Patents Issued in April 29, 2003
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Patent number: 6553585Abstract: A toilet seat lift aids the elderly and/or the physically disabled in utilizing a toilet. The toilet seat lift includes a conventionally shaped toilet seat affixed with arms, similar to arms on a chair, which are located approximately 8 inches above the seat surface. A control panel with raising and lowering control buttons is provided on one of the arms. An electrical or battery operated hydraulic power pack provides power to a hydraulic cylinder, which raises and lowers the seat. The toilet seat lift attaches to a conventional toilet by use of the two mounting flanges provided for a conventional toilet. The toilet seat lift utilizes a pair of hydraulic cylinders that telescopically expand and contract so as to raise and lower the toilet seat as desired.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Roger Lundstrom
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Patent number: 6553586Abstract: A folding bed frame has a pair of support tubes, two pairs of connection tubes, three pairs of leg sets, a plurality of positioning devices, a plurality of connection bars, a plurality of angle plates, and a plurality of T-shaped plates. Each leg set has a generally S-shaped rod, the generally S-shaped rod having a lower portion, a middle portion and an upper portion, a curved rod disposed on the middle portion of the generally S-shaped rod, a leg rod having an upper end disposed on a bottom of the middle portion of the generally S-shaped rod, and two of the connection bars connected to one of the curved rods, one of the generally S-shaped rods, and one of the leg rods. Two angle plates are connected to one curved rod and one connection tube. Two T-shaped plates are connected to one curved rod and two connection tubes. Each positioning device is disposed in the corresponding connection tube to position the corresponding connection tube and the corresponding support tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Eric Lin
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Patent number: 6553587Abstract: In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient table comprising a patient support surface for supporting a patient during a medical procedure, a base supporting said patient support surface, a monitor displaying medical information relating to a medical procedure, and a support member mounted to said patient table for supporting said monitor, wherein said support member includes an adjustment linkage interconnecting said monitor and support member and providing movement of said monitor of the monitor relative to said support member in at least three degrees of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: David E. Barker, Jeffrey W. Pattee, John Matthew Simmons
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Patent number: 6553588Abstract: A pedestal apparatus for use with a patient support, such as an x-ray table, provides a plurality of services, such as gas, vacuum and electric power, near a patient supported on the patient support. The apparatus includes a housing having opposite ends, opposite sides, a top and bottom. The opposite sides of the housing are configured to include a plurality of service outlets. The top of the housing is arched to provide an upwardly-facing convex exterior surface, and the top of the housing is formed with axial sides overhanging the opposite sides of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David W. Hensley, Linda Williamson, Airen R. Springer, Hilary Fullenkamp, Paul Messerschmidt, Robert W. Wilson
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Patent number: 6553589Abstract: A carrying structure for support of an infant which cradles the infant in a preferred sleeping position. The infant is supported within a basket structure in which a curved board and cushion combination provide a resting surface which is at an angle to a base which is fixed to the main basket which comprises the body of the device. By supporting an infant's sleeping position such that the infant cannot lye flat on its back, danger of asphyxiation of a young infant is greatly reduced. The disclosed infant carrying basket addresses one of the suspected causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by presenting a resting surface which urges the infant to remain in an off-level position, essentially sleeping partially on one of their sides.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
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Patent number: 6553590Abstract: An infant support pillow having an outer concentric curved periphery and an inner curved boundary, the inner curved boundary being provided with a fabric body wrap comprising a T-shaped member having a fabric leg extending longitudinally therefrom and having transversely extending straps attached at right angles thereto, the fabric leg being adjustable in length and the transversely extending straps being attachable in various positions to an underside of the support pillow to form a seat in which an infant can be placed, the dimensions of which seat may be adjusted to accommodate infants of various sizes, the outer concentric curved periphery and inner curved boundary forming a pair of interconnected curved arms which are adjustable inwardly and outwardly with relation to a central circular opening formed by the inner curved boundary to permit the diameter of the central circular opening to increase or decrease, thereby causing the body of an infant to be elevated in a reclining position or, alternatively, cType: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
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Patent number: 6553591Abstract: A fluid-containing air cushion including an air chamber including an air fill valve and a water filled layer connected atop or against, and at least partially coextensive with, the air chamber, the water-filled layer defining a body support surface. The water-filled layer includes a water fill valve and an array of individual spaced fluid pockets each of which is separated from, but in fluid communication with, the water-filled layer itself by a small fluid flow port whereby, when water flows into each of the fluid pockets through the port, it is substantially trapped within each of said fluid pockets to prevent substantial sloshing and uneven distribution of water within the water-filled layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Stephen J. Motosko
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Patent number: 6553592Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a nail clipper with supplementary functions. In the nail clipper, a folding plate (34) is rotatably mounted to the rear joint of the clipper's body such that it is rotatable between its folded position and its exposed position. A housing (30) is provided at the free end of the folding plate (34), with a flexible extension (39) extending from the housing (30) and designed to be changeable in its length and bent to be curved as desired. A light emitting device (31), used for illuminating a target place while clipping the nails, is set at the tip of the extension (39). The nail clipper also has a melody chip (42) for producing a melody, in addition to having a battery (40). In another embodiment, the light emitting device (31), melody chip (42) and battery (40) are held on a casing (50) covering the rear portion of the clipper's body.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventors: Moonchill Yang, Moonsuk Yang
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Patent number: 6553593Abstract: The problems of non-uniform treatment of paper pulp that may be caused by differential flow velocities within a vessel, channeling, and/or disruption of the pulp flow, are substantially eliminated by providing a non-circular cross-section substantially atmospheric pressure vessel with at least one screen surface, and typically a liquid introducing device. The vessel, screen surface, and liquid introducing device are constructed and positioned with respect to each other so that during the treatment of a pulp slurry the slurry has substantially uniform width in a treatment zone, and there is substantially uniform resistance to the flow of slurry over the screen surface over any particular cross-section of the vessel in the treatment zone, and its consistency varies less than 6% in the treatment zone (e.g. between 8-14%).Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: James R. Prough
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Patent number: 6553594Abstract: A washing machine includes a control system which regulates a heater based on selected cycle operations and selected cycle operations based on heater related parameters. User cycle selections, along with sensed operating parameters including the level and temperature of a washing medium, are used to control the activation state of the heater to control the washing medium to within a preset range of a target temperature. Preferably, the heater is de-activated after a predetermined period of activation has been reached, whenever a door of the washing machine is opened, and during certain selected operating cycle portions, including a bleach fill and latter time cycle portions.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: John F. Broker, Kimberly J. Hood, Brett C. Oleson, Evan R. Vande Haar, Stephen J. McCauley
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Patent number: 6553595Abstract: A vertical axis clothes washing appliance is configured to meet predetermined energy and water usage factors by establishing a balance between water temperature, water level, and wash performance parameters. In accordance with the overall invention, additional controls for the washing machine enable an energy saving hot wash cycle to be established, with this wash cycle being designed to automatically establish a wash temperature which is intermediate warm and hot water temperature settings.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Jordan S. Bruntz, Brent A. England, Steven J. Sousek
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Patent number: 6553596Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for controlling a washing machine according to absorption characteristics of the laundry. The washing machine performs washing, rinsing and spin-drying steps in sequence. In the washing machine control method, first of all, a washing mode for absorption characteristics of laundry is set. A preset plural number of intermittent spin-drying operations are performed in the washing and rinsing steps in accordance with the set washing mode for absorption characteristics of the laundry.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyung-Sook Kim, Jong-Hun Won
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Patent number: 6553597Abstract: A cleaner (10) for cleaning dross off of the surface of ingot-filled-molds (F) moving along a conveyor (C) is disclosed. The cleaner (10) includes a boom (14) pivotally mounted to a base (12), an arm (16) housed at least partially within the boom (14) and pivotally mounted thereto, a cutting blade (18) slidably mounted on the arm (16) and a rotatable brush (20) pivotally mounted to a brush arm (132). The cutting blade (18) is driven by a piston and cylinder assembly (112) pivotally coupled between the blade (18) and the arm (16). The arm (16) is pivoted by a piston and cylinder unit (120) coupled between the arm (16) and the boom (14). The brush (20) is pivoted by a piston and cylinder combination (168) coupled between the brush (20) and the brush arm (132).Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Edward E. Anderson
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Patent number: 6553598Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a hand-operated golf ball 18 cleaning device comprising a housing 22 having bristles 34 located therein, wherein the bristle ends being configured to form a circular, semi-spherical entrainment groove 35 into which the golf balls 18 to be cleaned are placed for cleaning. Also shown are a hinged 26, securable cover 24 with a central recess for accommodating a shaft member 36, a shaft member 36 having a handle 14 portion on the exterior distal end, a ball entrainment block 30 on the distal end facing the housing, and a means therebetween for rotatably securing the shaft member within the shaft recess of the cover. The entrainment block 30 has two recesses 32 of a diameter similar to that of a golf ball 18 and sized to receive approximately one-third of each ball therein when the cover 24 is closed.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Gary R Sansotta
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Patent number: 6553599Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight, a sidelight, anti-ingestion bars, side brushes, a squeegee, and a scent cartridge for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path created by baffles that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly for the vacuum cleaner visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels are recessed within the head housing and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing to provide enhanced maneuverability.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLCInventors: Chris M. Paterson, Javier Verdura, Owen T. Bourgeois, Jeffrey A. Millard, Mel Teitzman, Paul A. Moshenrose
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Patent number: 6553600Abstract: In order to facilitate emptying of the dirt collection container in a mobile sweeping machine with a rotationally driven rotary brush which is mounted in a housing, a dirt collection container which can be detachably connected to the housing and with a dirt inlet opening located adjacent to the rotary brush in the dirt collection container, it is proposed that the dirt collection container is configured as a drawer, which can be laterally inserted into a guide of the housing and can be fixed in its inserted position relative to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co.Inventor: Franz Fischer
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Patent number: 6553601Abstract: A pipe end cleaner device formed in a set of sizes to be mounted in the chuck of an electric drill for cleaning the ends of pipes in preparation for connections by threading or soldering. The cleaner device has a plurality of internal grooves configured and dimensioned to secure a conventional bristle brush having external grooves on its ring.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Michael R. Major
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Patent number: 6553602Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipeline interior surface cleaning device that is propelled through the pipeline by the operational properties of the transported medium. A speed regulator controls the rate of forward motion of the device and a series of off-axis wheels enables the device to travel in a spiraling motion through the pipeline. A series of sealing members, scraping elements, brushes and magnets loosen and collect particles on the interior pipeline surface as the cleaning device spirals through the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Slovensky Plynarensky Priemysel, S.P.Inventors: Peter Skarupa, Anton Zelenaj, Pavol Simko, Peter Jaras, Pavol Kudlac
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Patent number: 6553603Abstract: An athletic shoe cleaner for cleaning a shoe bottom, especially the bottom of a shoe having non-metal spikes. The athletic shoe cleaner includes a cleaning surface having a plurality of spaced apart rods, wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart rods is formed from a semi-rigid material. In the preferred embodiment, the cleaner includes a flexible base for supporting the rods and permitting the cleaner to be mounted to a surface such as a fender of a golf cart. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the base is generally round and the plurality of spaced apart rods are arranged in an overlapping and radially symmetrical fashion with respect to the center of the cleaner with the height of each of the plurality of spaced apart rods increasing from the outer edge to the center.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: William A. Jolly
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Patent number: 6553604Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle, a head extending from the handle, and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, such as tufts of bristles, extending from the head. Each tooth cleaning element is supported for rotation about primarily only one axis. Each tooth cleaning element is rotatable independent of the other tooth cleaning element(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Gillette Canada CompanyInventors: Phillip M. Braun, William Alan Bredall, Karen Lynn Claire, Thomas Craig Masterman, Mark Edward McConnell, Michael F. Roberts, Thomas Overthun
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Patent number: 6553605Abstract: An improved paint roller in which a roller cage formed of a plurality of elongated rods are mounted between end members, selected rod members being formed with interruptions along their lengths to prevent a paint cover from “walking off” the roller cage.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Song Kim
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Patent number: 6553606Abstract: In a motor device having a motor, a reduction mechanism and a housing with an installation leg integrally formed therewith by a pair of dies parting in an axial direction of an output shaft of the reduction mechanism, the installation leg is composed of a side surface coming in surface contact with a frame, a first recess portion for holding a nut whose entire inner surface is opened at least on one side of the housing in a die parting direction of the dies and a second recess portion for inserting a bolt whose entire inner surface is opened on the other side of the housing in the die parting direction of the dies and which extends from the side surface to the first recess portion nearly perpendicularly to the axial direction of the output shaft. By inserting a bolt into the second recess portion through the installation hole of the frame and screwing the bolt into a nut housed in the first recess portion, the housing is fixed to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keisuke Kanazawa, Naohito Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6553607Abstract: A wiper apparatus for motor vehicle windshields is proposed, said apparatus being provided with a driven wiper arm located on the motor vehicle body and movable between reversing positions, on whose free end is fixed one side of a joint pin whose axis extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm and essentially in the direction of movement of the wiper arm. On the joint pin is lodged a wiper blade capable of swinging about the joint axis, the wiper apparatus having means for securing the wiper blade on the joint pin. A particularly cost-effective wiper apparatus is obtained when the securing means for the wiper blade are disposed on the wiper arm and on the side of the wiper blade facing away from said arm cooperate with a stop located on the wiper blade side.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Peter De Block
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Patent number: 6553608Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper arm (10) for a windshield wiper comprising a mounting part (12) and an articulated part (14) that are connected to each other via a hinged joint (18) that has a hub (24) permanently connected with one part (14 or 12) and open toward the other part (12 or 14), and an articulated axle (22) permanently connected with the other part (12 or 14), wherein one of the ends of a tension spring (20) is attached to an attachment device (26, 28) of the articulated part (14) and the other end is attached to the mounting part (12), and the hub (24) and the articulated axle (22) mutually loaded in the assembled state, and the hinged joint (18), in a preassembled state of the wiper arm (10) in a defined transport position, grips a seating surface that is situated on the side of the parts named above opposite to the hub (24) in relation to the line of force (46) of the tension spring (20) and is formed by at least one bearing surface (32, 34) on the articulated part (14) and on the mounting paType: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Achim Kraus, Stephan Mayer
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Patent number: 6553609Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for floor cleaning, with several wheels 4, 5, 6 being attached to a frame R in such a way that a curve movement about a momentary center MP, MP1, MP2 can be performed and all momentary centers MP, MP1, MP2 form a momentary center axis MA extending substantially transversally to the frame R, and with a cleaning device 24a, 24b being received in the frame R, which cleaning device forms a cleaning surface area RF which is delimited by a circumferential edge. In order to reduce uncleaned residual surfaces when moving along contours it is provided in accordance with the invention that the momentary center axis MA forms at least one point of intersection S1, S2 in a section of the circumferential edge disposed in the zone of the longitudinal side of the frame R.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventors: Dieter Tremmel, Peter Belkhofer, Andreas Kistner, Michael Kotz, Christian Neumann, Markus Merkl, Holger Sandner
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Patent number: 6553610Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum cleaning device and system for maintaining the operability of a vacuum cleaner. The device has a releasably attachable/detachable filter unit and a releasably attachable/detachable motor unit. Various filter units and motor units are interchangeable.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Proteam, Inc.Inventor: Larry R. Shideler
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Patent number: 6553611Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a thermal cutoff assembly. The assembly includes a temperature sensor disposed proximate to a motor of the vacuum cleaner. When the temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature, a switching element in the assembly disconnects power shutting off the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner cannot be restarted until its power source has been manually disconnected and reconnected.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.Inventors: John A. Huebsch, Christer T. Kontio, William R. Reimer
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Patent number: 6553612Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner (10) having a chassis (12), supporting wheels (14) mounted on the chassis (12), drive means (15) connected to the supporting wheels (14) for driving the supporting wheels (14) and a control mechanism for controlling the drive means (15) so as to guide the vacuum cleaner (10) across a surface to be cleaned. A cleaner head (22) having a dirty air inlet (24) facing the surface to be cleaned is mounted on the chassis (12) and separating apparatus (52) is supported by the chassis (12) and communicates with the cleaner head (22) for separating dirt and dust from an airflow entering the vacuum cleaner (10) by way of the dirty air inlet (24). The separating apparatus (52) comprises at least one cyclone(54,56). This type of separating apparatus is not prone to clogging and therefore the pick-up capability of the cleaner (10) is maintained at a high standard.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Dyson LimitedInventors: James Dyson, Geoffrey Michael Burlington
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Patent number: 6553613Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner has a main body incorporating an electric blower, a nozzle unit having a nozzle, and a first and a second connection pipe fitted between the main body and the nozzle unit so as to serve as part of the passage for a dust suction air flow generated by driving the electric blower. The first and second connection pipes are rotatable, and support the main body in a standing position.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Onishi, Kazumasa Hayashi, Kiyomu Nagai, Teruhisa Inoue, Nobuharu Hikida
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Patent number: 6553614Abstract: An air and water hub for the separation of excess water from air is constructed at the top of a canister assembly that is used for the induction of air, dust and water. The hub is a spinning member rotating within the canister assembly near the top thereof, and is powered by a shaft connecting the hub to the vacuum motor at the top of the assembly. The hub spins within the circumference of the top of the canister, and the rotating action removes the water from air by forcing it against the inside walls of the assembly. A gap between the inner wall and the hub allows the water to drain downward along the inside of the assembly. The hub may be used with ah hourglass-shaped induction assembly that directs the flow of air, water and dust to the hub from below.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1997Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Marty Gerard Leon
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Patent number: 6553615Abstract: The grommet includes a base and a slider. The base includes a rectangular slot which receives an extended screw boss of the slider. The extended screw boss can slide linearly within the rectangular slot with a single degree of freedom. The base includes guide tracks and inwardly extending protrusions between which lateral guide tracks of the slider are slidably engaged.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Wayne M. Hansen, James S. Tisol, Jr.
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Patent number: 6553616Abstract: A carpet tack strip threshold for installation in the threshold area of double doorways of the type commonly found in hotels and motels and the like. The carpet tack strip threshold has a wide central portion which separates opposing cavities designed for receiving and tucking the edges of the carpet from adjoining rooms. Carpet tack strips nailed down through opposing receiving wings secure the carpet along the carpet tack strip threshold. The carpet tack strip threshold provides a smooth walkway across the threshold between adjoining rooms connected by the double doors in hotels and motels.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Duramax, Inc.Inventor: Timothy S. Johnson
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Patent number: 6553617Abstract: A braking retardation apparatus for doors, windows or the like has a piston pressable into a cylinder against the force of an expelling spring, with the element to be braked acting on the piston rod of said piston. To provide such a braking retardation apparatus with a reduced effort, a grease with high viscosity is applied to the wall of the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.Inventor: Luciano Salice
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Patent number: 6553618Abstract: Guide rollers for upward-acting track guided doors are formed of dual durometer plastic materials wherein a hub portion of the guide roller is formed of a relatively hard moldable plastic material having a durometer of about Rockwell R 120. A tire or tread is preferably molded over the hub and is characterized by a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as urethane, having a durometer of about 70 to 90 Shore A. A circumferential recess may be formed in the rim of the roller hub to receive a tread which is not molded over the full extent of the rim. The tire or tread may have an arcuate thin-walled, a somewhat elliptical or a circular segment shape in cross section. The guide roller provides for quiet long-lasting operation in guiding upward-acting sectional and one-piece garage doors and the like.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventor: L. Blake Whitley
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Patent number: 6553619Abstract: A handle includes an elongate member having two ends coupled to two links with two anchor straps, a covering member engaged around the elongate member and having two end ears engaged over the anchor straps and secured to the anchor straps with fasteners. A cushioning member is engaged between the elongate member and the covering member for forming a comfortable grasping structure. The fasteners may also be engaged through the cushioning member for further solidly securing the covering member and the cushioning member together.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Wei Chih Chen
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Patent number: 6553620Abstract: A balancing spring system for facilitating the opening and the closing of a window sash assembly slidably mounted in channels of opposed window jambs comprises a connector strip. The connector strip has a front surface and a rear surface. The connector strip also has slots extending from the front surface to the rear surface. The connector strip has a connecting head section at a bottom thereof, adapted for connection to the window sash assembly. Curled ribbon springs are adapted to be mounted idle and free to rotate in each of the channels of the window jambs. The curled ribbon springs each have a free end comprising an enlarged head portion at a tip thereof, for connecting the curled ribbon springs to the slots of the connector strip, whereby the curled ribbon springs apply an upward force to the window sash assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Ferco Architectural HardwareInventors: Guy Guillemet, Yvon Soucy, Daniel Varin
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Patent number: 6553621Abstract: A hinge comprising: a hinge arm; and a mounting plate by means of which said hinge arm can be mounted to a furniture side wall. The hinge arm is hingedly connected to a hinge member. An adjustment screw is provided to adjust the position of the hinge arm with respect to the mounting plate. The mounting plate has a slot open at one end and having two elongated rims opposed to each other. The adjustment screw is mounted in said hinge arm so as to be turnable but axially undisplaceable with respect to said hinge arm. The opposed rims of the slot engage in the screw thread of the adjustment screw, so that the adjustment screw can be screwed into the slot of the mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft m.b.H.Inventor: Herbert Isele
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Patent number: 6553622Abstract: A connecting fastener 1 in which a first member 2 and a second member 3 are linked so that they can turn relative to one another is provided with (1) a first plate part 5 which is fixed to a fixed member 2; (2) a second plate part 6 which is fixed to a second member 3; and (3) a hinge 7 set in place between the first plate part and the second plate part and supporting both plate parts so that they can turn relative to one another; the first plate part, second plate part and hinge part forming an integral piece as they are made of a synthetic resin. Then, a spring 9 is set in place on the first plate part 5 and the second plate part 6, the spring 9 energizing so that both plate parts are in a non-turning state on either side of the hinge 7.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Toshio Maruyama, Ken Kataoka, Masasi Nanba, Ryukei Shimizu
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Patent number: 6553623Abstract: A spring door opener comprising for a helical torsion spring coil body with two legs extending therefrom. One of the legs contains two substantially 90-degree bends such that the legs are configured to exit the coil body on the same side. The door opener is attached to the hinge pin on a door hinge to maintain a door in an open position.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Michael W. Long
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Patent number: 6553624Abstract: A hinge device includes a base plate securely mounted to a door of a cabinet and an arm securely mounted to a side panel of the cabinet. A first pivotal member includes a first end pivotally connected to the base plate and a second end pivotally connected to the arm by a pivotal pin. A second pivotal member includes a first end pivotally connected to the base plate and a second end pivotally connected to the arm. An elastic member is mounted around the pivotal pin and includes a first end attached to the arm and a second end attached to the second pivotal member. A control seat is securely mounted to the arm and includes a compartment for movably receiving a restraining member therein. The second end of the elastic member is extended into the compartment. When the cabinet is in a stable status, the restraining member does not engage with the second end of the elastic member and thus allows opening of the door.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1998Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Tsung-Lung Lin
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Patent number: 6553625Abstract: A positioning hinge for providing pivotal positioning is disclosed. The positioning hinge comprises a pivotal member, a pivotal base, a first torsion spring and a friction device. The friction device includes a positioning element and a slide-friction member, which are kept in a resilient friction contact with each other by means of a resilient mechanism. This enables the LCD display to be opened due to the pivoting action of the pivotal base under the results of resilience and frictional positioning. It is appreciated that the above features advantageously result in an appropriate reduction in the opening speed of the LCD display while at the same time obtaining a steady frictional pivotal positioning, thereby prolonging the working life of the positioning hinge.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Chung-Nan HstehInventors: Wen-Chi Lin, Wen-Hao Tai
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Patent number: 6553626Abstract: A magnetic hinge that connects and secures adjacent components while allowing for rotational movement of the components with respect to each other. The magnetic hinge may be incorporated into a magnetic stand magnifier or a variety of other structures. The magnetic hinge of this invention consists of an arm and a shaft with a magnet therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.Inventor: Richard David Blair Coburn
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Patent number: 6553627Abstract: A handle assembly for a tool for providing an ergonomic handle designed to minimize back strain and injury. The handle assembly for a tool includes a main member with a gripping portion, a connection assembly which extends from the main member and includes a pair of opposing connection arms, and a locking assembly couplable to the opposing connection arms for clamping the opposing connection arms to an elongated rod handle of a tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Clifford J. Horler
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Patent number: 6553628Abstract: A paint roller assembly is disclosed as including a handle that is configured for use with a variety of extension poles, each requiring a different type of connection with the handle. The handle includes a pole connector socket extending inwardly from one end thereof that is designed to receive a number of different pole connectors. The illustrated socket is provided with a tapered wall section and a circumferential groove, with the former being configured to provide a press fit attachment between the handle and connector and the latter being configured to provide a snap fit attachment between the handle and the connector.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Robert D. Newman, Jr., Buford J. Guittar
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Patent number: 6553629Abstract: The invention is an illuminated grab handle assembly. The assembly includes a generally curved handle, an illumination source positioned remotely from, and for illuminating, the generally curved handle. The illumination source provides the curved handle with a substantially uniform, fully illuminated appearance. The assembly also includes at least one base portion to which at least one end of the generally curved handle is secured. Mounting means secure the base portion to a mounting surface, and an opaque overcap covers the base portion and obscures the mounting means. The illuminated grab handle assembly includes either a single lamp or two lamps acting as the illumination source. The generally curved handle has a pair of ends. The portion of the generally curved handle between the pair of ends is both solid, and has a generally cylindrical cross section. Alternatively, this portion of the curved handle can be tubular.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Fleming Sales Company, Inc.Inventors: John E. Grady, Dave Henke, Kent Bach
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Patent number: 6553630Abstract: A fiber processing system includes a first roll; a feed tray forming a feeding device with the first roll and defining a clamping location therewith for clamping and advancing fiber material; a second roll cooperating with the feeding device for taking over the fiber material therefrom at a transfer location on the second roll; a third roll cooperating with the second roll for taking over the fiber material from the second roll; and an adjusting arrangement for varying a distance between the clamping and transfer locations. The adjusting arrangement includes a pivoting device for arcuately displacing the second roll about the rotary axis of the first or the third roll; and a shifting device for displacing the feeding device toward or away from the third roll.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Trützschler GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Bernhard Rübenach
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Patent number: 6553631Abstract: A square tool defining a triangular housing contains a tape measure, spirit level, and pencil sharpener. A triangular chassis is covered at a top triangular cover, a bottom triangular cover and contains the tape measure, spirit level, and pencil sharpener. The triangular chassis defines two sides intersecting at right angles with the hypotenuse closing the third side. A pencil clip having an arcuate pencil holding arm is provided. The arcuate pencil holding arm attaches to a pencil arm base, a trapped arm backing extending at 90° to the pencil arm base, and a chassis mounting clip extending along the underside of the triangular chassis.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Square One Products, Inc.Inventor: Dennis R. Douglas
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Patent number: 6553632Abstract: The buckle of the invention provides a secure and essentially irreversible means for securing parts of the straps, ideally about compressed inbaled material and/or baled material that is prone to shrinkage. The clip (1) comprises a single component that can easily and quickly be applied by hand and associated strapping maybe re-tensioned as appropriate without removing the clip or straps from or about the baled material. The clip is made to rotate about approximately 180°, whereby forces at a resilient nose portion (8A, 8B) of a gripping member (4A, 4B) are caused to clamp down on a part of a strap.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Europa Packaging Company LimitedInventor: Anthony Michael Brumpton
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Patent number: 6553633Abstract: A wristband connection for a heart rate monitor specifically, a pin-hole connection. The wristband has a first section with at least one hole and the first section is attachable to the device, and a second section of the wristband attachable to the device. The second section has a locking device with a pin. A front wall and a back wall of the hole that are against the pin and transversely to the longitudinal axis in the longitudinal direction of the first section are inclined between an upper surface and a lower surface of the first section from the perpendicular direction between the upper surface and the lower surface towards the end of the first section attached to the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Polar Electro OyInventor: Helena Rantala
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Patent number: 6553634Abstract: A clamp includes a holding section for receiving an elongated member, a mounting section to be attached to a mounting object, and an elastic ring elastically deformed by the elongated member. The elastic ring is disposed between upper engagement portions formed at both sides of the holding section through lower engagement portions formed at positions closer to a bottom portion of the holding recess section. The ring constituting portions inside the holding recess section are bent in advance toward the bottom portion of the holding recess section. When the elongated member is inserted into the holding section, the ring constituting portions situated inside the holding section closely contact the peripheral surface of the elongated member.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: NIFCO Inc.Inventor: Atsushi Ogawa