Patents Issued in March 25, 2003
  • Patent number: 6536689
    Abstract: Mulberry leaves washed in a washing water are soaked in a soaking liquid containing sodium bicarbonate and salt, then the leaves soaked in the soaking liquid are put into a steam blanching machine to blanch them with steam, the leaves steam blanched are put into a drying machine to dry them, the dried leaves are charged to a pulverizing machine pulverizing the leaves and obtaining mulberry leaves powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Minato Seiyaku Kabushikikaisha
    Inventor: Shinichi Murakami
  • Patent number: 6536690
    Abstract: A method for separating non-fibrous particulates from fibers in the substantial absence of water is disclosed. A pulverized mixture of non-fibrous particulates and fibers is introduced into a separation zone containing a plurality of revolving spiked cylinders. Revolving spikes of the respective revolving spiked cylinders contact and separate fibers from the pulverized mixture to produce non-fibrous particulates. The separated fibers have residual non-fibrous particulates which may be removed by the revolving spikes of one revolving spiked cylinders throwing or impelling the separated fibers against and into the revolving spikes of a contiguous revolving spiked cylinder. When the separated fibers impact the spikes of the contiguous revolving spiked cylinder, residual non-fibrous particulates loosen and separate from the removed fibers. The produced non-fibrous particulates have residual polyester fibers which may be removed and reclaimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: William S. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6536691
    Abstract: An apparatus for shredding a product includes a housing having an interior space bounded by a generally cylindrical sidewall that can include one or more contoured segments. The housing further includes a cutting implement, preferably also contoured, following the contoured segment, with an opening in the sidewall between the contoured segment and the cutting implement that follows it. Preferably, the contours of the cutting implement are different from the contours of the segment that the cutting implement follows. The apparatus further includes a feed hopper through which a product to be shred is fed to the interior space of the housing, an impeller, including at least one impeller paddle, mounted for rotation within the housing about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, and a driving mechanism coupled to the impeller for rotating the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Leprino Foods Company
    Inventors: William C. Prewitt, David Hendrickson, Chris Hildreth, James G. Leprino
  • Patent number: 6536692
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for shredding a block of material, the apparatus includes at least one cutting blade. A drive unit rotates the cutting blade about an axis, and a feed unit moves the block of material toward the cutting blade. The axis about which the cutting blade is rotated is generally perpendicular to the direction in which the block of material is being fed. In one embodiment, the block of material comprises a plurality of ribbons, the ribbons being stacked atop each other. In one preferred embodiment, the cutting blade comprises a serrated edge, and the distance between the teeth in the serrated edge is less than the thickness of each ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Schreiber Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Owens
  • Patent number: 6536693
    Abstract: A socket seal for a gyratory crusher is comprised of a ring with a pair of lips extending therefrom. The ring can have an outwardly expanding dovetail which is inserted into a slot in the piston or hemispherical bearing socket. The seal prevents downward flow of oil from the lubricated space between the hemispherical bearing ball and socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventors: Albert J. Van Mullem, Bernard R. McCready, Mark R. Zawlocki
  • Patent number: 6536694
    Abstract: A gyratory crusher uses a new spider arm guard and rim liner arrangement. The spider arm guard and rim liner are retained on the spider by means of a dowel and recess system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventor: Albert J. Van Mullem
  • Patent number: 6536695
    Abstract: A magnetic tape apparatus includes a pair of reel tables adapted to be detachably engaged with a tape cassette and rotatably disposed on a chassis with a determined space therebetween, and a pair of brake members which are adapted to be press-contacted and separated with respect to the reel tables by way of brake pads. Each of the brake members is provided with a projection at one end portion of a tip end face thereof and a recess adjacent to the other end portion of the tip end face. Each of the brake pads is provided with a slit at its one end portion, the slit being engaged with the projection, and the other end portion of the brake pad being pushed into the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Takasaka
  • Patent number: 6536696
    Abstract: A point of sale printer includes a paper supply mechanism rotatably mounting a paper supply roll within a frame through a resiliently mounted bearing member extending into each end of a central hole in the roll. The frame is manually pivoted between an open position, in which the roll is installed and removed by moving the bearing members outward with movement of the roll, and a closed position, in which the roll is rotatably held in place, with outward movement of the bearing members being prevented by stops within the printer. With the frame in its closed position, a paper web is pulled from the roll for printing. An alternate configuration allows the printer to use a narrow paper roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Melissa Ann Fiutak, Richard Hunter Harris, Robert Andrew Myers, Kevin Hunter Vorhees
  • Patent number: 6536697
    Abstract: A structure of an automatic suspender reeling device, and especially a device in which an engaging member and a ratchet wheel are mutually engaged with or separated from each other to control pulling out or retracting of a wound suspender. The reeling device includes a receiving box, a cover, a ratchet wheel and an engaging member. The receiving box has a receiving space therein. One side of the receiving space is an opened side to place in the ratchet wheel and the engaging member. An engaging portion on the bottom of the engaging member engages the teeth of the ratchet wheel. A suspender is wound onto the ratchet wheel. One end of the suspender extends through a through hole on the engaging member and out of the receiving box, after which, a cover is put on the opened side of the receiving space to complete the reeling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Yuan Tsan
  • Patent number: 6536698
    Abstract: A dual mode tape rule blade arrestor structure that provides for an effective increase in tape rule rewind buffering to prevent excessive blade retrieval speeds that generate high impact sheering forces. The arrestor button of the present invention is pressed upward to temporarily halt tape rule rewinding, but can at the same time also be pressed downward and locked into the full constraint position. As such, the improved structure of the invention herein enhances tape rule service life as well as operating safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Cheng-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 6536699
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for conveniently storing and retrieving cords associated with electronic devices or other power devices. The apparatus comprises a rectangular plate having opposed top and bottom edges and opposed left and right edges. In one embodiment, for each of the cords a pair of spaced-apart, opposed hooks is mounted on the plate near opposed edges, with each of the hooks comprising a stem having a first end in contact with the plate and a second, opposite end. An arm extends perpendicularly outwardly from the stem second end facing away from the other hook of its pair so cords can be wrapped around the pair. In one embodiment, a surge suppressor is associated with the cord control system. In another embodiment, the plate is made of a polymer material and the posts are molded into the plate. In another embodiment, the plate comprises grooves along the top and bottom edges, and the posts rotate in the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce A. Glass
  • Patent number: 6536700
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of winding optical fiber onto a spool. The method includes varying a target, tension applied to a fiber as the fiber accumulates onto the spool such that the percentage change in lateral load is greater than about −3.4% for each change of about 0.25″ in pack radius. The method also includes varying the target tension such that the change in lateral load per change in pack radius includes an amount greater than about −18.0 N/m2. Additionally the invention includes varying the target tension applied to the optical fiber as the fiber accumulates onto the spool, such that the target tension applied to the fiber at the end of winding fiber onto the spool is at least about 0.1% or greater than the target tension at the start of winding fiber onto the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Johnnie E Watson, Manivannan Ravichandran, Chester H. Chang, Lindwood A. Bird
  • Patent number: 6536701
    Abstract: A coil former allows transposition between layers of turns in a coil to be accomplished without damage. The transpositions can be made in a short side of the coil. The former has finned portions which guide the wire into the correct locations during winding. When the coil is wound, the former is disassembled and the end portions are pulled towards the center of the former and turned through 90° to be removed. A method of using the former is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Switched Reluctance Drives Limited
    Inventors: Norman Neilson Fulton, Paul Greenhough
  • Patent number: 6536702
    Abstract: A strip of sheet material is wound on a spool by a driving belt wrapped around spaced rollers of a surface winder which urge the sheet material into contact with the spool, rotating the spool, and at the same time, applying the sheet material to the spool, with layers of the material being separated by a liner wrapped around the spool as the sheet material is being applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
    Inventors: Richard David Vargo, Charles Terry Huffstetler, Martin Lamar Sentmanat
  • Patent number: 6536703
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for winding strip material onto a drum is disclosed. Friction between the surface of the drum and the strip material wound there around, as well as friction between adjacent reels of strip material, may be selectively controlled by controlling the provision of a fluid bed between the strip material and the surface of the drum. Control over this friction allows the individual strips to slip to different degrees relative to the drum on which they are wound. The different amounts of slip permit the strips to be wound on the drum with uniform tension and at a uniform take up speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Coil Pro Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Gagnon
  • Patent number: 6536704
    Abstract: In the method for controlling the structure of a reel, a continuous paper web (W) is reeled around a reel spool (2) to form a reel (R), and one or more variables are measured from the web (W). When a particular, predetermined change occurs in the variable, the lateral oscillation of the web is changed, by means of which the web is guided to different locations in the reel (R) in the axial direction of the reel spool (2). The change can be implemented by starting the oscillation or by changing the oscillation in progress. The change can be implemented on the basis of the changes in the transverse profile of the web (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Timo Rautakorpi, Janne Veräjänkorva, Petri Enwald, Teppo Kojo
  • Patent number: 6536705
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for winding a material web onto a reel spool to produce a wound reel. The process includes producing the material web, online smoothing of the produced material web, guiding the smoothed material web over a reel drum and through a nip formed between the reel drum and one of the reel spool and the wound reel, maintaining contact between the reel drum and the one of the reel spool and the wound reel, and reeling file smoothed material web while transversely moving at least one of the reel drum and the one of the reel spool and the wound reel relative to a web travel direction. The apparatus includes a web production facility, an online smoothing device, a reel drum, and a reel spool. A nip is formed between the reel drum and one of the reel spool and the wound reel, and the reel drum and the one of the reel spool and the wound roll are arranged to maintain contact during a winding procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Josef Böck
  • Patent number: 6536706
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a roll of previously wound material and for unwinding the material from the roll is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow column around which a lift arm assembly is moved from a load position to an unwind position. A lifting mechanism for lifting the roll after it is loaded at the load position is also provided. A plurality of lift arm assemblies can be provided so that a stand-by roll can be loaded onto the apparatus to be quickly rotated into an unwinding position. The lift arm assembly supports the roll without the use of a shaft through the core of the roll. A drive motor is provided which includes a splined shaft for engaging the roll and turning the roll to unwind the material therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Specialty Systems Advanced Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick C. St. Germain, Vernon C. Wickman
  • Patent number: 6536707
    Abstract: A device for holding and dispensing moistened tissue from a roll includes a housing having a cylindrical wall, a fixed end wall and an opposite removable end wall to allow placement of the tissue roll on an integral tubular dowel in the housing. A hinged door moves between a normally closed, sealed position and an open position to facilitate removal of individual sheets of the moistened tissue through an access opening. Pegs extending outwardly from the opposite end walls are keyed to fit within congruently configured recesses of a holder for securing the housing to the holder without rotating. An ejection control urges one of the pegs inwardly against a spring to release the housing from the holder to facilitate refilling of tissue when needed. In one embodiment, the holder accommodates both a roll of dry tissue and a roll of moistened tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Olufemi Adelakun
  • Patent number: 6536708
    Abstract: A take-off device includes a telescopic arrangement of three pipes arranged in a frame. The telescopic arrangement can pivot to a limited extent. The frame is mounted on a horizontal axis running through a center of gravity of the device and a centroidal axis of a lift of an airplane wing, whereby the frame can pivot around the axis. Forces exerted between the telescopic arrangement and the frame are transmitted via a bushing wedged on an outer pipe of the three pipes. A compressed gas accumulator can be opened by means of an actuating pressure signal, whereupon the telescopic arrangement extends outward. A bottom portion of an innermost tube knocks against a fixed point on the ground, which allows the airplane to accelerate to a lift-off speed. After the telescopic arrangement has extended outward, the telescopic arrangement retracts inward using a compressed gas stored in a pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Prospective Concepts AG
    Inventors: Andreas Reinhard, Sepp Steffen, Hans-Ulrich Ammann
  • Patent number: 6536709
    Abstract: A tug device for moving small aircraft having front wheels. A portable drill is connected to a drive wheel and a frame is removeably attached to the wheel. The frame has a generally u-shaped configuration with a fixed position trunion on one end for engagement with an aircraft. A rotating member is mounted on the frame with an engaging trunion for aircraft engagement. A control member moves the engaging trunion into engagement with the aircraft. Dolly wheels are used for freely moving the tug. A connector connects the frame and power column to position the trunions to engage an aircraft in at least one position. Preferred is to have the connector connect the frame and power column in a first position to engage the front axle of an aircraft and a second position to engage the front wheel strut of an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur K. McVaugh
  • Patent number: 6536710
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for supporting the center stowage bins, center monuments, aircraft systems, and overhead modules, such as attendant rests, for commercial aircraft. Use of an overhead lattice support structure provides an efficient structural support system for the passenger luggage center stowage bins, and also provides the necessary overhead space to accommodate modules, such as crew rests, as well as essential aircraft systems, including ducts, tubes, electrical wiring, and electrical equipment. The overhead lattice support structure also simplifies aircraft assembly operations by allowing more systems (ducting and electrical) to be pre-installed in a back shop rather than in a final assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Phillip J. Bobzien, Michael D. Jacoby, Jeffrey S. Janes, Robert M. Dowdell
  • Patent number: 6536711
    Abstract: A conformal aircraft bay having a single aperture or gap formed by doors with abutting edge portions being located side-by-side while the doors are in a closed position, the doors are structured to open to access the bay with the abutting edge portions moving apart from each other, and each door having an elastomeric transition closing the gaps between the abutting edge portions when the doors are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: George Louis Conway, Jr., Kendall G. Young, Ron L. Stroud
  • Patent number: 6536712
    Abstract: The invention is a satellite assembly comprising at least three flat housings in a plane for containing the payload of the satellite, each housing having at least two inflatable tubular members coupled by a first end thereto and by their second ends to separate adjacent housings. The individual housings have protrusions about their respective peripheries for attaching the tubular members at least equal to the number of the tubular members coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Lockhead Martin Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Barenett
  • Patent number: 6536713
    Abstract: A method of controlling the attitude of a vehicle in space relative to three reference axes, the method consisting: initially in adjusting the attitude of the vehicle in conventional manner to desired angles on the basis of a two-axis detector which points towards a reference heavenly body; and subsequently in adjusting the attitude of the vehicle about the third reference axis by using the speeds of rotation of the reaction wheels which reflect conservation of the total angular momentum of the vehicle to perform an angle measurement about the third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Agence Spatiale Europeenne
    Inventors: Francis Vandenbussche, Michel Philippe Janvier, Antonius Josephus Maria Van Overbeek, Antony Philip Holt
  • Patent number: 6536714
    Abstract: An elastically expandable hollow displacement element is secured to the rear surface of an aircraft wing slat. When the displacement element is contracted, the slat may be retracted onto the wing's leading edge. When the slat is extended, the displacement element is expanded to protrude convexly from the slat, thereby preventing vortex formation in the slat air gap and reducing aero-acoustic noise. A pressure control system for inflating and deflating the displacement element includes a bleed air line connected from the aircraft engine bleed air system to the displacement element, a shut-off valve and a pressure control valve interposed in series in the bleed air line, and a slat contour controller connected by respective signal lines to the valves, which control the quantity and the pressure of the bleed air supplied into the displacement element, for properly inflating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gleine, Knut Mau, Udo Carl
  • Patent number: 6536715
    Abstract: An inflatable evacuation device includes an inflatable slide portion and an inflatable arch-shaped support portion for supporting the inflatable slide portion. The inflatable slide portion has a support frame with a first inflatable elongate beam and a second inflatable elongate beam spaced from the first inflatable elongate beam. A floor extends between the first and second inflatable elongate beams and is constructed of a flexible material. The inflatable arch-shaped support portion comprising first and second inflatable curved beams connected to the inflatable slide portion such that forces generated at least at a central region of the inflatable slide portion are transferred to the curved beams to thereby support at least the central region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Air Cruisers Company
    Inventors: Marc H. Moran, Dean H. Staudt, John W. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6536716
    Abstract: A method of providing a new control capability to a conventional current control device connected to a model railroad control system includes the use of a conversion interface devices and a throttle user interface device. The conventional current control device and the interface devices are arranged and configured in a manner to allow exporting the new control capability from the throttle user interface device to the conventional current control device so as to transform the conventional current control device into a conversion throttle that is capable of the new control capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony J. Ireland, Hiroshi Kato
  • Patent number: 6536717
    Abstract: A single post adjustable support device to provide interval support to a drain piping system where the piping is required to be suspended above a roof surface at continually changing elevations due to the need to have the piping system maintain a continual and gradual slope, compensating for un-regular surface conditions of the roof surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Philip A. Parker
  • Patent number: 6536718
    Abstract: A pressure plug for supporting electric cables, of the type that is forced into a hole formed in a wall and including a flattened head, a passage for receiving a fastening member therein, and a rigid shaft provided along the entire length thereof, except over a short thicker portion, where it is connected to the head, with a plurality of annular ribs that are identical and equidistantly spaced apart. Each and every one of the annular ribs has two or more radial gaps that, in mutual linear correspondence, define a like number of longitudinal slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Aparellaje Electrico, S.L.
    Inventor: Juan Manuel Benito-Navazo
  • Patent number: 6536719
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for bundling cables, ropes, wires, or other long flexible materials that are desired to be bundled. The device comprises an arcuate strap for encircling bundled cables. The strap is preferably discontinuous, with first and second ends forming a mouth into a central cavity formed by an arcuate strap. Finger grips are located adjacent to the first and second ends, allowing fingers of a user to be used to pull the first and second ends of the strap to open the normally closed mouth of the device. The device also preferably includes engagement features on the first and second ends to allow the first and second ends to be forced into engagement to lock cables into the cavity formed by the arcuate shape of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: .Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander F. Rivera
  • Patent number: 6536720
    Abstract: A music stand has a tripod stand, a shaft disposed on the tripod stand, a rod connected to the shaft, a tube disposed on the rod, a mount disposed on the tube, an adjustment frame, a first hollow gasket plate, a second hollow gasket plate, an adjustment button, a screw rod, a bolt, a hollow nut, and a music rest. The mount has an upper block, a through hole, and two opposite grooves to receive the first hollow gasket plate and the second hollow gasket plate. The adjustment button has a threaded hole. The music rest has a rear socket. The adjustment frame has an insertion end inserted in the rear socket, a threaded aperture, a first lug and a second lug. The mount is disposed between the first lug and the second lug. The bolt fastens the rear socket, the adjustment frame, and the hollow nut together. The screw rod fastens the adjustment frame, the mount, and the adjustment button together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Ti Yu
  • Patent number: 6536721
    Abstract: A revolving support stand for an ornamental display including a base having a housing and a trunk holder that is seated in a top opening of the base and includes an electrical outlet. An electrical motor is located in the base and provides a drive force to rotate the trunk holder with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Boto (Licenses) Limited
    Inventor: Cheung Chong Kao
  • Patent number: 6536722
    Abstract: A frameless system for mounting pressure vessels to a structure comprising fiber-reinforced (FRP) brackets and parallel brackets arranged orthogonally at each neck end of one or more pressure vessels. The brackets are stiff to accept inertial loads imposed by the pressure vessels and are flexible enough to permit longitudinal expansion of the pressure vessels. Each bracket preferably has a profile comprising a base, a tubular portion extending from the base and a web extending from the tubular portion. The pressure vessel's neck end is connected to the web through an attachment secured to the web which transfers loads from the pressure vessel into the bracket's web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Dynetek Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark M. M. Sadowski, Ulrich Imhof, Jeffrey J. Sharp
  • Patent number: 6536723
    Abstract: The invention includes a base (21) provided with pairs of fitting hole (25), two each of which are spaced apart and situated facing each other so as to constitute a pair. A pair of rotary shaft portions (28) of each first leg member (27) are rotatably fitted in each pair of fitting holes (25). The two rotary shaft portions (28) are formed on the outer surface of the upper end portion of each first leg member (27) as an integral body therewith so as to extend coaxially. A second leg member (29) is inserted in each first leg member (27) in such a way that the distance by which the second leg member (29) projects from the first leg member (27) can be adjusted. As the top end face of each second leg member (29) can be positioned flush with the top end face of the associated first leg member (27), the invention is capable of improving the telescopic extension ratio of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Nihon Nelbon Seiki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichiro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 6536724
    Abstract: A gimbal is rotatably supported about a Z axis by one pair of support columns fixed to a mounting surface. A motor and angle detector are provided on the gimbal to control a rotation of an image pickup section about a Y axis. By a coil unit formed on the mounting surface, a magnet mounted on the gimbal is driven to rotate the gimbal about a Z axis. The rotation angle of the gimbal is detected by a relative positional relation between a sensor head fixed to the gimbal and rod bent in an arc-like configuration to follow a rotation focus of the gimbal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yuuji Furuta
  • Patent number: 6536725
    Abstract: A table leg leveling device including a base member having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end is adapted for coupling with a free lower end of a table leg. The lower end of the base member has an internally threaded aperture extending upwardly therein. An extension member is adapted for being adjustably received within the internally threaded aperture of the lower end of the base member. The extension member includes a threaded rod having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end is adjustably positioned within the internally threaded aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Todd Fisher
  • Patent number: 6536726
    Abstract: A device and method of attaching an above deck tower to a boat deck is described. The tower generally has a plurality of legs that extend down to the boat deck surface for mounting purposed. The device of the present invention comprises a fitting adapted to receive the legs of the tower and two mounting devices. The mounting devices and the fitting can all be rotated relative to each other so that the tower mounting points can all be uniformly oriented for easy installation and removal of the tower from the boat deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: R. Stevens Tull
  • Patent number: 6536727
    Abstract: Described is a clip that is useful for attaching ornamental light strings to surfaces, such as roofs, walls, fascia and the like. The clip can be attached to a variety of different surfaces, such as gutters, roofs, and roof fascia. The clip comprises a clip portion and two different light string attachment portions, one located on each side of the clip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Christmas Light Company Inc.
    Inventors: Jamie A Limber, Robert I. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 6536728
    Abstract: An adjustable keyboard support assembly, which generally includes a housing comprising a first side panel having a first guide rail system and a second side panel spaced from the first side panel and having a second guide rail system. The assembly further includes a generally U-shaped member comprising a support member with first and second ends, a first side arm attached to the first guide rail system and extending from the first end of the support member, wherein the first side arm comprises at least one notch, and a second side arm attached to the second guide rail system and extending from the second end of the support member, wherein the second side arm comprises at least one notch. The first and second side arms have rotatable and slideable connections with the guide rail system of their respective side panels. A keyboard platform is rotatably attached to the support member of the U-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joel K. Hagglund, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff, James E. Nash
  • Patent number: 6536729
    Abstract: A bracket attachable to a surface while maintaining the impermeability of the surface to fluids. The apparatus includes a base having a cavity or channel on a bottom side. Holes through the base for receiving fasteners intersect the cavity or channel. The fasteners provide a strong mechanical bond between the bracket and the surface. Prior to installation on the surface, a sealant is placed in the cavity or channel to seal the holes in the surface that are engaged by the fasteners. The top side of the bracket base has an attachment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Robert M. Haddock
  • Patent number: 6536730
    Abstract: A light strand hanger adapted to allow hanging of light strands on structures such that the light strands are inhibited from twisting. The light strand hanger comprises a first leg defining a first opening and a second leg defining a second opening wherein the opening in the second leg is positioned with respect to the opening in the first leg such that a fastener can be extended through both openings. The first leg is attached to the second leg so as to define a recess therebetween. The light strand hanger is secured to a structure by the fastener, such as a screw, urged through the openings in the first and the second legs. The opening in the second leg is sized to allow the head of the screw and the tip of a screwdriver to pass through such that the screw can be urged through the opening in the first leg wherein the opening in the first leg is sized to be smaller than the head of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Walter L. Baer
  • Patent number: 6536731
    Abstract: A mounting device for motion picture production equipment. The mounting device includes a substantially planar base, a mounting terminus having a longitudinal axis and means for securing the mounting terminus to the base. The mounting terminus is rotatable with respect to the planar base so that the angle established between the longitudinal axis and planar base is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Skyler M. Tegland
  • Patent number: 6536732
    Abstract: A swivel mechanism for foldable furniture includes two disks and a rotatable assembly sandwiched in between. Each disk has a plurality of through holes each for receiving an elongated metal tube and jointly connecting the tube to the disk. The through hole has a side wall with a slanted concave surface. A bridge member having one side with a slanted concave surface is formed across the through hole. When the metal tube is held in a slanted open position, the slanted concave surfaces of the side wall and the bridge member are engaged with the tube to provide strong support and restrain movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Tony Wei-Sin Chang
  • Patent number: 6536733
    Abstract: A cooler (ice chest) with an integrated umbrella stand. A cooler serves as the base of an umbrella stand. A receptacle for the umbrella pole is provided on a side of the cooler. In one embodiment, the receptacle includes two hinged rings. In another embodiment, the receptacle is molded into a recess in the side of the cooler. In an alternative embodiment, a conventional cooler is converted to an umbrella stand by applying hinged rings to the side of the cooler. In a preferred embodiment, the hinged rings are die-cut from a sheet of material as a single piece and attached to the cooler with an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: John R. Sharp
  • Patent number: 6536734
    Abstract: A portable davit mounting assembly and method for removable attachment to a rooftop pedestal and mounting plate. The portable davit base adaptor assembly is inserted into a mounting plate of a fixed davit pedestal and is secured with pins. The portable davit base adaptor assembly includes two opposed side plates and two metal transverse supporting members. The opposed side plates have apertures for inserting davit supporting pins and interlocking feet for inserting into mounting plate apertures. The transverse supporting members have holes for inserting pins to secure them to the pedestal mounting plate. The rooftop pedestal and mounting plate can be installed flush to the rooftop. A davit arm is rigidly attached to the portable davit base adaptor assembly for use in suspending scaffolding over the side of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Tractel Ltd.
    Inventors: Lakhram Brijmohan, Roman Gargulak
  • Patent number: 6536735
    Abstract: There are disclosed a vibration isolating apparatus and a vibration eliminating method imposed less restrictions on the positioning of components, such as active actuators, forming part of the vibration isolating apparatus. The vibration isolating apparatus can be implemented with a relatively simple controller (such as an analog circuit) and can limit the interference of control forces to a practically ignorable degree. The vibration isolating apparatus has a table for mounting thereon a device vulnerable to vibrations, a plurality of sensors 15-20 for detecting motions of the table and a plurality of active actuators 11-14 for controlling positions of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takahide Haga, Katsuhide Watanabe, Yoshinori Jouno
  • Patent number: 6536736
    Abstract: An optomechanical mounting includes an upper spring assembly and a lower spring assembly that support and secure a sphere containing an optical element. The materials in the mounting have the same or nearly the same CTEs and spring assemblies provide opposing radial forces so that thermal expansions are compensated, giving the mounting superior thermal stability. Frictional forces on the sphere from the upper and lower spring assemblies maintain the orientation of the sphere (and the optical element) during operation, but smooth surfaces of the sphere and springs still permit sensitive, precision rotation of sphere for alignment without post-alignment clamping of the sphere. The spring assemblies can be ring-shaped to permit an opening through the spring assembly to the sphere for light paths or for tools that adjust the alignment of the sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Wayne, Jan W. Broenink, Englebertus A. F. van de Pasch, Marcel H. M. Beems
  • Patent number: 6536737
    Abstract: A concrete form brace for bracing a concrete form board. It includes a vertical member, a support member, and a means for receiving a stake. The support member holds and supports the means for receiving a stake so that it can position a stake at an angle to the vertical member. The flat vertical member is generally mounted flush against the form board and is attached to the form board by nails, screws, or other attachment means. A stake directed through the means for receiving a stake is driven into the ground to brace the concrete form brace and form board. The stake is driven into the ground such that it clears the top of the form board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Wade M. Davis
  • Patent number: 6536738
    Abstract: A pinch valve includes a body containing an elastic tube, a cylinder body having a first cylinder portion at the upper interior part and a larger diameter second cylinder portion at the lower interior part, a first piston sliding on the inner periphery of the first cylinder portion, and a second piston sliding on the inner periphery of the second cylinder portion. The first piston is installed with a first interlocking rod having a first pressing piece at its lower end and the second piston is provided with second interlocking rods having a second pressing piece at their lower ends. The pressing pieces press the tube body from the upper and lower sides, a spring is disposed between the second piston and the first pressing piece, and an opening in the cylinder body communicates with a space enclosed by the pistons and the cylinder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Asahi Organic Chemicals Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Inoue, Shigenobu Furukawa