurizio Hauser, Alberto Manevich
  • Publication number: 20030009977
    Abstract: This invention relates to columnar, “primary support” for a building or other heavy structure, in which a beam is connected to a column in a strong, moment-resisting connection comprised of two gusset plates welded to a flange or the face of the flange of the column and welded to the beam or attached to cover plates fixedly attached to the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: David L. Houghton
  • Publication number: 20030009978
    Abstract: A slab bolster upper for supporting rebar in a reinforced concrete structure while the concrete is poured and thereafter cures, is of molded plastic construction and is formed with horizontal and vertical voids that facilitate concrete placement and break up potential shear planes. Opposite ends of each unit are provided with complementary buckles to interconnect with like units to form a continuous support of desired length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Aztec Concrete Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Haslem, Ken Lee
  • Publication number: 20030009979
    Abstract: A slab bolster upper for supporting rebar in a reinforced concrete structure while the concrete is poured and thereafter cures, is of molded plastic construction and is formed with horizontal and vertical voids that facilitate concrete placement and break up potential shear planes. Opposite ends of each unit are provided with complementary buckles to interconnect with like units to form a continuous support of desired length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Aztec Concrete Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale R. Haslem, Kenneth Lee, Scott Shaw
  • Publication number: 20030009980
    Abstract: A building construction connector has a horizontal seat portion, a pair of vertical side walls extending vertically upwardly from opposite sides of the seat portion, and forming a U-shaped recess therewith, an adhesive attachment on the seat portion, and a readily removable protective cover on the adhesive attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: George Shahnazarian
  • Publication number: 20030009981
    Abstract: Compressive and tensile structural elements are disclosed having an enclosure with walls surrounding a cavity. A non-compressible material is disposed in the cavity. The walls are shaped such that a force tending to compress or elongate the element by a first deflection causes an amplified second deflection of the walls into the non-compressible material. The second deflection exerts a compressive force against the non-compressible material, resulting in a resistance to the first deflection and the force tending to compress or elongate the structural element. The walls of the elements are configured for optimum rigidity and/or optimum damping. Structural beams and motion impartation devices utilizing the structural elements to provide lightweight rigidity and/or damping are also disclosed Another aspect of the present invention are methods of fabricating the structural beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Jahangir S. Rastegar
  • Publication number: 20030009982
    Abstract: A precast and transportable mobile home foundation system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for securing a mobile home to the ground by utilizing a plurality of elongated concrete slabs that are placed within elongated ditches formed in the ground and to which the mobile home is secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Danny J. Richard
  • Publication number: 20030009983
    Abstract: A construction tool having a reference end with a hanger holder positioned a builders unit from the reference end to enable the construction tool to be used as a marking guide or to carry a joist hanger to enable a user to accurately and quickly position and secure a joist hanger on a cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: TSA Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030009984
    Abstract: An inspection station for checking the correct placement of a lid on a filled plastic container that is traveling on a conveyor that includes: a detector plate assembly (16) that has a flat surface (32) and an inclined surface (44); a support assembly (18); a mounting assembly (22) for attaching the detector plate assembly (16) to the support assembly (18) for holding the flat surface (32) in a predetermined parallel relationship with a top or conveying surface (30) of the conveyor (12) while simultaneously allowing vertical displacement thereof; a first sensor (54) for detecting the presence of a plastic container (20) to be checked or inspected; a second sensor (56) for sending a signal when the detector plate is within a selected range of vertical displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Zack Baskin
  • Publication number: 20030009985
    Abstract: A device is disclosed that can automatically remove lids from trays and place lids on trays. Further the device can sense the presence of a lid on a tray and can sense the dimensions of the tray. Based on the sensed dimensions of the tray, the device can select an appropriate sized lid to place on the tray. In one embodiment of the invention, a device holds a lid with a lid manipulator having lid holders. At least one end mechanism is attached to at least one end of the lid manipulator, and the end mechanism folds the lid flaps of an appropriate lid. Guided by the lid manipulator, lids are then positioned on the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Donald R. Close, Mark Bankard, William D. Finch, Robert Wesley Cutlip, Robert D. Lundahl, Dwight Koogle
  • Publication number: 20030009986
    Abstract: In a document delivery method and system, a sending computer is adapted to be operated by a sending party to send out an electronic document. A receiving unit, which is situated at a mail delivery service provider, is operable so as to establish a network connection with the sending computer so as to receive the electronic document therefrom. A printing unit is coupled to the receiving unit, receives the electronic document from the receiving unit, and makes a printed document that corresponds to the electronic document. An enveloping unit is operable so as to wrap the printed document in enveloping material. A conveying unit, which is disposed between the printing unit and the enveloping unit, is responsible for conveying the printed document from the printing unit to the enveloping unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Jyh-Chun Chang, Hsin-Jang Shieh, Yi-Chih Fan, Hsin-Yih Lin, E-Young Wu
  • Publication number: 20030009987
    Abstract: A food product, preferably a food ingredient in the form of dye, pigment or similar colorant in a random pattern in refrigerated yogurt, is produced by supplying the food ingredient through a supply tube (82) extending through an injection tube (80) and into a fill pipe (78) and a fill tube (28). In the preferred form, an elongated tubular member is formed around the fill tube (28) from a strip (20) of flexible material, with top and bottom seals being formed by a forming station (36). In the preferred form, the injection tube (80) extends at an angle to the fill pipe (78) such that the supply tube (82) formed of stainless steel is generally linearly straight. The fill pipe (78) includes seal flanges (78a, 78b) allowing its removal from the food material supply tubing (68) and the fill tube (28) to allow conventional cleaning of the remaining components of the apparatus (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Germick, Scott F. Gillespie, Jennifer M. Maack, Leslie D. Miller, Jonathan P. Paul, Amanda Clare Hume Stewart
  • Publication number: 20030009988
    Abstract: A cushioning product comprises an elongated sheet of paper stock having transverse fold lines and being alternatingly folded along the fold lines in an accordion-like fashion, and a storage and dispensing device which stores the folded sheet compressed and from which the sheet is dispensed for use. The sheet can be 8″ to 12″ wide. The fold lines can be 1″ apart. The sheet can have transverse perforations. The transverse perforations can be 16″ apart. The sheet has lateral edge portions and the lateral edge portions can be folded over onto the balance of the sheet. The folded over lateral edge portions can be 2″ wide, or the folded over lateral edge portions can substantially meet. In the latter case the folded over lateral edge portions can have a small space between them. The paper stock can be Kraft paper, recycled paper, or a combination of Kraft paper and recycled paper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: STOROpack, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Deis
  • Publication number: 20030009989
    Abstract: Multiple side-by-side packages are produced on a vertical form, fill, and seal machine by using a former/delivery tube assembly designed for this purpose. The front and back surfaces of the package are sealed together to form separate pouches. The technology is extendable to more than two pouches simultaneously and can handle pouches of the same or different sizes and food products that are either the same or unlike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl, Steven Kenneth Tucker
  • Publication number: 20030009990
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic opening of bags uses bags in a folded configuration that include a small aperture near the top thereof. The aperture allows a number of bags to be hung in a substantially vertical orientation on an angled protruding member. A vacuum-operated device engages one side of one of the bags and extracts it from the protruding member. The bag, still in the folded configuration, is moved into position opposite a second vacuum-operated device. The second vacuum-operated device engages the extracted bag on the opposite side of the bag from the first vacuum-operated device. The second vacuum-operated device is activated and one or both of the vacuum-operated devices are moved away from each other to open the bag into an unfolded configuration. The unfolded bag may be positioned in a loading area by synchronized movement of both vacuum-operated devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy B. Main, Gary G. Germunson
  • Publication number: 20030009991
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus of inserting insert or enclosure material into successive envelopes are disclosed. According to the envelope inserting method, the insert material is conveyed along a straight path successively to an envelope inserting position where the insert material is inserted into the envelope and the stuffed envelope is then conveyed out of the inserting position in the same direction as the above straight path. The method includes providing immediately above the envelope inserting position an envelope storage station where a plurality of envelopes are stored in a stack one above another with the front panel of each of the envelopes facing upward so that the envelopes in the storage station are fed successively to the envelope inserting position for insertion thereinto of insert material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Some Giken
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Iwamoto
  • Publication number: 20030009992
    Abstract: A piece count and collation system includes a cut-and-seal apparatus including a pair of rotatable members positioned immediately adjacent each other for receiving a tube wrapping containing a plurality of sequentially spaced objects. The rotatable members rotate in opposite directions to one another and each includes a first cutting edge having a first bonding surface positioned immediately adjacent thereto and a second cutting edge spaced apart from the first cutting edge and having a second bonding surface positioned immediately adjacent thereto. At least one of the rotatable members includes a vacuum grasping member positioned between the first and the second cutting edges for grasping one of said plurality of sequentially spaced objects in the tube wrapping received by the cut-and-seal apparatus while the tube-wrapping is cut and bonded on both ends to form a fully wrapped object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce W. Keen, Ira Greene
  • Publication number: 20030009993
    Abstract: A method and unit for forming a tubular wrapping about a rectangular-prism-shaped product, whereby a sheet of packing material is folded about the product in a first folding step, wherein the sheet of packing material is folded into a U about the product so that an end portion of the sheet of packing material projects crosswise with respect to a longitudinal axis of the product and beyond the product itself; and in a second folding step, wherein the end portion is subjected to traction in a direction crosswise to the longitudinal axis of the product, and is simultaneously folded further about the product to define the tubular wrapping
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Alver Tacchi, Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Publication number: 20030009994
    Abstract: A packing apparatus which includes a feed conveyor adapted to convey articles to a pick up station and a case conveyor adapted to sequentially convey cases, having an open top and a plurality of flaps, to a feed station. Pick up and grid heads are provided and are adapted to pick up successive slugs of the articles at the pick up station and to sequentially deposit the slugs in each of the cases while they are in the release station. A removal conveyor is provided to successively receive the slug filled cases from the release station and pass them onto a case sealing apparatus which is arranged over the removal conveyor and is operative to apply an adhesive to certain of the flaps and to then move the flaps over the open top into a secured closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Patterson Hartness, Richard M. Wiernicki, Robert Leslie Dillard, David Lee Scott
  • Publication number: 20030009995
    Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strapping material around an associated load and sealing the strapping material to itself around the load, includes a frame, a feed assembly mounted to the frame for feeding, retracting and automatically refeeding the strapping material, a guide configured to receive the strapping material from the feed assembly, and a strapping head configured to receive the strapping material from the feed assembly via the guide and to position the strapping material around the load and seal the strapping material to itself around the load. The feed assembly includes one and only one pair of reversible feed elements and a drive. The machine includes a controller operably connected to the drive. The one and only one pair of reversible feed elements are configured to automatically feed, retract and refeed the strapping material upon an appropriate signal from the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy B. Pearson, Ronald W. Gurak, Kevin A. Bruzzesi
  • Publication number: 20030009996
    Abstract: According to the first aspect of the invention, a perch-shank device includes a perch having an upper, central, and lower portion. The upper portion has a means for attaching a headstall and chinstrap. The lower portion is configurable for attaching a mouthpiece. The perch-shank device also includes a shank having an upper and lower portion. The lower portion has a means for attaching a rein. The upper portion of the shank is connected adjacent to the central portion of the perch, such that the shank extends perpendicularly outward from the perch, then downwardly, forming an “S” shape, respectively. The shank is normally longer than the perch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Markle
  • Publication number: 20030009997
    Abstract: A hitch assembly includes two frame members. One frame member of the frame includes a locking assembly for coupling the hitch assembly to a shaft of a sulky. The other frame member of the frame is adapted to secure the frame assembly to a harness of an animal such as a horse. A release assembly such as a pull pin assembly is utilized to releasably secure the first frame member to the second frame member. A method for releasing an animal harness from a vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Robert D. Knox
  • Publication number: 20030009998
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bag filter device (12), which device enables collection and draining of particles of liquid from a gas, normally air, flowing through the bag filter (12). Such a bag filter (12) is normally used to trap solid particles from a gas flow, but where particles of liquid, in which there are for example salts or bacteria, are also trapped and possibly permeate the bag filter (12) and drip out on the downstream side thereof. Then the liquid may be carried further in the gas flow and have disadvantageous effect on equipment and surroundings. According to the invention such drawbacks can be avoided or reduced in that the filter material of a lower portion (18) and a bottom portion (19) in the continuation of the lower portion (18) of the bag filter (12) is formed in its entirety or in an outer filter layer (20) by a liquid-tight material. Possibly, the bottom portion (19) is provided with a liquid outlet (39), so that the liquid separated can collect and be drained from the bag filter (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Jorn Watvedt
  • Publication number: 20030009999
    Abstract: A mining apparatus dust collection component including a vessel to receive and circulate an airflow and an entrained particulate material; said vessel separating said particulate material from airflow by a centrifugal effect said vessel including an inlet and an outlet for said airflow said component including attachment means to attach a detachable bag to said vessel said detachable bag preventing air passing through it. A mining apparatus dust collection system including: at least one inlet associated with a respective drilling unit to draw air and dust into said system from a drill bit when said drilling unit is in use; at least a first stage of dust removal being a mining dust collection component as described connected to at least one of said inlet; a vacuum pump to draw air and dust from said drilling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Brad Neilson, Matthew Langbridge
  • Publication number: 20030010000
    Abstract: A flash arrestor applicable to suppress explosions in gas lines generally, but specifically appropriate for suppressing explosions of pyrophoric gases, particularly silane in connection with integrated circuit manufacturing, has two identical flash suppression assemblies that are interconnected and act bidirectionally so as to suppress explosions occurring on either side of the apparatus. The positioning of a poppet relative to a poppet seat can be set manually into “open,” “closed” and “armed” positions, the latter indicating that the apparatus has been configured so as to intercept automatically any explosion that is transmitted to it through a gas line so as to yield a valve “closed” configuration, and that closed position can then be locked in manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Mark Hamilton, Brian Gardner, Roy Browning
  • Publication number: 20030010001
    Abstract: The portable air purifying device (10) is provided for removing airborne particles. The device includes a housing (12) including an exterior surface formed with an air inlet (26) and an air outlet (28). The air outlet is formed as a plurality of openings. A scroll (44) is located within the housing and has walls formed with an intake opening (194) and an exhaust port (186). The exterior surface and the walls define a cavity (76). The cavity has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is in communication between the exhaust port and the air outlet. A fan (14) is positioned within the intake opening for drawing air in through the air inlet to pass through the scroll and the first portion of the cavity to be expelled through the air outlet while the second portion of the cavity is under a positive pressure. A filter assembly (48) is assembled within the housing between the air inlet and the fan. The device can include a second filter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Don Bryce, David Curtis, Yani Deros
  • Publication number: 20030010002
    Abstract: Filter arrangements for mist removal include a barrier media, usually pleated, and treated with a deposit of fine fibers. Filter arrangements may take the form of tubular, radially sealing elements; tubular, axial sealing elements; forward flow air cleaners; reverse flow air cleaners; and panel filters and can have multiple layers of fine fiber containing pleated media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce A. Johnson, Mark A. Gogins
  • Publication number: 20030010003
    Abstract: An air filtering material for air cleaning is formed of a nonwoven fabric of hollow chemical fibers having longitudinal interior holes containing an oil. The hollow chemical fibers have randomly formed minute cracks and/or fissures formed through the walls of the fibers. The cracks and/or fissures have a width of the order of 1 im. The oil gradually exudes from within the longitudinal holes through the cracks and/or fissures to wet the outer surfaces of the hollow chemical fibers to enhance the filtering ability of the air filtering material by binding dust particles by the sticky oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yokoyama, Daisuke Susa
  • Publication number: 20030010004
    Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine has an attachment for picking up cut crop or for harvesting stalked crop and a processing device for chopping the crop. A curved spout is arranged downstream of the processing device for picking up the crop at a pick-up location and transferring it to a drop location on a transport vehicle. A control device adjusts an operating speed of the drive motor to idle speed, nominal speed, and a speed range below the nominal speed. The drive motor, when the attachment has a great working width and the distance between pick-up location and drop location of the curved spout has a great length, is operated at nominal speed and, when the attachment has a minimal working width and the distance between pick-up location and drop location of the curved spout has a minimal length, is operated at a reduced speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbH
    Inventors: Bernard Krone, Josef Horstmann
  • Publication number: 20030010005
    Abstract: A material collecting fill indicator and pressure gauge is mounted on a conduit extending from a grass mower housing to a clipping container, with the conduit passing by an operator's seat on the mower. The fill indicator has a visible air pressure gauge to visibly show the operator the changes in the static air pressure within the conduit which reflected the degree to which the clipping container is filled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Russell R. Jerome, Randy Edward Benway
  • Publication number: 20030010006
    Abstract: A system for mounting material collector containers to lawn and garden tractors includes mounting arms pivotally attachable to the tractor frame and spring biased latching means connected to the arms for releasably and automatically latching the arms to the frame in a given pivotal position. The mounting bracket system is arranged so as to be latched to and receive vertical support from a location or locations remote from the hitch plate and hitch hole. Thus, the mounting bracket system does not interfere with the normal intended uses of the hitch plate and hitch hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Swart, Randy E. Benway
  • Publication number: 20030010007
    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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: WILLIAM R WRIGHT, JAMES D VELKE
  • Publication number: 20030010008
    Abstract: An outdoor power equipment unit, such as a lawn mower, is supported for rolling over the ground by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, including a pair of front caster wheels. A ground or turf grooming or working implement, such as a cutting deck, is supported on the outdoor power equipment unit. Removable counterweights can be dropped down or lifted off the tops of the caster wheels. This places the counterweights as far forwardly as possible which is useful when balancing the weight of a rear mounted accessory. In addition, the counterweights can be installed and removed without using a mounting bar or other mounting hardware on the outdoor power equipment unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: C. Mark Atterbury, John C. Crumrinc
  • Publication number: 20030010009
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus, a guard assembly for a cutting apparatus and a method of assembling a cutting apparatus. The cutting apparatus includes a frame supported for movement over ground, the frame having a forward portion, a cutter support supported on the forward portion, and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes a chain cutter assembly and a guard assembly. The chain cutter assembly includes a continuous chain assembly having opposite lateral chain surfaces, a plurality of knife members connected to the chain assembly to form a cutting portion, and a drive assembly for driving the chain assembly. In some aspects, the guard assembly includes a guard supported by the cutter support, the guard defining a channel having opposite lateral channel surfaces engageable with the opposite lateral chain surfaces to guide a portion of the chain assembly in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Donald W. Bickel, Dennis J. Jones
  • Publication number: 20030010010
    Abstract: A cutting mechanism for harvesters, both for harvesting grain and crop with low located crop positions has a cutter bar; a cutting mechanism trough; a plurality of skids arranged near one another in a traveling direction and connecting the cutter bar with the cutting mechanism trough, the skids being movable between an upper and a lower position in a vertical direction; an arresting device arranged in a front region and fixing the skids in the upper position, the connecting mechanism trough having framed parts; screw connections which mount the skids at their rear ends directly on the frame parts of the cutting mechanism trough; a road device which lifts the skids to the upper position and arrests the skids; the cutting mechanism trough having framed parts; rigid screw connections which mount the skids at their rear ends directly on the frame parts of the cutting mechanism trough; and means for arresting the skids in the upper position and selected from the group consisting of a rope device which lifts and ar
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Dominik Buermann
  • Publication number: 20030010011
    Abstract: It is the object of the invention to propose a method for open-end rotor spinning, wherein the formation of cover yarn, in particular the so-called “belly bands”, is at least appreciably reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Jurgen Meyer, Manfred Lassmann
  • Publication number: 20030010012
    Abstract: A recuperated microturbine system including a low temperature duct burner in the exhaust gas which accommodates significant variations in the exhaust gas flow from the recuperator, which burns the added hydrocarbon fuel, for example natural gas, reasonably efficiently, without generating a significant amount of additional NOx. A wire mesh burner is used to burn the added fuel in part of the exhaust gas from the recuperator. The duct burner is operated either in a more or less radiant combustion mode, or in a blue flame mode. The remainder of the recuperator exhaust gas, which bypasses the afterburner, is heated mainly by radiant heat transfer from the wire mesh burner. The use of the wire mesh burner minimises additional NOx formation. In the duct burner the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas is used to overcome the inherent static pressure loss of the wire mesh burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Brandon